Go Back
–+ servings
Print

Sweet and Spicy Grilled Cheese Sandwich

A homemade jalapeño jelly adds a sweet and spicy twist to this grilled cheese sandwich made with pepper jack cheese, slices of apples and salty bacon on crisp sourdough bread.
Course Sandwich
Cuisine American, Southern
Keyword bacon, cheese, grilled cheese, jalapeno, jam, jelly
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Servings 2

Ingredients

For the pepper jelly:

  • 1 medium green bell pepper, seeds removed
  • 8 medium jalapeño peppers, seeds removed
  • 3 cups granulated sugar
  • ⅓ cup apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt

For the grilled cheese:

  • 4 ½”-thick slices sourdough bread
  • 3 tablespoons mayonnaise
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 6 slices deli-sliced pepper jack cheese
  • 6 slices cooked bacon
  • 1 medium gala apple, cored and thinly sliced
US Customary - Metric

Instructions

For the pepper jelly:

  • Finely dice or use a food processor to pulse the bell pepper and jalapeño until finely diced. Use a paper towel to squeeze out excess liquid.
  • Add the peppers, sugar, apple cider vinegar and salt to a medium pot and bring to a boil over medium high heat.
  • Continue to boil, stirring occasionally until the mixture begins to thicken, about 10 minutes (the temperature should read 220ºF / 104ºC).
  • Remove from heat and pour into a clean jar. Let the jelly come to room temperature, then seal and refrigerate until ready to use. The jelly can be made up to 2 weeks in advance.

For the grilled cheese:

  • Thinly spread one side of each bread slice with the mayonnaise. Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium-low heat, add the butter and allow to melt.
  • Place half of the slices of bread, mayo-side down, on the pan or griddle. Divide the cheese evenly on top of the bread slices.
  • Top each with 3 tablespoons (55g) of the pepper jelly, slices of bacon and spread apple slices over the jelly. Top each with a second slice of bread, mayonnaise side up.
  • When the underside is golden brown, about 3 minutes, use a spatula to flip the grilled cheese and continue to cook. Gently press down on the sandwich to encourage browning and continue to cook until the cheese has melted and the underside is golden brown, about an additional 3 minutes.
  • Remove to a cutting board and cut each sandwich in half. Serve immediately.

Video