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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.

How to make grilled cheese recipe - cheesy grilled cheese by tomato soup.


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!
Bread, cheese, and butter on a counter.

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 on a white cutting board.

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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.

Grilled cheese sandwiches cooking in a pan.

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. 
Two grilled cheese sandwiches cooking in a pan.

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.
A hand pulling apart a grilled cheese sandwich.

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:

5 from 13 votes

Grilled Cheese Recipe

By: Lil’ Luna
This grilled cheese recipe is easy to make and loved by everyone. It's easily changed up, but this version is our go-to!
Servings: 4
Prep: 2 minutes
Cook: 3 minutes
Total: 5 minutes

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

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

Nutrition

Calories: 286kcal, Carbohydrates: 28g, Protein: 15g, Fat: 13g, Saturated Fat: 7g, Cholesterol: 31mg, Sodium: 563mg, Potassium: 145mg, Fiber: 2g, Sugar: 4g, Vitamin A: 338IU, Calcium: 343mg, Iron: 2mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Additional Info

Course: Main Course, sandwich
Cuisine: American
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Share it with us on Instagram using the hashtag #lilluna, so we can see what you’re creating in the kitchen!


About Kristyn

My name is Kristyn and I’m the mom of SIX stinkin’ cute kids and the wife to my smokin’ hot hubby, Lo. My mom’s maiden name is Luna, and I’m one of the many crafty “Lil’ Lunas” in the fam. On this site I like to share all things creative - from recipes to home decor to gifts and home decor ideas. Welcome!

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Recipe Rating




11 Comments

  1. 5 stars
    Combining provolone with the typical cheddar really takes these grilled cheese sandwiches to the next level. This is my picky kids’ most requested lunch!

  2. Try adding some shredded parmesan cheese to the outside before frying the sandwich. It will kick it up to gourmet!

  3. 5 stars
    I love the taste of using sourdough bread! Really easy and delicious to pair with a bowl of soup.

  4. 5 stars
    My hubby makes us grilled cheese all the time, but I think we need to switch to this bread! Looks so soft & cheesy!

  5. 5 stars
    Grilled cheese is a definite here. My son love love loves grilled cheese. He absolutely loves this recipe!