She Strengthens

Sizzling Jalapeño Grilled Cheese: The Ultimate Quick Fix

When hunger strikes, few things satisfy like a perfectly toasted, cheesy sandwich. And when that sandwich is infused with the bold flavors of spicy jalapeños and rich, aged Monterey Jack cheese, it’s a game-changer.

The Perfect Ingredients

To take your grilled cheese to the next level, you’ll need a few key ingredients. Start with the best aged Monterey Jack you can find – we’re fans of Vella Dry Monterey Jack. You’ll also need two medium jalapeños, seeded and thinly sliced lengthwise, as well as some unsalted butter and pain au levain bread.

A Simple yet Savory Recipe

This easy recipe yields one mouth-watering sandwich in just 20 minutes. Here’s how to make it happen:

Step 1: Sauté the Jalapeños

Heat a large frying pan over medium heat and add two teaspoons of vegetable oil. Once hot, add the sliced jalapeños and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Sauté until tender, about 5 minutes, then set aside to cool slightly.

Step 2: Assemble the Sandwich

Combine the cooled jalapeños with the grated Monterey Jack cheese in a small bowl. Spread two teaspoons of unsalted butter on one side of each slice of pain au levain bread. Return the pan to medium-low heat and add one slice of bread, buttered side down. Top with the cheese mixture, then close the sandwich with the second bread slice, buttered side up.

Step 3: Cook to Perfection

Cook the sandwich for about 5 minutes per side, or until the bread is toasted and the cheese is melted.

The Perfect Pairing

To complete this culinary experience, pair your sizzling jalapeño grilled cheese with a glass of Benton Lane Pinot Gris from Oregon. The herbaceous, spicy flavors of the peppers and the rich, nutty notes of the cheese are perfectly balanced by the wine’s “greenness” and apple fruit flavors.

With its bold flavors and quick cooking time, this jalapeño grilled cheese is sure to become your new go-to meal when time is of the essence.