Grilled Cheese Sandwich: While it seems easy to make with just bread and cheese, there’s actually a lot of debate about how to make the perfect grilled cheese sandwich.
Is it better to use hearty whole-wheat bread or square Pullman bread from a high-end bakery or reliable, inexpensive slices of white sandwich bread from the grocery store? Does butter achieve the best golden, toasty look, or are you someone who swears by mayonnaise for something special?? And most importantly, which cheese produces the meltiest perfection and the most spectacular “cheese pull”?
While there are seemingly endless ways to enjoy an easy and comforting grilled cheese sandwich, it’s important to master the classic sandwich. Our efficient recipe uses a few simple tips to achieve the perfect combination of creamy and melty on the inside, deeply toasted and buttery, and crunchy on the outside.
grilled cheese recipe ingredients
You only need three ingredients to make the best grilled cheese sandwich. So, if you have them in your fridge or pantry, you’re always just one step away from the perfect meal.
- bread: We choose classic sandwich bread here, but you can also use other types. See below for more details.
- butter: You need to get a crispy, golden-brown dough, and butter is preferred for that. Some people like to put mayonnaise on their grilled cheese, and I can’t argue with that.
- cheese: In fact, this really counts as two ingredients. Because he uses two types of cheese: cheddar cheese (the choice of spiciness is up to you) and American cheese. Because nothing beats that oozing texture. (This is explained in more detail below.)
Caitlin Bensel.Food stylist: Tori Cox
What cheese is best for grilled cheese?
The most important trick for grilled cheese pros is to use two types of cheese. Sure, you can also use cheddar for that unique and pleasantly sharp real cheese flavor. Or you can choose American, which adds that creamy, melty, gooey texture that everyone craves. But by melting a slice of cheese between two slices of cheddar cheese, the American classic hits all the high notes: tangy cheddar flavor, creamy texture, and most importantly, delicious, melty cheese stretch. You can make delicious grilled cheese.
What kind of bread goes best with grilled cheese?
This recipe uses sandwich bread. Because it’s often bread that is always on hand. But if you want to splurge a bit (perhaps for company), opt for sourdough bread. The slightly tangy flavor of sourdough pairs perfectly with the richness of cheese and butter. What you don’t want is a very plain bread with lots of holes. You won’t get a good crust, and in the worst case scenario, the cheese may melt through the holes and burn.
How to make a grilled cheese sandwich
You might think making a grilled cheese sandwich is easy, and it is. But a few steps at the right time can make your sandwich even tastier. Here’s a quick overview of the process. The complete recipe can be found below.
- Step 1. Prepare the bread. While the nonstick skillet is heating up and the butter is starting to melt, spread some more butter on one side of the two slices of bread.
- Step 2. Cook the sandwich. Place one piece of breadcrumb, butter side down, into the melted butter in a frying pan. Add a slice of cheddar cheese, then the American cheese, and finally add another slice of cheddar cheese. Add the second slice of bread on top, butter side out. Cook the sandwiches over medium-low heat until the crust is golden brown and toasted.
- Step 3. Flip the sandwich. Once the sandwich is golden brown to your liking, flip the uncooked side and continue cooking until the other side is browned and toasted. Make sure the cheese is completely melted.
- Step 4. Let the sandwich rest: The cheese will melt and melt as soon as you take it off the stove, so wait a minute or so for the sandwich to cool slightly before slicing or biting into it. But enjoy that gorgeous melty cheese before it cools down.
Tips for making the best grilled cheese
Now that you know how to make a delicious grilled cheese sandwich, here are some tips and tricks to make your sandwich even better every time you make it.
- be patient: It is important to have a little patience with the stove on low heat. Cooks hotter and faster. But if you cook the buttered bread slowly over medium-low heat, you’ll end up with a super-crunchy, golden-brown crust that’s the perfect texture contrast to the creamy filling.
- Use a suitable frying pan. If you are using a nonstick frying pan, be sure to add oil or butter before heating. Do not heat dry nonstick frying pans. If you have a cast iron skillet, you can add the buttered bread directly to the hot skillet.
- Save the panini press. Make real paninis using a panini press. A hot skillet does all the magic for this sandwich. You’ll also get more of a crispy, golden crust because the whole slice will be in contact with the hot skillet.
Caitlin Bensel
variation
A classic grilled cheese requires little more than cheese, but once you learn good technique, you can modify your sandwich to have a little more fun. Consider these fun add-ons:
- vegetables: Tomato slices, especially sweet and sour summer tomatoes, are perfect for this sandwich. Caramelized onions also pair perfectly with grilled cheese sandwiches. Similarly, sautéed mushrooms and peppers add flavor to grilled cheese.
- meat: I will never stop putting bacon on my grilled cheese. Or turn to your charcuterie board and add salami, ham, prosciutto, or soppressata.
- Pickles and fermented foods: Add kimchi, pickles, and pickled jalapeño slices for a tangy flavor.
- sauce: Adding pesto to the outside or inside of your sandwich is a great upgrade.
- fruits: Grilled cheese made with apple slices and gouda and brie cheese? I really can’t lose.
- cheese: You can also have some fun by changing the cheese. Try mozzarella, blue cheese, Gruyère, havarti, pimiento, and more.
what to eat with grilled cheese
Does grilled cheese need a side? Of course, you can also eat the sandwich on its own. But if you want to make this sandwich part of a complete meal, it’s always a good partner with easy tomato soup, tortilla soup, or creamy root vegetable soup. Or crunchy vegetable sides like baked zucchini fries or air fryer sweet potato fries are great.
Other classic sandwiches
If you have bread and want a creative sandwich recipe, try one of these: