Best Grilled Cheese Sandwich Recipe

Okay, guys, are you ready to experience the best grilled cheese sandwich recipe you’ll ever try? I hope so because that’s what’s about to happen.

This grilled cheese sandwich is the ultimate heartwarming comfort food. Pair it with a bowl of creamy tomato soup, and you’ve got a classic combo that’s sure to satisfy.

The recipe itself is simple and quick. And it truly does yield the ultimate and best grilled cheese sandwich.

Nothing can transport you back to your childhood quite like an ooey-gooey grilled cheese sandwich.

So, keep scrolling to learn how to make them just the way your momma used to.

Grilled Cheese Ingredients

The thing about old-school grilled cheese sandwiches is that they’re simple. When something tastes this good, it doesn’t need a lot of bells and whistles.

So, all you’ll need to make the most incredible grilled cheese sandwich is:

• Bread. Now, you can make a grilled cheese sandwich on any bread. But to make the nostalgia-inducing grilled cheese your mom used to make, it has to be white bread. Plain old white sandwich bread, such as Wonder Bread or Sunbeam.

• Cheese. Again, you can use a lot of different cheeses on a grilled cheese sandwich. But for the best grilled cheese sandwich, it has to be Cheddar.

• Butter. Use salted butter. The salt in it will enhance the overall cheesiness of the sandwich.

How to Make the Best Grilled Cheese

Follow these steps to make the best grilled cheese sandwich:

1. Preheat. Preheat a skillet over medium heat.

2. Start the sandwich. Generously slather one side of a single slice of bread with butter. Place the bread butter side down in the skillet, and top it with a slice of Cheddar.

3. Finish the sandwich. Butter one side of another slice of bread. Place this one butter side up on top of the cheese on the sandwich.

Grill the sandwich until it’s lightly brown on the bottom. Then, flip it over and grill until the other side is lightly browned.

The sandwich is ready when both sides are brown and the cheese has melted.

3. Slice and serve. Remove the sandwich from the skillet and slice it in half. Serve, and enjoy!

Note: If making more than one sandwich, you’ll want to repeat steps 1 and 2 as often as necessary before serving the sandwiches.

Tips for Making Grilled Cheese 

There are some tips and tricks that are necessary for the best grilled cheese sandwich. Here are the most important ones:

• Keep the heat low. The recipe recommends cooking the sandwiches over medium heat. However, if you’re prone to over-browning, keep the heat on low instead. Doing so will ensure you don’t burn your sandwich.

• Go heavy on the cheese. I like to cover the entire surface of the bread with cheese so every bite is perfection. If you go this route, cover your skillet with a lid. Doing so traps the heat and helps melt the cheese. You can do this before putting on the second slice of bread or with both on. And don’t worry, it won’t make your sandwich soggy.

• Use grated cheese instead of slices. Grated cheese makes it easy to pile on cheese and get it into every bite. P.S. Don’t use pre-grated cheese. Pre-shredded cheese is usually coated in starches that make it harder to melt and stick together. If you use grated cheese, freshly grate it yourself.

• Working with cold butter? If you don’t keep butter out on the counter or in the pantry, it can be hard to spread it on your bread. So, don’t try! Instead, melt cold butter in the pan, and place your bread into the butter.

• Give your sandwich a cheesy outer crust. Sprinkle some of the cheese in the butter in your skillet and flip the sandwich on top of it. Wait for the cheese to stop sizzling and then flip your sandwich again. This works best in a non-stick pan or a well-seasoned cast-iron. 

• Using frozen bread? Toast it first. If you store your bread in the freezer, toast it until it’s golden BEFORE heating it in the skillet. This makes it extra crispy and amazing.

Variations & Add-Ins 

Here are some of my favorite variations or add-ins to take your classic grilled cheese to a whole new level.

• Use mayo instead of butter. This creates a perfectly golden crust and makes your sandwich a little less greasy. You can also use mayo on the inside of your sandwich for some moisture and flavor, and still use butter on the outside. Why not be extra indulgent!

• Give it a tangy kick. Spread some Dijon mustard onto one side of bread. This doesn’t give it too much flavor, it just gives your sammy a subtle, tasty depth. 

• Add onions. Add some chopped green onion (just the green parts) to your sandwich. This infuses your grilled cheese with some major flavor, but not too many add-ons that it’s not still a grilled cheese. 

• Green goddess grilled cheese. Add spinach, avocado, and sprouts. You could also add in a nice herby spread.

• Completely transform the sandwich. Go with Gruyere and add in some Black Forest ham, sweet peas, and mint for a super fresh, spring-inspired sandwich.

• Add some heat. Use creamy cheeses and add in some jalapeno jelly. Sweet and spicy goodness!

• Experiment with other add-ins. Want to add some fun to your grilled cheese? Try adding caramelized onions, sliced apples or pears, bacon, crunchy peanut butter, dill pickles, or fresh basil and tomato!

What is the Best Bread for Grilled Cheese

White sandwich bread is my immediate go-to for late-night grilled cheese cravings. It grills nicely and has a neutral taste, ensuring the cheese is the star of the show. 

However, you could also use wheat bread, sourdough, or something else. You just have to make sure that your bread is thick and sturdy enough to hold the cheese and butter.

Nice, crusty artisan breads are also ideal for a grilled cheese. Make sure they aren’t too lacy and open, or too dense and thick.

Challah or Brioche are also yummy! Just make sure the slices aren’t too thick so the cheese can still melt.

If you’re getting a little more gourmet, rye and pumpernickel go great with some lighter cheeses such as Havarti or gouda.

Sometimes I like to make grilled cheese with a sunflower seed or whole wheat to make my sandwich feel a bit healthier.

But generally, the ideal bread for grilled cheese is plain old white sandwich bread. Of course, in the end, it comes down to what you like best!

What is the Best Cheese for Grilled Cheese

When it comes to the cheese, you can beat Cheddar. You can easily upgrade to sharp cheddar for a little bump in flavor.

Typically, if they don’t use Cheddar, people make grilled cheeses with American cheese. However, as with the bread, it’s really an anything goes situation.

A nice slice of provolone, leftover brie, or even a spicy pepper jack are all great options. You can even try combining different cheeses for a super grilled cheese. 

One fun combination is a regular, melty cheese like cheddar or Jack, but with a splash of blue cheese or tangy chevre in the mix. 

Monterey Jack is often used on quesadillas because it melts so well. So if you want an extra gooey grilled cheese, this is the one for you. 

For a gourmet touch, try Gruyere. It’s nutty and rich and just salty enough.

How to Make A Classic Grilled Cheese Sandwich

And now for the recipe. This is the most iconic grilled cheese; a sandwich no one can turn down. Here’s how to make it: