If you’re craving a hearty twist on comfort food, the Sloppy Joe Grilled Cheese Recipe is about to become your new obsession. It combines the messy, saucy goodness of a classic sloppy joe with the crispy, melty indulgence of a grilled cheese sandwich. This recipe is the perfect balance of bold flavors and gooey textures, all packed between buttery, golden slices of bread. It’s quick, easy, and utterly satisfying — ideal for a cozy lunch or a casual dinner that hits all the right notes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients is a breeze, and each one plays a crucial role in creating that perfect Sloppy Joe Grilled Cheese. From the buttery bread that crisps up beautifully to the rich, cheesy filling that oozes with every bite, these simple components come together to make an unforgettable sandwich experience.
- Bread (4 slices of Texas toast recommended): Thick slices hold the filling well and provide a sturdy, crunchy exterior when grilled.
- Butter (5 tablespoons, divided): Essential for getting that golden, crispy crust on the bread and adding extra flavor.
- Sloppy joe mix (1/2 cup, prepared): The star of the sandwich—spicy, tangy, and full of savory goodness; homemade or quality canned versions work great.
- Colby-Jack cheese (1/4 cup shredded): Melts beautifully and adds a creamy, mild flavor that complements the sloppy joe mix perfectly.
How to Make Sloppy Joe Grilled Cheese Recipe
Step 1: Butter the Bread
Start by generously buttering one side of each bread slice with about 1 tablespoon of butter. This step might seem small, but it’s key to achieving that perfect golden-brown crust, giving your sandwich a rich, crispy texture that contrasts beautifully with the melty inside.
Step 2: Assemble the Sandwich
Place 1/4 cup of your prepared sloppy joe mix on the unbuttered side of a bread slice, then sprinkle 1/8 cup of shredded Colby-Jack cheese right on top of the filling. Cover it with another slice of bread, ensuring the buttered side is facing outwards for maximum crispiness. Repeat this for the second sandwich so you have two to grill.
Step 3: Heat the Skillet
Preheat a skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat, then melt the remaining tablespoon of butter in the pan. This extra butter in the skillet helps achieve an even crisp on the bread while cooking the sandwiches to melty perfection inside.
Step 4: Grill the Sandwiches
Place your assembled sandwiches in the hot skillet. Grill each side for about 2 to 3 minutes until the bread turns a beautiful golden brown and becomes deliciously crispy. Press lightly as needed to help everything meld together, but be sure not to press too hard, or you’ll squeeze out that luscious filling.
Step 5: Serve
Once grilled, remove your sandwiches from the skillet and serve immediately. The cheese should be perfectly melted, and the bread added the ideal crunch. Enjoy them hot for the best taste experience.
How to Serve Sloppy Joe Grilled Cheese Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle a bit of fresh parsley or green onions on the side for a pop of color and freshness that cuts through the richness. A small dollop of sour cream or a handful of pickles on the plate also complement the bold flavors.
Side Dishes
Classic sides like crispy fries or tangy coleslaw play well with the Sloppy Joe Grilled Cheese. For a lighter contrast, serve it alongside a simple green salad tossed with a bright vinaigrette, which helps balance the richness of the sandwich.
Creative Ways to Present
Try cutting the sandwiches into fun shapes with cookie cutters for a playful twist at a party or make mini sliders using small rolls instead of bread slices. You can also toast the sandwiches with different cheese blends for varied flavor profiles that keep things exciting.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, wrap each Sloppy Joe Grilled Cheese sandwich tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container. They keep well in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Just note that the bread won’t be quite as crispy after refrigeration.
Freezing
You can freeze the sandwiches before grilling. Assemble them as instructed, wrap tightly in foil or plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. They’re best consumed within 1 month for optimal flavor and texture.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the sandwich in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10–15 minutes or until the cheese is melted and the bread regains some crispness. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the bread soggy and the texture less enjoyable.
FAQs
Can I use other cheeses besides Colby-Jack?
Absolutely! Cheeses like Monterey Jack, Provolone, or even sharp cheddar can add unique flavor touches to your Sloppy Joe Grilled Cheese Recipe. Feel free to experiment with your favorites for a personalized twist.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Use a plant-based sloppy joe mix or a lentil-based filling instead of meat to keep the hearty texture and flavor while making the sandwich vegetarian-friendly.
Can I prepare the sloppy joe mix in advance?
Definitely. Preparing the sloppy joe mix ahead of time saves you extra minutes when assembling. It can be made a day or two in advance and stored in the fridge until you’re ready to build your grilled cheese.
What type of bread works best for this recipe?
Texas toast is recommended thanks to its thickness and slight sweetness, which pairs beautifully with the bold filling. However, any sturdy bread like sourdough or artisan white bread will also give great results.
How can I make sure the sandwich doesn’t get soggy?
The key is to butter the bread well and keep the skillet temperature moderately high to crisp up the exterior quickly. Also, do not overload the sandwich with sloppy joe mix, or the filling may leak and sog the bread.
Final Thoughts
This Sloppy Joe Grilled Cheese Recipe is an irresistible mash-up that takes classic flavors to the next level. It’s a fantastic choice for a comforting meal that feels indulgent yet comes together in minutes. Give it a try soon — your taste buds will thank you, and you might just find your new go-to comfort food!
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Sloppy Joe Grilled Cheese Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 minutes
- Total Time: 11 minutes
- Yield: 2 sandwiches
- Category: Sandwich
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Sloppy Joe Grilled Cheese recipe is a delicious twist on the classic grilled cheese sandwich, featuring a savory sloppy joe filling sandwiched between buttery, crispy Texas toast slices and melted Colby-Jack cheese. Perfect for a quick and satisfying meal, this recipe combines the comforting flavors of sloppy joe mix with the richness of melted cheese, grilled to golden perfection on the stovetop.
Ingredients
Bread & Butter
- 4 slices Bread (Texas toast recommended)
- 5 tablespoons Butter, divided
Filling
- 1/2 cup Sloppy joe mix, prepared (homemade or canned such as Manwich)
- 1/4 cup Colby-Jack cheese, shredded (or Monterey Jack, Provolone, American, Brie, or sharp cheddar)
Instructions
- Butter the Bread: Generously butter one side of each piece of bread using 1 tablespoon of butter per side. This ensures a crispy and golden finish when grilled.
- Assemble the Sandwich: Place 1/4 cup of prepared sloppy joe mix on the plain (unbuttered) side of one slice of bread, ensuring the buttered side faces out. Sprinkle 1/8 cup of shredded cheese on top of the sloppy joe mix. Cover with a second slice of bread, again making sure the buttered side is on the outside. Repeat with the remaining ingredients to make two sandwiches.
- Heat the Skillet: Preheat a skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Melt the remaining tablespoon of butter in the skillet to prepare for grilling.
- Grill the Sandwiches: Place the assembled sandwiches in the skillet. Grill each sandwich until the bread is lightly browned and crispy on each side, about 2–3 minutes per side, taking care not to burn and pressing lightly as needed.
- Serve: Remove the sandwiches from the skillet and serve immediately, while the cheese is melted and the bread is golden.
Notes
- Use Texas toast for a thicker, crunchier grilled cheese experience.
- Adjust the amount of sloppy joe mix and cheese to your preference.
- To prevent burning, keep an eye on the sandwich as it grills and adjust heat if necessary.
- Feel free to use different types of cheese like Monterey Jack, Provolone, American, Brie, or sharp cheddar according to taste.
- Serve with a side of pickles or chips for a complete meal.
