Sloppy Joe Grilled Cheese Recipe

This Sloppy Joe Grilled Cheese is where comfort food meets pure brilliance! Combining two beloved classics into one mouthwatering sandwich, this recipe transforms an ordinary lunch into something extraordinary. The gooey melted cheese perfectly complements the savory, slightly sweet Sloppy Joe filling, all nestled between two perfectly golden slices of buttery toasted bread. Ready in just 11 minutes, it’s the ultimate quick fix for busy weeknights or when you need to satisfy serious comfort food cravings fast!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Irresistible Flavor Fusion: The combination of tangy, savory Sloppy Joe filling with melty cheese creates a flavor explosion that’s impossible to resist.
• Super Quick: From start to finish in just 11 minutes, making it perfect for those nights when you need dinner on the table fast.
• Family Pleaser: Kids and adults alike go crazy for this sandwich – it combines two all-time favorites into one delicious meal.
• Customizable: Easy to adjust with different cheeses or bread types to match your personal preferences.
• Minimal Ingredients: Requires just a handful of ingredients you likely already have on hand.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Bread: The foundation of your grilled cheese. Choose something sturdy that will hold up to the filling – Texas toast is fantastic for an extra-hearty sandwich.
• Sloppy Joe Mix: The star of the show! Whether homemade or from a can, it brings that distinctive tangy, savory flavor that makes this sandwich special.
• Colby-Jack Cheese: This cheese melts beautifully and offers the perfect balance of flavor to complement the Sloppy Joe filling without overpowering it.
• Butter: Essential for achieving that perfectly golden, crispy exterior that makes grilled cheese so irresistible.

Variations

Different Fillings

Swap the Sloppy Joe mix for Buffalo Chicken Dip or pulled pork for a completely different flavor profile while keeping the same cozy comfort food vibe.

Cheese Options

Try provolone for a milder sandwich, pepper jack for a spicy kick, or a combination of cheddar and American for the ultimate melt factor.

Bread Upgrades

Experiment with sourdough for tanginess, rye bread for a more robust flavor, or garlic bread for an extra flavor dimension.

Add-ons

Consider slipping in caramelized onions, pickles, or even a layer of mac and cheese for an over-the-top experience.

How to Make Sloppy Joe Grilled Cheese

Step 1: Butter the Bread

Generously spread about 1 tablespoon of butter on one side of each slice of bread. Be sure to cover the entire surface for that perfect golden crust.

Step 2: Assemble the Sandwich

Place a slice of bread butter-side down in your work area. Spoon ¼ cup of prepared Sloppy Joe mix onto the plain side, then sprinkle with ⅛ cup of shredded cheese. Top with another slice of bread, butter-side facing out.

Step 3: Prepare the Second Sandwich

Repeat the assembly process with the remaining ingredients to make your second sandwich.

Step 4: Grill to Perfection

Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and melt the remaining tablespoon of butter. Place your sandwiches in the skillet and grill for about 2-3 minutes per side, until they reach a beautiful golden brown color and the cheese is completely melted.

Step 5: Serve

Transfer to plates and serve immediately while the cheese is still gooey and the bread is crispy.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

• Low and Slow: For the perfect grilled cheese, don’t rush the process. Medium heat ensures the bread gets golden while giving the cheese time to fully melt.
• Press Gently: Use a spatula to lightly press down on the sandwich while cooking to ensure even heating and better cheese melting.
• Thick Slices: Cut your bread slightly thicker than normal to better contain the Sloppy Joe filling without getting soggy.
• Drain Excess Liquid: If your Sloppy Joe mix seems too wet, drain off some liquid or simmer it down a bit before adding to your sandwich.
• Rest Briefly: Let the sandwich rest for 30 seconds after grilling to allow the melted cheese to slightly set, making it easier to cut and eat.

How to Serve

Perfect Pairings

Serve your Sloppy Joe Grilled Cheese with crispy potato chips, a dill pickle spear, or a simple side salad to balance the richness of the sandwich.

Dipping Options

A small bowl of extra Sloppy Joe mix makes an excellent dipping sauce, or try ranch dressing for a cool contrast to the savory sandwich.

Complete Meal

For a more substantial dinner, pair with a cup of tomato soup for the ultimate comfort food experience or some sweet potato fries for a fun twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

While best enjoyed fresh, you can store assembled but uncooked sandwiches in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap with the butter side out.

Freezing

The Sloppy Joe filling freezes beautifully on its own. Make a large batch and freeze in sandwich-sized portions for quick future meals.

Reheating

Reheat leftover grilled sandwiches in a covered skillet over low heat or in a toaster oven at 300°F until warmed through. Avoid the microwave as it will make the bread soggy.

FAQs

Can I make this sandwich with leftover Sloppy Joe from dinner last night?
Absolutely! In fact, leftover Sloppy Joe often has even better flavor as the spices have had time to meld. Just make sure to reheat the filling before assembling your sandwich for the best melting results.

My sandwich gets too messy when I eat it. Any tips?
The key is moderation with the filling. Start with less Sloppy Joe mix than you think you need, about 3-4 tablespoons per sandwich. Also, let your sandwich rest for a minute after grilling to allow the cheese to slightly set, which helps hold everything together.

What’s the best way to keep the filling from making the bread soggy?
A great trick is to create a “cheese barrier” by sprinkling a thin layer of cheese on the bread first, then adding the Sloppy Joe mix, and topping with more cheese. The bottom layer of cheese helps protect the bread from moisture.

Can I make this in my air fryer instead of a skillet?
Definitely! Place your assembled sandwich in an air fryer preheated to 370°F for about 4-5 minutes, flipping halfway through. You’ll still want to butter the outside of the bread for that perfect golden crispiness.

Final Thoughts

This Sloppy Joe Grilled Cheese brings together the best of two beloved comfort foods in one incredibly satisfying sandwich. It’s the perfect quick solution when you’re craving something hearty and delicious but don’t have time for complicated cooking. The contrast between the crispy, buttery bread and the savory-sweet filling creates a taste sensation that will have everyone asking for seconds. Give this 11-minute wonder a try tonight – your taste buds will thank you!

Print