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You are here: Home / Entree / Chili Cheese Grilled Sandwich

Chili Cheese Grilled Sandwich

By Kristin Published January 23, 2019 Last Updated August 10, 2019 12 Comments

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This Chili Cheese Grilled Sandwich is a great way to use up leftover chili. The crispy, buttery, grilled bread combined with the melty, gooey, cheesy filling results in the ultimate grilled cheese sandwich!

chili cheese grilled sandwich halves stacked with the yummy filling oozing out

Chili Cheese Grilled Sandwiches may be a little messy, but they are worth it!

Busy weeknight? No time to cook? Try grilled sandwiches instead of resorting to fast food or take out!

Grilled cheese is one of my go-to dinners during the week. Everyone loves it, and it is quick and easy, and doesn’t require a lot of brain power. The ingredient list is short, and generally involves items I already have in the house.

But, it is so simple that it can get a little old after a while. Luckily, grilled sandwiches are so versatile, there are probably hundreds of varieties you can think up!

And, in reality, you don’t even need to include cheese. There are lots of ways you can combine ingredients into a sandwich and grill it up warm and crispy. For example, I have a grilled sandwich recipe that my family loves that has no cheese in it whatsoever! Check out my recipe for my Mom’s Grilled Sauerkraut Avocado Sandwich. (Really! You have to try it!)

freshly grilled chili cheese sandwich on a cutting board

The chili cheese filling is a little messy, but it’s so delicious, no one will mind!

But, I have to admit, even though the whole family like those Grilled Sauerkraut Avocado Sandwiches, given the choice they will go for something that does have cheese. Which is understandable! Cheese just gets so yummy and melty on grilled sandwiches.

I was inspired to make this Chili Cheese Grilled Sandwich recipe when I had a bunch of leftover Crockpot Cheater Chili (I had made a double batch to feed a crowd, but several people were not able to come at the last minute), and I was looking for a way to use the leftover chili by changing it up a little.

So I thought, why not make it into something like a cross between a grilled cheese sandwich and a sloppy Joe. And voila, this grilled sandwich with a chili cheese filling came to be, and the family raved over them!

Steps for making Chili Cheese Grilled Sandwiches

Step 1.

In a medium bowl, combine the chili and shredded cheddar cheese. Set aside.

step 1 process shot - chili and shredded cheese in a bowl with a spoon for mixing

Combine the chili and shredded cheese in a bowl.

Step 2.

Butter one side of the bread, and place the slices face down on a baking sheet.

step 2 process shot - four pieces of bread, buttered side down on a baking sheet

The first layer – buttered bread placed buttered side down on a baking sheet.

Step 3.

Distribute the chili and cheese mixture over the slices on the baking sheet.

step 3 process shot - chili and shredded cheese mixture distributed over the four pieces of bread

Distribute the chili and cheese mixture over the four pieces of bread.

Step 4.

Place the remaining slices of bread on top of the chili and cheese mixture.

step 4 process shot - four pieces of bread, buttered side up on top of the chili and cheese mixture

The final layer – buttered bread placed buttered side up on top of the chili and cheese mixture

Tips for making Chili Cheese Grilled Sandwiches 

  1. You can use leftover chili, or make your own, or even use store-bought chili. 
  2. This works with all different varieties of chili! Meatless, chicken chili, etc. Different varieties give this dish a different spin, but they are all delicious!
  3. Use parchment paper on the baking sheet for easy cleanup. The filling does tend to ooze out while baking.
  4. Ovens can be fairly different, so be sure to check often the first time you make this so you don’t accidentally burn your sandwiches!
  5. You can also grill your sandwich on a griddle, or saute pan, or stovetop grill pan. Wherever you would normally make grilled cheese sandwiches will be fine. Just remember that the filling may get a little messy!
chili cheese grilled sandwich on a plate served with sour cream on the side

The crispy crunchy grilled bread and gooey chili cheese filling make this sandwich irresistible.

This post may contain affiliate links which won’t change your price but will share some commission.

Chili Cheese Grilled Sandwich Recipe

Serve hot off the grill with sour cream and parsley for garnish. Or dig in without any of that! It will be delicious either way.

Sure, it’s a little messy, but your family will love it so much no one will mind.

