Grilled New Mexico Jack Cheese Chile Sandwich

Introduction

Get ready for an irresistible flavor-packed sandwich straight from the Southwest! This Grilled New Mexico Jack Cheese and Chile Sandwich is pure perfection—gooey melted jack cheese enveloped in crispy golden bread, infused with the earthy heat of fire-roasted Hatch chiles. Grilled entirely on the Arteflame, this easy and satisfying sandwich builds incredible flavor right on the flat top cooktop. Whether you're grilling out on a Saturday afternoon or indulging in a quick gourmet lunch, this sandwich is sure to wow your tastebuds.

Ingredients

• 4 slices of rustic sourdough bread
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature
• 1 cup grated Monterey Jack cheese
• 2 roasted Hatch green chiles, peeled and sliced
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• Pinch of sea salt
• Optional: 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro for garnish

Instructions

Step 1: Fire up the Arteflame grill

1. Drizzle vegetable oil on three paper napkins and place them inside the Arteflame grill.
2. Stack dry firewood over the paper napkins.
3. Light the napkins and let the fire build. Your grill should be ready for cooking in about 20 minutes.

Step 2: Prep your ingredients

1. Butter one side of each slice of sourdough bread.
2. Combine grated Jack cheese and garlic powder in a bowl for extra flavor.
3. Lay out the slices, buttered side down, and evenly distribute the cheese over two slices.
4. Top with sliced roasted Hatch chiles, then close the sandwich with the remaining bread, buttered side out.

Step 3: Grill on the Arteflame

1. Place the sandwiches directly on the flat top griddle, closer to the center for a hotter sear.
2. Grill for about 3-4 minutes on the first side until golden brown and crisp.
3. Flip carefully and grill the second side for another 3-4 minutes or until cheese is fully melted.
4. Slide to a cooler zone of the flat top if needed to avoid over-browning while melting the cheese completely.

Step 4: Serve hot

1. Remove sandwiches from the grill and let cool slightly.
2. Slice and sprinkle with optional chopped cilantro.
3. Serve immediately for maximum gooey deliciousness!

Tips

• Use freshly roasted Hatch chiles for the best smoky flavor.
• Butter makes the bread sear beautifully and adds a rich taste, so don’t skip it!
• The Arteflame creates an even, golden sear while the cheese melts perfectly without burning.
• Use the hotter inner zones to get the crispiest crust; adjust position as needed for melting.
• Always rotate sandwiches if one side of the grill is hotter than the other to ensure even cooking.

Variations

1. Spicy Jalapeño Twist: Replace Hatch chiles with fire-roasted jalapeños and add pepper jack cheese for extra heat.
2. Smoky Bacon Jack: Add 2 slices of crispy bacon to each sandwich for a bold, smoky flavor.
3. Southwest Veggie Melt: Add grilled red onions and avocado slices for a hearty vegetarian option.
4. BBQ Chicken Cheese Melt: Toss shredded grilled chicken in barbecue sauce and add to the cheese layer before grilling.
5. Crispy Chorizo Jack: Sprinkle browned chorizo over the cheese and chiles before sandwiching together for added depth and spice.

Best pairings

• Charred street corn with cotija
• Smoked tomato soup (made directly on flat-top by grilling tomatoes and blending)
• Grilled peach iced tea
• Cold Mexican lager or a light IPA

Conclusion

Making this Grilled New Mexico Jack Cheese and Chile Sandwich on the Arteflame grill not only maximizes flavor but creates a visually stunning and crowd-pleasing sandwich right from your backyard. With easy prep, minimal cleanup, and mouthwatering results, it’s a must-try for every grill lover.