Home
Recipes
Meal Ideas
Copycat Recipes
Copycat Five Guys Grilled Cheese Recipe

Copycat Five Guys Grilled Cheese Recipe

By What’s Baking

A buttery, toasted sandwich with perfectly melted American cheese that captures the indulgent, crispy-on-the-outside, gooey-on-the-inside magic of Five Guys' famous grilled cheese.
Difficulty:
Beginner
Prep Time:
5 mins
Cook Time:
5 mins
Serves:
1 sandwich
An overhead shot of the Five Guys copycat grilled cheese cut diagonally, revealing stretchy cheese pulls between the two halves. The sandwich sits on checkered deli paper reminiscent of the restaurant experience, with the bread showing a perfect golden-brown butter crust with distinctive grill marks. Shot in warm natural light that highlights the glossy, melted cheese and toasted texture of the bread. A few hand-cut fries are scattered alongside, with a small ramekin of ketchup at the edge of the frame, completing the authentic fast-food presentation with an elevated homemade touch.

Ingredients

<ul class="ingredients-main-list"><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 sesame seed hamburger bun (or potato roll)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">3 slices American cheese</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">30g salted butter, softened</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">Optional toppings: grilled mushrooms, grilled onions, tomato slices, lettuce</li></ul>

Equipment

<ul class="equipment-main-list"><li class="equipment-single-item">Heavy-bottomed skillet or griddle</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Spatula</li></ul>
BAKE SMARTER

Kitchen Converter

Quickly switch between common baking units without leaving the recipe.

Convert
⇄
Result—

Volume uses US cups, tablespoons, and teaspoons. Converting weight to volume depends on the ingredient.

Directions

<ol class="no-list-style"><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 1</h4>Prepare your bun by slicing it in half horizontally if it isn't pre-sliced. For the authentic Five Guys experience, use the inside of both halves as your grilling surfaces (the rounded top and bottom parts will become the inside of your sandwich).</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 2</h4>Take your softened butter and generously spread it on both cut sides of the bun. Be liberal with the butter – this is key to achieving that distinctive Five Guys flavor and golden crust. The butter creates a barrier that prevents the bread from becoming soggy while creating the perfect crispy exterior.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 3</h4>Preheat your skillet over medium heat until hot but not smoking. Place both buttered sides of the bun face-down on the hot surface. Let them toast for about 1-2 minutes until they develop a golden brown crust. This initial toasting step is crucial for texture development.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 4</h4>Flip one half of the bun so the toasted side is facing up. Immediately layer your American cheese slices on this half while it's still hot, slightly overlapping them for even melting. If adding optional toppings like grilled mushrooms or onions, place them on top of the cheese now.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 5</h4>Take the other toasted bun half and place it toasted-side down on top of the cheese, creating your sandwich. The residual heat will help start melting the cheese.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 6</h4>Here's the Five Guys secret: Add a small pat of butter (about 5g) to the skillet beside the sandwich, let it melt, then place your sandwich on top of it. This double-butter technique ensures maximum flavor and perfect browning. Cook for 1 minute.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 7</h4>Repeat the butter trick on the other side – add another small pat of butter to the pan, flip the sandwich onto it, and cook for another minute until the cheese is completely melted and oozing slightly from the sides. You're looking for a deep golden crust with the sesame seeds lightly toasted.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 8</h4>Remove from the heat and let sit for 30 seconds before cutting diagonally for the perfect cheese pull. The resting period allows the melted cheese to set slightly while remaining stretchy and gooey. Serve immediately, wrapped in parchment paper for the true Five Guys experience.</li></ol>

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🍽️ Serving Size: 1 serving
🔥 Calories: 450 calories
🥑 Fat: 32 g
🧈 Saturated Fat: 18 g
🍞 Carbohydrates: 28 g
🍭 Sugar: 3 g
🍗 Protein: 15 g
🫀 Cholesterol: 90 mg
🧂 Sodium: 820 mg

Chef’s Notes

A few helpful details for making this recipe.

Why do restaurant grilled cheese sandwiches taste better than homemade ones?

Restaurant grilled cheese sandwiches typically taste better because they use more butter, higher heat for quick browning, the right bread-to-cheese ratio, and quality American cheese that melts perfectly. The double-butter technique and consistent cooking temperature also create that signature golden crust and gooey centre.

Can I use different cheese for a fast-food style grilled cheese sandwich?

While American cheese delivers that classic melt and pull, you can substitute with other melting cheeses like mild cheddar, Colby, or even Kraft singles. However, authentic fast-food style grilled cheese typically uses American cheese for its superior melting quality and distinctive creamy flavour.

What's the secret to getting a perfect cheese pull in a grilled sandwich?

The perfect cheese pull comes from using the right cheese (American cheese works brilliantly), proper melting temperature, and a brief 30-second rest before cutting. Cut the sandwich diagonally while it's still hot but not scalding to achieve those Instagram-worthy, stretchy cheese strands.

Want to try something else in ...

More recipes you might like

Keep exploring with more recipes from What's Baking.

