Thoughts of Meatloaf Sandwich should immediately elicit feelings of gooey, cheesy, old-fashioned goodness; if they don’t, then you must give this version a try! With buttery toasted bread, melted cheese, and hearty meatloaf slices, it’s happiness in sandwich form.
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Why You’ll Love This Vintage Sandwich
- Pure Comfort. While you may not think of a meatloaf sandwich as your comfort food of choice, it makes a pretty compelling argument. When you sink your teeth into toasty, buttery bread holding together juicy meat with melted provolone, you’ll feel like you’re being pulled into a warm, comforting embrace.
- Hot or Cold. A traditional meatloaf sandwich can be enjoyed hot or cold (served cold and topped with mayo is considered classic). I’m partial to it warmed as per this recipe for the melty cheese and toasted bread factor. However, both options have their place, and it makes this sandwich super versatile.
- Great Use for Leftovers. If leftover meatloaf isn’t a hot commodity in your refrigerator, this recipe will definitely change that! It’s not so dissimilar to a Steak Sandwich or BLT, both classic, comforting meaty sandwiches. A meatloaf sandwich is the answer to leftover meatloaf.
- That Was Easy. This sandwich is as easy peasy as a grilled cheese sandwich (like this Air Fryer Grilled Cheese). Just five minutes of prep time, and it’s ready to serve in less than 20 minutes total time.
How to Make a Traditional Meatloaf Sandwich
The Ingredients
- Meatloaf. This Turkey Meatloaf is the tried-and-true perfect meatloaf recipe, which can be made with ground turkey or beef. If using a freshly-baked meatloaf for meatloaf sandwiches instead of leftover meatloaf, let the meatloaf rest before slicing.
- Bread. You can use your favorite sandwich bread for making your easy leftover meatloaf sandwich recipe. Choose something sturdier like sourdough or multigrain to keep the sandwich from falling apart.
Best Bread for Meatloaf Sandwich
- Sourdough is great because its oval shape matches the shape of the meatloaf, making for a tidy sandwich with every ingredient in each bite.
- English Muffin Bread would be delightful with this meatloaf sandwich recipe because the little pockets of bread would get filled with your mayo (or other meatloaf sandwich condiments of choice) and cheese.
- Butter. For coating the bread slices to toast the sandwich. You may also use buttery spread.
- Cheese. I like the mild flavor and optimum melt factor of provolone with the meatloaf, but you can use your cheese of choice.
- Mayo. Or Greek yogurt, my favorite creamy condiment for meatloaf sandwiches. It melds with the melted cheese to deliver the ooey-gooey sandwich of your dreams.
The Directions
- Sear the Meatloaf. If you prefer it cold, skip this step.
- Add the Bread. Top it with mayo, cheese, meatloaf, and toppings.
- Toast the Sandwich. Grill on each side until toasty and melty, about 2 to 4 minutes per side. DIG IN!
How to Serve a Meatloaf Sandwich
While a meatloaf sandwich is not a burger, it can be enjoyed with similar toppings.
As with any sandwich, toppings can be king, or you can go as Plain Jane as you please. Here are few of our favorites:
- Mayo
- Ketchup or mustard
- Hot sauce
- Homemade Refrigerator Pickles or Quick Pickled Onions
- Roasted Red Peppers
- Sliced tomato
- Arugula, lettuce, or other similar greens
- Air Fryer Bacon
- Sautéed Mushrooms
- A sprinkle of salt
Storage Tips
- To Store. Refrigerate leftover meatloaf sandwich in an airtight storage container for up to 1 day.
- To Reheat. Rewarm leftovers in a skillet on the stovetop over medium-low heat or with a panini press, or enjoy sandwich cold.
- To Freeze. Wrap individually in plastic wrap and then foil. Let thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Meal Prep Tips
This recipe yields 8 sandwiches, but you can adapt it to any amount of leftover meatloaf. You can prep the sandwiches the day before up to the grilling step. If grilling a single sandwich, you can do so in a small skillet.
What to Serve with a Meatloaf Sandwich
- Fries. Fries are the perfect side for this sandwich! Try my classic Homemade Fries, Sweet Potato Fries, Air Fryer French Fries, or Parsnip Fries.
- Chips. You can’t go wrong with a side of crispy Air Fryer Potato Chips.
- Salad. Try Healthy Potato Salad or Arugula Salad.
- Veggies. Roasted Green Beans, Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Garlic, or Air Fryer Cauliflower would be delicious.
Recommended Tools to Make this Recipe
- Non-Stick Frying Pan. This pan comes in multiple sizes and is oven and dishwasher-safe.
- Bread Knife. Proper knives for each type of cutting and slicing job are a game-changer.
- Cooking Oil Sprayer. This is a nifty tool for turning your cooking oil of choice into a spray.
Recipe Tips & Tricks
- Patience. Be patient! Low-and-slow guarantees melted cheese and crisp, but not burned bread. Don’t be tempted to speed it along on medium-high or even medium heat.
- Bread Too Big? If your bread is larger than the meatloaf slices, you can grill a few extra slices of meatloaf, then piece a few together for each sandwich (the cheese will hold the pieces together).
- Preheat the Skillet. A preheated, hot skillet will create the best sear on your meatloaf and the perfect toasted bread. Make sure you give it time to warm up before you begin cooking.
