This sloppy joe grilled cheese recipe was one of my first viral recipes back when I started this blog a million years ago. It's made with leftover sloppy joe beef, sharp cheddar, and pickle flavored potato chips between two brioche buns. On the outside of the grilled cheese, a crispy cheesy crust is formed to add extra goodness!
Bye bye Brooklyn! I'm heading back to the good ole Sunshine State tomorrow to get real sloppy have a nice little vacay.
I'll be seeing family, tailgating at the Doak, eating lots of Southern food, and reliving my college days; the good ones at least. Let's not get into detail about the long nights that helped me become "Champion" the drinker.
FSU did teach me a lot though. I mean, sure, I got my bachelors, and learned a ton about psychology and aging.
But I also learned about the more important things in life; like how to hold my liquor and how to trick people into thinking that I actually cared about football. Which I did... sort of... at least the tailgating part. But most importantly, I learned how throw the most trashy eloquent dinner parties at four in the morning.
And ya know what? I think this just might be where I developed a knack for weird grilled cheese combinations and cooking methods. I'd make due with what I had, because believe me, you didn't want me driving to Club Publix in the wee hours of the morning.
And that's where this off the wall way to cook GC's comes into play. One night long ago (ok, so like four years ago when I was a junior at FSU), I had some french bread that had a lot of holes in it. When I cooked up the sammie's, the cheese started to ooze out and even though I was freaking out (because I thought I ruined the sandwiches), I went with it.
I guess you could call that liquid courage.
This accident turned into a delicious disaster - give the bread the holes so that the cheese can melt out and you can have the best crust of all time. So yeah, you're going to poke holes all in the grilled cheese. GET EXCITED!
Ingredients - Here's what you'll need
- brioche bun
- medium cheddar - shredded
- salted butter
- potato chips - I used McClure's pickle chips because they're my favorite thing EVER
- sloppy joe mix at room temperature
Best Cheese to Use
If you're new to reading this blog, then you probably haven't heard me rave about Tillamook very much. They're basically one of my favorite cheese companies OF ALL TIME. Thanks to them my friend and I were flown out to LA and got to be a part of the Grilled Cheese Invitational. BEST TIME EVER.
Ok, enough of the cap-locks - you get I'm excited about this, right? So, basically if you ever need some bomb a** cheddar you better do yourself a favor and use Tillamook. It's kind of hard to find on the East Coast but luckily some Trader Joe's and Whole Foods carry it. So yeah, get it and shred it up. The finer it's shred, the better it'll melt.
How to make a Sloppy Joe Grilled Cheese
See?
Righty-o, so now that you've got your bread sliced, you'll want to pack on a hunk of shredded cheese. I made this at like nine in the morning and I ended up eating like half of the cheddar I cut, so I kept having to shred more. That's totally fine - it's actually exactly what Tillamook wants; their customers eating whole blocks of cheese at nine in the morning.
Now pile on that sloppy mix - EXTRA SLOPPY. I know how you'z kids like 'em extra sloppy. **Now someone yell "Lady you're scaring us!"**
Now for the chippies. I have always put chips on Sloppy Joe's. I don't know why or how it started, but it's something that I have to do. The crunchy texture just makes the sandwich so much better. Try it.
And if you haven't had McClure's pickle chips, get yourself some. We sell them at my work, Depanneur, and let me tell you what - mmmmhmmmm. That's it. That's all I can say about them. Oh wait I guess I can share what my roommate said about them - "they kind of taste like salt and vinegar mixed with sour cream and onion and pickles." She's a genius, that one.
So pile on a few or smash 'em on. It really doesn't matter. They'll get crushed anyway.
Now, stack on the rest of the cheese.
And the top piece of bread.
Then you'll want to butter both sides of your bread and turn your burner to a low heat. Once your sandwich is in the griddle, go ahead and take your straw and poke holes all over it. This will create little tunnels that'll let your cheese flow out like molten lactose. As your liquid gold starts to ooze out, it'll create a cheesy crust that sort of tastes like a Cheez-It BUT BETTER.
