Grilled Meatloaf Sandwiches with Cheddar: Transform Leftovers into a Gourmet Meal
Ever wondered how to transform yesterday’s dinner into today’s mouthwatering masterpiece? What if I told you that last night’s meatloaf could become the star of your backyard barbecue? The humble meatloaf—often relegated to comfort food status—has untapped potential waiting to be discovered.
These grilled meatloaf sandwiches with melted cheddar take leftover meatloaf to extraordinary heights. By slicing, grilling, and layering it with sharp cheddar between buttery toasted bread, you’ll create a sandwich that rivals any gourmet offering. Perfect for summer gatherings or quick weeknight meals, these sandwiches transform leftovers into something truly special.
Ingredients List
Gather these simple ingredients to create the ultimate comfort food upgrade that balances savory meatloaf with melty cheese and crispy grilled bread. Each component adds a layer of flavor that elevates this sandwich beyond basic leftovers.
- 8 thick slices of leftover meatloaf (about ½-inch thick each)
- 8 slices of sourdough bread (substitute with Texas toast or ciabatta for different textures)
- 8 slices of sharp cheddar cheese (try smoked gouda or pepper jack for variation)
- 4 tablespoons butter, softened
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon barbecue sauce
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cups arugula or lettuce
- 2 tomatoes, sliced
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Timing
Preparation Time: 10 minutes to gather ingredients and assemble sandwich components
Cooking Time: 8-10 minutes for grilling the meatloaf slices and assembling the sandwiches
Total Time: 20 minutes, which is 75% faster than making meatloaf from scratch (typically 80+ minutes), making this an efficient way to repurpose leftovers while creating something that tastes completely new.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these detailed steps to create perfect grilled meatloaf sandwiches every time. The key is balancing heat and timing to get perfectly warmed meatloaf and melted cheese without burning the bread.
Step 1: Prepare the Spread
In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and barbecue sauce. Mix until smooth and well incorporated. This special sauce adds tanginess and complexity that perfectly complements the rich meatloaf and sharp cheddar.
Step 2: Prepare the Bread
Butter one side of each bread slice lightly but completely. The butter should reach all the way to the edges to ensure even browning. This creates the perfect crispy exterior that contrasts with the soft interior of your sandwich.
Step 3: Preheat Your Cooking Surface
Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. Alternatively, preheat your outdoor grill to medium heat if you’re making these for a summer gathering. Allow 3-5 minutes for your cooking surface to reach the proper temperature.
Step 4: Grill the Meatloaf Slices
Place meatloaf slices directly on the grill or in the skillet for 2 minutes per side until they develop nice grill marks and are heated through. Be gentle when flipping to keep the slices intact. This step caramelizes the exterior of the meatloaf, adding depth of flavor.
Step 5: Assemble the Sandwiches
- Place 4 bread slices butter-side down on your cooking surface.
- Spread the sauce mixture on the facing-up side of each bread slice.
- Layer each with a slice of cheese, 2 slices of grilled meatloaf, a few red onion rings, tomato slices, and arugula.
- Top with another slice of cheese and the remaining bread slices (butter-side up).
Step 6: Grill the Sandwiches
Cook the sandwiches for 3-4 minutes on each side until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is completely melted. Press gently with a spatula occasionally to help everything meld together. If using a grill, reduce heat or move to indirect heat to prevent burning.
Step 7: Rest and Serve
Remove sandwiches from heat and let rest for 1-2 minutes before cutting in half. This brief rest allows the melted cheese to set slightly, preventing it from oozing out completely when you cut the sandwich. Serve immediately while still warm and gooey.
Nutritional Information
Each grilled meatloaf sandwich provides approximately:
Calories: 580 per sandwich
Protein: 32g (64% of daily recommended intake)
Carbohydrates: 38g
Fat: 32g
Fiber: 3g
Sodium: 890mg (37% of daily recommended intake)
Calcium: 350mg (35% of daily recommended intake)
These sandwiches deliver a balanced meal with protein from the meatloaf, complex carbohydrates from the bread, and essential nutrients from the vegetables. The protein content is particularly impressive, providing nearly two-thirds of your daily needs in a single sandwich.
Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe
Make these grilled meatloaf sandwiches fit your dietary preferences with these simple modifications:
For lower carbs: Replace bread with lettuce wraps or low-carb tortillas, reducing carbohydrates by approximately 65% while maintaining the delicious flavors of the filling.
For reduced fat: Use turkey meatloaf instead of beef, reduced-fat cheese, and replace half the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt. These substitutions can lower the fat content by up to 40% while maintaining moisture and flavor.
For gluten-free diets: Use certified gluten-free bread or serve the grilled meatloaf and cheese over a bed of roasted vegetables for a completely bread-free alternative that’s equally satisfying.
For added nutrition: Incorporate finely chopped spinach, grated carrots, or zucchini into your original meatloaf recipe. These vegetables blend seamlessly into meatloaf while boosting fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
Serving Suggestions
Elevate your meatloaf sliders with these complementary sides and presentation ideas:
Pair with sweet potato fries for a color and flavor contrast that balances the savory sandwich with natural sweetness. The crispy texture also provides a satisfying counterpoint to the soft sandwich.
Serve alongside a tangy coleslaw with vinegar dressing rather than mayonnaise-based versions. The acidity helps cut through the richness of the sandwich and refreshes the palate between bites.
For entertaining, create a sandwich bar with different bread options, cheeses, and toppings. Slice meatloaf thinner to make mini sliders that are perfect for parties and allow guests to customize their creations.
Consider a seasonal soup pairing—tomato basil in summer or butternut squash in fall—served in small cups for a complete meal that feels restaurant-worthy without overwhelming your guests.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Slicing meatloaf too thin: Slices under ¼-inch tend to fall apart during grilling. Maintain at least ½-inch thickness for structural integrity.
- Using cold meatloaf straight from the refrigerator: This leads to uneven heating. Let meatloaf sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before grilling.
- Cooking with heat that’s too high: This burns the bread before cheese melts. Medium heat allows for proper melting while achieving golden-brown bread.
- Skipping the resting period: Without a brief rest, all the delicious cheese will flow out when cutting. Just 1-2 minutes makes a significant difference.
- Overloading with toppings: Too many additions make the sandwich difficult to eat. Choose 3-4 complementary toppings for the best balance.
Storing Tips for the Recipe
Prepare components ahead of time to streamline assembly. Grill meatloaf slices up to 2 days in advance and refrigerate in airtight containers. Reheat in a skillet for 1-2 minutes per side before building your sandwiches.
For make-ahead convenience, assemble uncooked sandwiches without lettuce or tomato, wrap individually in parchment paper, then aluminum foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add fresh vegetables just before serving.
Freeze fully assembled but ungrilled sandwiches by wrapping tightly in plastic wrap then aluminum foil. They’ll keep for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before grilling for best results.
If you have leftover grilled sandwiches, store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a 325°F oven for 10 minutes to maintain crispness better than microwave reheating.
Conclusion
These grilled meatloaf sandwiches transform humble leftovers into a crave-worthy meal that combines comfort food nostalgia with gourmet sandwich techniques. By following these detailed steps and customization options, you’ll create a sandwich that’s greater than the sum of its parts.
Have you tried these delicious sandwiches? I’d love to hear how you customized them with your favorite toppings or which bread variety worked best for you! Share your experience in the comments below, or tag us in your sandwich creations on social media. For more creative leftover transformations, be sure to check out our related recipes!
