Tex Mex Grilled Cheese

Here’s a long, flavorful, and detailed recipe for a Tex-Mex Grilled Cheese Sandwich, loaded with bold spices, sautéed veggies, two types of cheese, and a creamy chipotle mayo. This recipe makes 4 hearty sandwiches.

🌮 Tex-Mex Grilled Cheese Sandwich (Serves 4)

📝 Ingredients:

For the Chipotle Mayo:

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1–2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, finely chopped
• 1 tsp lime juice
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• Salt, to taste

For the Sandwich Filling:

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
• 1/2 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1/2 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 jalapeño, deseeded and thinly sliced (optional for extra heat)
• 1/2 tsp cumin
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/4 tsp chili powder
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/8 tsp ground black pepper
• 1/2 cup canned black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1/2 cup corn kernels (fresh, canned, or thawed from frozen)

For Assembling:

• 8 slices of thick-cut sourdough or Texas toast
• 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 1/2 cups shredded pepper jack cheese
• 3 tbsp softened butter (for spreading on bread)
• Fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish)

🔥 Instructions:

Step 1: Make the Chipotle Mayo

In a small bowl, mix together:

• Mayonnaise
• Finely chopped chipotle peppers
• Lime juice
• Garlic powder
• Salt to taste

Stir until well blended. Adjust heat by using more or fewer chipotle peppers. Cover and refrigerate until needed.

Step 2: Prepare the Filling

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add sliced onion and sauté for about 2 minutes.
3. Add bell peppers and jalapeño, then cook until the veggies are softened and slightly caramelized, about 5–6 minutes.
4. Sprinkle in cumin, paprika, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir well.
5. Stir in black beans and corn. Cook for another 2–3 minutes, just until heated through.
6. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 3: Assemble the Sandwiches

1. Lay out 8 slices of bread. Spread chipotle mayo on one side of each slice.
2. On 4 of the slices (mayo side up), layer:
   
   • A handful of shredded cheddar cheese
   • A generous scoop of the warm veggie filling
   • A handful of shredded pepper jack cheese
4. Top with the remaining slices of bread (mayo side down).
5. Lightly butter the outer sides of each sandwich.

Step 4: Grill the Sandwiches

1. Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium-low heat.
2. Carefully place the sandwiches in the skillet (you may need to do this in batches).
3. Cook slowly—about 4–5 minutes per side—until the bread is golden brown and crispy, and the cheese is melted.
   
   • Press down gently with a spatula for even grilling.
5. Remove and let sit for 1–2 minutes before slicing.

🌿 Optional Toppings & Serving Ideas:

• Sprinkle chopped cilantro before serving
• Serve with avocado slices, sour cream, or extra chipotle mayo
• Pair with tomato soup, tortilla chips, or a fresh lime slaw

🧀 Notes & Variations:

• For a meatier version, add cooked chorizo or shredded chicken.
• Want more heat? Use hot pepper jack or add hot sauce to the mayo.
• Try a whole wheat or jalapeño cheddar loaf for extra flavor.

Let me know if you’d like a vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free version too!