Name: Grilled Cheese Sandwich
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: PT-488852H17M35S
Total time: PT-488852H17M35S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 slices bread (white, sourdough, or your choice); 4 slices cheese (American, cheddar, Swiss, mozzarella, or your favorite); 2 tbsp butter or mayonnaise (for spreading)

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Grilled Cheese Sandwich recipe is crisp on the outside, melty in the middle, and full of nostalgic flavor. It’s quick to prepare with just a few ingredients, making it perfect for lunch, dinner, or even a late-night snack. Plus, it’s highly customizable—swap out the cheese or bread to suit your mood or pantry.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Bread slices (white, sourdough, or your choice)
Cheese (American, cheddar, Swiss, mozzarella, or your favorite meltable cheese)
Butter or mayonnaise (for spreading on the outside of the bread)

Directions

Heat a nonstick skillet or griddle over medium heat.
Spread butter (or mayonnaise) on one side of each bread slice.
Place one slice of bread, buttered side down, on the skillet. Top with cheese slices.
Cover with the second slice of bread, buttered side up.
Cook for 2–4 minutes, pressing gently with a spatula, until the bottom is golden brown.
Flip and cook the other side until golden and the cheese is fully melted.
Remove from skillet, slice, and serve hot.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 2 sandwiches.
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 6–8 minutes
Total time: 10–13 minutes

Variations

Three-cheese blend: Mix cheddar, mozzarella, and Gruyère for extra richness.
Spicy version: Add sliced jalapeños, pepper jack cheese, or hot sauce.
Bacon grilled cheese: Add cooked bacon strips between the cheese layers.
Tomato or spinach: Add thinly sliced tomato or a few fresh spinach leaves before grilling.
Sweet and savory: Try fig jam with brie for a gourmet twist.

Storage/Reheating

Grilled cheese is best enjoyed fresh, but you can store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

To reheat, warm in a skillet over medium heat to restore crispiness, or use a toaster oven. Avoid microwaving, as it makes the bread soggy.

Freezing is not recommended due to the texture change in the bread and cheese.

FAQs

What’s the best cheese for a grilled cheese sandwich?

American cheese melts the easiest, but cheddar, mozzarella, provolone, and Swiss are also excellent choices.

Can I use mayonnaise instead of butter?

Yes, mayonnaise creates a golden, crispy crust and adds a slight tang.

What type of bread works best?

White bread is traditional, but sourdough, whole wheat, and brioche also work beautifully.

How do I keep the cheese from not melting?

Use low heat and cover the skillet lightly to trap heat, ensuring the cheese melts before the bread burns.

Can I add meats or veggies?

Absolutely—try ham, turkey, bacon, or tomatoes for extra flavor and texture.

What goes well with grilled cheese?

Tomato soup, pickles, chips, or a simple salad are classic pairings.

Can I make this in the oven?

Yes, assemble the sandwich and bake at 375°F for about 10 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Can I use shredded cheese?

Yes, just be sure to evenly distribute it so it melts consistently.

How do I make it crispier?

Use a cast iron skillet and spread butter evenly across the bread surface.

Is grilled cheese vegetarian?

Yes, if made with vegetarian cheese and no meat add-ins.

Conclusion

A Grilled Cheese Sandwich is the perfect balance of crispy, golden bread and melted, gooey cheese. It’s timeless, comforting, and endlessly versatile. Whether you keep it classic or dress it up with gourmet ingredients, this sandwich is always a winner. Simple to make and impossible to resist—it’s comfort food done right.