How To Make the Perfect Grilled Cheese in 5 Easy Steps

A classic grilled cheese is the ultimate comfort food and one of the easiest meals to make. Crispy and golden on the outside, with melted, cheesy perfection in the middle, the perfect grilled cheese is delicious, satisfying, and tastes like home. Discovering the right type and amount of cheese, the perfect melting temperature, and the ideal cooking method takes a little trial and error, but once you figure it out, you’ll be set.

Planning a grilled cheese masterpiece

The key to grilled cheese success is cooking it on low heat slowly so the cheese melts steadily and the bread crisps evenly. Whether you’re dunking it into homemade tomato soup or eating it au naturel, toasted cheesy excellence is within your reach.

What’s the best cheese to use when making grilled cheese?

Cheese that holds its structure, melts evenly and is firm with a good body of flavor is ideal for making grilled cheese. Shredded or sliced cheddar cheese is the classic choice here, however, if you have a favorite cheese, make sure to give it a try! 

Here are the ideal types for grilled cheese:

• Cheddar
• Monterey jack 
• Pepper jack
• Gouda 
• Colby
• Havarti 
• Shredded mozzarella
• Swiss cheese

Cutting the cheese

Although it may seem easier to slice the cheese, shredding the cheese melts quicker, more evenly, and less of a mess. Of course, if you prefer sliced, that’ll do just fine too.

For the perfect balance of cheese-to-bread, use the following ratio:

• 2 thick slices of cheese, about ¼ to ½ inches thick—kept in slices or shredded. 
• 2 slices of bread around ¾ inches thick, depending on the bread type.

What bread should I use for grilled cheese?

Any bread will work for grilled cheese, however, crusty bread like a classic sourdough is ideal. If you keep your bread frozen, partially toast it before putting together the grilled cheese.

Add some good fats! Buttering the outside of the bread—opposite the side with the cheese—will result in an evenly toasted and crispy bread that will accentuate the flavor and texture. While salted butter is the classic choice, feel free to use any fat including olive oil, bacon fat, ghee, or vegan butter.

Whether you choose to melt the butter in the pan first or butter the bread directly is a personal choice. 

Ingredients for making grilled cheese

Here’re the best ingredient and tools for making the perfect grilled cheese

• 2 tbsps of butter
• 4 slices of bread ½ to ¾ inches thick
• 4 ¼ to ½ inch slices of cheese—or shredded equivalent  
• Cooking method: Cast iron skillet, nonstick pan, oven, or air fryer

Grab it now on Instacart:

Pacific Foods Organic Creamy Tomato Soup (32 fl oz)

Kings BOAR'S HEAD PEPPER JACK CHEESE (lb)

Shredded Mozzarella Cheese (per lb)

Classic Sourdough Bread ()

GoodCook Cast Iron Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet, 8-inch (1 each)

GoodCook Cast Iron Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet, 8-inch (1 each)

TBJ Gourmet Bacon Jam, Uncured, Classic (9 oz)

Graul's Crumbled Blue Cheese (lb)

How to make grilled cheese in a pan

Follow these simple steps for how to make grilled cheese in a pan or skillet.

1. Spread the outer top and bottom of the bread with butter or melt butter in the pan and brush on the outside.
2. Heat a large non-stick pan or skillet on medium heat.
3. Add the grilled cheese sandwiches to the pan, pressing down lightly with a spatula.
4. Cook without moving for 3-5 minutes on each side, until golden and crispy.
5. Slice and serve immediately.

How to make grilled cheese in the oven

Follow these simple steps to make grilled cheese in the oven.

1. Preheat your oven to 450 °F.
2. Butter 1 side of your bread slices and lay out on a lined baking sheet—butter side up. 
3. Arrange your sliced or shredded cheese on the bread and place another piece of bread on top—still butter side up. 
4. Bake for around 4-6 minutes depending on your oven type.
5. Take out, carefully flip the sandwich and bake for an additional 2-3 minutes until golden and cheese is melted.

How to make grilled cheese in an air fryer

For even crispiness to your grilled cheese, follow these steps to make grilled cheese in an air fryer.

1. Program your air fryer to 375°F. 
2. Spread softened butter on the outer sides of your sandwich.
3. Place the bread slices on the air fryer trays. If your bread is very light, the top slice might fly off from the circulating air. Avoid this by securing it in place with wooden toothpicks.
4. Cook for 7 minutes or until golden and cheese has melted—no need to flip in the air fryer.

Other tips for the tastiest grilled cheese

Elevate your grilled cheese with these mouth-watering add-ons:

• Add garlic salt or garlic powder to the buttered side of the bread for extra flavor.
• Try a cheese combo of ⅓ pepper jack cheese, ⅓ gouda, and ⅓ Italian-style shredded cheese.
• Spread bacon jam or whole-grain dijon mustard inside the bread before cooking—or both!
• Sauté some shallots and garlic to add inside the bread before toasting.
• Sprinkle on parmesan or crumbled blue cheese for a stronger flavor.

Grilled to perfection

Innovative boldly and create the ultimate comfort food. Mix and match a variety of cheeses with add-ins like caramelized onions, sun-dried tomatoes, or mustard to take your grilled cheese to the next level. Order through Instacart and have everything delivered right to your home, hotel, Airbnb, or vacation rental. Just fill your cart and choose same-day delivery or pick up at check out.

Instacart

Author

Instacart is the leading grocery technology company in North America, partnering with more than 1,400 national, regional, and local retail banners to deliver from more than 80,000 stores across more than 14,000 cities in North America. To read more Instacart posts, you can browse the company blog or search by keyword using the search bar at the top of the page.