Description
This Spicy Black Bean Grilled Cheese takes the classic sandwich to a bold new level. By combining hearty German rye bread with savory black beans and the spicy kick of hot Pepper Jack cheese, you get a satisfying vegetarian melt that is packed with flavor and texture. With crispy, buttered rye toast and a gooey, spicy cheese filling, this sandwich is a quick and hearty lunch that will keep you full for hours.
Ingredients
- 8 slices German rye bread (specifically the lighter type with grains)
- 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (8-ounce) block hot Monterey Jack Pepper cheese, sliced medium-thick
- 1 medium purple (red) onion, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons butter or margarine, softened
Instructions
Prep Griddle
Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat.
Dry the Beans (Crucial)
Spread the drained black beans onto several layers of paper towels. Pat them thoroughly dry to remove excess moisture. Why? Wet beans will steam the bread from the inside out, creating a soggy sandwich.
Butter Bread
Spread the softened butter on one side of each of the 8 slices of bread.
Assemble
Place 4 slices of bread on a work surface, butter-side down. Layer the sliced Pepper Jack cheese on the unbuttered side. Scatter the dried black beans and finely chopped purple onions over the cheese. Top with the remaining bread slices, butter-side up.
Grill
Place the sandwiches onto the hot griddle. Cook for 3–4 minutes per side. Technique: Use a spatula to gently press down on the sandwich while grilling to help the cheese adhere to the beans. Doneness: The bread should be golden brown and the cheese completely melted.
Serve
Slice in half and serve immediately while crisp and gooey.
Notes
Onion Prep: Make sure the onions are chopped finely. Large chunks won’t soften enough in the short grilling time and might fall out of the sandwich.
Heat Control: If the rye bread is browning too quickly before the cheese has melted, lower the heat and cover the pan with a lid for 60 seconds to trap steam and speed up the melting process.
Bread Choice: Robust German rye with grains provides a nutty flavor and sturdy texture that holds up well against the heavy fillings. Sourdough is a good substitute if you can’t find rye.
Add-Ins: For extra creaminess to balance the spice, add sliced avocado after grilling, or spread a layer of chipotle mayo inside the bread before assembling.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Lunch
- Method: Griddle
- Cuisine: American / Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 Sandwich
- Calories: 540
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 980mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
Keywords: spicy grilled cheese, black bean melt, rye bread recipes, vegetarian sandwich, pepper jack cheese, easy lunch ideas, hearty vegetarian meals