Grilled Cheese Sandwich

// Bread, butter, mayonnaise, cheddar, and gouda cheese are all you need to make this classic, perfectly melted, toasty grilled cheese sandwich.



Bread, butter, mayonnaise, cheddar, and gouda cheese are all you need to make this classic, perfectly melted, crispy, and toasty grilled cheese sandwich. A bite taken into such an overflowing cheese sandwich would make you desire for more & more!

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overhead shot of grilled cheese sandwich cut in half showing stringy melting chees

A perfect grilled cheese is all about that golden crust and the melting cheese between those two pieces of toasted golden bread, and this recipe has both.

As soon as a knife makes that crispy crunchy noise when you cut through that golden crust, the ooey gooey melted cheese spills out and makes this sandwich World’s BEST grilled cheese sandwich.

Made with 5 simple ingredients, this easy grilled cheese sandwich gets done in 10 minutes. So, bring on some hearty bread, butter, mayo, cheese, and your most impressively crispy-crunchy and melty grilled cheese will be ready in no time. All you want is some creamy soup for dipping your sandwich into to make it an ideal meal.

About Grilled Cheese Sandwich

Nothing is more comforting than a classic grilled cheese sandwich for a lunch. It is one of those things that you go crazy for even when you are not in the mood of having much for lunch. When you smell the creamy mayo and butter flavor of toasting bread, you just can’t resist it.

And when you see someone taking a bite into that melty, smooth, creamy, and oh so dreamy cheesy goodness, you are SOLD! Who doesn’t love a good grilled cheese sandwich?

A grilled cheese sandwich paired with piping hot soup, and your perfect cozy lunch or dinner is sorted. Even pickiest eaters love this grilled cheese sandwich very much.

Making grilled cheese is not a big deal, but making the ultimate Grilled Cheese Sandwich with a crispy, crunchy, toasty, buttery outside and ooey-gooey cheese center is certainly impressive.

So with this recipe, you can make the best-grilled cheese recipe which comes with a grilled cheese sandwich perfection.

This Grilled Cheese Sandwich

✔ tastes super delicious

✔ is easy and simple to make

✔ comes with the perfectly golden, crispy

✔ has a buttery outer layer

✔ can easily be customized

✔ goes well with any soup

✔ has perfectly melted cheese

What is Grilled Cheese?

A grilled cheese or a toasted sandwich is a classic American-style hot sandwich prepared with mayo-buttered and toasted bread which is typically filled with American cheese. You can simply heat 1-2 slices of cheese between two bread slices, with butter-mayo mix on a frying pan.

What is the Best Cheese for Grilled Cheese?

Generally, American Grilled Cheese is made with American cheese but cheddar tastes the best in a grilled cheese because of its sharp flavor. In Grilled cheese sandwiches you can basically use any one type of melting cheese or with a combination of lots of different cheeses.

I have used a combination of cheddar and gouda cheese.

Other cheeses that go well in a grilled cheese sandwich are along with cheddar cheese are:

  • Havarti

  • Gouda

  • Muenster or Swiss

  • Creamy processed cheese

  • Provolone

  • Gruyere

Stacked Grilled Cheese Sandwich cut in half showing melting cheesy center with one grilled cheese sandwich on the side

Best Bread for Grilled Cheese

For making grilled cheese sandwiches, you can use any bread you like. The only thing you need to remember is that the bread sliced should be thick and sturdy enough for the cheese. You can also use rye bread artisan bread. If you are using artisan bread or homemade loaf, make sure to slice bread into evenly thick slices to get the perfect grilled cheese.

Ingredients

Making a perfect grilled cheese does not require a lot of ingredients. You will only need these simple ingredients:

Bread – Any white or thick sliced bread can be used for making grilled cheese. You can also use sourdough or artisan bread.

Butter – It is used for toasting the bread slices, I have used unsalted butter here, but you can also use regular salted butter. Flavored butter can also be used if you want some flavors in your grilled cheese.

Mayonnaise - Plain mayonnaise is smeared on the bread slices before toasting. The combination of butter and mayo gives the bread an ideal crisp and crunch. Also, this combination adds a nice buttery flavor to the grilled cheese, so using mayonnaise is highly recommended here.

Cheese – It is the key ingredient, I have used a combination of cheddar and gouda cheese here. You can also make this sandwich with only one type of cheese. use a generous 1/2 tbsp of butter on each slice of bread. We use unsalted, but any butter will work here.

How to make a Grilled Cheese Sandwich

Making grilled cheese is very simple, anyone can make a grilled cheese sandwich. There are a few things to consider which make a grilled cheese sandwich which is golden, crusty outside, and oozy inside.

