Classic Grilled Cheese Sandwich Recipe
The ultimate
comfort food, a grilled cheese sandwich has golden, crispy bread filled with
gooey, melted cheese. It's simple, satisfying, and quick to make!
Cooking Time:
8-10 minutes
Total Time:
13-15 minutes
Difficulty Level:
Easy
Serve: 2
INGREDIENTS
·
4 slices of your favorite bread (white sandwich
bread, sourdough, or brioche work well)
·
4 slices of cheese (cheddar, American, Monterey
Jack, or a mix of two)
·
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened (or
mayonnaise for an extra crispy crust)
Tools & Equipment
·
Large non-stick skillet or cast-iron pan
·
Spatula
·
Butter knife or small spreading knife
INSTRUCTIONS
Step1.
Prepare the Bread: Spread one side of each bread
slice evenly with softened butter (or mayonnaise, if using). This will be
outside your sandwich.
Step 2.
Assemble the Sandwich: Place two slices of bread,
butter-side down, in your cold skillet. Add two slices of cheese on top of each
buttered bread slice. Top with the remaining two slices of bread, with the
buttered side facing up.
Step 3.
Grill the First Side: Place the skillet over
medium-low heat. Cook for 4-5 minutes, or until the bottom side is golden brown
and crispy.
Step 4.
Flip and Grill Second Side: Carefully flip each
sandwich with your spatula. Continue to cook for another 4-5 minutes, or until
the second side is golden brown and the cheese is completely melted and gooey.
You can gently press down on the sandwiches with your spatula to encourage even
browning and melting.
Step 5.
Serve: Remove the grilled cheese sandwiches from the
pan, slice in half if desired, and serve immediately.
Estimated Macros Per Serving (1 Sandwich)
v
Calories: 350 - 450 calories
v
Protein: 15 - 20g
v
Fat: 20 - 30g
v
Carbohydrates: 25 - 35g
v
Fiber: 1 - 2g
Tips and Variances
·
Low and Slow: The key to a perfectly
golden and gooey grilled cheese is medium-low heat. If the heat is too high,
the bread will burn before the cheese melts.
·
Mayonnaise for Crispier Crust: Spreading
a thin layer of mayonnaise on the outside of the bread instead of butter
creates an incredibly crispy, golden crust and adds a slightly tangy
flavor.
·
Cheese Blend: Don't be afraid to mix
cheese. A combination of sharp cheddar for flavor and Monterey Jack or American
for meltiness works great.
·
Add-ins:
·
Savory: Thinly sliced ham or turkey,
cooked bacon, caramelized onions, a slice of tomato, sautéed mushrooms, a fried
egg.
·
Spicy: A pinch of red pepper flakes, a
dash of hot sauce inside, or a slice of jalapeño.
·
Sweet & Savory: A thin slice of
apple, pear, or fig jam.
·
Garlic Bread Grilled Cheese: Rub a cut
garlic clove over the toasted side of the bread before assembling or add a
sprinkle of garlic powder to the butter.
·
Different Breads: Experiment with
different breads like rye, whole wheat, or even leftover focaccia for unique
textures and flavors.
FQAs
1. Q: Why isn't my cheese melting properly?
A: This usually means your heat is too high, causing the
bread to brown before the cheese melts. Reduce the heat and be patient.
Covering the skillet with a lid for the last few minutes can also help trap
heat and melt the cheese faster.
2. Q: Can I use butter straight from the fridge?
A: It's best to use softened butter. Cold, hard butter is
tough to spread evenly and can tear the bread. If your butter is too hard, you
can microwave it for a few seconds, but be careful not to melt it
completely.
3. Q: What's the best cheese for grilled cheese?
A: "Best" is subjective, but American cheese is a
classic for its excellent melt. Cheddar adds great flavor. For a more
sophisticated grilled cheese, try Gruyere, Fontina, or a mix of cheeses that
melt well. The key is a good melting cheese!
4.Q: What should I serve with grilled cheese?
A: A classic pairing is tomato soup. It's also great with a
simple salad, a few pickle slices, or a bowl of chips.
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