Grilled Cheese Recipe

Learn how to make the best homemade grilled cheese with perfectly crispy, buttery exterior and gooey, stretchy cheese center. This easy baking recipe uses a special pan-frying technique and cheese combination for foolproof results every time - the ultimate comfort food elevated!

Difficulty:

Beginner

Prep Time:

5 mins

Cook Time:

8 mins

Serves:

2 sandwiches

Ingredients

<ul class="ingredients-main-list"><li class="ingredients-single-item">4 slices sourdough bread (or white sandwich bread)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tablespoon mayonnaise (optional for extra crispiness)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">120g sharp cheddar cheese, grated</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">60g gruyere cheese, grated (or more cheddar)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">Pinch of salt</li></ul>

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🍽️ Serving Size:

🔥 Calories:

🥑 Fat:

🧈 Saturated Fat:

🍞 Carbohydrates:

🍭 Sugar:

🍗 Protein:

🫀 Cholesterol:

🧂 Sodium:

Equipment

<ul class="equipment-main-list"><li class="equipment-single-item">Heavy-bottomed skillet or cast iron pan</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Spatula</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Box grater</li></ul>

Directions

<ol class="no-list-style"><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 1</h4>Prepare your cheese by grating both varieties into a bowl and mixing them together with a pinch of salt and garlic powder (if using). Freshly grated cheese melts much more smoothly than pre-shredded, which contains anti-caking agents that can prevent proper melting.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 2</h4>Lay out your bread slices on a clean work surface. Spread the outside of each slice with softened butter, making sure to cover from edge to edge. The butter creates even browning and that distinctive crispy exterior. If using mayonnaise, spread a thin layer on the same buttered sides - this contains eggs and oil that create an extra golden, crispy crust.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 3</h4>Flip the bread slices over (butter-side down) and distribute your cheese mixture evenly on two of the slices, leaving a small margin around the edges. This prevents cheese from spilling out during cooking. Place the remaining slices on top, butter-side up, to form sandwiches.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 4</h4>Heat your skillet over medium-low heat. The secret to perfect grilled cheese is cooking slowly enough that the cheese melts completely before the bread becomes too dark. The pan is ready when a few drops of water sizzle gently when sprinkled on the surface.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 5</h4>Place the sandwiches in the heated pan and cook until the bottom is golden brown, about 3-4 minutes. Resist the urge to increase the heat or press down too firmly on the sandwiches - gentle pressure is fine, but squashing removes air pockets that help distribute heat.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 6</h4>Carefully flip the sandwiches using a spatula and cook the other side until golden brown and the cheese is completely melted, about 3-4 minutes more. If the bread is browning too quickly but the cheese hasn't fully melted, reduce the heat slightly and cover the pan with a lid to trap heat.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 7</h4>Remove from the pan and let rest for 1 minute before slicing diagonally. This brief resting period allows the molten cheese to set slightly so it stretches rather than runs when cut. Serve immediately while hot and crispy, when the contrast between the crunchy exterior and gooey interior is at its peak.</li></ol>

FAQs

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

What ingredients are used in Grilled Cheese Recipe?

The classic grilled cheese requires sourdough bread, unsalted butter, cheddar and gruyere cheeses. Optional ingredients include mayonnaise for extra crispiness, garlic powder for flavour enhancement, and a pinch of salt to bring out the cheesy goodness.

How to cook Grilled Cheese Recipe at home?

Learn how to cook Grilled Cheese Recipe by grating fresh cheese, buttering bread slices on the outside, assembling the sandwich with cheese in the middle, and cooking on medium-low heat for 3-4 minutes per side. The key is cooking slowly to allow the cheese to melt completely while achieving a perfectly golden-brown, crispy exterior.

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

For an Instagram-worthy cheese pull, use a combination of cheeses with good melting properties like cheddar and gruyere. Freshly grated cheese (not pre-shredded) melts more smoothly. Also, let the sandwich rest for 1 minute before cutting diagonally to allow the cheese to set slightly without solidifying.

Why use mayonnaise on the outside of a grilled cheese sandwich?

Mayonnaise creates an exceptionally crispy, golden-brown exterior because it contains eggs and oil that promote even browning at a slightly higher temperature than butter alone. It also spreads more easily when cold and doesn't burn as quickly, resulting in perfect texture contrast with the gooey interior.

Which cheese varieties work best for melting in a hot sandwich?

The best melting cheeses include cheddar, gruyere, fontina, gouda, and monterey jack. These varieties have ideal fat content and protein structure for smooth melting. Avoid hard aged cheeses like parmesan or pre-shredded varieties containing anti-caking agents, as these won't create that desirable gooey center.

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