The Best Grilled Cheese Sandwich
A golden, shatteringly crisp grilled cheese sandwich with a molten cheddar and Gruyère centre. The secret: mayonnaise on the outside and low, patient heat.
By Tasty Nest Recipes Editorial TeamPublished
15 min total 2 sandwichesEasy
Photo: Maggie Hoffman · CC BY 2.0. Illustrative photo; your results may look different.
About this recipe
A great grilled cheese has an evenly golden, crunchy crust and cheese that is completely melted and stretchy inside. Getting both at once comes down to two things: the right fat on the outside and gentle heat.
Spreading mayonnaise rather than butter on the bread gives a crisper, more even crust that is less likely to burn. A mix of sharp cheddar and Gruyère brings both tang and stretch.
Equipment you'll need
- Large nonstick or cast-iron skillet
- Lid or baking sheet
Tips for success
- Grated cheese melts faster and more evenly than sliced cheese.
- If the bread browns before the cheese melts, turn the heat down; patience gives the best result.
- Serve with our creamy tomato basil soup for a classic pairing.
Substitutions and variations
- Use butter instead of mayonnaise for a richer, more traditional flavour.
- Try fontina, Monterey Jack or mozzarella for extra stretch.
- Add sliced tomato, ham or a thin layer of chutney before closing the sandwich.
Storage
To store: Best eaten immediately; grilled cheese does not keep well.
Recipe
The Best Grilled Cheese Sandwich
A golden, shatteringly crisp grilled cheese sandwich with a molten cheddar and Gruyère centre. The secret: mayonnaise on the outside and low, patient heat.
- Prep
- 5 min
- Cook
- 10 min
- Total
- 15 min
- Yield
- 2 sandwiches
- Level
- Easy
Ingredients
Tick off ingredients as you gather them.
Instructions
Step 1: Spread the bread
Spread a thin, even layer of mayonnaise over one side of each slice of bread, right to the edges.
Step 2: Assemble
Place 2 slices, mayo side down, on a board. Pile the grated cheeses on top and cover with the remaining slices, mayo side up.
Step 3: Cook slowly
Heat the skillet over medium-low heat. Add the sandwiches and cook for 4 to 5 minutes, covering the pan loosely for the first few minutes to help the cheese melt, until the underside is deep golden.
Step 4: Flip and finish
Flip and cook for 3 to 4 minutes more, until the second side is golden and the cheese has completely melted.
Step 5: Rest and slice
Let rest for 1 minute so the cheese sets slightly, then cut in half and serve.
Cuisine: American · Course: Lunch
Estimated nutrition per serving
- Calories
- 590
- Protein
- 24 g
- Fat
- 31 g
- Carbs
- 53 g
- Fibre
- 2 g
- Sugars
- 2 g
Approximate values estimated from typical nutrition data for the listed ingredients, excluding optional toppings and serving suggestions. Actual values vary with brands, portion sizes and substitutions. Not verified by a dietitian or laboratory analysis.
tastynestrecipes.com/recipes/grilled-cheese-sandwich
Keep cooking
