Few things in life are more comforting than a perfectly cooked Ultimate Grilled Cheese Sandwich – crisp on the outside, gooey on the inside, and delicious with every bite.
I don’t care how old you are. From the first bite of a grilled cheese sandwich, you’re 10 years old again, hearing your mom call you in from playing hide-and-seek as the sun sets on a perfect summer day. If you’re lucky, Mom might have made some tomato soup to dip the sandwich into and some chocolate chip cookies for dessert. Don’t forget to add a side of macaroni and cheese for the ultimate comfort meal.
The grilled cheese sandwich is a one-way ticket to nostalgia land. And I am there for it. It’s an audacious claim to the Ultimate Grilled Cheese Sandwich, but this recipe brings the receipts. When you’re done making it, kick your shoes off, pour a glass of lemonade, and sink your teeth into memory. Perhaps next time, you could also experiment with a Roast Pork Sandwich for a heartier meal.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
Not a gourmet chef? Not a problem. You don’t need a culinary degree to make this excellent grilled cheese. Just a few ingredients, a stove, and a trusty spatula.
You can go all out and experiment! Whether you’re lactose intolerant, gluten free, or just picky, it’s a seriously adaptable dish. For a twist on the classic, try an Open-Faced Hot Honey and Ham Grilled Cheese.
Ingredients
- 4 slices Sandwich bread, thickly sliced
- 2 Tbsp unsalted Butter, softened
- 2 slices Cheddar cheese
- 2 slices fresh Mozzarella cheese
- 2 Tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
- fresh Basil leaves
How to Make – The Steps
Step 1: Spread softened butter on both sides of each piece of sandwich bread.
Step 2: Heat a skillet over medium heat and place two slices of bread in the skillet. Place a slice of each type of cheese on each piece of toast and top with basil leaves. Then close the sandwich with the other bread slice.
Step 3: Cook the sandwich until both sides are golden brown and the cheese is melted. This should take about 5 minutes. Repeat with the other sandwich bread.
Step 4: Remove the sandwiches from the skillet and transfer them to a cutting board. Cut the sandwiches in half (or quarters) and serve warm!
Tips & Tricks to Make the Ultimate Grilled Cheese Sandwich
You need to start with a firm foundation: Choose your bread wisely. Thick, sturdy bread works best for grilled cheese; you could try sourdough or an artisan loaf for a different flavor profile. If you’re interested in exploring more sandwich recipes, be sure to check out our open-faced hot honey and ham grilled cheese.
For a perfectly golden and evenly toasted sandwich, use room-temperature butter. And don’t lay it on too thick: use just enough to cover the surface. Need another recipe that uses room-temperature butter to its advantage? Take a look at our easy baked pasta.
Add a pop of freshness. Incorporating ingredients like fresh basil or oregano changes the flavor profile and adds some contrasting colors to the sandwich.
FAQs
In this recipe, I suggest a combination of cheddar, mozzarella, and parmesan, but feel free to mix it up. I happen to think goat cheese turns every meal into fine dining, so I love spreading a thin layer on my grilled cheese. Haverti or gouda could be good additions, too.
Add a thin slice of tomato or some caramelized onions. You can also sprinkle in some hot sauce, fancy truffle oil, or flavored mayo. Or you could beef it up a bit with your favorite deli meat.
The classic grilled cheese is a stovetop affair. But if you prefer, you can make this cheesy treat in an oven too. Brush some butter on the baking sheet and cook at 375°F. Don’t forget flip the sandwich over halfway through.
Simply sub in olive oil or margarine as an alternative to butter if you want to cut down on the fat.
Serving Suggestions
For the ultimate comfort meal, whip up some other dishes like mac ‘n’ cheese or chunky beef stew. Then sit down and relish the feast. Or you could take another route, balancing the richness of the cheese with a vibrant green salad. Additionally, consider adding a light and refreshing Cucumber Tomato Salad to contrast the deep flavors. Add a dill pickle on the side or your favorite chips. If you’re eating with others, share some of the memories that this meal conjures.
Make Ahead and How to Store
The Ultimate Grilled Cheese Sandwich is best enjoyed fresh from the skillet. If, by some miracle, there’s any left, you can store it in the fridge. To eat the leftovers, heat the sandwiches in a skillet or slide them into a preheated oven at 350°F until the cheese is slightly melty. Resist the temptation to use a microwave, though, that’ll turn the bread soggy. If you’re looking to explore other cheese-loaded options, check out our creamy Pimento Cheese recipe.
How to Make a Perfect Grilled Cheese Sandwich
Ingredients
- 4 slices sandwich bread thickly sliced
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter softened
- 2 slices cheddar cheese
- 2 slices fresh mozzarella cheese
- 2 tbsp grated parmesan cheese
- fresh basil leaves
Instructions
- Spread each side of the sandwich bread with the soft butter.
- Heat a skillet over medium heat and place 2 slices of bread in the skillet. Place the cheese on one piece of toast and top with basil leaves. Close the slice of bread with another bread slice.
- Cook the sandwich until both sides are golden brown and the cheese is melted. This should take about 5 minutes. Repeat with the other Sandwich bread.
- Remove the Sandwiches from the skillet and transfer to a cutting board. Cut the sandwiches in half and serve warm!
