Pepper Jack & Tomato Grilled Cheese (Printable)

A spicy, melty sandwich featuring pepper jack cheese and fresh tomato slices on jalapeño-studded bread for extra kick.

# 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 - Pinch of salt
06 - Freshly ground black pepper to taste

# Directions:

01 - Lay out the 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 lightly with salt and pepper if desired. Top with remaining bread slices buttered side up.
03 - Heat a large nonstick skillet or griddle over medium heat for 1 minute.
04 - Place sandwiches in the skillet. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes per side, pressing gently with a spatula, until bread is golden brown and cheese is completely melted.
05 - Remove from skillet and let cool for 1 minute. Slice in half diagonally and serve immediately while warm.

# Expert Hints:

01 -
  • The heat sneaks up slowly, making each bite more interesting than the last
  • Tomato adds just enough freshness to balance all that rich melted cheese
02 -
  • Patting tomato slices dry with paper towels prevents the dreaded soggy middle
  • Low and slow beats rushing with high heat, which burns the bread before cheese melts
03 -
  • Mayo instead of butter creates an even crisper crust that wont burn as easily
  • Covering the pan for the first minute helps cheese melt without overbrowning the bread
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