You need to take care of the heat, it shouldn’t be too high, or else the exterior of the bread would be charred way before the cheese melts. So always use medium-low heat. Also covering the pan with a lid helps in melting cheese faster.

In addition to that, smearing mayo gives the bread that perfect outer crunch and crispy layer.

If you want to master the art of making grilled cheese with a crisp, buttery exterior and gooey cheese center, then here is how to make the Best Grilled Cheese Sandwich on a stovetop pan in 6 simple steps.

Step 1 – Smear mayonnaise on one side of each slice of bread.

Step 2 – Melt butter in a skillet on medium-low heat.

Step 3 – Immediately place 2 bread slices with the mayonnaise side down.

Step 4 – Top with cheese: cheddar, gouda, and then cheddar. Cover the pan and cook on low heat until the bread is slightly golden and the cheese starts to melt.

Step 5 – Close the sandwich with the other bread slice (crusty side on top) and press down with a spatula to give the cheeses a chance to melt and adhere to the bread slices. Cover and toast until the cheese is fully melted and the bottom is golden.

Step 6 – Flip and cook the bread further until all the sides are golden. Cut the sandwich in half on the diagonal and serve.

For a full step-by-step picture and detailed video recipe, follow the instructions and video recipe shared in the recipe box on this page.

Closeup shot of stacked Grilled Cheese Sandwich cut in half showing melty cheese inside of a grilled cheese sandwich

Serving

A grilled cheese sandwich can be eaten on its own, or it can also be served with a hot bowl of creamy tomato soup or any other soup of your choice.

Love cheese sandwiches, then you would definitely love these cheese sandwiches; Peanut Butter and Veggie Grilled Cheese Sandwich, Grilled Cheese Spiced Potato Sandwich, Grilled Tomato Mozzarella Sandwich, and 2-Minute Veggie Sandwich.

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Tips and tricks for the best grilled cheese sandwich

  1. Heat: Always keep the heat to medium-low if you want to make an ideal grilled cheese sandwich that has a melty cheese and golden crispy crust. Medium-low heat prevents the bread from scorching too fast and helps in melting cheese.

  2. Butter + mayo: Try the combination of butter and mayonnaise if you want that perfectly crispy exterior and buttery brilliance.

  3. No matter which type of bread you are using, make sure to use the thick-sliced bread. Using thick sliced bread stops it from being soggy.

  4. You can always make it with 1 cheese slice, but the more cheese the better. I have used 3 cheese slices, you can use up to 4 cheese slices.

  5. If you don’t want to use sliced cheese, then you can surely use shredded cheese here, it works perfectly fine. Shredded cheese melts more quickly than sliced ones.

  6. Slicing: You can slice the sandwiches any way you like, but I found that the grilled cheese sandwiches that are cut diagonally taste much better.

  7. You can use any skillet/pan you like for toasting this sandwich, but I personally prefer using a well-seasoned cast iron pan for toasting. No matter what pan you are using, make sure to wipe it clean before making the next sandwich.

  8. Cover with the lid: When making a grilled cheese sandwich, cover the pan with a lid, and cook until the cheese is melted in the center. The steam helps melt the cheese. Flip it once, and when it is crispy from the underside remove the lid to crisp up the bread.

a hand holding a Grilled Cheese Sandwich cut in half showing melting cheesy center

FAQ

How long does it take to cook?

Making a grilled cheese sandwich takes a little time, this is because it is cooked on medium to low heat so that the cheese melts properly and the bread gets crispy without getting burnt. One sandwich would take around 5-6 minutes to cook.

Where can I cook grilled cheese sandwiches?

For cooking grilled cheese sandwiches, you can either use a non-stick or a cast iron pan. If you are making more than one sandwich, then you can also use a griddle. If you like grilled lines, you can also use a panini press.

Is a grilled cheese sandwich grilled?

No, grilled cheese sandwiches are technically not grilled because they are cooked on a pan. However, it can also be grilled on a grill pan or in a panini press over low heat.

Can I reheat this sandwich?

Reheating Grilled Cheese is possible. You can make these sandwiches in advance and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days. To store, let the sandwiches cool completely and then fold them in kitchen tissue first and then place them in an air-tight container.

When you want to serve, just reheat them in a pan over low heat.

What can I add to grilled cheese?

Grilled cheese can have anything you want. Sometimes grilled cheese also has more ingredients besides bread and cheese. They include ingredients such as slices of ham, caramelized onions, apples, pears, or tomatoes (drained). Some chutneys such as mango chutney, peach chutney, or apple chutney can also be added to the melted cheese.  

