The grilled cheese sandwich is pure comfort food, and this sandwich will likely bring back childhood memories. Add a cup of soup for a delicious lunch or dinner. Use slices of American cheese or mix it up with some mozzarella, Muenster, cheddar, or a smoked cheddar. And it’s versatile! Add a few slices of bacon, turkey, or ham for a heartier sandwich.
How To Make a Grilled Cheese Sandwich
- Grate or slice the cheese if your cheese isn’t pre-sliced.
- Lay out the 2 slices of bread and spread a thin layer of butter, margarine, or mayonnaise over each slice.
- If you like to add condiments, such as mustard, pesto, or mayonnaise, spread it on the unbuttered side of one slice of bread.
- Top the unbuttered slice with the cheese.
- Add any extras you might like, such as ham, bacon, or sautéed mushrooms.
- Top the sandwich with the second slice of bread, buttered side up.
- Heat a nonstick skillet or griddle pan over medium heat.
- When the pan is hot, place the sandwich on it.
- Grill for 2 to 3 minutes on each side, or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted. Watch it carefully and lower the heat if necessary.
- Use a spatula to transfer the sandwich to a plate and let it cool for a minute or two.
- Slice the sandwich on the diagonal and serve immediately.
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.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 minutes
- Total Time: 11 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving 1x
- Category: Sandwiches, Cheese
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 slices bread
- Softened butter, margarine, or mayonnaise (about 2 teaspoons)
- Optional: A spread, condiment, or herbs
- 1 ounce sliced or shredded American cheese (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.