We turned the classic party appetizer into a delicious, toasty sandwich.

I transformed my usual comfort food,a classic grilled cheese, into this beauty.

It became an instant favorite amongst my friends and family.

Cross-section of jalapeño popper grilled cheese (two sandwich halves) stacked on a plate

Simply Recipes / Ciara Kehoe

The filling is cheesy, gooey, and fragrant.

The outside is buttery and crispy, just like a deep-fried popper but without the hassle.

Unfortunately, there’s a valid reason for that.

Plate with jalapeno popper grilled cheese (cut in half diagonally and stacked to showcase a cross-section) served with kettle chips

Simply Recipes / Ciara Kehoe

Pre-shredded cheese is loaded with anti-caking agents that get in the way of a cheesy pull.

Grating your own cheese is the superior way to go.

Simple Tip!

Plate with jalapeno popper grilled cheese (cut in half diagonally and showcasing a cross-section), and in the surroudnings, a bowl of kettle chips, a drink, a serrated knife on a yelllow kitchen towel, and another plate of grilled cheese

Simply Recipes / Ciara Kehoe

However, I do have a chef-approved alternative.

Throw all the filling ingredients into your food processor and pulse them into a smooth, spreadable paste.

This is particularly useful if you are thinking of scaling up this recipe.

Bacon cooked on a skillet for jalapeño popper grilled cheese recipe

Simply Recipes / Ciara Kehoe

This version feels like fancy finger food, but it’s comforting enough to appeal to the masses.

Tilt the pan to coat and sprinkle the tray with the Parmesan (if using).

Cover the hot sheet pan with bread slices.

Cooked bacon on a paper towel covered plate for jalapeño popper grilled cheese recipe

Simply Recipes / Ciara Kehoe

Spread the cheese filling evenly, and bake for 5 minutes, until gooey.

Cut each sandwich into four mini triangles (the superior grilled cheese shape) and serve.

I, however, am a purist.

Cheeses for jalapeño popper grilled cheese mixed together in a bowl using a plastic spatula

Simply Recipes / Ciara Kehoe

I firmly believe butter makes everything better.

If you want to add a touch of sweetness, usecandied bacon.

It’s a bit extra, but so are most good things in life.

Bacon cut into small slices on a cutting board for jalapeño popper grilled cheese recipe

Simply Recipes / Ciara Kehoe

Cook the bacon until crispy, turning as needed.

Remove from the pan and drain on a paper towel-lined plate.

Once the bacon has cooled a bit, chop it and add it to the cheese mixture.

Sliced bacon added to bowl of jalapeño popper grilled cheese ingredients

Simply Recipes / Ciara Kehoe

Butter one side of each slice of bread and place them on a plate, butter side down.

Drain off the bacon fat from the skillet and carefully wipe it out using a dry paper towel.

Set the skillet over medium heat.

Assemble the sandwich: Buttered sourdough slices (four) on a plate for jalapeño popper grilled cheese recipe

Simply Recipes / Ciara Kehoe

Sprinkle the tops of the sandwiches with Parmesan cheese, if using.

Once the skillet is hot, add the sandwiches, Parmesan side down.

Sprinkle the tops with more Parmesan.

Assemble the sandwich: Jalapeño popper grilled cheese filling added to two slices of bread (non-buttered side)

Simply Recipes / Ciara Kehoe

Cook, uncovered, until golden brown.

Flip and cook until golden on both sides.

Remove from the heat and allow to cool a few minutes.

Assemble the sandwich: remaining two slices stacked onto the filling and topped with grated parmesan

Simply Recipes / Ciara Kehoe

Slice using a serrated knife and serve right away.

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Jalapeño popper grilled cheese toasting on a skillet

Simply Recipes / Ciara Kehoe

Jalapeño popper grilled cheese sandwiches cut in half, diagonally on a cutting board

Simply Recipes / Ciara Kehoe

Plate with jalapeno popper grilled cheese (cut in half diagonally and showcasing a cross-section) served with kettle chips

Simply Recipes / Ciara Kehoe