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Grilled Cheese Sandwich Recipe

Grilled Cheese Sandwich Recipe

By What’s Baking

Buttery, golden-brown bread embraces perfectly melted cheese in this comforting classic that delivers crispy edges and a gloriously gooey center.
Difficulty:
Beginner
Prep Time:
5 mins
Cook Time:
10 mins
Serves:
2 sandwiches
An overhead shot capturing a grilled cheese sandwich cut diagonally to reveal an irresistible cheese pull stretching between the two halves. The bread appears perfectly toasted to a rich golden-brown with visible butter marks, while the melted cheese oozes invitingly. Photographed in soft natural light on a rustic wooden board with small ramekins of tomato soup visible in the corner, creating a vibrant color contrast. A light sprinkling of flaky salt is visible on the crust, with a few fresh herbs scattered artfully nearby, enhancing the homemade appeal of this elevated comfort food classic.

Ingredients

<ul class="ingredients-main-list"><li class="ingredients-single-item">4 slices white sourdough bread (or brioche bread)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">80g cheddar cheese, grated (or Gruyère, Monterey Jack)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">40g unsalted butter, softened</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1/4 tsp garlic powder (optional)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1/4 tsp dried herbs (optional)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">Pinch of flaky sea salt</li></ul>

Equipment

<ul class="equipment-main-list"><li class="equipment-single-item">Baking sheet</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Parchment paper</li></ul>
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Directions

<ol class="no-list-style"><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 1</h4>Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Baking your grilled cheese rather than pan-frying ensures even browning with less risk of burning.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 2</h4>Mix your softened butter with garlic powder and dried herbs if using. This compound butter adds wonderful flavor to the exterior of your sandwich.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 3</h4>Generously spread the butter mixture on one side of each bread slice. Make sure to spread it right to the edges for maximum crispiness - the butter is essential for developing that golden-brown exterior as it melts and creates a barrier that helps toast the bread evenly.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 4</h4>Place two slices of bread butter-side down on your prepared baking sheet. Divide the grated cheese evenly between the two slices, making sure to create an even layer that reaches the edges. Using grated rather than sliced cheese allows for faster, more even melting.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 5</h4>Top with the remaining bread slices, ensuring the buttered sides are facing upward. Press down gently on each sandwich to compact it slightly.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 6</h4>Place the baking sheet on the middle rack of your preheated oven and bake for 5 minutes. The initial baking allows the bottom bread to start crisping while the cheese begins to soften.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 7</h4>Carefully flip the sandwiches using a spatula and continue baking for another 5 minutes, or until both sides are golden brown and the cheese has completely melted. The second side often browns more quickly since the pan is already hot, so keep a close eye on your sandwiches.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 8</h4>Remove from the oven and let the sandwiches rest for 1-2 minutes before cutting diagonally. This brief rest allows the cheese to set slightly, making for a prettier cheese-pull when you cut into the sandwich. Sprinkle with a small pinch of flaky sea salt if desired, and serve immediately while still warm and gooey.</li></ol>

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🍽️ Serving Size: 1 sandwich
🔥 Calories: 420 calories
🥑 Fat: 28 g
🧈 Saturated Fat: 16 g
🍞 Carbohydrates: 30 g
🍭 Sugar: 3 g
🍗 Protein: 14 g
🫀 Cholesterol: 75 mg
🧂 Sodium: 680 mg

Chef’s Notes

A few helpful details for making this recipe.

Why is grated cheese better than sliced cheese for a toasted sandwich?

Grated cheese melts more quickly and evenly throughout the sandwich, creating that desired gooey centre. The smaller cheese pieces have more surface area exposed to heat, resulting in faster melting compared to cheese slices which can leave cold spots or uneven melting.

What's the secret to achieving the perfect cheese pull when serving?

For that Instagram-worthy cheese pull, use a good melting cheese like cheddar or mozzarella, ensure it's properly melted throughout, and let the sandwich rest for 1-2 minutes after cooking. Cut diagonally and lift slowly to create that satisfying stretch of melted cheese.

Can you bake a grilled cheese instead of using a frying pan?

Absolutely! Baking grilled cheese in the oven at 200°C provides more even heat distribution, resulting in perfectly crisp exteriors and fully melted cheese. It also allows you to make multiple sandwiches simultaneously without the constant attention required when pan-frying.

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