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A grilled cheese sandwich might be simple, but when it’s done right, it’s pure comfort food magic. This version is golden and crisp on the outside, perfectly melty in the middle, and easy enough to make anytime the craving hits — whether it’s lunch for the kids or a cozy dinner paired with soup.
Here at All Things Mamma, we love an easy, comforting meal! Try my Homemade Mac and Cheese Recipe and these Ham and Swiss Cheese Sliders.
Why you’ll love this grilled cheese recipe!
Grilled cheese is one of those recipes that feels almost too simple to write down — until you’ve had one that’s burnt on the outside and barely melted inside. Oof.
This is the method I use every single time to get that just-right balance in my grilled cheese sandwich: slow enough to melt the cheese, hot enough to crisp the bread. It’s the comfort food classic you remember loving, made easy and dependable.
- Perfectly crisp and golden. No soggy bread here.
- Melty, gooey center. Just the way grilled cheese should be.
- Simple ingredients. Nothing fancy required.
- Quick and reliable. Ready in minutes.
- A true comfort classic. Loved by kids and adults alike.
Table of Contents
Classic Grilled Cheese Recipe Ingredients
See recipe card below this post for ingredient quantities and full instructions:
- Bread – I recommend using white bread, wheat, or sourdough bread.
- Cheese – Use a variety of flavors for more depth, or choose one favorite.
- Butter – Softened butter will be much easier to spread on the bread.
Variations
- Gourmet Grilled Cheese: Brie + caramelized onions + honey drizzle.
- Spicy Kick: Pepper jack + jalapeños + a little hot honey.
- Garlic Butter Grilled Cheese: Mix a little garlic powder into your butter before spreading.
- Pizza Grilled Cheese: Mozzarella + pepperoni + a side of marinara for dipping.
- Breakfast Grilled Cheese: Add bacon, a fried egg, and a little hot sauce.
How to Make The Perfect Grilled Cheese Sandwich
- Butter the bread: Spread the softened butter evenly on the two slices of bread.
- Add bread to pan: Place the skillet or nonstick pan over medium-low heat and place one slice of bread down on the buttered side.
- Add cheese: Evenly distribute the cheese on top of the bread.
- Top it: Place the second slice of bread on top of the cheese, butter side up.
- Toast it: Cook the sandwich on medium heat for 2-3 minutes, until the bottom slice of bread is crispy and golden brown. Use a spatula to flip the sandwich and continue to cook for another 2-3 minutes until the cheese has fully melted.
- Slice and serve: Remove the grilled cheese from the skillet or nonstick pan and let it rest for 1 minute. Then, slice the sandwich in half and enjoy while hot.
The Best Cheese for Grilled Cheese
Let’s be honest, cheese is the star of the show here, so choosing the right one makes all the difference.
- American Cheese – Classic choice for the creamiest, meltiest sandwich. (Processed, but undeniably good in a grilled cheese recipe!)
- Cheddar – Sharp, medium, or mild cheddar adds a rich flavor. Sharp cheddar is tangy, while mild is creamier.
- Gruyère – A Swiss cheese with a nutty, slightly sweet taste.
- Havarti – Buttery, slightly tangy, and super smooth when melted.
- Monterey Jack – Mild and creamy with a great melt. Pepper Jack is great for a spicy kick!
- Mozzarella – Super stringy and mild, pairs well with stronger cheeses.
Serving Suggestions
While a grilled cheese is a tasty option, it isn’t always the most filling. To make a meal out of the sandwich, I like to pair it with soups, salads, or a side of fries. Here are some of my favorite pairing options.
Storage + Reheating
- To Store: It is best to eat a grilled cheese right off the stove, but you can always keep extras in an airtight container for 1-2 days. If packing a grilled cheese for lunch, store it in a thermos to keep the sandwich warm.
- To Reheat: Leftover grilled cheese is best heated in the skillet to bring the crispy bread back to life. The oven is also a great option to reheat the sandwich so it stays gooey on the inside and crisp on the outside.
Frequently Asked Questions
Use butter, medium or medium-low heat, and let it cook until fully golden before flipping.
American and cheddar are classics, but blends melt beautifully too.
Yes! Mayo spreads easily and gives great browning, though butter adds more flavor.
Your heat may be too high. Lower it and cook a bit longer.
More Cheesy Recipes
Side Dishes
Cracker Barrel Mac and Cheese
Side Dishes
Easy Cheesy Potatoes
All Recipes
Ham and Swiss Cheese Sliders
Appetizers & Snacks
Buffalo Chicken Dip
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Grilled Cheese Sandwich Recipe
Equipment
- skillet or nonstick pan
- spatula
Ingredients
- 2 slices bread (white, whole wheat, or sourdough)
- 2-3 slices cheese (cheddar, American, or your favorite melting cheese)
- 1-2 tablespoons butter, softened
Instructions
- Spread softened butter evenly on one side of each bread slice.
- Place one slice of bread, buttered side down, in a skillet or non-stick pan over medium heat.
- Add the cheese slices on top of the bread, ensuring they are evenly distributed.
- Place the second slice of bread on top of the cheese, buttered side up.
- Cook for 2-3 minutes, until the bottom slice is golden brown and crispy. Flip the sandwich carefully and cook for another 2-3 minutes.
- Once both sides are golden brown and the cheese is fully melted, remove the sandwich from the skillet and let it rest for 1 minute before slicing.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Video
Notes
- Use medium or medium-low heat. Too hot burns the bread before the cheese melts.
- Cover the pan briefly. Traps heat and helps melt the cheese.
- Grate thick cheeses. They melt faster and more evenly.
- Let it rest for a minute. The cheese sets slightly and stays gooey.
- Don’t rush it. Grilled cheese rewards patience.
This is my GO-TO way of making grilled cheese sandwiches! You can’t lose!
Simple and delicious everytime! This recipe taught my daughter how to make her own grilled cheese (with supervision of course!) love it!