Description
The ultimate grilled cheese sandwich with perfectly golden, buttery bread and gooey melted cheese. This foolproof recipe delivers restaurant-quality results with simple ingredients and an easy technique that works every time.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 slices bread (white, sourdough, whole wheat, or your choice)
- 2 tablespoons butter, softened and divided
- 2–3 slices cheese (American, cheddar, or your favorite melting cheese, about 2 ounces)
- Pinch of salt (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare your ingredients. Remove butter from the refrigerator and let it soften slightly for easier spreading. If you’re using block cheese, slice it into even pieces about 1/4-inch thick. Having everything ready before you start cooking ensures perfect timing.
- Butter the bread. Spread butter generously on one side of each bread slice, making sure to cover all the way to the edges. This edge-to-edge coverage ensures even browning and prevents dry spots. If using salt, sprinkle a tiny pinch over the buttered surfaces.
- Heat your skillet. Place a heavy-bottomed skillet or griddle over medium heat. Let it preheat for 2-3 minutes – the pan should be hot enough that a drop of water sizzles gently but doesn’t smoke. Medium heat is crucial for giving the cheese time to melt while the bread browns.
- Assemble the sandwich. Place one slice of bread butter-side down in the preheated skillet. Immediately layer your cheese slices on top of the bread in the pan, making sure they don’t extend beyond the edges. Place the second slice of bread on top, butter-side up. The heat will already start working on that bottom slice.
- Cook the first side. Let the sandwich cook undisturbed for 3-4 minutes. Resist the urge to press down on the sandwich or peek too early. You’ll know it’s ready to flip when the edges start to turn golden and you can slide a spatula underneath easily. The bread should be deep golden brown.
- Flip carefully. Using a wide spatula, carefully flip the sandwich in one smooth motion. Cook the second side for another 2-3 minutes until equally golden brown and the cheese is fully melted.
- Check for doneness. The sandwich is perfect when both sides are golden brown and crispy, and you can see melted cheese just beginning to ooze from the edges. If the cheese needs more melting time but the bread is already golden, reduce heat to low and cover with a lid for 30 seconds.
- Rest and serve. Remove the sandwich from the skillet and let it rest on a cutting board for 30 seconds – this allows the cheese to set slightly so it doesn’t all run out when you cut. Slice diagonally and serve immediately while hot and gooey.
Notes
- Temperature is everything: Too hot and the bread burns before cheese melts; too low and the bread gets greasy without crisping. Medium heat is the sweet spot.
- Don’t rush the flip: Wait until you see golden edges and can easily slide a spatula under the sandwich.
- For extra melty cheese: Cover the pan with a lid for the last 30-60 seconds of cooking to trap heat.
- Multiple sandwiches: Keep finished sandwiches warm in a 200°F oven while you cook additional batches.
- Cheese varieties: Mixing cheeses creates the best flavor – try 1 slice American + 1 slice sharp cheddar.
- Prep Time: 3 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 minutes
- Category: Lunch
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 440
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 820mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 75mg