If you love this recipe, please give it 5 stars! Enjoy!

chili cheese grilled sandwich halves stacked on a brown plate with parsley garnish

Chili Cheese Grilled Sandwiches

Print Recipe
Recipe Author: Kristin
This Chili Cheese Grilled Sandwich is a great way to use leftover chili. The crispy bread and cheesy, melty filling results in the ultimate grilled cheese experience!
CourseEntree
CuisineAmerican
Prep Time10 mins
Cook Time10 mins
Total Time20 mins
Servings4 sandwiches

Ingredients

  • 1 cup chili
  • 1 and 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 8 slices bread
  • 4 tablespoons butter

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 450 degrees F.
  • In a medium bowl, combine the chili and shredded cheddar. Set aside.
  • Butter one side of each of the 8 slices of bread. Place 4 of the slices buttered side down on baking sheet.
  • Distribute the chili and cheese mixture over the 4 slices of bread. 
  • Place the remaining 4 slices of bread on top of the chili and cheese mixture, buttered side up.
  • Bake in the oven 5-6 minutes, then flip the sandwiches and bake about 5 more minutes, until the sandwiches are golden brown and crispy.

Video

Notes

  • I love to use this recipe with leftover homemade chili, but you can also use store bought. Any kind of chili will work, even meatless or chicken chili. 
  • The chili cheese filling tends to get melty and ooze out of the sandwich during baking, so you may want to line the baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
  • If you haven't made grilled cheese in your oven before, make sure you check it after 3-4 minutes in case your oven runs hotter than mine to avoid burning.
  • You can use a skillet or griddle to grill your sandwiches if you prefer.

Nutrition

Calories: 437kcal | Carbohydrates: 35g | Protein: 16g | Fat: 26g | Saturated Fat: 15g | Cholesterol: 70mg | Sodium: 900mg | Potassium: 363mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 850IU | Vitamin C: 1.1mg | Calcium: 314mg | Iron: 4.4mg
Tried this recipe?Mention @dizzybusyandhungry or tag #dizzybusyandhungry!

You may also be interested in my other grilled cheese recipes…

This Turkey and Brie Grilled Cheese features creamy brie, roasted turkey breast, and a cranberry spread stuffed between two pieces of sourdough bread and grilled until crispy. So delicious!

And this Parmesan Crusted Grilled Chicken and Cheese is another upscaled grilled cheese sandwich with Parmesan crusted bread stuffed with chicken, cheese, and green olives!

Looking for some additional grilled sandwich recipes?

Check out this resource for 18 Insanely Good Grilled Cheese Recipes. Or this article that list the Top 10 Grilled Sandwich Recipes. They look amazing! 


Check out my Dizzy Busy and Hungry store on Amazon for other great kitchen products I love!

What is the most creative grilled sandwich you have tasted? Leave a comment and let me know what you think!

Enjoy!

 

 

chili cheese grilled sandwich long pin

Filed Under: Entree Tagged With: cheddar, cheese, chili, chili cheese, grilled cheese, grilled sandwich, sandwich

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Kayla

    August 14, 2019 at 4:38 am

    Great❤️ Me and my daughter loved them will be making again

    Reply
    • Kristin

      August 17, 2019 at 11:43 am

      Oh, wonderful to hear! Thanks so much for letting me know. 🙂 Have a great day!

      Reply
  2. Miz Helen

    February 8, 2019 at 2:28 pm

    Congratulations!
    Your post is featured on Full Plate Thursday this week. Thanks so much for sharing your awesome post with us and hope you are having a great week.
    Miz Helen

    Reply
  3. b

    February 5, 2019 at 9:51 am

    whoa this looks messy and delicious!
    b

    Reply
    • Kristin

      February 5, 2019 at 7:14 pm

      Yep, totally messy and delicious! 🙂

      Reply
  4. Antonia

    February 2, 2019 at 12:56 pm

    What a great way to use up leftover chili! My family would love this! Thank you for sharing at Fiesta Friday!

    Reply
    • Kristin

      February 3, 2019 at 1:18 pm

      Thanks, Antonia! I appreciate you stopping by!

      Reply
  5. Maria | passion fruit, paws and peonies

    February 1, 2019 at 10:19 am

    What a wonderful weekend treat! I would make this as a brunch for when my son comes to stay xx

    Reply
  6. Christina

    January 29, 2019 at 2:58 pm

    This is such a delicious twist on a classic! I’ll be making this recipe over and over again!

    Reply
    • Kristin

      January 30, 2019 at 6:22 am

      Thanks! I hope your family loves it as much as mine does! 🙂

      Reply
  7. Marsha Maxwell

    January 29, 2019 at 2:21 pm

    Even better than a regular grilled cheese! I know my teen son would love this.

    Reply
    • Kristin

      January 30, 2019 at 6:23 am

      My teen guys are huge fans. They would eat this every night if I would let them, haha! 🙂 Thanks for stopping by!

      Reply

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