Meatloaf Sandwich
Prep: 5 minutes
Cook: 15 minutes
Total: 20 minutes
Servings: 4 sandwiches
Transform leftover meatloaf into a mouth-watering meatloaf sandwich. This easy, traditional sandwich is hearty, saucy and can be served hot or cold.
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Ingredients
For the Meatloaf Sandwiches:
- 4 slices leftover meatloaf see Turkey Meatloaf for a great recipe
- Nonstick spray canola oil, or additional butter
- 8 slices sourdough or similar bread I like an oval-ish loaf to match the meatloaf slice shape
- 2 to 3 tablespoons mayo or plain Greek yogurt, optional
- ¼ cup buttery spread or softened butter
- 4 slices provolone cheese cheddar cheese, or your cheese of choice
Optional toppings:
- Sliced tomato
- Pickled Onions
- Roasted Red Peppers
- Arugula lettuce, or similar greens
Instructions
- Coat a large, nonstick skillet with nonstick spray, or brush with oil or butter so that you have a light coating. Heat the skillet over medium low. Place two slices of meatloaf on the skillet. Cook on each side until the meatloaf is lightly browned in places and warmed through, about 3 minutes per side. If your bread is larger than the meatloaf slices, you can grill a few extra slices, then piece a few together for each sandwich (the cheese will hold the pieces together).
- Meanwhile, spread one side of each slice of bread with a thin layer of mayo (or Greek yogurt) and the other with a thin layer of buttery spread, spreading the butter all the way to the edges. Remove the meatloaf slices from the skillet. Lay 2 slices of bread in the skillet, buttered-sides down. Top each with a slice of cheese, a slice of warmed meatloaf, and any other desired toppings. Lay another slice of bread on top, buttered-sides up.
- Grill the meatloaf sandwiches on each side until the bread is toasted and the cheese is melted, about 2 to 4 minutes per side (be patient! Low-and-slow guarantees melted cheese and crisp, but not burned bread). Repeat with the remaining two sandwiches. Let sandwiches cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- TO STORE: Refrigerate leftover meatloaf sandwich in an airtight storage container for up to 1 day.
- TO REHEAT: Rewarm leftovers in a skillet on the stovetop over medium-low heat or with a panini press, or enjoy sandwich cold.
- TO FREEZE: Wrap individually in plastic wrap and then foil. Let thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating.
Nutrition
Serving: 1(of 4)Calories: 910kcalCarbohydrates: 86gProtein: 53gFat: 40gSaturated Fat: 11gPolyunsaturated Fat: 12gMonounsaturated Fat: 14gTrans Fat: 0.3gCholesterol: 190mgPotassium: 852mgFiber: 4gSugar: 12gVitamin A: 1100IUVitamin C: 3mgCalcium: 302mgIron: 9mg
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Sign Me UpFrequently Asked Questions
What Else Can Be Made from Leftover Meatloaf?
Obviously, you are going to want to try this leftover meatloaf sandwich recipe first. If still looking for more ideas, think of using leftover meatloaf as you would meatballs (meatloaf is akin to one giant meatball, after all). Try it crumbled on top of a pizza (Whole What Pizza Dough is so easy), or crumbled in a vegetable soup, such as Minestrone Soup, to add some protein.
Can I Make a Gluten-Free Meatloaf Sandwich?
Meatloaf can be made gluten free by swapping the breadcrumbs for certified gluten free bread crumbs, and then convert your gluten-free meatloaf into a sandwich with your favorite gluten-free bread. Easy!
Should a Meatloaf Sandwich Be Hot or Cold?
A meatloaf sandwich can be enjoyed hot or cold! If you have the time to toast it in a pan, I recommend it.
This site is terrible with all the ads! I’ll find a much better one to get recipes.
I’m truly sorry for any inconvenience the ads caused you, Ronda! I will certainly keep paying close attention to the number of ads and how they load, as I never want them to hinder your ability to view the recipe or the blog post. I do truly appreciate your feedback and apologize again for the inconvenience! Also, there is a quick and convenient “jump to recipe” button that will help you get to the recipe faster and a print button to have the recipe quickly at your fingertips. Hope this helps!
There’s really no need to post anything negative (such as the person before) basically if it’s not for you keep it moving… point blank period, simple!
Now, on to the receipts, I love them and can’t wait to try them out. I made meatloaf this evening and came across this and looks delicious for the leftovers. Thank you for pictures too .. yummy! Love it!
Hi Erin!! So glad you enjoyed the recipe! Thank you for this kind review!
Also an “Erin” which must be a commeadere but this was delicious I love the options you suggested with the fresh greens and alternate yogurt sub if that strikes your fancy. I’m going to keep making this in all the variations! So good.
Glad you enjoyed it! Thank you Erin!
Followed instructions exactly and it turned out so good! I never would have thought to use Greek yogurt. I don’t love meatloaf, hubby does, but wow this sandwich is great!
So happy to hear, thank you Tara!
I make meatloaf for dinner just so I can eat these sandwiches the next day. This is the perfect recipe!
So glad to hear, thank you Polly!
My parents made a glazed meatloaf and do you think shredded cheddar would be complementary to the barbecue sauce they used?
Hi Mac, while it would be hard for me to say for sure having not tasted it, it sounds like the cheddar cheese would be great! Enjoy!
I used marble rye bread and cheddar cheese for my husband’s hot meatloaf sandwich which he loved. I made mine without the cheese and it was delicious! I will add it to meal rotation for sure. Thank you!!
So happy to hear it Mac, thank you!!