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vegan jalapeño popper grilled cheese
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Vegan Jalapeño Popper Grilled Cheese

Prep Time5 minutes
Cook Time10 minutes
Total Time15 minutes
Course: Main Course
Keyword: easy, quick, spicy
Servings: 1 grilled cheese

Equipment

  • cast iron griddle and/or skillet

Ingredients

Carrot "bacon"

  • drizzle of avocado oil (for the pan)
  • ⅓ cup carrot shreds *
  • ½ teaspoon liquid smoke
  • ¼ teaspoon garlic granules
  • pinch/dash of salt + pepper

Grilled Cheese

  • 2 slices GF bread of choice (I used Carbonaut, seeded)
  • 1-2 tablespoons homemade cream cheese (or cream cheese of choice) **
  • ½ fresh jalapeño, thinly sliced
  • handful crisp lettuce (or green of choice)
  • 1 slice vegan cheese (violife cheddar or sub with cheese of choice)

Instructions

  • If using homemade everything cashew cream cheese (which I highly recommend), make a batch first (preferably ahead of time and let it chill in the fridge until ready to use).
  • Make the carrot bacon: Add shredded carrots to a small bowl with liquid smoke, garlic, salt, and pepper. Toss together. Warm a skillet over medium heat, once warm add a drizzle of avocado oil and the seasoned carrot shreds. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally. Lower heat slightly and cover, remove from heat after ~2 minutes or once tender. Keep covered until you are ready to add it to the grilled cheese.
  • Make the grilled cheese: add cream cheese to a slice of bread and place onto a warm griddle pan over medium-low heat. Top with thinly sliced jalapeños, greens, the carrot "bacon", a slice of vegan cheese, and another piece of bread (I don't add cream cheese to this piece of bread, but feel free to do so if you want the extra flavor).
    If using panini press, press firmly for 3-4 minutes. Alternatively, let each side cook 3-4 minutes, or until golden brown on a skillet.
    Top tip: if the cheese isn't fully melted at this point, lower heat and cover for 1-2 minutes until it has.
    Remove and enjoy!

Notes

*Grab a bag of organic carrot shreds at the grocery store for limited prep time making the carrot "bacon." 
**The amount needed will depend on your love for cream cheese and the size of your bread, adjust accordingly! 
For additional gut healthy ingredients add jalapeño sauerkraut (or your favorite kraut).