Grilled Cheese Sandwich

Rainy Tuesday afternoons were made for grilled cheese in our house. My grandma had this way of pressing down on the sandwich with her spatula, like she was willing the cheese to melt faster. The whole neighborhood could probably smell when she was making them, that unmistakable buttery toast scent drifting through open windows.

Last winter during a snowstorm, my roommate and I made a batch using some leftover sourdough and aged cheddar wed found at the back of the cheese drawer. We ate them standing up in the kitchen, watching snow pile up outside, and agreed they were better than anything wed ordered from restaurants.

Ingredients

• Bread: Sourdough creates the most incredible crunch, but white bread gives you that nostalgic diner vibe
• Cheddar cheese: Sharp cheddar melts beautifully, though gruyere or American work too
• Unsalted butter: Softened to room temperature so it spreads without tearing the bread

Instructions

Butter your bread:

Spread softened butter generously on one side of each bread slice, covering every corner

Assemble the sandwiches:

Place two slices butter side down, layer cheese on top, then cover with remaining bread, butter side facing out

Get the pan ready:

Heat your skillet over medium heat until a drop of water sizzles and dances across the surface

Grill to perfection:

Cook for 3 to 4 minutes per side, pressing gently with your spatula until golden brown and cheese is completely melted

Serve immediately:

Let them rest for just a minute so the cheese sets slightly, then slice diagonally

Save

My friend Sarah still talks about the grilled cheese I made her after a terrible breakup. She showed up at my door crying, and ten minutes later we were eating sandwiches with tomato soup, and she actually laughed for the first time in days.

The Bread Choice Matters

Through years of experimentation, I have learned that sturdy bread holds up better than soft sandwich slices. Sourdough gives you that perfect chewy crunch, while thick cut white bread delivers pure nostalgia. Just avoid anything too airy or the cheese will melt right through.

Cheese Selection Secrets

While sharp cheddar is classic, mixing two cheeses creates something magical. Try combining cheddar with gruyere for depth, or add mozzarella for that incredible cheese pull. The key is using cheeses that melt smoothly without separating.

Serving Ideas That Elevate Everything

Sometimes the simplest additions transform a basic sandwich into something restaurant worthy. Caramelized onions add sweetness, sliced tomatoes bring acidity, and a sprinkle of everything bagel seasoning inside creates unexpected flavor bursts.

• Tomato soup will always be the perfect partner
• A simple side salad cuts through the richness beautifully
• Applesauce makes for a sweet and tangy contrast

Save

Some nights there is honestly nothing more satisfying than a perfectly made grilled cheese sandwich, hot and bubbling on a plate.

Recipe FAQs

→ What type of cheese works best for grilling?

Cheddar, American, Gruyère, and provolone melt beautifully. Choose cheeses with good melting properties for the gooey texture you want.

→ How do I prevent the bread from burning before the cheese melts?

Cook over medium heat, not high. This allows the bread to toast gradually while giving the cheese time to melt completely without burning the crust.

→ Can I use mayonnaise instead of butter?

Yes, mayonnaise creates an even crispier crust and has a higher smoke point than butter. Spread it thinly on the outside of each bread slice.

→ What bread makes the best grilled cheese?

Sourdough, white sandwich bread, and whole wheat all work well. Sourdough adds tangy flavor while white bread creates the classic texture most people expect.

→ What can I add to elevate my sandwich?

Sliced tomatoes, caramelized onions, crispy bacon, or avocado add delicious layers. Add these inside before grilling for a more substantial version.