How to Make Grilled Cheese

5 from 38 votes

Learn how to make the best stove-top grilled cheese sandwich in a pan. With the perfect bread-to-cheese ratio you can't go wrong with a grilled cheese!

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Learn how to make the perfect grilled cheese sandwich that brings pure comfort to every bite. With simple tips and tricks, you’ll soon be sinking your teeth into deliciously toasted bread with a gooey, cheesy center that is oh-so-good! It’s simple, quick, and perfect for a quick lunch or dinner! I’ll show you how to make a grilled cheese in a pan without burning it!

Grilled cheese cut in half and being pulled apart to show melty cheese.
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We all love a good sandwich, and this simple tutorial on how to make grilled cheese has everything you need to make the best-tasting grilled cheese you’ve ever tasted. Whether eaten with your favorite soup, or as a counterpart to your salad, grilled cheese is an iconic classic that both kids and adults alike enjoy!

WHY learn how to make a grilled cheese sandwich

  • Easy to Prepare: Grilled cheese sandwich is a timeless classic that requires just a few basic ingredients and very little hands-on time, making it a quick and easy go-to option.
  • Versatile: This easy sandwich offers endless opportunities for customization. You can experiment with different types of cheese and bread for unique flavor combinations. You can even add various fillings like sliced tomatoes and turkey deli meat to make it more filling.
  • Kid-friendly: This recipe is a hit with children of all ages. The combination of melty cheese and perfectly toasted bread is irresistible to kids. Whip these up to satisfy even the most pickiest eaters and make mealtime a success!
  • Elevates a Meal: Like garlic bread, grilled cheese sandwiches have the same appeal and are perfect for completing a meal. Pair it with your favorite soup like tomato lentil soup or a light salad like kale Caesar salad for a well-rounded meal.

Ingredients to make grilled cheese

  • Bread: Provides a crispy exterior and soft and chewy interior. Use your favorite sandwich bread to hold the cheese together. Avoid thick-cut slices so the cheese can adequately melt without burning the bread.
  • Cheese: Cheese adds richness, creaminess, and flavor. As it melts between the bread slices, it creates that irresistible stretchy texture and a wonderfully savory taste. The best cheese for grilled cheese is sliced cheddar, mozzarella, or Swiss cheese. Feel free to mix and match to create your desired flavor profile.
  • Butter: Unsalted butter helps to achieve a golden, crispy crust and adds a delicious buttery flavor to the sandwich. Use room temperature butter so it’s soft and spreadable and can easily be applied to the bread slices.
Ingredients for recipe: 2 slices of mozzarella, 2 slices of cheddar, butter, and sliced bread.

HOW TO MAKE grilled cheese

So, how do you make the best grilled cheese? Well, it all starts with the perfect bread-to-cheese ratio, which in my opinion, is 2:2!

  1. Lay out your bread slices on a cutting board and place the slices of cheese on one side of the bread.
  2. Close the sandwiches with the remaining bread. Spread a thin layer of butter on each side of the sandwich.
  3. Place the sandwiches, buttered side down, onto a skillet or griddle pan. Spread butter to the topside of the sandwiches. Cook until the bottom is golden brown and the cheese starts to melt.
  4. Carefully flip the sandwiches and cook the other side until it’s golden brown and the cheese is completely melted.
4 image collage making recipe: 1- add sliced cheese to bread slices, 2- sandwiches closed with a knife adding butter to one side, 3- sandwiches, buttered side down, on a griddle with a knife adding butter to the other side, 4- sandwiches after grilling.

TIPS FOR how to make a good grilled cheese

  1. Preheat the skillet or griddle pan. Ensure the pan is adequately heated to achieve a golden brown crust when the buttered bread hits the pan.
  2. Mind the heat. Maintain a steady medium heat to allow the cheese to melt evenly without burning the bread. You know your stove best, so if you find that the medium heat is too high, adjust accordingly.
  3. Flip with care. Use a spatula to flip the sandwiches gently, ensuring they stay intact. You may need to adjust the bread slightly if it shifts during flipping.
  4. Let the sandwiches rest first. Give the sandwiches a moment to cool down slightly before cutting them in half to allow the cheese to set slightly.

recipes to pair with grilled cheese

HOW TO store & reheat grilled cheese

Let the grilled cheese sandwich cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator. You can also wrap the sandwiches tightly in foil or plastic wrap.

To reheat, warm the sandwich in a frying pan over medium heat until warmed through, and the cheese is melted. You can also place the sandwich on a baking sheet and warm it in a toaster oven for a few minutes or until it is warmed through.

