Black Bean Grilled Cheese (Printable Version)

A filling sandwich featuring black beans, melted cheese, and a buttery grilled bread exterior.

# What You Need:

→ Black Bean Filling

01 - 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
02 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
03 - 1 small onion, finely chopped
04 - 2 garlic cloves, minced
05 - 1 teaspoon ground cumin
06 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
07 - 1/4 teaspoon chili powder (optional)
08 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
09 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
10 - 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
11 - 1 tablespoon lime juice

→ Sandwich

12 - 8 slices sandwich bread (whole wheat or white)
13 - 2 cups shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
14 - 4 tablespoons butter, softened

# Steps:

01 - Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté chopped onion for 2-3 minutes until translucent. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
02 - Add black beans, cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder if using, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes, mashing some beans with a spoon.
03 - Remove from heat, stir in cilantro and lime juice, then set aside.
04 - Arrange bread slices and spread a thin layer of butter on one side of each slice.
05 - Place half of the bread slices buttered side down. Evenly distribute the black bean mixture, then top with shredded cheese. Cover with remaining slices, buttered side up.
06 - Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. Cook sandwiches 3-4 minutes per side, pressing lightly, until golden brown and cheese is melted.
07 - Slice sandwiches and serve warm.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Comes together in 20 minutes but tastes like you planned it all morning.
  • Black beans and melted cheese create this creamy, satisfying filling that makes grilled cheese feel grown-up.
  • Budget-friendly enough to make for lunch but impressive enough to serve to friends.
02 -
  • Medium heat is your friend here—too high and the bread burns before the cheese melts inside, which is a disappointment you only need once.
  • Don't skip mashing some of the beans; it changes the texture from chunky to something that holds together inside the sandwich.
03 -
  • A mix of two cheeses—cheddar for sharpness and Monterey Jack for melting—creates a flavor and texture that's better than either one alone.
  • If you want to save time, buy pre-shredded cheese, but know that shredding it yourself creates a better melt because the fresh edges contact the heat differently.
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