If you are craving a sandwich that elevates comfort food to a whole new level, this Sloppy Joe Grilled Cheese Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. Combining the luscious, savory goodness of classic sloppy joe filling with the irresistible melty cheese and perfectly crispy bread, it’s a meal that satisfies every craving in one bite. Whether you’re revisiting a childhood favorite or discovering it for the first time, preparing this sandwich is a fun, quick, and delightful way to enjoy a messy, flavor-packed treat anytime.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients for this Sloppy Joe Grilled Cheese Recipe is refreshingly simple, but each element plays a critical role in delivering the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color. From the buttery crunch of the bread to the creamy, cheesy filling, every component counts.
- 4 slices Bread (Texas toast recommended): Thick slices perfect for holding all the filling while crisping beautifully on the outside.
- 5 tablespoons Butter, divided: Essential for grilling the bread to a golden, crispy finish with rich, buttery flavor.
- 1/2 cup Sloppy joe mix, prepared: The star filling – juicy, tangy, and packed with hearty taste, use homemade or your favorite canned mix like Manwich.
- 1/4 cup Colby-Jack cheese, shredded: Adds a melty, gooey texture and complimentary mild flavor, though feel free to swap for Monterey Jack, Provolone, American, Brie, or sharp cheddar depending on your mood.
How to Make Sloppy Joe Grilled Cheese Recipe
Step 1: Butter the Bread
Start by generously spreading butter on one side of each bread slice. Using about one tablespoon of butter per slice ensures you get that golden, crispy texture that makes grilled cheese sandwiches so delightful. The buttered side will be the outside of your sandwich to achieve the perfect crunchy crust.
Step 2: Assemble the Sandwich
Place about 1/4 cup of your sloppy joe mix onto the unbuttered side of one slice of bread. Then, sprinkle 1/8 cup of shredded cheese evenly on top of the filling. Don’t forget to keep the buttered side facing out as you top it with a second slice of bread. This layering is crucial for a sandwich that’s structurally sound and ready to grill. Repeat this process for your second sandwich.
Step 3: Heat the Skillet
Preheat a skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat to prepare for grilling. Add the remaining tablespoon of butter to the pan and let it melt completely, creating a luscious, buttery surface that will help crisp the bread without sticking.
Step 4: Grill the Sandwiches
Place your carefully assembled sandwiches in the hot skillet. Grill each side for about 2 to 3 minutes until the bread turns golden brown and crispy. Press lightly with a spatula to ensure even grilling but be gentle enough to keep the filling inside. Watch closely to avoid burning, as each stove is a little different.
Step 5: Serve
Once the sandwiches are perfectly grilled and the cheese is melted inside, remove them from the heat. Serve immediately to enjoy the full texture contrast of crunchy bread and gooey, savory filling.
How to Serve Sloppy Joe Grilled Cheese Recipe
Garnishes
While the sandwich is a showstopper on its own, consider a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or a few pickle slices on the side to add a bright, tangy contrast that cuts through the richness beautifully.
Side Dishes
Complement your Sloppy Joe Grilled Cheese Recipe with classic sides like crispy French fries, a small fresh salad, or even a cup of tomato soup. Each pairing adds a well-rounded balance, making for a complete and satisfying meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Try cutting the sandwiches into fun shapes with cookie cutters for a playful twist, especially great for kids. Serving the sandwich stacked on a wooden board with colorful napkins will also amp up the cozy, inviting vibe that makes casual meals so memorable.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or foil and store in the refrigerator. They’ll stay good for up to two days. Keep in mind the bread may soften slightly, but the flavors will remain delicious.
Freezing
You can freeze this Sloppy Joe Grilled Cheese Recipe by assembling the sandwiches without grilling. Wrap each sandwich well and freeze for up to a month. When ready, thaw in the fridge overnight and grill fresh for the best texture.
Reheating
To reheat, pop the sandwich in a preheated skillet over medium heat. Cook slowly to re-crisp the bread and melt the cheese without drying out the filling. Avoid the microwave if you want to preserve that crispy, gooey magic!
FAQs
Can I use other types of bread for this sandwich?
Absolutely! While Texas toast is ideal for its thickness and sturdiness, sandwich bread, sourdough, or even a hearty artisan loaf will work great. Just ensure your bread can hold the filling without getting soggy too quickly.
What can I substitute for the sloppy joe mix?
If you don’t have sloppy joe mix on hand, try using seasoned ground beef cooked with tomato sauce, onions, and a touch of Worcestershire sauce. This will mimic the classic sloppy joe flavor and keep the spirit of this grilled cheese alive.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Use a vegan sloppy joe mix or create one with sautéed lentils, mushrooms, and your favorite spices. Pair it with vegan cheese and butter alternatives for a delicious plant-based version.
How do I prevent the sandwich from getting soggy?
Be sure to butter the outer sides of the bread generously and grill over moderate heat to crisp the bread quickly. Using thick-cut bread also helps hold the filling better and reduces sogginess.
Is this recipe suitable for kids?
Definitely! The Sloppy Joe Grilled Cheese Recipe is a kid-friendly meal that’s fun to eat and packed with flavors most kids love. Just be cautious about any spicy additions to the sloppy joe mix if serving young children.
Final Thoughts
There is nothing quite like the cozy satisfaction of biting into a perfectly grilled, gooey, and flavorful sandwich. This Sloppy Joe Grilled Cheese Recipe is a brilliant way to combine two classic comfort foods into one genius creation that’s perfect for lunch, dinner, or whenever the craving strikes. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it your own—it truly is a sandwich lover’s dream come true!
Print
Sloppy Joe Grilled Cheese Recipe
- Prep Time: 3 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Total Time: 11 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Lunch
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
A delicious and comforting Sloppy Joe Grilled Cheese sandwich combining savory sloppy joe mix with melted cheese, sandwiched between buttery toasted bread. This recipe is quick to prepare and perfect for a satisfying lunch or dinner.
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 extra thick and crispy bread, but any sandwich bread works well.
- You can substitute the cheese with your favorite melting cheese such as Provolone, American, or sharp cheddar.
- Adjust the amount of sloppy joe mix depending on how meaty you want your sandwich.
- Grilling on medium heat is important to ensure the bread crisps without burning and the cheese melts perfectly.
- Serve immediately for the best taste and texture.