View all
A tall slice of golden-yellow lemon loaf stands upright on a white ceramic plate, showcasing its moist, tender crumb structure with tiny flecks of lemon zest visible throughout. The top is adorned with a glossy, translucent lemon glaze that drips elegantly down the sides, pooling slightly at the base. Photographed in soft natural light streaming through a kitchen window, the scene includes fresh lemon slices and scattered zest on a light marble countertop, with a vintage cake stand holding the remaining loaf in the background. The contrast between the vibrant yellow cake and the pristine white plate emphasizes the cake's rich color, while steam rises subtly from a cup of coffee positioned nearby, suggesting the perfect pairing.
Meal Ideas
Copycat Recipes

Starbucks Copycat Iced Lemon Loaf Recipe

Moist, tangy lemon cake drizzled with a sweet-tart glaze that perfectly captures Starbucks' beloved treat with bright citrus flavors in every dense, velvety bite.
Difficulty:
Beginner
Prep Time:
20 mins
Cook Time:
55 mins
Serves:
1 loaf (10 slices)
View recipe
An overhead shot of golden, perfectly domed egg bites arranged on a matte black ceramic plate, steam gently rising from their just-baked surface. A cross-section view reveals the velvety, custard-like interior studded with colorful vegetables and melted cheese. The soft natural morning light highlights the soufflé-like texture and subtle cheese pull when one bite is lifted slightly. Scattered fresh herbs and a small ramekin of hot sauce provide vibrant color contrast against the warm yellow tones of the egg bites. The composition includes a linen napkin and vintage silverware on a distressed wooden table, suggesting a cozy brunch setting.
Meal Ideas
Copycat Recipes

Starbucks Copycat Protein-Packed Egg Bites Recipe

Silky smooth, protein-rich egg bites infused with savory cheese and vegetables, baked to custard-like perfection in a water bath for a delicious on-the-go breakfast.
Difficulty:
Beginner
Prep Time:
15 mins
Cook Time:
30 mins
Serves:
12 egg bites
View recipe
An overhead shot of a rustic ceramic bowl filled with steaming Tim Hortons copycat chili, showcasing the rich reddish-brown sauce studded with kidney beans, ground beef, and colorful vegetables. Natural window light catches the slight sheen of the sauce, highlighting its thick, hearty texture. A sprinkle of shredded cheddar melts slightly on top, alongside a dollop of sour cream creating a beautiful contrast against the warm-toned chili. Steam rises gently from the bowl, which sits on a wooden table with cornbread squares, sliced green onions, and fresh cilantro scattered artfully around it, suggesting a complete meal experience.
Meal Ideas
Copycat Recipes

Tim Hortons Copycat Chili Recipe

Hearty, satisfying chili with perfectly seasoned ground beef, beans, and vegetables that captures the comforting flavor of the Tim Hortons classic.
Difficulty:
Beginner
Prep Time:
15 mins
Cook Time:
1 hour 30 mins
Serves:
8 servings
View recipe
Tim Hortons Copycat Chocolate Chip Muffins
Meal Ideas
Copycat Recipes

Tim Hortons Copycat Chocolate Chip Muffins Recipe

These bakery-style chocolate chip muffins boast tall crackly tops, tender vanilla-scented crumb, and generous pockets of melty chocolate that perfectly mimic the beloved Canadian coffee shop favorite.
Difficulty:
Beginner
Prep Time:
15 mins
Cook Time:
25 mins
Serves:
12 large muffins
View recipe
An overhead shot of the Teen Burger showcasing the perfectly toasted sesame seed bun with its top slightly askew to reveal layers of fresh ingredients. The juicy beef patty glistens under soft natural light, topped with melted cheese that drips slightly over the edges. Crisp bacon strips crisscross the burger, while fresh lettuce, tomato slices, and red onion rings add vibrant color contrast. The signature Teen sauce peeks out from the edges, with a subtle drip down the side of the burger. The burger rests on a checkered wax paper on a rustic wooden serving board, with a small ramekin of extra sauce, a handful of golden fries, and a classic malt shake slightly blurred in the background.
Meal Ideas
Copycat Recipes

A&W Copycat Teen Burger Recipe

A juicy, flame-grilled beef patty topped with melted cheese, crispy bacon, and tangy signature Teen sauce between toasted sesame seed buns – a nostalgic homemade version of the classic A&W favorite.
Difficulty:
Beginner
Prep Time:
15 mins
Cook Time:
10 mins
Serves:
4 burgers
View recipe
An overhead shot of a tall, clear glass filled with a caramel-colored iced cappuccino, showing distinctive layers of dark coffee blending into creamy milk when stirred. The glass features condensation droplets catching the soft natural light streaming through a kitchen window. A metal straw protrudes from the drink, surrounded by scattered coffee beans on a weathered wooden tray. In the background, a small pitcher of cream and a jar of coffee concentrate create depth. The drink is topped with a swirl of whipped cream and a light dusting of cocoa powder, creating beautiful color contrast against the rich brown drink beneath.
Meal Ideas
Copycat Recipes

Tim Hortons Copycat Iced Cappuccino Recipe

Rich, velvety coffee concentrate blended with ice and milk creates a refreshing, creamy frozen treat that perfectly mimics Tim Hortons' iconic summer beverage.
Difficulty:
Beginner
Prep Time:
10 mins (plus overnight brewing)
Cook Time:
0 mins
Serves:
4 drinks
View recipe