• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
Spoon Fork BaconSpoon Fork Bacon
  • Navigation Menu: Social Icons

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
    • Twitter
    • TikTok
  • What’s for Dinner?
  • Recipes By Category
  • Most Recent
  • Contact
  • Shop
menu icon
go to homepage
subscribe
search icon
Homepage link
  • Recipes By Category
  • Most Recent
  • What’s for Dinner?
  • Shop
  • Contact
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
    • Twitter
    • TikTok
  • ×
    Home > Blog > Burgers & Sandwiches > The BEST Grilled Cheese Recipe

    The BEST Grilled Cheese Recipe

    by Jenny Park · Published: Apr 30, 2023 · Modified: May 7, 2023

    Jump to Recipe
    Make the BEST Grilled Cheese sandwich with this fool proof recipe. Perfectly melty cheese and buttery crunchy bread every time, no matter how you customize it!
    Perfect grilled cheese recipe cut in half.

    We’re so excited about our Grilled Cheese Recipe we have for you all today! Nothing says easy comfort food like a grilled cheese sandwich. The ooey gooey cheese, buttery bread, and delicate crunch as you take each delicious bite make it easy to love this classic sandwich. Just thinking of it dunked into a bowl of steaming tomato soup has me dreaming of colder weather.

    If making grilled cheese at home consists of slapping butter on any ol’ bread and shoving a slice of cheese in between, and you’re wondering what’s so special about this ordinary sandwich, you’re in the right place.

    We have the BEST grilled cheese recipe, with tips and tricks to take this classic simple comfort food from so-so to absolutely mouth-watering. Once you get the basics, you can easily customize it exactly to your liking!

    How to Make the BEST Grilled Cheese Recipe

    You only need three ingredients for this classic grilled cheese recipe, so the quality of the ingredients matter. While it will taste good with white bread and American cheese, you deserve to let this grilled sandwich shine by following our easy tutorial.

    Ingredients

    Perfect grilled cheese recipe ingredients on a kitchen counter.

    Process

    1. Spread 1 tablespoon of butter evenly over each slice of bread.
    2. Turn one of the slices over and top with shredded cheese.
    Sourdough bread but butter spread on the slices.
    Buttered sourdough bread with cheese on one side.
    1. Gently press the other slice of bread (butter out) over the shredded cheese.
    2. Place a pan over medium heat. Once hot, add grilled cheese. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes or until toasted on the bottom and the cheese begins to melt. Flip the grilled cheese, cover it with a lid, and continue to cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes or until the cheese has melted and the bottom is toasted.
    Grilled cheese on a baking sheet before it's cooked.
    Grilled cheese in a pan with a top on to melt the cheese.
    1. Remove from heat, slice, and serve.
    Grilled cheese cut in half.

    Why We Prefer Butter vs Oil or Mayonnaise

    While you could use mayonnaise or oil to keep your grilled cheese from sticking, we prefer butter. These other options keep your bread from burning to the pan but don’t have the nostalgic, buttery, slightly salty flavor we’re going for.

    Some people may argue that mayo and some oils have a higher smoke point than butter, but as long as you cook your grilled cheese over medium to medium-low heat and check it after 3-4 minutes, you don’t have to worry about the butter burning on your bread.

    The Best Cheese For Grilled Cheese

    We like a mix of mozzarella and cheddar cheese, but you can use any type or combination of the ones below (they’re all great melting cheeses)!

    • Sharp cheddar
    • American
    • Monterrey Jack
    • Pepper Jack
    • Gruyère
    • Muenster
    • Provolone
    • Swiss
    • Havarti
    • Fontina

    The Best Bread For Grilled Cheese

    If you have access to a loaf of fresh sourdough bread, you can’t beat its texture and flavor for your grilled cheese. Here are some other great substitutes, depending on your preference and what you have on hand. Just make sure it’s thick and relatively sturdy so it doesn’t fall apart while cooking.

    • Texas
    • White
    • 100% whole wheat
    • Multigrain
    • Sunflower
    • Brioche
    • Any “artisan-style” bread

    Grilled Cheese Variations

    While this recipe is as simple as three ingredients, you can always follow the same technique with these variations for a new spin.

    Add a protein. Along with the cheese, add a slice or two of deli meat, roasted chicken, or roast beef.

    Spread on the sauce. Add a smear of pesto, Chick-fil-A sauce, BBQ, buffalo sauce, mayonnaise, ranch, or marinara to your grilled cheese.

    Other toppings. Add thinly sliced red onions, arugula, pickles, tomatoes, pickled onions, apple slices, or sauteed mushrooms to the sandwich before or after grilling.

    How to Make Our Cheesy Garlic Bread Grilled Cheese (as seen on IG)

    We created a cheesy garlic bread version of our grilled cheese and people seemed to really enjoy it, so we’ve provided amounts and instructions below! You basically get our classic grilled cheese recipe, but with a crisp, cheesy, garlic bread exterior that takes this grilled cheese recipe over the top in a very good way!

