• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

Fearless Dining

Embrace gluten-free dining at home or away. Browse hundreds of delicious easy to make gluten-free recipes as well as restaurant and product reviews. A gluten-free lifestyle has never been easier!

  • Home
  • New? Start Here
    • New? Start Here
    • How to Eat Gluten Free Anywhere + Best Gluten Free Diet Tips
    • Safe Gluten Free Dining Tips and My Most Popular Recipes
  • Recipe Index
  • Restaurant Reviews
    • Restaurant Database
      • Add a Restaurant
    • East Bay
    • North Bay
    • Peninsula
    • San Francisco
    • South Bay
    • Other
  • My Gluten Free Pantry
    • Gluten Free Product Reviews
      • Meals
      • Baked Goods
      • Mixes and Drinks
      • Sauces and Marinades
      • Snacks
    • Fancy Drinks
  • Work With Me
    • Work With Me
    • Brand Portfolio
  • About
    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms, Conditions, User Agreement and Copyright
    • Contact Page

Home ยป Chef Recipes ยป Pepper Jack Grilled Cheese Sandwich with Strawberry Hot Sauce and Arugula

Pepper Jack Grilled Cheese Sandwich with Strawberry Hot Sauce and Arugula

April 11, 2016 By Sandi Gaertner 46 Comments

I would be grateful if you shared this recipe :-)

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Reddit
  • Yummly

It is time to celebrate all things cheesy. This Gluten Free Pepper Jack Grilled Cheese Sandwich with a Strawberry Hot Sauce and Arugula is my new favorite craving!

If you love lots of cheese, with a fun spicy twist…this is the sandwich for you!

Gluten Free Pepper Jack Grilled Cheese with Strawberry Hot Sauce and Arugula sandwich halves stacked on top of each other. Arugula is on the wooden plate around the sandwich.

(* This post was sponsored by Smart & Final. All “cheesy” opinions are my own.)

Grilled cheese sandwiches are a staple in our house. Everyone in my family loves anything based on melty cheese :-).

You may look at my ingredient list and wonder about this grilled cheese recipe. You have to understand that I love food chemistry and flavor combinations, and I promise I would never steer you wrong.

You will have to trust me on this grilled cheese recipe.

It is so worth making.

The sweetness of the strawberry jam just “works” with the peppery finish of the hot sauce and arugula. The cream cheese adds the creaminess mouthfeel and the flavors create a party in your mouth!

Pulling apart two halves of a Gluten Free Pepper Jack Grilled Cheese sandwich with melted cheese stretching

I am not only celebrating this special “foodie” day, but I wanted to talk a little bit about giving back. If you have been reading my blog for a while, you know I used to work in the non-profit realm as events and fundraising person. Even now that I am no longer working for a non-profit, our family is still very active in volunteering.

It is so important to give back

 

The Smart & Final Charitable Foundation supports four important areas โ€“ health and wellness, education, hunger relief, and team sports and youth development. The Foundation gives to nonprofits in California, Arizona and Nevada where the company has stores.

And what better way to support this cause then to shop and get these tasty First Street ingredients to make this pepper jack grilled cheese sandwich! As always, Smart & Final guarantees all of their First Street products with a “try it and you’ll like it” or your money back guarantee.

First Street Shopping cart filled with ingredients to make this grilled cheese sandwich

Shopping list to make this pepper jack grilled cheese:

  • Bread
  • Pepper Jack cheese
  • Cream cheese
  • Arugula
  • Strawberry jam
  • Hot sauce

For my recipe, I found all sorts of great First Street products to use. Not only does Smart & Final carry over 2,000 First Street products, but they also have a lot of gluten free brands, fresh organic produce, and even cleaning products.

To create this easy grilled cheese sandwich recipe is so easy!

First, we want to create the strawberry hot sauce.

Strawberry Hot Sauce ingredients in a bowl

Just combine the strawberry jam and cayenne pepper sauce in a microwave-safe dish. Cover and heat. Heating the two together help mesh the flavors together. Do this first so it has time to cool off.

Grilled Cheese cooking in a cast iron skillet

Heat a pan and coat one side of the bread with butter. Spread on cream cheese and add pepper jack to one slice, then spread the special strawberry hot sauce on the other.

