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Meet my latest obsession – the grilled cheese sandwich! With a crispy, buttery outside and a gooey, melty center, it’s perfect to pair with a bowl of tomato soup!
Who doesn’t love a perfect grilled cheese with its crispy, crusty, buttery bread and ooey-gooey cheese filling? It’s a classic for a reason! I’m sure we all enjoyed delicious grilled cheese in our childhoods (and student years!).
Whenever I want some comfort food, I turn to either this hot sandwich, my favorite fried chicken sandwich, or a Philly cheesesteak. Even when I made homemade mozzarella cheese, the first thing I tried it on was this recipe—I had to make sure it would melt the way I liked it.
My grilled cheese sandwich recipe requires just three base ingredients and takes under 10 minutes to make. Keep reading to see all my top tips and suggestions for the best cheese to take your cheese pull to the next level.
This toastie is the perfect snack or side. Pair it with creamy tomato soup or roasted tomato soup—it’s a match made in heaven! Your family and friends will ask you to make it over and over again.
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Watch how to make it
Ingredients
- Bread: Thickly sliced bread is great; 3/4 to 1-inch thick slices are great. You can use sandwich bread, brioche, rye bread, Texas toast, or even sourdough.
- Cheese: Ditch the individually-packed American cheese and try this recipe with some real cheese! I love to combine Cheddar (choose from mild, medium, or mature), Gouda, and Swiss cheese. Ideally, you want one cheese for stretch and one for favor. You can also use Mozzarella (it’s super melty), Manchego, Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, Colby, Gruyere, Havarti, Provolone, etc.
If needed, you can also make this sandwich with vegan mozzarella cheese or vegan cheddar cheese. - Butter: I mostly use unsalted butter, but any will work.
See the printable recipe card below for full information on ingredients and quantities.
How to make a grilled cheese sandwich
It’s best to use room-temperature butter so it’s easier to spread. If you can’t wait 20-30 minutes after taking the butter out of the fridge, check the best way to soften butter quickly (in just 5 minutes). If needed, slice the bread and the cheese.
Then, spread the butter on each slice of bread (only on one side). Place a slice of bread on your chopping board or plate, butter side down. Stack 2-3 slices of cheese on it. I like to “sandwich” a more flavorful piece like Cheddar between more melty pieces like gouda, Swiss cheese, or mozzarella.
Close the sandwich with another slice of bread. Make sure the buttered sides are on the outside. Repeat for all the sandwiches you want to make.
Depending on the size of your pan, place 1 or 2 sandwiches on it. Turn the heat to low and cover the lid. Cook the grilled cheese sandwich for 6 minutes, flipping it halfway. The bread should become crisp and golden, and the cheese should be thoroughly melted.
Keep the heat low so the cheese can melt without burning the bread. Keeping the lid on will also help the cheese melt faster.
Once ready, enjoy it immediately for the best flavor, crusty bread, and melty cheese.
Tips for the best grilled cheese
- Bread thickness: Don’t use slices that are too thick (the cheese won’t melt), too thin (the sandwich can get soggy), or too holey (the cheese will melt through and burn).
- Cheese selection: Choose 2-3 types of cheese: one that melts well and one that has a flavor you like for the perfect combination.
- Cook low and slow: Keep the heat on low and sauté slowly to give the cheese time to melt fully while the bread gets golden and crisp.
- Put the lid on: This helps melt the cheese better.
Serving suggestions
Sometimes, I love to enjoy a grilled cheese on its own as a comforting snack. Other times, I serve it alongside other dishes. Here are my favorites:
- It’s perfect for dipping: Enjoy it with a creamy tomato soup or homemade marinara sauce.
- Pair with a salad: The hot sandwich is great with a fresh green salad or crunchy homemade coleslaw.
- Pair with pickles: For an appetizing contrast in texture and flavor, I love to serve it along with some easy pickled cucumbers or other pickled veggies.
More popular sandwich recipes
If you try this grilled cheese sandwich recipe, let me know how it goes in the comments below. I’d appreciate a recipe card rating and would love to see your recipe recreations – tag me on Instagram @Alphafoodie!
Grilled Cheese Sandwich
Ingredients
- 4 slices bread sandwich bread, sourdough, etc.
- 2 Tbsp butter
- 6 slices cheese 2 x Cheddar, 2 x Gouda, 2 x Swiss, or your favorite
Instructions
- Use room-temperature butter or soften butter quickly in just 5 minutes. If needed, slice the bread and the cheese.
- Spread butter on one side of each bread slice. Place a slice butter-side down on a chopping board or plate, and layer it with 2-3 slices of cheese. For flavor, place a slice of Cheddar between 2 more melty cheeses such as Gouda, Swiss, or Mozzarella.
- Close the sandwich with another slice of bread. Make sure the buttered sides are on the outside.
- Place 1 or 2 sandwiches on your pan (depending on its size). Cover with a lid and turn the heat to low.
- Cook the grilled cheese sandwich for 6 minutes, flipping it halfway, until the bread becomes crisp and golden and the cheese is fully melted.Enjoy immediately for the best flavor!
Video
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Simple and delicious!! Your recipes NEVER fail! Thank you!
Hey Teleia! Thanks for the awesome feedback! I’m glad you loved the smashed potatoes. Adding rosemary sounds delicious! Enjoy making them again!
Yummy yummy. It looks delicious
I hope you give it a try, Hannah!
Love this this is simple and easy for everyone to do.
Thank you so much for your comment!