Meatloaf Grilled Cheese Melt Recipe
If you’ve ever found yourself torn between the comforting embrace of a classic grilled cheese and the hearty satisfaction of leftover meatloaf, let me introduce you to your new obsession: the Meatloaf Grilled Cheese Melt. This sandwich is pure magic—melty, gooey cheese enveloping savory slices of meatloaf, all hugged between perfectly toasted bread. It’s a nostalgic, crave-worthy mashup that turns leftovers into a totally irresistible main event.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Meatloaf Grilled Cheese Melt comes together with just a handful of kitchen staples, yet each one plays a starring role in the finished sandwich. Each ingredient brings its own bit of comfort, crunch, or creaminess—trust me, you’ll want every single one!
- Cooked Meatloaf: Leftover meatloaf slices are the hero here, bringing hearty flavor and a satisfying bite.
- Sandwich Bread: Sourdough or white bread both toast up golden and crispy, creating the perfect shell for your melt.
- Cheddar or American Cheese: Go for classic cheddar or American for that signature gooey, melty texture and sharp flavor.
- Mayonnaise or Softened Butter: Spreading this on the bread before grilling ensures a beautifully golden, crisp crust.
- Ketchup (optional): A little drizzle adds a tangy-sweet note that echoes the flavors of a classic meatloaf dinner.
- Optional Additions (Caramelized Onions, Pickles, Mustard): These extras add layers of flavor and texture—feel free to mix and match for your perfect bite!
How to Make Meatloaf Grilled Cheese Melt
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients
Gather your slices of leftover meatloaf, cheese, and bread, plus your spreading choice—mayonnaise or butter. If you want to jazz things up, prep any optional add-ins like caramelized onions or pickles. Having everything ready before you start grilling makes the assembly smooth and fun!
Step 2: Build the Sandwiches
Lay out 4 slices of bread with the buttered (or mayo-spread) side facing down. Top each with a slice of cheese, then a thick slab of meatloaf. Add another cheese slice for extra meltiness, and drizzle with ketchup if you love that classic tang. Finish by capping each stack with a second slice of bread, buttered side up.
Step 3: Grill to Golden Perfection
Preheat your skillet or griddle over medium heat. Carefully transfer the assembled sandwiches onto the hot surface. Grill for 3 to 4 minutes per side, pressing gently with a spatula, until the bread is golden brown and crunchy, and the cheese is gloriously melted. Keep an eye out—golden is the goal, not burnt!
Step 4: Slice and Serve
Once your Meatloaf Grilled Cheese Melts are beautifully toasted, remove them from the skillet. Let them sit for a minute (so the cheese doesn’t ooze everywhere), then slice them in half and serve while warm. The cheese pull is half the fun!
How to Serve Meatloaf Grilled Cheese Melt
Garnishes
A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or a few thinly sliced green onions can instantly brighten up your Meatloaf Grilled Cheese Melt. For a little zing, try a light dusting of freshly cracked black pepper or a side of extra ketchup for dipping.
Side Dishes
This sandwich is a natural with a steaming bowl of tomato soup—classic comfort food heaven! Crispy fries, a simple green salad, or even a handful of crunchy pickles make delicious, easy accompaniments that round out your meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, cut your Meatloaf Grilled Cheese Melts into strips and serve them as dippable “fingers” with a trio of sauces. Or stack mini versions on a platter for a party appetizer that vanishes in minutes. A toothpick and a pickle on top add a retro diner vibe!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have extra Meatloaf Grilled Cheese Melt sandwiches, allow them to cool to room temperature, then wrap each one tightly in foil or plastic wrap. Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days for the best flavor and texture.
Freezing
Want to stash some away for future cravings? You can freeze assembled (but ungrilled) sandwiches tightly wrapped in plastic, then foil. Thaw overnight in the fridge before grilling as usual for a fresh-off-the-skillet taste.
Reheating
To bring that crispy magic back, reheat Meatloaf Grilled Cheese Melts in a skillet over medium-low heat for a few minutes per side, or pop them in a toaster oven until warmed through and crunchy. Avoid microwaving if you can—it makes the bread soggy.
FAQs
Can I use any kind of meatloaf?
Absolutely! Whether your meatloaf is beef, turkey, or even plant-based, it’ll work beautifully in this recipe. Just be sure to slice it thick enough so it holds together in the sandwich.
What’s the best bread for a Meatloaf Grilled Cheese Melt?
Sourdough and classic white bread are both fantastic choices because they get crisp and golden, but feel free to use whatever sturdy sandwich bread you love or have on hand.
Can I add vegetables or other toppings?
Definitely! Caramelized onions, sautéed mushrooms, or even a handful of fresh spinach can all be tucked inside for extra flavor and texture. Make it your own!
Is there a way to make this sandwich spicier?
For a spicy kick, swap in pepper jack cheese, add sliced jalapeños, or drizzle a little hot sauce over the meatloaf before grilling. You can even use a spicy ketchup if you’re a heat lover.
How do I keep the cheese from leaking out?
Layering the cheese on both sides of the meatloaf helps “glue” the sandwich together, and pressing gently with a spatula while grilling keeps everything inside. Don’t use too much filling, and be sure your cheese slices cover the bread edges.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving the ultimate comfort sandwich, the Meatloaf Grilled Cheese Melt is your answer. It’s quick, crowd-pleasing, and transforms leftovers into something downright dreamy. Don’t wait for a special occasion—get that skillet hot and give it a try!
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Meatloaf Grilled Cheese Melt Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 sandwiches 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Meatloaf Grilled Cheese Melt is a hearty and comforting sandwich that combines savory leftover meatloaf with melted cheddar or American cheese, all grilled between buttery slices of sourdough or white bread. Perfect for a quick lunch or dinner, this sandwich offers a rich, melty, and satisfying flavor with optional add-ons like caramelized onions and pickles to elevate the taste.
Ingredients
Sandwich Ingredients
- 4 slices cooked meatloaf (about 1/2-inch thick)
- 8 slices sandwich bread (sourdough or white)
- 8 slices cheddar or American cheese
- 4 tablespoons mayonnaise or softened butter (for spreading)
- 2 tablespoons ketchup (optional, for extra flavor)
Optional Additions
- Caramelized onions
- Pickles
- Mustard
Instructions
- Preheat the skillet: Heat a skillet or griddle over medium heat to ensure it’s ready for grilling your sandwiches evenly without burning.
- Prepare the bread: Spread mayonnaise or softened butter on one side of each bread slice. This will help achieve a golden, crispy texture when grilled.
- Assemble the sandwiches: Place 4 slices of bread, buttered side down, on a clean surface. On each slice, layer 1 slice of cheese, followed by a slice of meatloaf. Add another slice of cheese on top of the meatloaf for extra melty goodness. Optionally, drizzle ketchup on the cheese layer. Finally, top with the remaining bread slices, buttered side up.
- Grill the sandwiches: Carefully place the assembled sandwiches in the preheated skillet. Grill for about 3 to 4 minutes per side, gently pressing with a spatula to ensure even cooking until the bread is golden brown and the cheese has fully melted.
- Serve: Remove the sandwiches from the skillet, slice them in half for easier eating, and serve warm. They pair wonderfully with tomato soup or fries for a complete meal.
Notes
- Use leftover meatloaf to make this recipe faster and reduce food waste.
- For a spicier variation, substitute pepper jack cheese or add hot sauce to the sandwich.
- Try adding caramelized onions, pickles, or mustard for extra flavor layers.
- This sandwich is delicious served alongside tomato soup or crispy fries.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 540
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 880mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
