Grilled Cheese Sandwich
Simple yet indulgent, a grilled cheese strikes the perfect balance between crispy and melty, making it a timeless favorite. The classic way to serve grilled cheese is alongside a bowl of piping hot tomato soup.
Secrets to making a delicious grilled cheese sandwich
- Use Quality Bread: Opt for sturdy bread like sourdough, brioche, or hearty white bread that can hold up to melting cheese without falling apart.
- Choose the Right Cheese: Classic choices include Cheddar, American, Swiss, or a blend. Use enough cheese to create a gooey, melty interior.
- Butter Generously: Spread softened butter evenly on the outside of the bread for a crispy, golden crust. You can also use mayonnaise for even browning. Using a mixture of butter and mayonnaise is even better. Our recipe for Butter-Mayo is in the recipe card.
- Low and Slow Heat: Cook over medium-low heat to allow the cheese to melt thoroughly without burning the bread.
- Cover While Cooking: Covering the skillet traps heat and helps the cheese melt evenly.
- Patience is Key: Don’t rush flipping; wait until the bread is golden brown and crispy.
- Experiment with Add-ins: For extra flavor, add your favorite foods (see list below for ideas).
Cheese varieties that are perfect for making a Grilled Cheese Sandwich
- Cheddar: Classic choice with sharp or mild flavors.
- American: Melts smoothly and has a creamy texture.
- Swiss: Nutty and slightly sweet, melts well.
- Mozzarella: Mild and gooey, great for a stretchy texture.
- Pepper Jack: Spicy with added peppers, adds a kick.
- Gruyère: Rich, nutty flavor, melts beautifully.
- Havarti: Creamy and mild with a buttery taste.
- Provolone: Smooth melting and slightly smoky flavor.
- Monterey Jack: Mild and melts easily.
- Colby: Mild and buttery, melts well.
- Blue Cheese: For a bold, tangy flavor (best paired with other cheeses).
- Brie: Soft and creamy, adds richness.
Delicious add-ins…
- Tomatoes – Fresh or sun-dried for a tangy burst.
- Bacon – Crispy strips add smoky flavor and crunch.
- Avocado – Creamy slices for richness.
- Guacamole – Packs a myriad of Mexican flavors.
- Caramelized Onions – Sweet and savory upgrade.
- Raspberry Preserves – Especially yummy with brie or Cheddar.
- Jalapeños – For a spicy kick.
- Ham or Turkey – Adds protein and flavor. Great with Swiss cheese!
- Pesto – Basil or sun-dried tomato pesto for herby goodness.
- Pickles or Pickle Spears – For tang and crunch.
- Apple Slices – Thin slices of apple for a touch of sweetness and crunch.
- Mustard or Aioli – Adds a flavorful spread inside.
- Raspberry Preserves – Especially yummy with brie or Cheddar.
- Pickles – Sliced for tang and crunch.
- Apple Slices – Thin slices of apple for a touch of sweetness and crunch.
- Mustard or Aioli – Adds a flavorful spread inside.
More scrumptious sandwiches…
French Dip Sandwiches with au Jus
Grilled Cheese Sandwich
Simple yet indulgent, a grilled cheese strikes the perfect balance between crispy and melty, making it a timeless favorite.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Total Time: 13 minutes
- Yield: 1 sandwich 1x
- Category: Sandwiches
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
2 slices good quality bread
2 slices American cheese
1 slice Cheddar or mozzarella cheese (or any other cheese desired)
Homemade Butter-Mayo
2 tablespoons butter, softened
2 tablespoons mayonnaise (real, such as Blue Plate)
Instructions
- Prepare the Butter-Mayo, if using.
- Heat a small skillet over low-medium heat.
- Using a butter knife, spread half the Butter-Mayo onto one slice of the bread. Place bread Butter-Mayo side down in the skillet. Top with desired cheese(s) and add-ins.
- Spread remaining Butter-Mayonnaise onto the second slice of bread and place Butter-Mayo side up on top of cheese.
- Cook until bread is toasty brown.
- Flip the sandwich and repeat on the other side.
Homemade Butter-Mayo
- Stir together the butter and mayonnaise.
- Optional: Stir in seasoning as desired or use French Fry Seasoning.
Notes
Instead of making Butter-Mayo you can just butter the bread, then spread a thin layer of mayonnaise over the butter. Or use butter by itself or mayonnaise by itself. Either way you are guaranteed a delicious grilled cheese sandwich.
Photo credit: by freepik
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