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This grilled cheese recipe is easy to make and loved by everyone. It’s easily changed up, but this version is our go-to!
This perfect grilled cheese sandwich is one of the kids’ favorites!! They’re also huge fans of Pigs in a Blanket, Chicken Tenders, and Pizza Casserole.
A Family Classic to Love!
Can we all agree that Grilled Cheese Sandwiches are THE BEST?!
It’s become a tradition in our home to make them every Sunday for lunch after getting home from church. We sometimes have homemade White Bread handy to help make the best grilled cheese.
Why we love them:
- A classic. I think it’s safe to say that this grilled cheese recipe is an American classic, definitely a popular family dinner!
- Quick. It’s ready in only 5 minutes for a quick meal!
- Change it up. While we love the classic, sometimes we add a little ham!
- Tasty. No matter how you make it, serve it up with a bowl of soup (especially our favorite Tomato Soup) for the best flavor and melty cheese goodness!
The ingredients
- slices of artisan bread- sourdough, Sourdough bread, challah, ciabatta, hearth, Italian, baguettes, rye, and brioche. It can be store-bought or homemade. Day-old bread lends to a better-browned crust.
- cheddar cheese & provolone cheese slices – see below for more ideas (you want a cheese that will melt well)
- butter
- garlic salt (with parsley flakes)
Best Cheese for Grilled Cheese Recipe
American cheese and Cheddar cheese are classic choices, but you can use almost any cheese as long as they are within the “melting family”. I once came across a Gordan Ramsey recipe where he combined romano with pepper berry and asiago cheese.
- Or try Mozzarella, Gruyere, Provolone, Fontina, Taleggio, Raclette, Muenster, Colby, Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, Swiss Cheese, Brie, Havarti, or Sharp Cheddar.
How to Make Grilled Cheese
- ASSEMBLE. Butter up one side of bread (you could use mayo instead) and sprinkle with garlic salt. Lay the butter side down on the skillet or in a heated pan over medium-low heat, add the cheese, and then add the other piece of buttered bread.
- TOAST. Cook until golden brown (or desired toastiness) on both sides and the cheese is melted.
Serving suggestions. Try a grilled cheese sandwich with a pickle and chips, tomato soup, or another soup like Cheesy Cauliflower Soup, Sweet Potato Soup, Carrot Soup, Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup, or Creamy Tomato Basil Soup.
Grilling Tips
- Using a heavy-bottomed pan or an electric griddle helps the sandwich cook and brown evenly.
- A panini press is also a great option. Be sure the ingredients inside the sandwich aren’t squished out under the weight of the press.
- Start with a cold pan. This allows the bread to create a delicious crust while the cheese melts. If you are making several sandwiches, reduce the pan heat between batches.
Recipe Tips
- Make them mini. Smaller slices of bread are fun to use to create mini sandwiches. Mini bread slices are perfect to pair with various types of cheese to give guests a chance to sample them all.
- Variations.
- Add a spread on the inside of the bread. Mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, or softened cream cheese are both yummy choices. Do a thin layer and wall-to-wall coverage with any spreads used.
- Minced garlic. Mix the softened butter with finely minced garlic before spreading it on the outside of the bread.
- Seasoning. Sprinkle with black pepper, garlic salt, or paprika.
- Add meat. Include a layer of pepperoni, ham, or bacon.
- Make it gourmet. Add a layer of caramelized onions or sliced apples.
Storing
- STORE. Wrap the cooled leftover sandwiches in aluminum foil. They can be stored in the fridge for 2-3 days.
- FREEZE. Wrap each sandwich with plastic wrap then again with foil. Freeze for 1-2 months.
- Reheat leftover grilled cheese on the stovetop for the best results. Use a toaster oven or a microwave in a pinch.
- Heat a heavy-bottomed pan. If the sandwich is frozen then only use low heat, otherwise, use medium heat. Place the sandwich in the pan.
- Cover the pan with the lid. Place it slightly askew to avoid a build-up of steam.
- Heat both sides of the sandwich until warm and the cheese is melty.
For More Sandwiches:
Best Grilled Cheese Recipe
Ingredients
- 8 bread slices, artisan, sourdough, homemade
- 4 slices cheddar cheese
- 4 slices provolone cheese
- butter
- garlic salt (with parsley flakes)
Instructions
- Butter up one side of bread (you could use mayo instead) and sprinkle with garlic salt. Lay it on the skillet or in a heated pan, add the cheese, and then add the other piece of buttered bread.
- Cook until golden brown on both sides and the cheese is melted.
Video
Notes
- Heat a heavy-bottomed pan. If the sandwich is frozen then only use low heat, otherwise, use medium heat. Place the sandwich in the pan.
- Cover the pan with the lid. Place it slightly askew to avoid a build-up of steam.
- Heat both sides of the sandwich until warm and the cheese is melty.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Combining provolone with the typical cheddar really takes these grilled cheese sandwiches to the next level. This is my picky kids’ most requested lunch!
Some seriously amazing tips! It really helped me to up my grilled cheese game!
Grilled cheese is my sons favorite meal! Thanks!
Try adding some shredded parmesan cheese to the outside before frying the sandwich. It will kick it up to gourmet!
Yummy!! That sounds amazing!
I love the taste of using sourdough bread! Really easy and delicious to pair with a bowl of soup.
A change of bread In your classic grilled cheese sandwicH will bring it up a notCh or two!
My hubby makes us grilled cheese all the time, but I think we need to switch to this bread! Looks so soft & cheesy!
Love how thick this grilled cheese is!! We make grilled cheese weekly!
You can’t go wrong with a classic grilled cheese sandwich. The kids ask for this one all the time!
Grilled cheese is a definite here. My son love love loves grilled cheese. He absolutely loves this recipe!