HOW LONG WILL grilled cheese LAST IN THE FRIDGE?

Grilled cheese sandwiches will last up to 3 days in the fridge.

CAN I FREEZE grilled cheese?

Yes! Wrap the sandwiches tightly in foil or plastic wrap and then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag, removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. Store in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat using a frying pan or oven.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is the best bread for grilled cheese sandwiches?

The best bread for grilled cheese is your favorite sliced bread. Some great options are traditional white bread, sourdough bread, whole wheat, or even rye bread. Each type of bread can add its own unique taste and texture. Experiment and see which one you love the most!

How can I prevent my grilled cheese sandwich from becoming soggy?

First, ensure your pan is hot enough before adding the sandwich. Two, spread the butter evenly on the bread to create a barrier between the bread and the pan. And lastly, cook the sandwich at a medium temperature to ensure proper browning.

Can I make grilled cheese in a toaster oven?

Yes, you can! Although making grilled cheese on a stove is the easiest and most tastiest method, you can use a toaster oven instead. Simply assemble the sandwiches, butter the bread, and place them on a baking sheet. Bake in the toaster oven until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted. Keep an eye on it to prevent burning, and you may need to flip it midway to ensure both sides crisp up.

Grilled cheese halves stacked on top of each other on a plate.

Sitting down to enjoy a perfectly made grilled cheese is a simple pleasure that will never disappoint. This comfort food brings pure joy to people of all ages. You have everything you need in this simple step-by-step tutorial.

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How to Make Grilled Cheese

Learn how to make the best stove-top grilled cheese sandwich in a pan. With the perfect bread-to-cheese ratio you can't go wrong with a grilled cheese!
5 from 38 votes
Servings 2 servings
Calories 482
Prep Time 3 minutes
Cook Time 7 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
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Ingredients
  

  • 4 slices bread
  • 4 slices cheese such as cheddar, mozzarella, or Swiss
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter at room temperature

Instructions

  • Place a large non-stick skillet or griddle pan over medium heat.
  • Lay out 4 slices of bread on a cutting board and place a slice of cheese on 2 of the slices. Place the remaining slices of bread on top to close the sandwiches.
  • Spread a thin layer of butter on one side of each sandwich.
  • Place the sandwiches, buttered side down, onto the preheated skillet or griddle pan. Spread butter to the topside of the sandwiches. Allow them to cook for 3-4 minutes, or until the bottom is golden brown and the cheese starts to melt.
  • Carefully flip the sandwiches with a spatula and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the other side is golden brown and the cheese is completely melted.
  • Remove the sandwiches from the pan and let them cool for a minute or two before cutting them into halves and serving.

Notes

Storage: Store leftover grilled cheese sandwich in airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
To reheat: Heat the sandwich in a frying pan over medium-heat until warmed through and the cheese is melted. You can also place the sandwich on a baking sheet and warm it in a toaster oven for a few minutes or until the cheese is melted and the bread is heated.
To freeze: Wrap the sandwiches tightly in foil or plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag, removing as much air as possible to avoid freezer burn. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat. 
Tips:
Preheat the skillet or griddle pan. Ensure the pan is adequately heated to achieve a golden brown crust when the buttered bread hits the pan.
Mind the heat. Maintain a steady medium-heat to allow the cheese to melt evenly without burning the bread.
Flip with care. Use a spatula to flip the sandwiches gently, ensuring they stay intact and cook evenly on both sides. You may need to adjust the bread slightly if it shifts during flipping.
Let the sandwiches rest first. Give the sandwiches a moment to cool down slightly before cutting them in half to allow the gooey, cheesy goodness to set slightly.

Nutrition

Calories: 482kcal, Carbohydrates: 28g, Protein: 19g, Fat: 33g, Saturated Fat: 18g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g, Monounsaturated Fat: 7g, Trans Fat: 0.5g, Cholesterol: 86mg, Sodium: 633mg, Potassium: 125mg, Fiber: 2g, Sugar: 3g, Vitamin A: 912IU, Vitamin C: 0.1mg, Calcium: 469mg, Iron: 2mg

Nutrition information provided is an estimate. It will vary based on cooking method and specific ingredients used.

Cuisine American
5 from 38 votes (38 ratings without comment)

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Comments

  1. Judy says:

    I’ve found that sourdough bread and sharp (not mild) cheddar gives you the biggest burst of flavor.

    1. Yumna J. says:

      Love sourdough!