Black Bean Grilled Cheese (Printable version)

A quick, hearty sandwich with seasoned black beans and melted cheese for lunch or dinner.

# 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

# Directions:

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

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • A twenty minute meal that tastes like it came from a fancy cafe but costs about eight bucks total
  • The protein from beans keeps you full for hours unlike regular grilled cheese
  • Endless variations mean you never get bored
02 -
  • Mashing some beans creates texture that keeps the filling from sliding out when you take a bite
  • Medium heat is crucial because high heat burns the bread before the cheese melts
  • Letting the filling cool slightly helps it stay put inside the sandwich
03 -
  • Grate your own cheese instead of buying pre-shredded for better melting
  • Mayo works instead of butter and creates an even crispier exterior
  • A panini press makes these incredibly easy if you have one
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