Grilled Cheese cooking. Arugula added to sandwich

Add another slice of pepper jack then top the one side with fresh arugula. Finish heating then blend the two halves together.

melted cheese stretching between two sandwich halves.

This grilled cheese is super cheesy and delicious! Another thing I love about Smart & Final are the prices. Warehouse prices so I save money. It is so easy to get all of the ingredients I need for this perfect grilled cheese sandwich.

More Delicious Sandwiches To Try:

  • Grilled Brie Cheese Sandwich
  • Crispy Delicata Squash Quesadillas
  • Italian Panini Sandwich
  • Tuna Panini with Grilled Onions

recipe love

Pepper Jack Grilled Cheese with Strawberry Hot Sauce and Arugula

Yield: 2 sandwiches
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Easy pepper jack grilled cheese sandwich recipe.

Ingredients

  • 8 slices gluten free bread, for 4 sandwiches
  • 8 Pepper Jack cheese slices
  • 1 tablespoon cream cheese per sandwich
  • 1/4 cup strawberry jam
  • 1-2 teaspoons cayenne hot sauce, depends how spicy you like it!
  • 1/4 cup fresh arugula
  • butter for the outsides of the bread

Instructions

  1. In a microwave safe dish, combine strawberry jam and hot sauce.
  2. Stir to mix.
  3. Microwave for 40 seconds.
  4. Remove and stir again.
  5. Heat a skillet on medium heat.
  6. Butter one side of each piece of bread.
  7. When the pan is hot, put the butter side bread down on the pan.
  8. Spread cream cheese on one side and the jam on the other.
  9. Cover each with a slice of Pepper Jack cheese.
  10. When the cheese gets a little melted, add arugula.
  11. Remove sandwich halves from the heat and put together.
  12. Serve warm while the cheese is melty.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 2
Amount Per Serving:Calories: 548 Saturated Fat: 3g Cholesterol: 41mg Sodium: 592mg Carbohydrates: 90g Fiber: 3g Sugar: 30g Protein: 7g
© Sandi Gaertner
Cuisine: American / Category: Main Course

What do you like to put on your favorite grilled cheese sandwich?

Gluten Free Pepper Jack Grilled Cheese sandwich on a plate

 

 

Save

Save

Save

I would be grateful if you shared this recipe :-)

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Reddit
  • Yummly

Filed Under: Chef Recipes, Gluten Free Dinner Recipes, Gluten Free Lunch Recipes, Gluten Free Vegetarian and Vegan Recipes, Meal Recipes Tagged With: arugula, cheese, cream cheese, pepper jack, sandwich, strawberry

Previous Post: « Gluten Free Quick and Easy French Toast Muffins
Next Post: Easy Vegan Vanilla Rice Pudding Hack »

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Keri|flipflopweekend

    January 23, 2018 at 10:52 am

    Hi Sandi! Thanks for sharing this great recipe with me! I featured it in my recent post rounding-up some yummy non-dessert strawberry recipes! You can check it out at https://www.flipflopweekend.com/strawberry-recipes/

    Thanks again!

    Reply
  2. Joe Deutsch

    April 19, 2016 at 4:23 pm

    I already can anticipate the taste! It reminds me of a dish that I already make and love…fried Camembert with jalapeรฑo jelly. Yum! Can’t wait to try this!

    Reply
    • Sandi Gaertner

      April 20, 2016 at 4:45 pm

      That jalapeno jelly sounds really good. I need to find that!

      Reply
  3. Meghan | Fox and Briar

    April 13, 2016 at 11:19 pm

    Love that you made a strawberry hot sauce! That sweet/spicy/cheesy combo has my mouth watering!

    Reply
    • Sandi Gaertner

      April 14, 2016 at 7:22 am

      Awww, thank you so much Meghan ๐Ÿ™‚

      Reply
  4. Nutmeg Nanny

    April 13, 2016 at 10:46 am

    This is one crazy delicious looking grilled cheese! Love that addition of sweet and heat…yum!

    Reply
    • Sandi Gaertner

      April 13, 2016 at 3:35 pm

      Thank you so much ๐Ÿ™‚

      Reply
  5. Brianna H

    April 13, 2016 at 8:54 am

    This sandwich is simply genius! The combo of spicy and sweet… I HEART it!

