Description
Juicy seared steak loaded into toasty melts with creamy jalapeño popper filling, melty cheese, crispy garlic crunch, and bold cowboy butter in every irresistible bite.
Ingredients
- For the Jalapeño Popper Filling
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack
- 1 cup shredded cheddar
- 3 fresh jalapeños, finely diced (seeds removed for mild)
- 4 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ¼ tsp onion powder
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- Pinch of salt
- For the Steak
- 1 ½ lbs sirloin or ribeye, thinly sliced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp chili powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- For the Cowboy Butter
- 6 tbsp melted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, finely grated
- 1 tbsp chopped parsley
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ¼ tsp cayenne
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp flaky salt
- For the Golden Garlic Crunch
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- Pinch of salt
- For the Melts
- 6 large sandwich rolls or hoagie buns
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella
- 1 cup shredded provolone
- Butter or oil for toasting
- Optional Add-Ons
- Pickled jalapeños
- Hot honey drizzle
- Green onions
- Extra cowboy butter
Instructions
- Prepare the Jalapeño Popper Filling: Mix cream cheese, Monterey Jack, cheddar, jalapeños, bacon, garlic, smoked paprika, onion powder, black pepper, and salt until creamy.
- Cook the Steak: Heat skillet with olive oil. Season steak with smoked paprika, garlic powder, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Sear 2–3 minutes until browned. Toss with 2 tbsp cowboy butter.
- Make the Cowboy Butter: Whisk melted butter with garlic, parsley, Dijon, smoked paprika, cayenne, oregano, and flaky salt until aromatic.
- Make the Golden Garlic Crunch: Melt butter in pan, add panko, garlic, paprika, and salt. Toast 2–3 minutes until golden and crispy. Set aside.
- Assemble the Steak Melts: Preheat oven to 400°F (205°C). Slice rolls and lightly toast. Spread jalapeño popper filling, top with steak, then mozzarella and provolone. Brush tops with cowboy butter.
- Bake: Place melts on baking sheet, bake 8–10 minutes until cheese bubbles. Sprinkle golden garlic crunch on top and brush with more cowboy butter.
- Serve: Serve immediately with pickled jalapeños, hot honey, or ranch if desired.
Notes
- Use your favorite rolls for best toasting results.
- Adjust jalapeño heat to preference.
- Serve immediately to keep cheese melty and crunch crispy.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish, Sandwich
- Method: Sear & Bake
- Cuisine: American