    1. Combine 3 tablespoons softened, unsalted butter, 2 teaspoons thinly sliced chives, 1 1/2 teaspoons garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon onion powder, and 1/4 teaspoon salt in a small mixing bowl and whisk together.
    2. Spread 1 1/2 tablespoons butter evenly over each slice of bread.
    3. Spread Parmesan onto a plate in an even layer and press one of the butter smeared bread slices (butter side down) into the parmesan. Gently shake to remove excess parm. Repeat with remaining bread slice.
    4. Place a pan over medium-low heat. Once hot add one slice of bread (parm side down).
    5. Top with shredded cheese and gently press the other slice of bread (butter/parm out) over the shredded cheese
    6. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes or until toasted on the bottom and the cheese begins to melt.
    7. Flip the grilled cheese, cover with a lid and continue to cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes or until cheese has melted and bottom is toasted.
    8. Remove from heat, slice and serve.

    Tips and Tricks for Success

    Here are a few pointers for the perfect grilled sandwich every single time.

    Keep the heat low. Err on the side of caution and keep the heat medium to medium-low. Getting the pan too hot risks burning the outside of the sandwich before the cheese melts or before you realize it’s time to flip it over!

    Use a heavy-bottomed pan. To avoid uneven cooking, especially if you’re making more than one grilled cheese at a time, use a pan that has good conduction for even heating, like cast iron or non-stick aluminum.

    Cover the pan. Not all recipes tell you to cover the pan, but we find that this extra step helps the cheese melt and the bread stay chewy on the inside while the outside is perfectly toasted.

    Don’t skimp on the butter. This ingredient does two things in this recipe, it adds amazing flavor and keeps the bread from sticking and burning. Don’t be afraid to spread it on thick!

    Perfect grilled cheese recipe close up on cheese pulls.

    What to Pair with Our Grilled Cheese Recipe

    While chips and a pickle spear are enough to make this a nostalgic meal from your childhood, amplify your mealtime by serving it with one of these delicious sides!

    • Tomato Basil Soup
    • Animal-Style Fries
    • Loaded Baked Potato Soup
    • Wedge Salad with Everything Bagel Seasoning
    • Shaved Brussels Sprout Salad
    • Fried Pickle Chips
    • Creamy Chicken and Farro Soup

    Storing and Reheating Your Grilled Cheese

    We recommend only making what you can eat at once, but if you are making them for a crowd and have a few extra, here’s the best way to store it.

    1. Let the grilled cheese cool and wrap tightly in saran wrap.
    2. Refrigerate for 1-2 days.
    3. Add your grilled cheese to a pan and cover to warm back up. Heat the grilled cheese over low to medium-low heat on the stove for 1-2 minutes, then flip, cooking until the sandwich is warmed through and the cheese is melted again.

    More Delicious Sandwich Recipes You Will Love

    • Grilled open face sandwich with tri-tip, cheese and onion.
      Grilled Tri Tip Sandwich
    • Baked hot honey chicken sandwiches on a cutting board.
      Baked Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwich with Honey
    • A leftover Thanksgiving sandwich with a moist maker.
      Thanksgiving Sandwich
    • Roast beef sandwich with curly fries on the side.
      Roast Beef Sandwich
    Perfect grilled cheese ripped into pieces.

    Hungry for more?

    Subscribe to never miss a recipe.

    EmailPinTweetShareYummly
    Grilled cheese cut in half.

    The BEST Grilled Cheese Recipe

    5 from 1 vote
    PRINT RECIPE Pin Recipe
    Make the BEST Grilled Cheese sandwich with this fool proof recipe. Perfectly melty cheese and buttery crunchy bread every time, no matter how you customize it!
    RECIPE BY Teri & Jenny
    Prep Time: 5 minutes mins
    Cook Time: 7 minutes mins
    Total Time: 12 minutes mins

      INGREDIENTS  

    • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter softened
    • 2 slices sourdough bread (or bread of choice)
    • 1 ounce shredded part skim mozzarella
    • 1 ounce shredded cheddar

      INSTRUCTIONS  

    • Spread 1 tablespoon butter evenly over each slice of bread.
    • Turn one of the slices over and top with shredded cheese.
    • Gently press the other slice of bread (butter out) over the shredded cheese.
    • Place a pan over medium heat. Once hot add grilled cheese. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes or until toasted on the bottom and the cheese begins to melt.
    • Flip the grilled cheese, cover with lid and continue to cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes or until cheese has melted and bottom is toasted.
    • Remove from heat, slice and serve.

