Black Bean Grilled Cheese (Printable)

A satisfying grilled sandwich with black beans and melted cheese, perfect for a quick meal.

# Ingredient list:

→ 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

# Cooking steps:

01 - Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until translucent. Add minced garlic and sauté for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
02 - Incorporate black beans, ground cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder if using, salt, and black pepper into the skillet. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes, mashing some beans gently with a spoon’s back.
03 - Remove skillet from heat. Stir in chopped cilantro and lime juice. Set mixture aside.
04 - Arrange bread slices on a clean surface. Spread a thin layer of softened butter on one side of each slice.
05 - Place half the bread slices butter-side down. Evenly spread the black bean filling over these slices. Top with shredded cheese then cover with remaining bread slices, butter-side up.
06 - Preheat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. Place sandwiches on the surface and cook 3 to 4 minutes per side, pressing lightly until bread is golden and cheese is melted.
07 - Remove sandwiches from heat, slice each in half, and serve immediately while warm.

# Expert advice:

01 -
  • The black beans stay hearty and never turn mushy, holding onto their shape while the spices work their magic.
  • Your butter bill stays low while the cheese gets deeply golden and gooey in the pan.
  • It's the kind of sandwich that tastes like you spent longer cooking than you actually did.
02 -
  • The beans will stick together more if you don't drain them well enough, so take the extra 30 seconds to rinse them thoroughly under cold water.
  • If your pan is too hot the bread will burn before the cheese melts, so medium heat is not a suggestion but a requirement.
03 -
  • Press your sandwiches gently as they cook so the bread makes good contact with the pan and turns golden without getting burnt.
  • Let your butter soften at room temperature for at least 15 minutes before you spread it, or you'll tear the bread trying to push it around.
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