This is the BEST Grilled Cheese Sandwich with crispy bread and three cheeses. I’m sharing all my “secrets” to make it even better without extra effort.
This recipe includes how to make Grilled Cheese in a skillet and an air fryer.
Grilled Cheese Sandwich Recipe
I’ve never shared my go-to Grilled Cheese recipe, which is a shame since I make them often, especially when I whip up a batch of Tomato Basil Soup or Easy Tomato Soup. There’s nothing better than buttery, toasted bread with melty cheese and warm soup!
I make Grilled Cheese even more now after trying it in the air fryer. It’s a game changer! The air fryer gives better texture, flavor, and crispiness than a skillet and is almost completely hands-off.
Today’s recipe is for the classic American Grilled Cheese. For fancy versions, check the FAQs or try my favorites: Caprese Grilled Cheese or French Dip Grilled Cheese.
Grilled Cheese Sandwich Ingredients
- Bread: Thick-sliced bread like Texas Toast is best. Too thick and the cheese won’t melt; too thin and the sandwich will be flimsy. Aim for 1-inch thick slices.
- Softened butter: Ensure the butter is very soft for easy spreading and even toasting.
- Mayo: Use real, full-fat mayo for the best flavor and creaminess.
- Garlic powder: Adds a subtle garlic flavor if you love garlic. Leave it out if you don’t!
- Salt: Enhances the cheese flavor. Add a touch more if your sandwich doesn’t taste “cheesy” enough.
- Cheeses: Use a mix of gouda, sharp cheddar, and muenster for the BEST combo!
Quick Tip
To soften butter quickly, unwrap it and place it on a plate. Fill a measuring cup with 1 cup of water, microwave for 2 minutes, then pour out the water and dry the cup. Invert the hot cup over the butter for 5-10 minutes.
The Best Cheese For A Grilled Cheese
Cheese is the star of the show, and using a mix makes it even better! My favorite combo:
- Sharp Cheddar
- Gouda
- Muenster
Other great options: sharp white Cheddar, Monterey Jack, Gruyere, American, Havarti, Pepper Jack.
How To Make Grilled Cheese
Making a PBJ is simple, but a Grilled Cheese needs a few tricks. Here are my top tips for the best sandwich:
- Butter: Spread softened butter to the edges for a crispy exterior.
- Low heat: Use medium-low to low heat for even toasting and melting. Don’t try to rush the process!
- Cold pan: Start with a cold pan to heat slowly and evenly. This helps the cheese melt as the bread toasts.
How To Cook a Grilled Cheese
Any non-stick skillet works great. For making many sandwiches, an electric griddle or flat cooktop is a game changer. You can also use a sandwich or panini press.
For air frying, I recommend this Air Fryer (affiliate link). Air fryer timings can vary by brand, so you may need to adjust for your model. After the first use, the air fryer will be warmed up and cook the next sandwiches faster.
Is Mayo or Butter Better for Grilled Cheese?
I like both! Here’s why:
- Butter on the outside: Adds wonderful flavor and helps the bread get crispy and brown.
- Mayo on the inside: Adds a subtle flavor and creaminess that complements the cheese perfectly.
What To Add To A Grilled Cheese Sandwich
Here are my favorite additions to elevate your sandwich:
- Caramelized onions
- Sun-dried tomatoes
- Fresh herbs (basil, thyme, parsley)
- Pesto
- Olive tapenade
- Sliced apple
- Sautéed spinach
- Ham or turkey
- Sautéed mushrooms
How To Add Flavor To Your Sandwich
Looking for more flavor? Add one of the ingredients listed above!
- Salt: Don’t forget salt, or add an extra pinch to enhance flavors.
- Spices: Add spices to the mayo. Try creole seasoning or cayenne for heat, or paprika and onion powder for general flavor.
How to Make a Gordon Ramsay Cheese Sandwich
Gordon Ramsay’s famous grilled cheese adds kimchi in the middle of the slices! Follow the recipe and add a scoop of kimchi on top of the cheese before cooking.
Why The Cheese Isn’t Melting On Your Grilled Cheese
- Heat: The heat might be too high, cooking the outside before the inside melts. Use medium-low heat.
- Cooling: If cooking several sandwiches, let the skillet cool between batches.
What To Substitute for Butter:
Use olive oil cooking spray or brush the bread with a thin layer of olive oil.
Serve This Sandwich Alongside:
- Soup! Think tomato soup or this cauliflower soup or creamy vegetable soup
- A big green salad such as Garden salad, Caesar salad, or Olive Garden salad
- A crunchy side like coleslaw or a cucumber salad
- Chips, french fries, or roasted potatoes
- Fresh fruit or a big fruit salad
Grilled Cheese
Ingredients
For ONE Grilled Cheese (Recipe easily increased!)
- 2 slices Texas Toast or other thick-sliced bread (Note 1)
- 1 tablespoon room temperature unsalted butter (Note 2)
- 2 teaspoons mayonnaise
- 1 slice sharp Cheddar cheese
- 1 slice gouda cheese
- 1 slice Muenester cheese
- Tiny sprinkle garlic powder & fine sea salt
Instructions
- SOFTEN BUTTER: Set butter out to soften for at least an hour, or see Note 2 for a quick method.
- PREP BREAD SLICES: Brush one side of each bread slice with 1/2 tbsp butter. Sprinkle lightly with garlic powder. Flip and spread 1/2 tsp mayo on the other sides. Sprinkle lightly with salt (1/8 tsp).
- AIR FRY: Layer 3 slices of cheese on one slice of bread. Sandwich slices together. Add toothpicks (Note 1). Place sandwich in air fryer basket, ensuring it has plenty of room (best to cook 1 at a time). Air fry at 360°F for 4-6 minutes, flip, and cook for another 3-4 minutes until golden brown and cheese is melted. Adjust times based on your air fryer model.
- SKILLET: To prepare grilled cheese in a skillet, see Note 3.
- SERVE: Cut sandwich in half and serve immediately.
Video
Recipe Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
