CHILI CHEESE GRILLED CHEESE BITES

Steps:

• Preheat a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Place the beef in a thin, single layer and cook, undisturbed, until the bottom begins to brown, about 5 minutes.
• Meanwhile, make the seasoning. Mix the garlic powder, cayenne, cinnamon, cumin, mustard powder, onion powder and paprika and 2 teaspoons salt in a small bowl. Check to make sure the bottom of the beef is a brown color, add the seasoning, then stir to combine and cook for 4 minutes. Stir in the tomato paste and cook until the mixture is brick red, about 1 minute. Stir in 3 ounces of water, then remove from the heat.
• Preheat a large nonstick pan or griddle over medium heat.
• Place 4 of the bread slices on a work surface. On each slice, spread 1 tablespoon (0.5 ounce) of cream cheese, then top with 1 heaping tablespoon of Cheddar and set aside.
• Spread 2 heaping tablespoons of the chili on 4 more of the bread slices.
• Place 2 heaping tablespoons of Cheddar on the top left corner of the pan, spreading it out so it resembles the shape of a brioche slice as much as possible. Repeat three more times to create 4 squares or rectangles.
• Place each cheese-topped bread slice, cheese-side up, on top of a square of melting Cheddar. Top each with a chili-topped bread slice, chili-side up. Cook until the cheese starts to turn dark, golden yellow around the edges and is slightly crispy, about 5 minutes. Transfer the sandwiches to a plate.
• Place 2 heaping tablespoons of Cheddar on the top left corner of the pan, spreading it out so it resembles the shape of a brioche slice as much as possible. Repeat three more times to create 4 squares or rectangles.
• Place each of the 4 remaining bread slices on top of a square of melting Cheddar. Top with the sandwiches, chili-side down. Cook until the bottoms are crunchy and golden, about 5 minutes more. Transfer to a cutting board. Cut each sandwich into 4 squares and serve immediately.