Best Grilled Cheese

There’s something incredibly comforting about a crispy, melty sandwich. The Best Grilled Cheese is the perfect blend of simplicity and indulgence that always hits the spot. I still remember the first time I made this classic dish with my grandmother. We would gather in the kitchen, the aroma of melting cheese filling the air as we eagerly anticipated that first bite. It was during those cozy afternoons that I learned the magic of buttering the bread just right and letting it sizzle to golden perfection. Whether it’s a quick lunch or a midnight snack, nothing compares to the warm embrace of a grilled cheese sandwich. This recipe not only brings back memories but also promises to deliver that same delightful satisfaction every time you make it.

Ingredients Required for Best Grilled Cheese

When crafting the Best Grilled Cheese, the right ingredients are essential. Each component plays a vital role in creating that perfect balance of flavors and textures. Using quality bread and rich cheeses makes all the difference, ensuring that every bite is a delight. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 2 slices hearty sourdough bread, or bread of your choice
• 2 tablespoons salted butter, softened
• 2 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 2/3 to 1 cup freshly grated cheddar cheese, plus 2 tablespoons for cheese crust

How to Assemble Best Grilled Cheese

Making the Best Grilled Cheese is a delightful process that combines technique and care to create the ultimate sandwich. Follow these steps for a scrumptious result!

1. Start by placing a cast iron skillet on the stovetop, turning the heat to medium-low. Allow the pan to warm up before you start cooking. It’s important to get it just hot enough to cook the bread without burning it.
2. While the pan is warming, take one slice of your hearty sourdough bread and spread 1 tablespoon of softened butter on one side. This will be the side that touches the skillet, creating a golden crust.
3. Next, sprinkle Parmesan cheese in the hot skillet, spreading it out to match the size of the bread slice. This will create a flavorful cheese crust.
4. Carefully place the buttered slice of bread, buttered side down, into the skillet on top of the Parmesan. The cheese should sizzle gently, promoting that crispy texture.
5. Now, take the freshly grated cheddar cheese and arrange it on top of the bread in the pan, covering it generously. This will ensure a cheesy filling that melts beautifully.
6. Take your second slice of bread, spread the remaining 1 tablespoon of softened butter on one side, and place it face up on top of the cheese-covered slice in the pan.
7. Let the sandwich cook slowly until the bottom slice turns a lovely golden brown and the cheese starts melting inside. It’s crucial to keep the heat low to achieve the best result. If you notice the cheese isn’t melting well, you can cover the skillet with a lid to trap the heat, but resist the urge to turn up the heat.
8. Once the bottom is golden, gently remove the sandwich from the pan. Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of cheddar cheese directly into the hot skillet, spreading it out in a circle, similar to the previous step.
9. Return the sandwich to the pan, uncooked side down, directly on top of the cheddar cheese. This step creates that second cheesy crust.
10. Cook until the cheese is melted on the inside, and the outside of the sandwich forms a beautiful golden brown crust. This should only take a few more minutes. Remember, patience is key!
11. Finally, remove the sandwich from the pan and cut it in half with a serrated knife for easy eating. Serve immediately while it’s warm and gooey.

How to Switch It Up

There are so many fun ways to enjoy the Best Grilled Cheese. Here are some ideas to help you switch things up a bit!

• Storage: If you have leftovers, keep your grilled cheese in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in a skillet for the best results.
• Freezing: You can freeze ungrilled sandwiches. Wrap tightly in foil and place in a freezer bag. When you’re ready, grill from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the cooking time.
• Pairing: Serve with a hot bowl of tomato soup for the classic combo, or try a side salad for a lighter meal.
• Mix it up: Add extras like fresh herbs, tomatoes, or even avocado for a gourmet twist.
• Breakfast option: Consider adding scrambled eggs and fresh spinach for a breakfast grilled cheese.

