Grilled Cheese
Published 7/20/2023
This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.
This grilled cheese is gooey on the inside and crispy on the outside. The bread is buttered on both sides and we used cheddar cheese for the cheesy inner layer. Learn how to make grilled cheese in just 10 minutes.
Grilled cheese is a one of a kind food and not much tops the simplicity of this cheesy delight. I grew up in Wisconsin and grilled cheese was a staple in our house.
I’m not sure if grilled cheese was a staple because of where we lived or because we (my siblings and I) could easily butter up 2 pieces of bread and fry them with a few pieces of cheese in the middle without our parents’ help!
What You Need to Make Grilled Cheese
- Skillet pan: grab a non-stick skillet or your favorite skillet nice and oiled up.
- Bread – any kind of bread works for grilled cheese, but we prefer an Italian loaf. You can use white, wheat, or even gluten-free bread.
- Salted butter – the question is always butter or mayo? We went classic and used salted butter and it is so delicious. Don’t skimp!
- Cheddar cheese – use your favorite sliced cheddar or even Kraft singles!
Cheese Variations
The most popular kind of cheese to use for grilled cheese is sliced American cheese (hello Kraft Singles!) or cheddar cheese. Our favorite cheese for this is Tillamook’s medium-cut orange cheddar. It’s not too sharp and it’s thick and creamy.
If you’re a grilled cheese concessioner, the cheese is where it’s at, so get creative and make it your own! We prefer our cheese pre-sliced because it’s super simple, but you can always slice or shred block cheese, too. Here are more cheese options to try:
- white cheddar
- muenster
- pepper jack
- Colby jack
sheet pan
Grilled Cheese
If you are making grilled cheese sandwiches for a crowd, try this sheet pan grilled cheese recipe. It’s one of our favorites!
FAQ
While the classic choice is American cheese due to its exceptional melting quality, you can use a wide variety of cheeses. Cheddar, Monterey Jack, mozzarella, Gouda, and provolone are all great choices. Some people also enjoy Brie or Swiss. You can also mix and match to create a complex flavor profile.
Absolutely! Tomato slices, bacon, ham, pickles, jalapenos, or sautéed onions can all add a nice touch. Just be aware that adding too much can prevent the cheese from being the star of the sandwich.
If your cheese isn’t melting by the time your bread is toasted, your heat might be too high. Try lowering the heat and covering your pan with a lid to trap the heat and help the cheese melt.
There are many vegan cheeses on the market that melt well. Vegan butter or olive oil can be used in place of regular butter. Check the ingredients of your bread, as some breads are made with milk or honey.
Oh the great debate. Should you add mayo to the outside of your bread or not? Honestly, it’s all about preference. I grew up keeping my grilled cheese sandwich super simple. Bread, butter, and cheese mayo.
If you’d like to add mayo, be my guest! Add a tablespoon of mayo to the outside of both pieces of bread before frying.
Serving Suggestions
There is nothing better than grilled cheese and tomato soup! Speaking of soup, any kind of soup is delightful served next to a grilled cheese. Here are some other serving suggestions to turn your grilled cheese into a complete meal.
Grilled Cheese
Ingredients
- 1/2 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 thick slices of Italian bread, any white bread/sourdough works too
- 1 tablespoon salted butter, softened
- 2 slices deli cheddar cheese
Instructions
- First, butter the bread by spreading 1/2 tablespoon of butter on each side of both slices of bread.
- Next, place the cheddar cheese slices on top one slice of bread and then place the second piece of bread on top of the cheddar cheese. Set aside.
- Next, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add olive oil.
- When the olive oil is fragrant, add the grilled cheese to the pan and let it cook for 3-4 minutes over medium heat.
- Flip the grilled cheese and cook for an additional 2-4 minutes. The cheddar cheese should be completely melted before removing the grilled cheese from the pan.*
- Remove from the pan, cut in half and enjoy!
Tips & Notes
Watch It
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Don’t forget to tag your posts on social media with the hashtag #cheeseknees, we’d love to see what you’re up to!
This recipe is amazing! We always have left over bread from our italian dinner theme nights, and this will be a new go to for that bread! SOOO GOOD!
YAY!!!!
I like to lightly toast my bread before grilling my cheese sandwiches for maximum dipping strength, flavor and crunch.
I’m drowning in so many cans of tomato soup I purchased from panic shopping in March. So, obviously I had to make this grilled cheese. And, it’s awesome! I’d insert the F word before awesome but I’m trying to make this review classy. Seriously, make it right now!
Truly the best way to make grilled cheese!!
Yummy!