Pepper Jack & Tomato Grilled Cheese (Print Version)

Spicy melty sandwich with pepper jack cheese, fresh tomato, and jalapeño bread grilled to golden perfection in minutes.

# What You'll Need:

→ Bread

01 - 4 slices jalapeño-studded bread

→ Cheese

02 - 4 slices pepper jack cheese

→ Vegetables

03 - 1 medium ripe tomato, thinly sliced

→ Spreads & Fats

04 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened

→ Seasonings

05 - Salt to taste
06 - Freshly ground black pepper to taste

# Directions:

01 - Lay out bread slices on a clean surface. Butter one side of each slice evenly.
02 - Place two slices buttered side down on a plate. Layer each with 2 slices pepper jack cheese and half the tomato slices. Season tomatoes lightly with salt and pepper if desired. Top with remaining bread slices, buttered side up, to form two sandwiches.
03 - Heat a large nonstick skillet or griddle over medium heat.
04 - Place sandwiches in the skillet. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes per side, pressing gently with a spatula, until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
05 - Remove from skillet and let cool for 1 minute. Slice in half and serve immediately.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • The heat from the jalapeño bread builds gradually, letting the creamy cheese shine before the warmth kicks in
  • Fresh tomato adds juiciness that cuts through the rich cheese, making every bite balanced instead of overwhelming
  • Takes thirteen minutes from start to finish, which is approximately how long it takes to convince yourself you deserve comfort food
02 -
  • Medium heat is your friend here, high heat burns the bread before the cheese has time to melt into that perfect state
  • Tomato thickness matters, slice them too thick and they slide out, too thin and they disappear completely
03 -
  • Use a cast iron skillet if you have one, the heat distribution creates the most evenly golden crust
  • Butter your bread corner to corner, missed spots create dry patches that ruin the texture
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