Since it's cooking on such a low heat, it'll take like 7 minutes to cook on each side. Because brioche burns so quickly and since you want your cheese to be able to travel through the holes, it's very important that you give it ample time to cook. Don't try to rush it. Relax, drink a beer. Unless it's nine in the morning, and in that case, drink a bloody mary or something.
This is what the sloppy joe grilled cheese should look like if your cheese was able to melt out through the holes. If it didn't, simply just smack some shredded cheese on the outside and grill it so that it cooks it real quick. It'll work the same way but the hole method is much more fun. It made me feel like a scientist! A grilled cheese scientist!
After that, you'll want to take it off the stove-top, let it set for a minute, and then serve it while it still looks all pretty and delicious like the one below.
What to pair it with:
So I guess that does it for today. I'm sure I'll have some interesting things to tweet about while I'm tailgating at the FSU vs. Oklahoma game.
While I'm there, I'll also be working on three more neat ways to cook GC's that are kind of hard to do in NYC. So yeah, have a fun week everybody!
In the meantime, I would recommend pairing this sloppy joe grilled cheese with some smoked mac and cheese, a crisp refreshing iceberg wedge salad, or some indulgent buffalo fries!
Recipe: Sloppy Joe Grilled Cheese
Recipe
The Original Sloppy Joe Grilled Cheese
Equipment
- a straw or skewer
Ingredients
- 1 brioche bun split in half
- ⅓ cup cup Tillamook medium cheddar shredded
- 2 pats salted butter
- 1 handful potato chips I used McClure's pickle chips because they're my favorite thing EVER
- 1.5 tablespoon leftover sloppy joe beef at room temperature
Instructions
- Split brioche bun in half and shave off the top dome. Now flip it inside out so that the exterior is now the interior.
- Add half the cheese followed by the sloppy joe mix, the chips and the rest of the cheese. Place the top bun on top.
- Butter the exterior of the sandwich and poke holes in the bread with a straw or skewer - this will help create the cheesy crust.
- Grill the sandwich over medium-low heat for a 5-7 minutes or until the cheese has all melted and the crust has developed.
- Remove from heat and let rest for 1 minute before serving.
xoxo,
GCS
The Savage Chef
Okay, now write the recipe at the end so it can be printed out without taking forty pages. This sandwich sounds delicious!
Pat
I will eat this!
Deanna Crichley
Make do, not make due.
Anonymous
impressive
Kellie M
O-M-G!!!! Whoops, let me wipe the drool from my chin. That looks incredible!!!!!!!!!!!!
Red Takazawa
Looks delicious! I would love to try this! I already bookmarked this page just in case I need help cooking for other recipes!
I love your posts! I encourage you to keep on posting wonderful ideas. I really love your blog.
bohol packages
bohol package
LuvsHair
that looks so sooooo good!
Anonymous
Looks like a hearattack on a bun.
Kelly Jones
Tried this and it was AMAZING!!!! Thanks for a new favorite!
The Artsy Chameleon
Yaaaay, delicioooous!
vyvacious
These look ridiculously cheesy-good. Can't wait to try them!
Stephanie @ The Hardscrabble Home
"Unless it's nine in the morning, and in that case, drink a bloody mary or something." HILARIOUS!!! I'm definitely going to try this! The sandwich, I mean. Oh, heck, the bloody mary in the morning, too!
Derrar
is it okay if I use a simple cheese?
Anonymous
'Noles?
Do they even have a football program these days?
Love,
Panhandle Tide Fan
Anonymous
Can't wait to make these...Also GO NOLES!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Aubrey
First, I just need to say that this looks delicious... but I mainly wanted to tell you how much you rock for referencing the best movie ever. 🙂 "Lady, you're scaring us!"
Rachel
Will definitely be trying this soon. I live one state over from where the Tillamook cheese factory is (Oregon coast) so we have lot of delicious Tillamook cheese here. It really IS the best.
רואה שחורות
short way to be happy, fat, and ill....
Anonymous
What is the recipe for the sloppy joe mixture?
Sam&Gail
So many new things! Holes in the bread, chips on Sloppy Joes... thought we were so cool putting parmesan on the outside like another commenter mentioned, but this takes it to a whole new level! Can't wait to surprise my son with this!
TNBBC Super Mod
I just found you last week and already I've made this guy! Of course, it looked nothing like yours but man was it good!