To make grilled cheese sandwich with a twist, add some types of jam, peanut butter, or Nutella. You need to sprinkle them on the cheese when it melts. They would take your grilled cheese sandwich to the next level.

grilled cheese sandwich cut in half showing melting cheesy

Grilled Cheese Sandwich (Step-by-step photo instructions)

For Making Grilled Cheese Sandwich

  1. Place 2 bread slices on a cutting board and spread 1 tablespoon of mayonnaise on one side of each slice of bread. Applying mayonnaise gives this grilled cheese sandwich a perfectly crisp golden crunch.
  2. Image of the recipe cooking step-1-1 for Grilled Cheese Sandwich
  3. In a skillet/pan over medium-low heat, melt 1 tablespoon butter. When the butter melts, place 2 slices of bread in the skillet with the mayonnaise side down.
  4. Image of the recipe cooking step-1-2 for Grilled Cheese Sandwich
  5. Top one piece of toast with cheese; cheddar, gouda, then cheddar. You can also season with freshly crushed black pepper or chili flakes. Cover the pan with the lid and toast until the cheese starts to melt and the bread slices are slightly golden brown.
  6. Image of the recipe cooking step-1-3 for Grilled Cheese Sandwich
  7. Uncover the pan, and close the sandwich with the crisp sides on the outside. Now, press down lightly with a spatula to help the bread slices adhere to the cheese. Cover the pan again with a lid, and roast until bread is golden. Keep the heat on medium-low for the bread to toast slowly, giving your cheese a chance to melt completely, and cling to the bread slices.
  8. Image of the recipe cooking step-1-4 for Grilled Cheese Sandwich
  9. Once the underside is golden, flip the sandwich with the help of a spatula and continue cooking until bread is golden from all the sides.
  10. Image of the recipe cooking step-1-5 for Grilled Cheese Sandwich
  11. Once the cheese has melted, and the sandwich is browned from both sides, remove it to a cutting board and cut in half diagonally to serve. Wiping the skillet clean, and repeat all the steps to make 3 more sandwiches. Eat immediately, preferably with soup.
  12. Image of the recipe cooking step-1-6 for Grilled Cheese Sandwich

Recipe Card


Grilled Cheese Sandwich [Recipe]

Recipe Image
Bread, butter, mayonnaise, cheddar, and gouda cheese are all you need to make this classic, perfectly melted, toasty grilled cheese sandwich.
★★★★★
(Rating: 5 from 4 reviews)

Prep time 🕐 Cook time 🕐 Total time 🕐
40 mins
Category ☶ Cuisine ♨ Serves ☺
Lunch American 4 sandwiches
Nutrition Info ⊛ Serving size ⊚
528 calories 1

INGREDIENTS

For Grilled Cheese Sandwich
  • 8 slices thick-sliced sandwich bread or sourdough bread
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • 8 tablespoons mayonnaise
  • 8 slices medium cheddar cheese
  • 4 slices Gouda cheese

INSTRUCTIONS:

For Making Grilled Cheese Sandwich
  1. Place 2 bread slices on a cutting board and spread 1 tablespoon of mayonnaise on one side of each slice of bread. Applying mayonnaise gives this grilled cheese sandwich a perfectly crisp golden crunch.
  2. In a skillet/pan over medium-low heat, melt 1 tablespoon butter. When the butter melts, place 2 slices of bread in the skillet with the mayonnaise side down.
  3. Top one piece of toast with cheese; cheddar, gouda, then cheddar. You can also season with freshly crushed black pepper or chili flakes. Cover the pan with the lid and toast until the cheese starts to melt and the bread slices are slightly golden brown.
  4. Uncover the pan, and close the sandwich with the crisp sides on the outside. Now, press down lightly with a spatula to help the bread slices adhere to the cheese. Cover the pan again with a lid, and roast until bread is golden. Keep the heat on medium-low for the bread to toast slowly, giving your cheese a chance to melt completely, and cling to the bread slices.
  5. Once the underside is golden, flip the sandwich with the help of a spatula and continue cooking until bread is golden from all the sides.
  6. Once the cheese has melted, and the sandwich is browned from both sides, remove it to a cutting board and cut in half diagonally to serve. Wiping the skillet clean, and repeat all the steps to make 3 more sandwiches. Eat immediately, preferably with soup.

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NOTES:

  1. Heat: Always keep the heat to medium-low if you want to make an ideal grilled cheese sandwich that has a melty cheese and golden crispy crust. Medium-low heat prevents the bread from scorching too fast and helps in melting cheese.
  2. Butter + mayo: Try the combination of butter and mayonnaise if you want that perfectly crispy exterior and buttery brilliance.
  3. No matter which type of bread you are using, make sure to use the thick-sliced bread. Using thick sliced bread stops it from being soggy.
  4. You can always make it with 1 cheese slice, but the more cheese the better. I have used 3 cheese slices, you can use up to 4 cheese slices.


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