Easy Grilled Cheese Sandwich Recipe

This quick and easy Grilled Cheese Sandwich recipe is simple to make with just three ingredients. It's the ultimate comfort food that's hot, cheesy, and toasty. 

Try pairing this cheesy sandwich with a hot bowl of Homemade Tomato Soup or try making a delicious Corned Beef Grilled Cheese. 

There is nothing like a grilled cheese sandwich. 

Toasty and buttery bread that's warm and slightly crispy on the outside with warm and gooey cheese on the inside. 

It's a simple recipe that only really requires three basic ingredients, but when put together makes the most comforting thing that you've ever had. 

Let's get started!

Why You'll Love This Cheese Toastie?

• It's Simple: Only requires bread, cheese, and butter or mayonnaise. Plus all you'll need to make it is a large skillet, griddle, or air fryer. 
• Warm and Melty Cheese: Clearly the star of the show in any grilled cheese sandwich is the cheese. Whether you prefer cheddar, American cheese, mozzarella cheese, or any variety there's no denying the irresistible warm, gooey cheese oozing out from between two slices of toasted bread. 
• Comforting and Nostalgic: Classic comfort food that may evoke feelings of warmth and nostalgia, a great reminder of home-cooked meals and childhood memories. 

Ingredients You'll Need to Make the Perfect Grilled Cheese Sandwich

This sandwich recipe mainly requires three ingredients that you should be able to easily locate at any local grocery store. Try to select the highest quality available and tailor this sandwich to fit your preference. 

1. Bread - Any sliced bread that you love will work for this sandwich. However, you do want to make sure that you choose a sturdy bread that can hold up while grilling and still allow the cheese to melt. So not too thin and flimsy AND not too thick. I prefer to use slices from a loaf of good sourdough bread. White bread, sliced French bread, and whole wheat are all good options. 
2. Butter or Mayo - Using butter is the way my mom always made her grilled cheese sandwiches, so it's what I use. I prefer unsalted butter because it's what I usually have on hand, but salted butter will work as well. So people prefer to use mayonnaise instead and spread that on the bread and omit the butter and I've also seen it done with butter and mayo. Remember this is your sandwich, so go with whichever option you prefer and enjoy. 
3. Cheese - Almost any cheese can be used to make a grilled cheese. Sliced cheese, shredded cheese, and any melty cheese are all good options. Mozzarella cheese gives you that cheesy pull but is quite mild in flavor, so it's best to pair it with another cheese with intense flavor. 

See the recipe card below for a detailed ingredient list and sandwich recipe instructions.

What is the Best Cheese?

Any type of cheese or a blend of a couple of cheeses works to make a grilled cheese recipe. Sliced cheese can be used, but I prefer to use shredded cheese. 

Mozzarella cheese is a mild cheese, but provides great cheese melts so I love pairing that with another melting cheese such as sharp cheddar cheese, Monterey jack, Swiss cheese, gouda, fontina, or pepper jack for a hint of spice. Today I'm using shredded mozzarella cheese and havarti cheese. 

Step-by-Step Instructions 

Step 1 - Place a nonstick skillet or cast-iron skillet on the stovetop over medium-low heat. Allow it time to preheat with no oil or anything in it. 

Step 2 - Generously spread softened butter on all four sides of two slices of bread. Add more butter to the skillet and allow it time to melt and become foamy. 

Step 3 - Place one slice of buttered bread in the skillet, top with the cheese in the pan, and the other slice of buttery bread on top. You can also completely build the sandwich outside of the skillet instead. Allow it to cook for 2 to 3 minutes. 

Step 4 - Use a spatula to flip the sandwich to the other/opposite side, press it down, and allow it to cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes. 

Step 5 - Carefully remove your golden brown grilled cheese sandwich from the skillet. Serve immediately and pair it with a warm bowl of soup, salad, pickles, or salty potato chips. Enjoy!

Best Recipe Tips & Tricks 

• Select the right skillet! Use a heavy bottom skillet or griddle pan. I prefer to use a cast iron skillet. 
• Cook on medium low heat, medium heat will even be too high. You don't want to cook your sandwich at too high heat or your bread will be toasty, but your cheese won't melt. A little patience is key, trust me it still won't take long. 
• Be generous with the butter. Slather enough butter on the bread to cover it and add a little to the pan as well. Try to allow your butter time to come to room temperature so that it spreads easily. 
• Press the sandwich down, this is why it's important not to use thinly sliced bread. Flip it once. 

Storage

This sandwich is best enjoyed shortly after it has been made while it is still warm. It does not store or reheat well and will become soggy.

Want A Few More Delicious Sandwich Recipes? Try These: 

• Corned Beef Grilled Cheese 
• Toasted Steak Sandwich 
• Roast Beef and Swiss Cheese Sandwiches
• Croque Monsieur 
• Croque Madame 
• Meatball Sub Sandwich 

Have any comments, questions, or other delicious ways to enjoy the Best Grilled Cheese Sandwich? Please share them in the comments below!

📖 Recipe