If you have ever wished for the ultimate comfort food mashup, your wish has been granted with this Sloppy Joe Grilled Cheese Recipe. Imagine the rich, zesty goodness of a classic sloppy joe tucked inside a crispy, buttery grilled cheese sandwich that oozes melty cheese with every bite. It’s the perfect marriage of two beloved sandwiches, creating an explosion of flavor and texture that will satisfy every craving. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a fun twist to serve friends, this recipe is pure joy on a plate and so easy to whip up.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Sloppy Joe Grilled Cheese Recipe keeps it delightfully simple, focusing on a handful of essential ingredients. Each one plays a key role in building that iconic taste and texture you’re craving, from the sturdy bread that crisps up beautifully to the gooey cheese that binds the flavors together, and of course, the tangy, savory sloppy joe filling that steals the show.
- Bread (Texas toast recommended): Thick slices provide the perfect canvas for the filling and get wonderfully crispy when buttered and grilled.
- Butter: Adds golden richness to the sandwich exterior and ensures a perfect grilled finish every time.
- Sloppy Joe mix (prepared): This is the heart of the dish—whether homemade or canned, it delivers that tender, saucy, savory filling that makes the sandwich unforgettable.
- Colby-Jack cheese, shredded: The creamy meltiness complements the sloppy joe mix while adding a subtle tang and buttery flavor; feel free to swap for Monterey Jack, Provolone, American, Brie, or sharp cheddar based on your preference.
How to Make Sloppy Joe Grilled Cheese Recipe
Step 1: Butter the Bread
Start by generously buttering one side of each slice of bread. Use about one tablespoon of butter per slice—it makes a huge difference in achieving a beautifully crispy and golden crust when grilled. Make sure to spread the butter evenly, so every bite has that satisfying crunch and buttery taste.
Step 2: Assemble the Sandwich
Lay one slice of bread buttered side down, then pile 1/4 cup of your prepared sloppy joe mix on the plain side. This ensures the buttery side is on the outside for grilling. Next, sprinkle about 1/8 cup of shredded Colby-Jack cheese evenly over the sloppy joe layer. Top with another slice of bread, buttered side up this time. Repeat this process to make two delicious sandwiches total.
Step 3: Heat the Skillet
Preheat a skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, melt the remaining tablespoon of butter in the pan to give the sandwiches an extra buttery boost as they cook. The sizzling butter is key to getting that perfectly golden texture on your bread.
Step 4: Grill the Sandwiches
Place your assembled sandwiches carefully into the skillet. Allow each side to cook for 2 to 3 minutes or until the bread is beautifully browned, and the cheese inside begins to melt. Press lightly on the sandwiches as they grill to help everything meld together deliciously, but watch closely to avoid burning.
Step 5: Serve
Once grilled to perfection, remove the sandwiches from the skillet and serve immediately. The magic in this Sloppy Joe Grilled Cheese Recipe is best enjoyed while the cheese is still molten and the bread is hot and crispy. Get ready for some seriously happy taste buds!
How to Serve Sloppy Joe Grilled Cheese Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your Sloppy Joe Grilled Cheese Recipe experience, consider adding a simple garnish. A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley, a few pickles on the side, or a dash of hot sauce can brighten the savory flavors. These small touches bring freshness and a little zing without overpowering the star sandwich.
Side Dishes
This sandwich pairs wonderfully with classic sides like crispy baked fries, a light coleslaw, or even a tangy pickle spear. For a healthier twist, a crunchy side salad with a zesty vinaigrette helps balance out the richness of the grilled cheese and sloppy joe filling.
Creative Ways to Present
Try cutting your Sloppy Joe Grilled Cheese sandwiches into fun shapes for a party platter, or serve alongside a small bowl of tomato soup for dipping. You can also stack mini versions on skewers for a playful appetizer twist. These creative presentations make this hearty sandwich an exciting option for any gathering.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your Sloppy Joe Grilled Cheese Recipe, store any leftovers wrapped tightly in foil or an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep well for up to 2 days. Reheating gently will help maintain that melty cheese texture without drying out the sandwich.
Freezing
If you want to prepare this sandwich ahead of time in bulk, you can freeze the ungrilled sandwiches individually wrapped. Freeze up to 1 month for best quality. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating and grilling fresh in a skillet for that crispy finish.
Reheating
To bring your leftover Sloppy Joe Grilled Cheese Recipe back to life, reheat in a skillet over medium-low heat, covering with a lid to help the cheese melt evenly without burning the bread. Avoid microwaving to preserve the crispy texture of the bread.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of bread for the Sloppy Joe Grilled Cheese Recipe?
Absolutely! While Texas toast is ideal for its thickness and ability to crisp up nicely, you can use any sturdy bread like sourdough, white sandwich bread, or even a hearty whole grain. Just make sure it’s thick enough to hold the filling without becoming soggy.
Is it better to use homemade or canned sloppy joe mix?
Both options work wonderfully for this recipe. Homemade sloppy joe mix offers a fresher, customized flavor, but canned mixes like Manwich are a quick and tasty convenience. Choose whichever fits your time and taste preferences.
What type of cheese melts best in this recipe?
Colby-Jack cheese shines here because of its smooth melting properties and mild flavor, but feel free to experiment with Monterey Jack, Provolone, American, Brie, or sharp cheddar to match your personal taste and add a new twist.
Can I make this sandwich vegetarian?
Yes! Replace the sloppy joe mix with a plant-based sloppy joe alternative or a mix of sautéed vegetables and legumes with similar spices. This allows you to enjoy the sandwich with a meat-free twist while retaining great flavor.
How do I prevent the sandwich from becoming soggy?
The key is generous buttering of the bread and grilling it over medium-high heat to get a crispy crust quickly. Also, make sure not to overload the sloppy joe filling; too much moisture can soften the bread before it crisps.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about combining two classic favorites into one exceptional dish, and this Sloppy Joe Grilled Cheese Recipe does just that with flair and ease. Whether you’re feeding hungry kids or looking for a nostalgic sandwich fix, it hits all the right notes—crispy, cheesy, tangy, and utterly comforting. Give it a try and see why this sandwich earns its place in the comfort food hall of fame.
Print
Sloppy Joe Grilled Cheese Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 minutes
- Total Time: 11 minutes
- Yield: 2 sandwiches
- Category: Sandwiches
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
A delicious and indulgent Sloppy Joe Grilled Cheese sandwich that combines the savory richness of classic sloppy joe filling with melted cheese, all grilled to a perfect golden crisp. Perfect for a quick lunch or a comforting dinner, this easy recipe uses simple ingredients like Texas toast, butter, sloppy joe mix, and Colby-Jack cheese to create a satisfying handheld meal bursting with flavor.
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
- Texas toast is recommended for its thickness and ability to hold the sloppy joe filling without becoming soggy.
- You can use any type of shredded cheese you prefer or have on hand such as Monterey Jack, Provolone, American, Brie, or sharp cheddar for variation.
- Press sandwiches gently with a spatula while grilling to ensure even cooking and better melting of the cheese.
- If using canned sloppy joe mix, heat it thoroughly before assembling the sandwich.
- Serve the sandwiches immediately for best texture and flavor, as the bread can lose crispiness if left to sit.