Next up, tomorrow, I'm trying the Frumpy Dumplings as an appetizer to the big T!
Julie
Tillamook is the only cheese...and your sandwiches deserve it.
Katy
Just found your wonderful recipe on Pinterest! I'm a big FSU fan too! And I was also tailgating for FSU vs. OU! Can't wait to try this amazing looking grilled cheese!
Eventful Life and Style
This thing looks so darn delicious.
Adrianna from A Cozy Kitchen
Anyone who puts chips in sandwiches is a hero of mine. This thing looks ridiculously amazing.
Erin Elizabeth
ps make a renegade grilled cheese to go with when its time to annihilate the gators.
Erin Elizabeth
i already LOVED this blog, but I WENT TO FLORIDA STATE TOO!!!!
and know i love you even more.
cheese 4eva 4 lyf though i must say tally and club pub have a measly collection compared to brooklyn and new orleans (where i live)
Anonymous
Totally in love with this site!! I want this grilled cheese now! How often do you post new recipes? Soon I hope!
~
Looks absolutely delicious! I have always been a fan of chips on sandwiches, so I will def have to try it!
Lin and Haily
Looks delicious! I noticed your from florida and went to FSU too! I live in brooklyn currently and am from north florida. I too have spent strange hours of the night at Club Publix, lol! I have to say I miss it sometimes.
Have an awesome time with your family!
Hazel
Anonymous
I literally stumbled on this, and became an immediate fan grilled cheese is literally my favorite food. And when I saw you went to FSU, I fell in love. I'm from tally, and a Sophomore at FSU. I'm excited to try this out. Thanks for the great idea.
CK15
It looks so delicious, pictures seems so real, amazing
Katherine
omg this looks SO good - exactly what I would have made during college too! I love how you added the chips, so classic 🙂
Anonymous
Incredible! Amazing! I struggle with looking at your blog around lunch time... 🙁
♥ http://janellerambles.blogspot.com/
Anonymous
Ooh my word, I just have to try it, It looks sooo good. Can't wait
dominiquewhitman
Mmmmmmm, my god! Far too hungry right now 🙂
http://www.themarkethipster.com
Mary
That last photo had my mouth watering. This is my first visit to your blog, so I took a little extra time to browse through your earlier posts. I'm so glad I did that. I really like the food and recipes you share with your readers and I'll definitely be back. I hope you have a great day. Blessings...Mary
Rebecca
OMG I already loved you for obvious reasons, i.e. cheese, food, cheese, crusty bread, etc. BUT YOUR A NOLE???? wow you just moved up again in my favorites tab 🙂
Go Noles!! <3
Roasted Almonds
i love it!!! wow thi blog is so cool...! and so YUMMY! im getting hungry:)
get a look t ours;)
http://roastedalmondsceschi.blogspot.com/
Master Blogger
Nice presentation of the Osceola, you really put an effort to make us learn how to do it, thank you very much!
Zero Dramas
The UDG
I just drooled all over myself and the dog. You've made me even more excited to move because the Tillamook cheese factory will be like an hour away. I'm thinking 3rd wedding anniversary trip right there.
The Vox
Ahhh, I love your blog and grilled cheese sandwiches! Have a great vacation!
mitovox.blogspot.com
derzafanistori
Looks great! Have a nice vacation 🙂
Robin
The non kosher cheese is better!! I grew up 70 miles from the dairy and that is the only cheese I eat to this day!! Tried Wisconsin, Vermont they just are not as good!!
oh, lovely day!
this is unbelievable. i need to make on immediately.
have a fun trip and keep making amazing sandwiches!!
sarah
Sing
Oh yummy, i want one now.
Anonymous
we sprinkle parmesan cheese on the outside on top of the butter. Give the sandwich an extra cheesy punch. I do love the poke a hole technique and am going to try it! Thanks for posting!
Anonymous
on my way to the store to get some meat! =))
Julie
OMG i want to make this immediately.
<3
Julie
http://www.reallifedollhouse.blogspot.com
Betsy
Awesome! I too learned many a strange cooking technique (most involving a microwave) while intoxicated in college. Oh the joys of education! Def gonna try this out since I already eat chips on my sloppy joe!