This pepper jack grilled cheese sandwich is a classic comfort food that takes a spicy twist with the addition of pepper jack cheese, offering a perfect blend of heat and creaminess. And you need a few minimal ingredients to make this recipe.
Ingredients
- Tri tip or New York steak
- Chopped green onion
- Pepper jack cheese slices
- Sourdough or multigrain bread
Instructions
- Step 1: Cheese Selection and Slicing: Choose a high-quality Pepper Jack cheese for maximum flavor. If possible, purchase a block of cheese and thinly slice it yourself. Pre-sliced options work well too, but the freshly sliced cheese tends to melt more evenly.
- Step 2: Bread Choice. Select your preferred bread for the sandwich. Whether you enjoy the classic white bread, the nuttiness of whole wheat, or the tanginess of sourdough, the choice is yours. Ensure the slices are of even thickness for uniform cooking.
- Step 3: Buttering the Bread. Spread a generous amount of softened butter on one side of each bread slice. This step enhances the golden, crispy exterior of the sandwich during the grilling process.
- Step 4: Building the Layers. Place a slice of Pepper Jack cheese on the non-buttered side of each bread slice. If you desire additional ingredients like sliced tomatoes, cooked bacon, or avocado, add them on top of the cheese.
- Step 5: Assembling the Sandwich. Pair up the slices to form sandwiches, with the buttered sides facing outward. The buttered side will be in contact with the grilling surface, ensuring a perfectly crisp and golden exterior.
- Step 6: Grilling the Sandwich: Heat a skillet or griddle over medium heat. Once hot, place the assembled sandwiches on the cooking surface. Grill each side until it turns golden brown, and the cheese inside is thoroughly melted. This typically takes 3-4 minutes per side.
- Step 7: Checking for Doneness. To ensure the cheese is completely melted, press down gently on the sandwich with a spatula. If the cheese oozes out and the bread is golden brown, your Pepper Jack Grilled Cheese Sandwich is ready.
- Step 8: Letting It Rest. Allow the grilled cheese to rest for a minute before slicing. This brief resting period allows the cheese to set slightly, making it easier to cut without the ingredients spilling out.
Substitutions
You can make some easy substitutions for this recipe in order to make it food allergy friendly.
- Gluten free: Use gluten free bread. I like Schar bread it seems to have a little bit of sourdough taste to it. But I also like gluten free multigrain bread or white bread too.
- Dairy free: You can substitute dairy free butter or dairy free cheese in this recipe.
- Vegan/Vegetarian: For vegan and vegetarian versions, use a steak alternative. For vegan you will also want to use dairy free butter and cheese.
Variations
You can substitute out the cheeses like mozzarella and provolone. You can also use a cheese sauce in place of the cheese slices. Feel free to add some grilled vegetables like bell peppers, tomatoes or onion slices.
You can also make this into a quesadilla. Substitute the bread for corn or flour tortillas and grill on the stovetop.
Storing
This sandwich is best served warm and doesn't store very well.
FAQ
There are a variety of different types of steak you can use. I did some research and I would recommend tri tip or New York.
I love pepper jack cheese and the balance of heat it brings to the steak and bread. You can also use mozzarella and provolone blend or Monterrey jack if you aren't liking spicy food.
To prevent sogginess, ensure the butter is spread evenly to the edges, creating a protective barrier. Additionally, avoid adding excessive moisture-rich ingredients.
Yes, a panini press works well for making grilled cheese sandwiches. It provides even heat and pressure, resulting in a uniformly crispy exterior.
Serve your sandwich with classic tomato soup, a side salad, or even a bowl of fresh fruit for a well-balanced and satisfying meal.
Achieve the ideal crust by ensuring the skillet or griddle is adequately heated before placing the sandwiches. This helps in creating that irresistible golden-brown exterior.
Pepper Jack Grilled Cheese Sandwich
Equipment
- grill pan or panini press
Ingredients
- 2 slices thick-cut sourdough bread or any sturdy bread you like
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter softened
- 6-8 thin slices sirloin steak cooked to your desired doneness
- 2-3 slices pepper jack cheese
Instructions
- Preheat a griddle or pan over medium heat. Spread one side of each bread slice with softened butter.
- Layer the cooked steak slices on the insides of the bread.
- Add your slices of pepper jack cheese. Top with sliced onion, bell peppers or tomatoes, if using.
- Place the assembled sandwich on the preheated griddle, buttered side down. Press down gently to ensure good contact. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove from heat and cut sandwich in half. Serve.
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