Making my Meatloaf Sandwich recipe is reason enough to cook meatloaf in the first place. When you add the right bread, cheese, pickles, and onions, to meatloaf leftovers, this sandwich will have your taste buds singing.
There’s a trick to making a delicious sandwich, and I’m ready to share my secrets. Too often, people think that leftovers are boring. But with meatloaf, it's almost ALWAYS better the second time around. Especially when you know how to spruce it up.
If you need something to take to the game or for a picnic, this is an excellent choice. These sandwiches warm you up on a chilly day and are perfectly savory and satisfying during the colder months.
Before you even get started on the sandwiches, you'll need a dynamite meatloaf recipe, so check out my Best Easy Meatloaf for a classic take on this beloved recipe, or if you like a bit more spice, try our Harlem Meatloaf.
Why You are Going to Love It!
- It’s ready in under 10 minutes!
- This lunch recipe is a great way to use your leftovers!
- The flavors and textures are amazing!
Key Ingredients and Substitutions
- Meatloaf - Obviously. Somehow it's better if it's already been in the fridge overnight.
- Sourdough Bread - The sharpness of the bread adds another layer of flavor to this wonderful recipe!
- Provolone - This cheese is salty and goes well with the other ingredients. You can substitute other melting cheeses.
- Dill Pickles - The sour bite of these pickles offsets the sweet sauce.
- French Fried Onions - Here’s one of my secrets. These add flavor and crunch! They’re so satisfying!
- Ketchup, Brown Sugar, and Mustard - This is the best trio of ingredients I use to glaze and slather the meat. Just keep napkins handy!
How To Make Hot and Cheesy Meatloaf Sandwich
- Sauce- If you’re making the extra sauce, just whisk the ingredients together.
- Grilling- Pop a few slices of meatloaf into a pan and grill for a few minutes on each side until it’s warm all the way through. Then, place a sliced of buttered bread in the pan, buttered side down. Top with the warm meatloaf, extra sauce (if using), pickles, French fried onions, another slice of cheese, and the final piece of bread.
- Cooking- Continue to cook until the bread is golden brown on the bottom, then carefully flip the sandwiches and grill the other side until cheese is melted and the bread is golden.
- Serve - That’s it! You’re ready to eat it in less than 10 minutes!
Tips & For Making Hot and Cheesy Meatloaf Sandwich
- Serve right off the griddle because it’s best hot!
- A good griddle makes a big difference when making this recipe. Cast iron griddles are a classic because they hold and distribute heat evenly, but I also love using a grill pan to get nice grill marks. If you're cooking for a crowd, that big ol electric pancake skillet is your best friend.
- If you prefer, you can warm the meatloaf in the microwave instead of in the skillet.
- Theses sandwiches can also be made in an air fryer. Just follow the instructions for this Air Fryer Grilled Cheese.
FAQs For Making Hot And Cheesy Meatloaf Sandwich
Can I Use A Different Bread?
Yes! We chose sourdough because of its flavor, but most importantly, because when it is toasted/grilled, it is STURDY!
You are gonna want your bread to stand up to all that juicy meatloaf, melty cheese, and a healthy slathering of sauce. Use a bread/bun that's too fluffy, and get ready for a sloppy soggy bread mess. A hearty Italian or Country French bread could also work well for meatloaf sandwiches.
Or if you can handle the heat, a grilled or toasted Jalapeno Cheddar Dutch Oven Bread would be killer for this sandwich!
What Other Toppings Work?
This is a great recipe for your creativity!
Want to kick that meatloaf sauce into overdrive? Try subbing it with this Copycat JDawgs Sauce!
A thick spread of mayonnaise and a slice of tomato is also simply delicious. You can replace the pickles with banana pepper slices or even olives.
Caramelized onions would be a delicious substitute for French fried onions, though you might miss the crunch.
For a German flair, top your sandwich with grainy mustard, sauerkraut, and smoked Gouda. Das Güd!
Meatloaf Sandwich
Ingredients
- 4 tablespoon butter (softened)
- 4 slices sourdough bread
- 2-4 slices leftover meatloaf (depending on the size of your bread and your meatloaf slices)
- 8 slices provolone cheese
- 4 Dill pickle slices
- 2 tablespoon French fried onions
Optional extra sauce:
- ¼ cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon mustard
Instructions
- If desired, whisk together the ketchup, brown sugar, and mustard for extra sauce. Set aside.
- Spread the butter on the outsides of each piece of bread. Heat a grill pan over medium heat. Add two slices of bread, butter side down, to the skillet. Top with one slice of provolone cheese. Add the meatloaf slices to the other side of the pan.
- Cook the meatloaf 2-3 minutes, then flip. Continue to cook until warmed through, another 1-2 minutes. At this point, the bread should be getting nice and toasty. If the bread is getting too dark too quickly, remove it from the skillet until the meatloaf is done.
- Place the warmed meatloaf on top of the toasted bread and cheese. Brush with extra sauce, if desired. Top the meatloaf with pickle slices, a generous amount of French fried onions, and another piece of cheese. Sandwich with the second slice of bread, buttered side facing out.
- Flip the sandwich over and cook for another 3-4 minutes, or until the second side is golden brown and toasted. Remove from the skillet and eat immediately.
Notes
Nutrition
More Great Leftover Recipes
For more savory goodness, use up a leftover roast and make our Italian Pulled Beef Sliders!
Or give that doggie-bagged steak a second life in our Grilled Skirt Steak Sandwich.
Maximize your stretchy cheese pulls with our Air Fryer Grilled Cheese recipe.
Sandwiches not your thing? Try leftover beef in our Beef Ramen Stir Fry!