Jalapeño Popper Grilled Cheese

Wash and dry produce. Thinly slice jalapeño into rounds, removing ribs and seeds for less heat. In a small microwave-safe bowl, combine jalapeño, 1 tsp vinegar, ¼ tsp sugar, and a pinch of salt. Microwave for 30 seconds; stir and set aside. In a second small bowl, combine cream cheese and cheddar. Place bread slices on a clean work surface. Divide cheese mixture between half the bread slices. Top with pickled jalapeño (draining first) and remaining bread slices to form sandwiches. Melt 2 TBSP butter in a large, preferably nonstick, pan over medium heat. Once butter has melted, carefully add sandwiches; cook, covered, until butter is absorbed, 2-4 minutes. Reduce heat to medium low, then flip sandwiches and 1 TBSP butter to pan. Cook, covered, until cheese melts and bread is golden, 2-4 minutes more. (Lower heat if sandwiches begin to brown too quickly.) Halve sandwiches on a diagonal and serve.