      NOTES  

    Tips and Tricks for Success:
    Here are a few pointers for the perfect grilled sandwich every single time.
    Keep the heat low. Err on the side of caution and keep the heat medium to medium-low. Getting the pan too hot risks burning the outside of the sandwich before the cheese melts or before you realize it’s time to flip it over!
    Use a heavy-bottomed pan. To avoid uneven cooking, especially if you’re making more than one grilled cheese at a time, use a pan that has good conduction for even heating, like cast iron or non-stick aluminum.
    Cover the pan. Not all recipes tell you to cover the pan, but we find that this extra step helps the cheese melt and the bread stay chewy on the inside while the outside is perfectly toasted.
    Don’t skimp on the butter. This ingredient does two things in this recipe, it adds amazing flavor and keeps the bread from sticking and burning. Don’t be afraid to spread it on thick!
    Storing and Reheating Your Grilled Cheese:
    We recommend only making what you can eat at once, but if you are making them for a crowd and have a few extra, here’s the best way to store it.
    1. Let the grilled cheese cool and wrap tightly in saran wrap.
    2. Refrigerate for 1-2 days.
    3. Add your grilled cheese to a pan and cover to warm back up. Heat the grilled cheese over low to medium-low heat on the stove for 1-2 minutes, then flip, cooking until the sandwich is warmed through and the cheese is melted again.
    Calories: 737kcal Carbohydrates: 68g Protein: 28g Fat: 40g Saturated Fat: 23g Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g Monounsaturated Fat: 10g Trans Fat: 1g Cholesterol: 107mg Sodium: 1135mg Potassium: 202mg Fiber: 3g Sugar: 6g Vitamin A: 1120IU Calcium: 495mg Iron: 5mg
    CUISINE: American
    KEYWORD: how to make grilled cheese, step by step
    COURSE: dinner, lunch, Main Course

    You Might Also Love...

    • Herb and cheese dutch baby in a skillet with a towel around the handle.Herb and Cheese Dutch Baby
    • Stovetop mac and cheese in a pot with a wooden spoon in it.Stovetop Mac and Cheese
    • Tomato soup recipe in two bowls with garlic bread on the side.Tomato Soup Recipe

    April 30, 2023 / Leave a Comment

    About Jenny Park

    Jenny Park is half of Spoon Fork Bacon. She is also a food stylist and recipe developer. One of her favorite foods is donuts. #sfbJENNY

    Previous Post: < Previous Post How to Make Tartar Sauce
    Next Post: Homemade Lemonade Recipe Next Post >

    Reader Interactions

    April 30, 2023 / Leave a Comment

    5 from 1 vote (1 rating without comment)

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    HI! WE ARE GLAD YOU'RE HERE!

    Teri and Jenny of Spoon Fork Bacon

    We hope you find something you love in
    our little corner of the internet.
    XOXOXO, Teri + Jenny

    ABOUT US

    As Featured On

    A complication of logos showcasing where Spoon Fork Bacon has been featured. Including delish, today show, cosmopolitan, good morning america, domino, good housekeeping, william sonoma, and country living.

    Asian Inspired

    BBQ

    PORK

    DESSERT

    For Dinner Tonight

    • Char siu pork on a cutting board. Easy Char Siu (Chinese BBQ Pork)
    • Garlic noodles garnished with cheese on a blue plate with a fork. Garlic Noodles
    • Chili Cornbread Casserole in a skillet with a scoop taken out. Chili Cornbread Casserole
    • A platter of Philly Cheesesteak sandwiches with fries next to it. Philly Cheesesteak
    • Fried rice in a bowl. The BEST Fried Rice Recipe
    • Chicken milanese recipe on two plate with forks and knives. Chicken Milanese

    Popular Now

    • Baked egg boats with a knife. Baked Egg Boats
    • A sliced bacon, cheddar, and chive quiche with hash brown crust. Hash Brown Crust Bacon and Cheddar Quiche
    • Mongolian Beef recipe in a platter ready to be served. Mongolian Beef Recipe
    • Tomato soup recipe in two bowls with garlic bread on the side. Tomato Soup Recipe
    • Panfried potstickers with ramekin of sauce. Potstickers
    • Baked hot honey chicken sandwiches on a cutting board. Baked Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwich with Honey

    Footer

    As Featured On
    As featured on graphic.

    GET NEW RECIPES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX!

    Thank you!

    You have successfully joined our subscriber list.

    Footer

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • RSS Feed
    • Twitter
    • TikTok

    All content including images © 2011-2022 Teri Lyn Fisher & Jenny Park. Stealing is bad karma.

    Spoon Fork Bacon contains paid advertising banners and occasionally affiliate links, and sponsored posts.
    As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Sponsored posts are indicated at the start of such posts. All of our opinions are always our own.
    Thank you for supporting our sponsors. It helps us pay to run this site and bring you unique and original recipes.

    Privacy Policy | Accessibility Statement

    Perfect grilled cheese recipe cut in half.
    Perfect grilled cheese recipe close up on cheese pulls.
    Perfect grilled cheese recipe cut in half.

    Rate This Recipe

    Your vote:




    A rating is required
    A name is required
    An email is required

    Recipe Ratings without Comment

    Something went wrong. Please try again.