The Grilled Cheese Sandwich is a timeless classic loved by kids and adults alike. With its golden, crispy bread and perfectly melted cheese, it’s the ultimate comfort food that comes together in just minutes. Whether you’re pairing it with tomato soup or enjoying it solo, this sandwich always hits the spot.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Incredibly easy and fast to make
- Uses just a few basic ingredients
- Golden, crispy exterior with gooey, melted cheese inside
- Easy to customize with your favorite cheeses or add-ins
- A nostalgic comfort food that’s always satisfying
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Bread (white, sourdough, whole wheat, or your favorite type)
- Cheese (American, cheddar, mozzarella, or a mix)
- Butter or mayonnaise (for spreading on the outside)
Directions
- Prep your bread: Spread a thin layer of butter or mayonnaise on one side of each slice of bread.
- Assemble: Place one slice of bread, buttered side down, in a skillet. Add cheese slices on top, then place the second slice of bread, buttered side up.
- Cook: Heat the skillet over medium-low heat. Cook the sandwich for 3–4 minutes per side, pressing down slightly, until golden brown and the cheese is melted.
- Serve: Remove from the skillet, slice in half, and enjoy while hot.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 1
- Prep time: 3 minutes
- Cook time: 6–8 minutes
- Total time: 10 minutes
Variations
- Add-ins: Try sliced tomatoes, cooked bacon, or caramelized onions
- Cheese blends: Mix sharp cheddar, mozzarella, Gruyère, or Swiss
- Garlic butter: Mix garlic powder into your butter for extra flavor
- Spicy kick: Add a dash of hot sauce or pepper jack cheese
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 2 days
- Reheating: Best reheated in a skillet over low heat to restore crispness. Avoid the microwave, which can make it soggy.
FAQs
What’s the best cheese for grilled cheese?
American, cheddar, mozzarella, Gruyère, and provolone all melt well and offer great flavor.
Can I use mayonnaise instead of butter?
Yes! Mayo creates a golden, crisp crust and adds a little tang.
How do I prevent the bread from burning?
Cook over medium-low heat and watch closely. Flip when golden brown.
Can I make this in the oven?
Yes. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 10 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Can I add meat to the sandwich?
Absolutely—ham, turkey, or bacon are great additions.
What’s the best bread to use?
Sourdough and white sandwich bread are classic, but any sturdy bread will work.
Can I freeze grilled cheese?
You can freeze it after cooking. Reheat in a toaster oven or skillet for best results.
Should the cheese be shredded or sliced?
Either works! Shredded cheese melts faster and more evenly, but slices are easier to layer.
Can I make grilled cheese without butter or mayo?
Yes. Use oil or skip the fat altogether—though you’ll sacrifice some crispness.
What sides go well with grilled cheese?
Tomato soup is the classic pairing, but it also goes great with chips, salad, or pickles.
Conclusion
The Grilled Cheese Sandwich is a simple, satisfying dish that never fails. Whether you stick to the classic or try one of the many variations, it’s a warm, melty favorite that brings comfort to any meal.
Description
The classic Grilled Cheese Sandwich features golden, buttery toasted bread with gooey, melted cheese inside—simple, satisfying, and perfect for a quick meal or snack.
- Preheat a skillet or griddle over medium heat.
- Butter one side of each slice of bread evenly.
- Place two slices of bread, buttered side down, in the skillet.
- Top each with two slices of cheese, then place the remaining bread on top, buttered side up.
- Cook for 3–4 minutes on each side, or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
- Remove from skillet, let rest for 1 minute, slice in half, and serve hot.
Notes
- Use a mix of cheeses like mozzarella, Swiss, or American for extra flavor.
- For a crispy crust, press the sandwich slightly with a spatula while cooking.
- Add extras like tomatoes, bacon, or caramelized onions for a gourmet twist.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 50mg