Copycat Five Guys Grilled Cheese Recipe

Learn how to make the best homemade copycat Five Guys grilled cheese with this easy baking recipe. The secret lies in the double butter technique and sesame seed bun for that authentic taste. Perfect weekend comfort food that delivers restaurant-quality results in minutes!

Difficulty:

Beginner

Prep Time:

5 mins

Cook Time:

5 mins

Serves:

1 sandwich

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>

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

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>

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>

FAQs

Find answers to your most pressing questions about this delicious recipe right here.

What ingredients are used in Copycat Five Guys Grilled Cheese Recipe?

The main ingredients are a sesame seed hamburger bun (or potato roll), American cheese slices (typically three), and salted butter. Optional toppings include grilled mushrooms, grilled onions, tomato slices, and lettuce for added flavour and texture.

How to cook Copycat Five Guys Grilled Cheese at home?

Learn how to cook Copycat Five Guys Grilled Cheese by buttering both sides of a sesame seed bun, toasting them in a skillet, adding American cheese slices, then using the signature double-butter technique for that perfect golden crust. The key is using the inside of the bun as your grilling surfaces and being generous with butter for authentic flavour.

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.

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