Ultimate Tex-Mex Carnitas Grilled Cheese

Ultimate Tex-Mex Carnitas Grilled Cheese

Ingredients

• ⅓ cup sour cream
• ¼ cup minced pickled jalapeno peppers
• 6 tablespoons mayonnaise, divided
• 1 tablespoon pickled jalapeno pepper juice
• 1 small garlic clove, minced
• ¼ teaspoon sea salt
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 cups carnitas (cooked pulled pork)
• 1 ½ cups shredded pepperjack cheese
• 1 ½ cups shredded sharp Cheddar cheese, divided
• 8 thick slices bread (such as Texas toast)
• 1 large avocado - halved, pitted, and thinly sliced
• 1 cup cilantro leaves

Method

1. In a mixing bowl, combine sour cream, diced jalapeno peppers, mayonnaise, jalapeno juice, minced garlic, and salt. Whisk until the mixture is smooth.
2. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the carnitas and allow them to cook undisturbed for about 3 minutes until the bottom is crispy and browned. Flip and cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes until the other side is also crispy.
3. In a separate bowl, blend together pepper jack cheese and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese.
4. On a clean surface, place 4 slices of bread. Spread the sour cream mixture evenly on each slice. Sprinkle the cheese mixture over the bread, then layer on the carnitas, slices of avocado, fresh cilantro, and additional cheese. Top each with another slice of bread to form sandwiches. Spread a thin layer of mayonnaise on the top slice of each sandwich and press down one tablespoon of cheddar cheese onto the mayonnaise.
5. Preheat a nonstick griddle or skillet over medium-low heat. Place the sandwiches cheese-side down on the griddle. While they cook, add a layer of mayonnaise and cheddar cheese on top. Cook each sandwich for about 2 to 3 minutes per side until they are golden brown and the cheese is melted.