    Reply
    • Sandi Gaertner

      April 13, 2016 at 3:35 pm

      ๐Ÿ™‚

      Reply
  6. jane @ littlesugarsnaps

    April 13, 2016 at 1:34 am

    Fantastic. I’ve tried a wonderful salad with strawberries and mozzarella before, so I have no doubt on your flavour pairing working brilliantly. I love the hit of heat from the cayenne sauce though – perfect to go in a warm and toastie…. cheese toastie as we call them in my house

    Reply
    • Sandi Gaertner

      April 13, 2016 at 3:35 pm

      I like cheese toastie…it sounds so cute ๐Ÿ™‚

      Reply
  7. laura@motherwouldknow

    April 12, 2016 at 7:35 pm

    I’m going to run over to the refrigerator right now and make strawberry hot sauce – what an amazing combination. Hope my husband doesn’t mistake it for his strawberry jam tomorrow morning:)

    Reply
    • Sandi Gaertner

      April 13, 2016 at 3:36 pm

      I hope you like it Laura ๐Ÿ™‚

      Reply
  8. Shadi Hasanzadenemati

    April 12, 2016 at 1:27 pm

    What a wonderful combination! I have never thought of a sweet and spicy combination unless it was an Asian inspired dish! This looks just so good!

    Reply
    • Sandi Gaertner

      April 12, 2016 at 1:43 pm

      It is definitely perfect with the cheese and arugula ๐Ÿ™‚

      Reply
  9. Nettie Moore

    April 12, 2016 at 1:21 pm

    What an amazing combo! I want to try that glorious cheesy sammie ASAP!! Nettie

    Reply
    • Sandi Gaertner

      April 12, 2016 at 1:43 pm

      Thank you so much Nettie ๐Ÿ™‚

      Reply
  10. Jessica - The Novice Chef

    April 12, 2016 at 10:05 am

    Strawberry hot sauce? I am so intrigued with this flavor combo!!

    Reply
    • Sandi Gaertner

      April 12, 2016 at 1:43 pm

      It is so easy to make and put on everything ๐Ÿ™‚

      Reply
  11. Emily @ Recipes to Nourish

    April 12, 2016 at 10:02 am

    Oh my goodness, yes please!!! These look amazing! Love the strawberry hot sauce.

    Reply
    • Sandi Gaertner

      April 12, 2016 at 1:44 pm

      Enjoy ๐Ÿ™‚ Thank you for stopping by the blog.

      Reply
  12. Karly Campbell

    April 12, 2016 at 9:14 am

    Strawberry hot sauce!? I’m intrigued. And drooling a little. Mostly drooling, though. This sandwich looks amazing!

    Reply
    • Sandi Gaertner

      April 12, 2016 at 1:44 pm

      ๐Ÿ™‚

      Reply
  13. jules

    April 12, 2016 at 8:25 am

    I can’t wait to try this with dairy-free cheese options and fresh homemade GF bread. I’m sure it will be scrumptious!
    ~jules

    Reply
    • Sandi Gaertner

      April 12, 2016 at 1:44 pm

      Doesn’t Daiya make a dairy free Pepper Jack?

      Reply
  14. Anna @ Crunchy Creamy Sweet

    April 12, 2016 at 8:05 am

    Pepper jack is my favorite for grilled cheese! LOVE the strawberry hot sauce idea!

    Reply
    • Sandi Gaertner

      April 12, 2016 at 8:13 am

      Thank you so much Anna ๐Ÿ™‚

      Reply
  15. Michelle @ Giraffes Can Bake

    April 12, 2016 at 6:23 am

    Oh wow, I am drooling here! That Strawberry hot sauce, I think I’m in love! Sweet and spicy is my fave combo, add cheese and I’m SO THERE!

    Reply
    • Sandi Gaertner

      April 12, 2016 at 8:13 am

      I love sweet and spicy too ๐Ÿ™‚ Hope you get a chance to try this out.

      Reply
  16. Sabrina

    April 12, 2016 at 1:02 am

    It doesn’t get better than a delicious melty grilled cheese! I love those flavors!

