Basic Grilled Cheese Sandwich
The grilled cheese sandwich is one of America’s favorite comfort foods! Add a cup of tomato soup for a soul-warming lunch or dinner.
The grilled cheese sandwich holds a special place in American food culture. It’s often one of the first hot sandwiches many of us learn to make, standing at the stove and carefully watching the bread turn golden while the cheese melts just enough to stretch. Simple, affordable, and deeply comforting, grilled cheese has long been a go-to for lunches, late-night snacks, and quick dinners, especially when paired with a bowl of tomato soup. It’s nostalgic without being outdated, and familiar without ever feeling boring.
What makes a grilled cheese so enduring is its endless adaptability. At its core, it’s just bread, fat, and cheese — but those three elements offer so much room for personalization. The choice of bread changes the texture, the cheese defines the flavor, and even the fat used to brown the bread can shift the final result. Whether you keep it classic with American cheese and white bread or build it up with bacon, vegetables, or bold flavors like kimchi, this is one of those recipes that grows with you and never really leaves your regular rotation.
What You’ll Like About This Recipe
Classic comfort food. This is the grilled cheese most people picture — crisp, golden bread with gooey melted cheese inside. It delivers familiar flavor and texture that feels instantly satisfying.
Quick and approachable. With just a few ingredients and minutes at the stove, this recipe is easy enough for beginners but still rewarding for experienced cooks.
Highly customizable. The basic method works with nearly any bread, cheese, or add-in, making it easy to tailor the sandwich to what you have on hand or what you’re craving.
Perfect texture contrast. Browning the bread slowly creates a crisp exterior while keeping the interior soft and melty, which is what makes a grilled cheese so appealing.
Works for any meal. Whether it’s lunch with soup, a quick dinner, or a late-night bite, this sandwich fits almost any occasion.
Ingredient Notes
- Bread – White sandwich bread is the classic choice, offering soft interiors and crisp edges, but sourdough, wheat, or rustic country bread add more chew and flavor.
- Butter, margarine, or mayonnaise – Butter gives classic flavor, while mayonnaise spreads easily and browns evenly thanks to its oil and egg content. Many home cooks began using mayonnaise in the mid-to-late 20th century as a convenient, reliable alternative that produces consistent browning.
- American cheese – American cheese melts exceptionally well, creating that signature creamy, stretchy interior. Its smooth melt is one reason it became the standard choice for grilled cheese in diners and home kitchens.
- Other cheeses – Cheddar, Colby, Monterey Jack, or blends add sharper or more complex flavors, though some benefit from being paired with a melt-friendly cheese.
- Optional spreads or herbs – Mustard, pesto, garlic butter, or dried herbs can subtly enhance flavor without overpowering the sandwich.
- Optional fillings – Bacon, ham, turkey, tomatoes, or sautéed mushrooms add texture and heartiness, while bolder additions like kimchi introduce contrast and acidity.
How to Make It
- Spread butter or mayonnaise evenly on one side of each slice of bread.
- Place cheese on the unbuttered side of one slice, adding any optional fillings if desired.
- Close the sandwich with the second slice, keeping the buttered sides facing outward.
- Cook in a skillet over moderate heat until the bread is golden and crisp on both sides.
- Let the sandwich rest briefly, then slice and serve while hot and melty.
Pro Tips
- Cook grilled cheese over moderate heat rather than high heat so the bread browns evenly while the cheese fully melts.
- Spreading the fat all the way to the edges of the bread helps prevent dry corners and promotes uniform browning.
- If using thicker bread or multiple fillings, covering the pan briefly can help trap heat and melt the cheese more evenly.
- For extra flavor, lightly toast the inside of the bread before assembling, then add the cheese and finish cooking.
- Let the sandwich rest for a minute before cutting so the cheese settles slightly and doesn’t slide out.
Recipe Variations
- Bacon grilled cheese. Adding crisp bacon brings saltiness and crunch, making the sandwich more filling and especially good for dinner.
- Ham and cheese. Thinly sliced ham adds savory depth and pairs well with both American and Swiss-style cheeses.
- Tomato grilled cheese. Fresh tomato slices add acidity and juiciness, balancing the richness of the cheese.
- Kimchi grilled cheese. Kimchi introduces tang, heat, and crunch, creating a bold contrast that works surprisingly well with creamy cheese.
- Herb and garlic grilled cheese. Mixing herbs or garlic into the butter or mayonnaise adds subtle flavor throughout the bread without extra fillings.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with classic tomato soup for a comforting, balanced meal.
- Pair with a crisp green salad to offset the richness of the cheese and butter.
- Add pickles or pickled vegetables on the side for acidity and crunch.
- Choose a fruit cup or sliced apples for a lighter contrast, especially for lunch.
How to Store
Refrigerate. Grilled cheese is best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be wrapped tightly and refrigerated for up to 2 days.
Freeze. Freezing is not ideal, as the bread can become soggy and the cheese texture may change when thawed.
Reheat. Reheat in a skillet over low heat until warmed through and re-crisped, or use a toaster oven. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it softens the bread.
Frequently Asked Questions
Basic Grilled Cheese Sandwich
Ingredients
- 2 slices bread
- 2 teaspoons butter, margarine, or mayonnaise (about 1 to 2 teaspoons)
- Optional: A spread, condiment, or herbs
- 1 ounce American cheese, sliced or shredded, or more, or use Cheddar or another kind of cheese
- Optional: tomato slices, cooked bacon, sliced ham or turkey, or sliced sautéed mushrooms
Instructions
- Lay 2 slices of bread on a tray or cutting board and spread a layer of butter or mayonnaise over each slice.
- To the unbuttered side of one slice, add a condiment of spread, if desired, and then add the cheese.
- If using bacon, tomatoes, or another extra ingredient, place it on the cheese layer.
- Place a nonstick skillet or griddle over medium heat.
- Top with the other slice of bread, butter side up.
- Cook for about 2 to 3 minutes, or until golden brown on the bottom, then flip the sandwich over and continue cooking on the other side until golden brown and the cheese is melted.
- Transfer the sandwich to a plate and give it a minute or two to rest, then cut it diagonally and serve immediately.
Nutrition
Disclaimer:
Our nutritional information is based on a third-party application that analyzes the ingredients list to determine the values. The information is meant to be helpful, but should be considered an estimate. Values may differ depending on measurements, brands, serving variations, and database availability.