Side Dish Ideas for Best Grilled Cheese

Pairing the Best Grilled Cheese with the right side dishes can elevate your meal experience. Here are some delicious suggestions:

• Tomato Soup: A classic pairing that complements the cheesy goodness perfectly. The warm soup and crispy sandwich create a comforting combo.
• Fresh Salad: A simple green salad with a zesty vinaigrette can balance the richness of the sandwich.
• Pickles: A crunchy dill pickle on the side adds a tangy contrast that cuts through the richness of the cheese.
• Sweet Potato Fries: For a fun twist, serve your sandwich with crispy sweet potato fries for a nice contrast in flavors.
• Coleslaw: This can add a refreshing crunch and another layer of flavor that pairs nicely with grilled cheese.
• Fruit Salad: A light, refreshing fruit salad can be the perfect palate cleanser to balance out the savory sandwich.

FAQ

Conclusion

The Best Grilled Cheese represents the perfect fusion of crispy bread and melted cheese. It’s a nostalgic dish that warms the soul and satisfies cravings effortlessly. I encourage you to try making it at home; once you do, you’ll understand why it’s a timeless classic. Enjoy every bite!

Best Grilled Cheese

The ultimate comfort food, the Best Grilled Cheese is a crispy masterpiece filled with gooey cheese that melts in your mouth. Perfect for a quick meal or a cozy snack, it's a dish that always satisfies. Make it tonight for a delightful treat!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 15 minutes mins

Servings: 1 servings

Course: Dinner, Side Dishes

Cuisine: American

Calories: 400

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 2 slices sourdough bread or bread of your choice
• 2 tablespoons salted butter softened
• 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese freshly grated
• 2/3 to 1 cup cheddar cheese freshly grated, plus 2 tablespoons for cheese crust

Equipment

• Skillet
• Chef's Knife
• Frying Pan
• Grater

Method

 

1. Place a cast iron skillet on the stove top and turn on the heat to medium-low heat. Let the pan warm up before you start cooking. The pan should be hot to the touch, but not smoking.
2. Spread one tablespoon of the butter on one side of the bottom slice of bread. Sprinkle the Parmesan cheese in the hot skillet, spreading it out to about the same size as the bread.
3. Place the buttered piece of bread, buttered side down, into the pan, directly on the Parmesan cheese.
4. Arrange the grated cheese on the top side of the bread in the pan.
5. Spread the remaining tablespoon of butter on the second slice of bread, then place it face up on top of the bread and cheese in the pan.
6. Let the sandwich cook until the bottom slice is golden brown, and you have a nice Parmesan crust, and the cheese has begun to melt on the inside. Don’t turn up the heat. Low and slow is the way to go. If your cheese isn’t melting, you can cover the pan with a lid to help, but don’t turn up the heat.
7. Remove the sandwich from the pan.
8. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese directly in the hot pan, spreading it out about the same size as the bread. Place the sandwich back in the pan, uncooked side down, directly in the cheddar cheese.
9. Cook until the cheese is melted on the inside of the sandwich, and you have a nice golden brown, cheesy crust on the outside.
10. Remove from pan and use a serrated knife to cut the sandwich in half. Serve immediately.

Notes

• You can easily double, triple, or quadruple this recipe: This allows you to make more sandwiches for a crowd.
• If you are making several sandwiches at once: An electric griddle pan can be a lifesaver. It allows for easy cooking of multiple sandwiches simultaneously.
• For a crispy crust: Instead of spreading the bread with butter, consider using mayonnaise, which can achieve a nice golden crust as well.
• Experiment with cheeses: You can use your favorite cheese like sharp cheddar, Gouda, or brie. Mix them up to find your perfect combination!
• Adjust cheese amounts: The amount of cheese used can depend on the size of your bread. Fill it generously for a cheesy delight!

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Meet Quinn Taylor

Great food doesn't have to be complicated, it just has to be smart. I focus on streamlining our recipes so you get maximum flavor with minimum stress. I cooked, timed, and tasted this dish multiple times to ensure it fits perfectly into your busy life while still delivering that 'wow' factor.