Black Bean Grilled Cheese (Print Version)

Savory sandwiches with black beans, melted cheese, and spiced filling for an easy and tasty meal.

# What You'll 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

# How to Make It:

01 - Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 2 to 3 minutes until translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
02 - Incorporate black beans, ground cumin, smoked paprika, optional chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes while mashing some beans gently with the back of a spoon.
03 - Remove pan from heat. Stir in chopped cilantro and lime juice. Set the filling aside.
04 - Lay out bread slices and spread a thin layer of softened butter on one side of each slice.
05 - Place half of the bread slices buttered side down. Evenly spread the black bean filling over these slices, then top with shredded cheese. Cover with the remaining bread slices, buttered side up.
06 - Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. Grill sandwiches for 3 to 4 minutes per side, pressing lightly, until bread is golden brown and cheese has melted.
07 - Slice sandwiches and serve warm.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • It's genuinely cheap to make but tastes indulgent, which feels like getting away with something.
  • The whole thing comes together in twenty minutes flat, no drama, no complicated techniques.
  • Black beans and cheese are a flavor pairing nobody talks about enough, but once you try it, you'll understand why it works so perfectly.
02 -
  • If your filling is watery, your beans weren't drained well enough—waterlogged sandwiches fall apart and steam instead of getting crispy, so don't skip the rinsing step.
  • Medium heat is your friend here; too hot and the bread blackens before the cheese melts, too cool and you'll end up with rubbery bread and cold cheese.
03 -
  • Drain your black beans thoroughly and consider rinsing them twice—water is the enemy of crispiness.
  • Toast your spices just slightly in the warm oil before adding the beans; it wakes them up and makes them taste more vibrant and alive.
Go Back