It’s one of the great thrills of my life to hear someone (usually S!) exclaim “Mmm!” after biting into something I’ve made from an original recipe. (Cue the jokes about my boring life.) Truly, though, the sensation of pride and pleasure I feel when I’m feeding someone delicious animal-free food is a unique delight. Last week, I made this amazing pumpkin bundt cake for a coworker’s birthday celebration, and I reveled in the sighs of happiness I heard from my well-fed coworkers. And tonight, when S gave a loud and enthusiastic “Mmm!” after trying this cheesy, tomato-y sandwich, I was similarly pleased.

I’ve been mulling over the idea of a thick, bean-based cheesy sandwich spread for a few weeks. Happy Herbivore has a cheesy spread that makes a decent grilled cheese, but it’s not particularly filling. I wanted to create something with a little more nutritional oomph. Enter the beans! This sandwich combines the classic pairing of grilled cheese and tomato soup into a thick, savory spread that doesn’t taste at all beany. I love it on sourdough, but you can use your favorite sandwich bread.

Grilled Cheese & Tomato Soup Sandwich
Serves 3 or 4, depending on your spread thickness preferences!

• 15 oz. Great Northern beans
• 1/4 cup unsweetened almond milk
• 1/4 cup + 1 tablespoon nutritional yeast
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 2 teaspoons vegetable oil
• 1/2 teaspoon yellow mustard
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• Scant 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon paprika
• 2 slices bread per sandwich

In a blender or food processor, combine the beans, almond milk, nutritional yeast, and tomato paste until the beans are pureed and spreadable. Add the remaining ingredients and continue processing or blending until you have a thick, uniform spread.

Transfer the spread to a small saucepot and heat on low. In the meantime, prepare the bread the way you like it best. I like to butter it on both sides and toast it in a pan, but you can also use a toaster or toaster oven. Once the spread is heated through and the bread is toasted, add a few tablespoons of spread to the bread, make the sandwich, and enjoy!

Truth be told, I’ve never been a huge tomato soup fan, but as part of a cheesy sandwich spread? I dig it!

What’s your favorite sandwich spread or grilled “cheese” recipe?