Pepper Jack & Tomato Grilled Cheese (Printable)

Spicy melty sandwich with pepper jack cheese and fresh tomato slices on jalapeño bread. Quick, easy, and satisfying.

# 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

# Method:

01 - Lay out bread slices on a clean surface and butter one side of each slice evenly.
02 - Place two slices of bread buttered side down on a work surface. Layer each with 2 slices of 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 complete sandwiches.
03 - Heat a large nonstick skillet or griddle over medium heat until evenly warmed.
04 - Place sandwiches in the skillet and cook for 3 to 4 minutes per side, pressing gently with a spatula, until bread is golden brown and cheese is fully melted.
05 - Remove sandwiches from skillet and let cool for 1 minute. Slice each sandwich in half diagonally and serve immediately.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It takes less than fifteen minutes from counter to plate, perfect for when hunger hits hard and fast.
  • The pepper jack melts into gooey, spicy perfection while the tomato keeps everything from feeling too heavy.
  • That jalapeño bread adds texture and surprise in every bite, no extra slicing or prep required.
02 -
  • Medium heat is crucial, too high and the bread burns before the cheese melts, too low and you lose that satisfying crunch.
  • Softening the butter beforehand makes spreading effortless and prevents tearing the bread, especially if it has jalapeño chunks.
  • Don't skip the one-minute rest after grilling, it lets the cheese firm up just enough to hold the sandwich together when you cut it.
03 -
  • Use a cast iron skillet if you have one, it holds heat evenly and gives the bread a deeper, more consistent golden color.
  • Press gently but firmly with the spatula while grilling, it helps the cheese melt faster and creates better contact between the bread and the pan.
  • If your tomatoes are extra juicy, blot them lightly with a paper towel before layering to keep the sandwich from getting soggy.
Return