Chili Cheese Grilled Sandwiches
This Chili Grilled Cheese Sandwich is a great way to use leftover chili. The crispy bread and cheesy, melty filling results in the ultimate grilled cheese experience!
Servings: 4 sandwiches
Ingredients
- 1 cup chili
- 1 ½ 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.1 cup chili, 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- Butter one side of each of the 8 slices of bread. Place 4 of the slices buttered side down on baking sheet.8 slices bread, 4 tablespoons butter
- 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.
Notes
Prep Tips:
- This recipe is perfect for using up leftover homemade chili, but store-bought works just fine too. Just make sure it’s thick, not soupy, so the sandwiches hold together better.
- Line your baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup since the chili-cheese filling can get melty and ooze out as it bakes.
- If you’ve never made grilled cheese in the oven before, check the sandwiches around the 3–4 minute mark. Ovens vary, and you don’t want the bread to brown too fast.
- Spread the filling evenly and avoid overstuffing to make flipping the sandwiches easier.
Variations:
- Any chili works here — beef, turkey, chicken, or even meatless chili are all great options.
- Swap cheddar for pepper jack, Colby jack, or a Mexican blend if desired.
- Add a thin layer of sliced jalapeños or pickled onions inside the sandwich if you like a little heat or tang.
- Prefer stovetop cooking? These sandwiches can also be made in a skillet or on a griddle, just like classic grilled cheese.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve these sandwiches hot and crispy, straight from the oven, while the cheese is still nice and melty.
- They’re hearty enough on their own, or you can serve alongside a simple green salad or a bowl of soup.
- For dipping, warm extra chili on the side or serve with sour cream.
Storage Info for Leftovers:
- Leftover sandwiches can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Reheat in the oven or a skillet to help the bread crisp back up — the microwave works, but the bread will be softer.
- These are best enjoyed fresh, as the chili filling can make the bread soggy over time.
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
