This Bolognese Sandwich is the ULTIMATE way to use up leftover bolognese. It’s easy, ultra cheesy and bursting with flavour!
If you’re looking for one heck of a way to serve bolognese you’ve come to the right place. Follow me…
Garlic Butter
I don’t know about you, but I have never had bolognese without garlic bread – this bolognese sandwich is no different.
I was quite conscious when working on this recipe that it wasn’t just simply bolognese slapped between two slices of bread. An easy but really delicious way to spruce up a bolognese sandwich is to turn the bread into garlic bread. As you fry the grilled cheese simply swap out the butter for garlic butter and bobs your uncle.
How to make Garlic Butter
Grab some softened butter and mix in fresh parsley and fresh grated/minced garlic. You can absolutely make this in advance too.
How to make Bolognese Grilled Cheese
You’ll want to use thick, sturdy slices of bread. Here I use thick cut Tiger Bread, but Sourdough also works great. The other thing to ensure is that your bolognese is at room temp. If you use bolognese straight out the fridge it may not completely heat through as the grilled cheese fries. If you using hot bolognese it starts to steam inside the sandwich and make it go soggy.
What Cheese to use?
Here I use 3 different cheeses: Mozzarella, Parmesan and Swiss. Mozzarella and parmesan are must haves, but you could swap out the Swiss cheese for Provolone or even Cheddar.
Process shots: spread bread with garlic butter (photo 1), flip (photo 2), add Swiss (photo 3), add bolognese and parmesan (photo 4), add mozzarella (photo 5), add buttered bread (photo 6).
Order
Important to place the cheese at the top and bottom so it melts, also important to spread the bolognese in the centre. This will ensure it doesn’t seep into the bread and cause it to go soggy.
Low ‘n’ Slow
Don’t be tempted to fry the grilled cheese any higher than a medium heat. This will not only burn the garlic and parsley, but will also cook the outside before the centre heats up.
Can I make this with regular butter?
Sure can! Maybe I’m just being extra with the garlic bread part 🤣
Serving a Bolognese Sandwich
Once you’ve fried both sides and the centre is nice and gooey I recommend tucking in right away or you run the risk of it going mushy. You can also sprinkle over any leftover parmesan or parsley you’ve lying about.
Crisp/Chip Recommendation: You’ll want a nice sturdy variety like a Kettle Crisp/Chip, just so you can use them to scoop up any bolognese that spills out. Cheese and Onion flavour works great!
Side Recommendation: Something light like Garlic Parmesan Fries or even a Roasted Vegetable Salad works very nicely with this grilled cheese.
For another epic grilled cheese idea check out my Spaghetti Grilled Cheese!
Alrighty, let’s tuck into the full recipe for this bolognese grilled cheese shall we?!
How to make a Leftover Bolognese Grilled Cheese (Full Recipe & Video)
Bolognese Grilled Cheese Sandwich
Equipment
- Frying Pan & Turner/Spatula
- Small Pot (for garlic butter)
- Sharp Knife & Chopping Board
- Fine Grater (for parmesan)
Ingredients
Garlic Butter
- 4 tbsp / 60g / 2oz Butter, softened/at room temp
- 1 tbsp finely diced Fresh Parsley
- 1 fat clove of Garlic, finely minced/grated
Bolognese Grilled Cheese
- 4 thick large slices of Tiger Bread or Sourdough
- 1 cup Leftover Bolognese, at room temp (see notes)
- 1/4 cup / 20g freshly grated Parmesan
- 8 slices of Mozzarella
- 8 slices of Swiss Cheese (can sub Provolone or Cheddar)
Instructions
- In a small pot combine butter, parsley and garlic until smooth and evenly distributed. Make sure the butter is not only softened, but also make sure it's measured/weighed (not heaping tbsp) or you'll end up with way too much butter. Place to one side.
- In a pan with the heat OFF place two slices of bread. Spread with garlic butter then flip over the bread. Add Swiss (or cheese of choice), then add bolognese, top with parmesan then finish with mozzarella slices. Place the second slice of bread on top and spread with garlic butter.
- Turn heat to a medium. Don't go any higher or you'll burn the garlic butter, you want to fry fairly low and slow. Once nicely browned on one side flip over and cook the other side until toasty and browned. Finish by garnishing with any leftover parsley/parmesan (optional). Enjoy!
Quick Demo
Notes
Your Private Notes:
Nutrition:
If you loved this Leftover Bolognese Recipe be sure to Pin it for later! Already made it or got a burning question? Give me a shout in the comments below!
This is my kind of comfort food! Tried this for dinner tonight and it didn’t disappoint! Easily, a new favorite recipe in our home!
Awesome to hear – Thanks Sara 🙂
Oh wow! Love the garlic butter and the cheesy goodness!
The garlic butter definitely makes it!
One word!!! WOW!!! This is so amazing! Some many amazing flavors all in one dish!
Thanks Jessie! 🙂
Oh my word..this is out of this world good. I actually used leftover pork bolognese and it was so tasty!
What a good idea! Will have to try it 🙂
Oh goodness this is so delicious it is almost a sin! Definitely love the cheesy garlic bread aspect with the bolognese. Will make this again!
Love it! Thanks Sue 🙂