Sometimes you want a basic grilled cheese sandwich. And there’s 100% nothing wrong with that. But for those times you feel fancy… we have grilled cheese sandwich recipe ideas for you!
Don’t get us wrong. We love a basic grilled cheese sandwich too. They’re good anytime, and we love pairing them with our Creamy Tomato Soup. So we’re going to give you a basic grilled cheese sandwich recipe here… but keep reading to get to all the add-ins to bring it to a whole new level. There’s a grilled cheese tweak for everyone!
A great grilled cheese balances science and flavor. You need both the right melt and the perfect crunch. Use a high-moisture Monterey Jack for a better cheese pull. Or, add local Alberta mustard for a gourmet kick. This guide shows you how to make a basic sandwich in ten minutes. We also share five simple upgrades to elevate your snack into a chef-level meal.
Don’t forget to post a picture of your grilled cheese on social media and hashtag it #CuppersAtHome. Try some more recipes from our collection in our Easy Gourmet Recipes In Under 30 Minutes.
Prep Time: 5 min
Cook Time: 5 min
Total Time: 10 min
Skill Level: Super Easy
Servings: One serving
Equipment:
- Bread knife
- Cutting board
- Knife for cheese slicing
- Spreading spatula
- Frying pan
- Flipping spatula
- Large saucepan
Ingredients:
- 2 tbsp. butter, softened
- Sourdough bread (or other artisan-style loaf)
- Monterey Jack cheese
Instructions:
- Slice four inside (not heel slices) of the bread.
- Slice two to four slices of Monterey Jack cheese, enough to cover a slice of bread, with no overhang. Don’t add it to the bread yet.
- Start your non-stick or cast iron frying pan on medium heat on the stove-top.
- Butter two slices of bread, add buttered side down to the frying pan.
- While the bread is in the pan, butter the top of the slices. Use soft butter to avoid the bread bunching up.
- Add the sliced cheese on one of the slices of bread. Top with the other slice of bread, fried side up.
- Cook until the sandwich is golden brown, and then carefully flip it. Continue browning the other side until the cheese melts and the bread has browned.
- Serve and Enjoy!
Try a Sandwich Upgrade!
There’s SO many ways to upgrade and/or modify your grilled cheese sandwich. Try some of these, and let us know which are your favourites. Or let us know if you have one we didn’t cover here. We definitely know our faves!
Luco Farms Prairie Spirit Mustard
Luco Farms Prairie Spirit Mustard is a smooth, German-style mustard. It features a balanced taste with a bit of a bite, but is generally on the medium heat side. This mustard is a great compliment to any cheese sandwich, or as a dip for fresh vegetables. We also love it on dry, home-made German style sausages. Spread it on the outside of your grilled cheese before you grill it!
Saltspring Kitchen Apple & Fig Spread
This might be a challenge for some, especially if you haven’t tried cheese and fruit together. Saltspring Kitchen Apple & Fig Spread is an awesome addition to any pantry. It’s great on a variety of dishes (think as a glaze for a roast!) but we love the depth it adds to our grilled cheese. It’s extra good on a mozzarella grilled cheese, where the flavours pop. For your first try, use a thin spread on your bread before adding cheese. A little goes a long way!
Bustard's Mustard
At first, mustard on a grilled cheese might sound strange. We find the tangy addition is a surprising pop of flavour. Thanksgiving Ranch Bustard’s Mustard is our go-to. Made right here in southern Alberta from a local family recipe. Slather the mustard on the inside slice of your bread, and follow the rest of the instructions. This goes well with both sharp or mild cheeses, so enjoy it anytime!
Saltspring Kitchen Charcuterie Mustard
It might seem strange to feature several mustards for grilled cheese sandwich recipes. The difference here is how to use them. This idea features Saltspring Kitchen Charcuterie Mustard. Instead of using butter on the outside of the bread before frying, add a layer of this mustard. The mustard seed frying on the outside of the sandwich elevates this to a whole new level. And it’s one of our go-tos to warm up on a cold day.
Belberry San Marzano Tomato Ketchup
Sometimes you don’t want to add anything to your grilled cheese sandwich recipe. But you can still add a burst of flavour after making the sandwich. We love the added boost in Belberry San Marzano Tomato Ketchup. All the sweet tomato ketchup you know, but elevated by using some of the best tomatoes grown. Go back to your childhood comfort meal, but with big kid flavour. Enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best bread for a grilled cheese sandwich?
The best bread for a grilled cheese sandwich is a dense sourdough from The Little Bakehouse. We LOOOVE their sourdough breads! It comes down to the alveoli, or air-holes in the bread. Breads that have a tighter alveoli prevent the melting cheese from leaking through. This keeps your grilled cheeses gooey while still having awesome crunch.
What's the best way to get a golden-brown crust on a grilled cheese?
Good quality, salted butter is the best start. We also recommend trying grainy mustard for a big flavour pop. If that’s too much, try spreading a thin layer of mayonnaise on the outside of the bread for even browning.
How does Monterey Jack compare to Cheddar for grilled cheese?
- Monterey Jack: Known for its superior “meltability,” providing the classic “cheese pull.” It has a mild, creamy flavor.
- Cheddar: Offers a sharper, more complex flavor profile. Comes in a variety of ages, the older the sharper.
Expert Tip: For the best result, use a 50/50 blend of both.
What is the best way to store leftover grilled cheese?
Who ever has leftover grilled cheese sandwiches?! Wow!
But if you do, allow the sandwich to cool before wrapping it in parchment paper. Place it in an airtight container to keep it fresh.
How do I reheat a grilled cheese sandwich?
For the best results, you have two options:
- Use an air fryer at 350°F for 3 minutes to restore the bread’s original crispness and re-melt the cheese.
- Refry the sandwich in a hot frying pan. Add a teaspoon of water to the side of pan, while being careful it doesn’t spatter. Put a lid on it so the sandwich both steams and fries for melty cheese and crispy crust.
