Best Spam Grilled Cheese Recipe

If you ask me, spam grilled cheese is a total game-changer.

This sandwich takes the classic comfort food we all grew up with and adds a fun twist that might raise some eyebrows – but trust me on this one. Crispy, golden-brown bread hugs melted cheese and thin slices of pan-fried spam.

The salty, slightly crispy spam adds a nice contrast to the gooey cheese, while the toasted bread gives you that satisfying crunch we all love in a grilled cheese. It’s like your regular grilled cheese got dressed up for a night out.

It’s a quick, filling meal that brings together two beloved comfort foods into one satisfying sandwich.

What Kind of SPAM Should I Use?

While SPAM Classic is the go-to choice for this recipe, there are actually several varieties you could experiment with to change up the flavor profile. The Classic version brings that perfect balance of salty and savory that works great in a grilled cheese, but SPAM Lite or SPAM Less Sodium are good options if you’re watching your salt intake. For a flavor twist, you might want to try SPAM with Bacon or SPAM with Cheese – just keep in mind that these flavored versions will change the overall taste of your sandwich. When slicing your SPAM, aim for even, quarter-inch thick pieces so they’ll heat through properly and get those nice crispy edges when cooked.

Options for Substitutions

While this sandwich is pretty straightforward, here are some helpful swaps you can try:

• SPAM® Classic: If you’re out of SPAM®, you can use other canned meats like ham or turkey SPAM®, or even regular cooked ham slices. Just keep in mind that the unique salty flavor of SPAM® is what makes this sandwich special.
• Bread: Any bread works here! Try sourdough, whole wheat, or rye. Just make sure the slices aren’t too thin or they might get soggy.
• Butter: You can swap butter with mayonnaise for the outside of the bread – it actually creates a nice golden crust! Margarine works too, though butter gives the best flavor.
• Cheese: The cheese is totally up to you! American, cheddar, Swiss, or provolone all melt well. You can even mix different types for extra flavor. Just avoid fresh mozzarella as it can be too watery.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

The biggest mistake when making Spam grilled cheese is slicing the Spam too thick, which prevents it from getting crispy – aim for thin, even slices about 1/8 inch thick for the perfect balance of crunch and meatiness.

Another common error is cooking on high heat, which can burn the bread before the cheese melts properly – instead, use medium-low heat and give the sandwich time to cook slowly, allowing the cheese to melt completely while the bread turns golden brown.

To prevent a greasy sandwich, pat the Spam slices with paper towels after frying them, and don’t skip the step of pre-cooking the Spam separately before assembling your sandwich – this ensures the meat gets perfectly crispy edges while keeping the bread from getting soggy.

For extra flavor and the best texture, butter the outside of your bread slices rather than melting butter in the pan, and press down gently with a spatula while cooking to help the cheese melt evenly and create better contact with the pan.

What to Serve With Spam Grilled Cheese?

This hearty sandwich pairs perfectly with some classic comfort food sides that’ll round out your meal nicely. A bowl of tomato soup is the most natural partner – the smooth, tangy soup balances out the salty richness of the Spam and cheese combo. For something lighter, try serving your sandwich with some crispy dill pickles and potato chips, which add a nice crunch factor to contrast with the melty sandwich. If you’re feeling extra hungry, a side of crispy french fries or sweet potato wedges would make this into a filling diner-style meal that’ll definitely satisfy those comfort food cravings.

Storage Instructions

Keep Fresh: A Spam grilled cheese is best enjoyed right after it’s made, when the cheese is still melty and the bread is crispy. If you have leftovers, wrap them in aluminum foil or place in an airtight container and keep in the fridge for up to 2 days – though honestly, it’s tastiest when eaten fresh!

Make Ahead: You can slice your Spam ahead of time and keep it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. This makes it super quick to assemble your sandwich when you’re ready to cook. Just remember to bring the cheese to room temperature before grilling for the best melting results.

Warm Up: If you need to warm up leftover Spam grilled cheese, skip the microwave – it’ll make the bread soggy. Instead, pop it in a skillet over medium-low heat for a few minutes on each side until it’s warmed through and the bread crisps up again.

Preparation Time	5-10 minutes
Cooking Time	10-15 minutes
Total Time	15-25 minutes
Level of Difficulty	Easy

Estimated Nutrition

Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):

• Calories: 800-900
• Protein: 38-44 g
• Fat: 60-68 g
• Carbohydrates: 40-50 g

Ingredients

• 2 slices cheese (American or cheddar cheese)
• 12 oz Spam Classic (thinly sliced)
• 2 slices bread (sourdough or brioche work well)
• 1 tbsp butter (I like Kerrygold unsalted butter)

Step 1: Cook the SPAM® Classic

In a small skillet over medium-high heat, cook the slices of SPAM® Classic for about 5 minutes, turning once to ensure both sides are evenly browned.

Once cooked, remove the SPAM® from the skillet and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Bread

Take the slices of bread and spread butter evenly on one side of each slice.

This will help the bread toast nicely when you cook it.

Step 3: Cook the Bread and Melt the Cheese

Place the slices of bread in the skillet with the buttered side facing down.

On one slice, place a piece of cheese on top.

Allow the bread to toast and the cheese to melt by cooking it on a medium heat.

Step 4: Assemble the Sandwich

Once the cheese has melted, place 2 pieces of the cooked SPAM® Classic directly over the melted cheese.

Add an additional slice of cheese on top of the SPAM®.

Place the second slice of bread on top, with the buttered side facing up.

Step 5: Finish Toasting the Sandwich

Continue to cook the assembled sandwich in the skillet until the top slice of bread is golden brown and the cheese is perfectly melted.

Carefully flip the sandwich as needed to ensure even toasting on both sides.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Remove the sandwich from the skillet once fully toasted and the cheese is melted.

Let it cool slightly before slicing and serving.

Enjoy your delicious SPAM® Classic grilled cheese sandwich!