For the next step, I turn my attention to making the grilled cheese. Butter one side of each slice of bread generously; this is key for achieving that perfect golden-brown crust. Then, I lay four slices of bread butter-side down in my skillet. I pile on some of that delicious sloppy joe mixture, followed by a slice or two of cheddar cheese to ensure maximum melty goodness. Finally, I top it all off with the remaining slices of bread, butter-side up.
Once everything is assembled, I cook the sandwiches over medium heat for about 3 to 4 minutes on each side, or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is perfectly melted. I love using a spatula to press down slightly to encourage that lovely crust. The sound of the sizzling cheese is music to my ears! It’s such a treat; I can hardly wait to dig in!
Pro Tips for Best Results
While I was perfecting this recipe, I realized that the type of bread makes a huge difference. I’ve tried it with several kinds—white, wheat, and even a rustic sourdough. My top choice is definitely sourdough for its robust flavor and ability to hold the filling without getting soggy. It gives that added depth of flavor that I just adore.
Another pro tip is to let your sloppy joe mix cool slightly before assembling the sandwich. I learned this the hard way when I was too eager and added the hot mix directly to the bread. It’s better to let it cool to avoid getting your bread overly soggy.
Finally, consider sprinkling a little bit of shredded cheese between the filling and the top slice of bread. This creates a kind of ‘glue’ that helps hold everything together. Plus, who doesn’t love a little extra cheese?
Common Mistakes to Avoid
One mistake I’ve made in the past is not seasoning the sloppy joe mixture enough. Ground meat can be a bit bland if it isn’t well-seasoned. Don’t be shy with the salt and pepper, and taste as you go! I also realized that if I skimped on the butter for the outside of the bread, I wouldn’t get that beautiful golden crust. Trust me, you want it to be buttery! (See the next page below to continue…)