    Reply
    • Sandi Gaertner

      April 12, 2016 at 8:14 am

      Agreed ๐Ÿ™‚

      Reply
  17. Mary

    April 11, 2016 at 10:36 pm

    This grilled cheese looks delicious. I had no idea it was National Grilled Cheese Day, thanks for letting me know.

    Reply
    • Sandi Gaertner

      April 12, 2016 at 8:14 am

      I tend to miss most of the foodie holidays, but grilled cheese is just my favorite so I can’t miss that one ๐Ÿ™‚

      Reply
  18. Patricia @ Grab a Plate

    April 11, 2016 at 7:52 pm

    Oh-so tasty! Great sandwich! Good to know about Smart & Final — I wasn’t aware. I used to work for nonprofits, too, also in fundraising ;).

    Reply
    • Sandi Gaertner

      April 11, 2016 at 8:43 pm

      Thank you so much Patricia ๐Ÿ™‚

      Reply
  19. Amanda | The Chunky Chef

    April 11, 2016 at 6:31 pm

    Oh wow, that looks so amazingly cheesy!! One amazing grilled cheese!

    Reply
    • Sandi Gaertner

      April 11, 2016 at 8:43 pm

      Totally filled with ooey gooes cheese ๐Ÿ™‚

      Reply
  20. Krista

    April 11, 2016 at 5:51 pm

    I thought I had tried the best grilled cheese already!

    Reply
  21. Roxana

    April 11, 2016 at 3:32 pm

    That strawberry hot sauce looks amazing! What a perfect blend of heat and sweet!

    Reply
    • Sandi Gaertner

      April 11, 2016 at 3:33 pm

      Thank you Roxana ๐Ÿ™‚

      Reply
  22. Raia

    April 11, 2016 at 1:01 pm

    Wow. I’m a total grilled cheese nerd and all those flavors sound amazing together!

    Reply
    • Sandi Gaertner

      April 11, 2016 at 2:45 pm

      Thank you Raia ๐Ÿ™‚

      Reply
  23. Julie at Hostess At Heart

    April 11, 2016 at 10:55 am

    This sandwich sounds amazing! I love the sweet and spicy flavors and ooey gooey cheese is always yummy!

    Reply
    • Sandi Gaertner

      April 11, 2016 at 2:46 pm

      Definitely the ooey gooey cheese ๐Ÿ™‚

      Reply
  24. Tracy @ Served from Scratch

    April 11, 2016 at 10:08 am

    Wow! An amazing looking sandwich AND giving back to the community?! Talk about a win-win ๐Ÿ™‚

    Reply
    • Sandi Gaertner

      April 11, 2016 at 3:06 pm

      Agreed…a company that gives back so willingly is worth supporting ๐Ÿ™‚

      Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Primary Sidebar

About the author

Welcome to my blog! I am so glad you are here. I have created hundreds of delicious family-friendly gluten free recipes with easy step by step directions. You can search this site via the search bar, or the recipe index above. A gluten free lifestyle has never been easier!

More about me

Search for Any Recipe

How To Eat On A Gluten Free Diet

Follow Along With Me

Categories

Most Popular Posts

Grandma's Chicken Soup From Scratch
Proposition Chicken's Gluten Free Fried Chicken Recipe
Gluten-Free Costco Shopping Guide
Gluten Free Vanilla Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
The Easiest Edible Gluten-Free Cookie Dough EVER!
Vanilla Overnight Chia Pudding with Dates and Pecans
Instant Pot Vegetable Soup with Shredded Chicken
Easy Fresh Raspberry Mousse

Gluten Free Resources

  • The Top Ten Scary Things Restaurants Have Said To Me
  • The Ultimate Walmart Gluten Free Shopping Guide
  • Gluten Free Pantry Essentials and Equipment Recommendations
  • Gluten-Free Costco Shopping Guide
  • Top 7 Tips For Gluten Free Sushi Dining
  • Can You Eat Gluten Free on a Carnival Cruise?
  • Ways to Keep Your Allergic Child Safe on An Overnight School Trip
  • Could There Be Gluten In That Wine?
  • The Top 6 Questions to Ask When You Order Gluten Free Pizza
  • How to Eat Gluten Free Anywhere + Best Gluten Free Diet Tips

Footer

Copyright Fearless Dining @2014-2018