The grilled cheese sandwich is a classic that never fails to bring comfort and satisfaction. With its golden, crispy bread and gooey melted cheese, this sandwich is simple yet irresistibly delicious. It’s the perfect meal or snack for any time of day. Let’s walk through the old fashioned recipe and tips to perfect this dish at home.
1. Best Old Fashioned Grilled Cheese Sandwich
Ingredients
- 2 slices of bread (white or sourdough works best)
- 2-3 slices of cheese (cheddar, American, or a mix of your favorites)
- 2 tablespoons butter, softened (plus more if needed)
Instructions
Prepare the bread: Spread a thin, even layer of softened butter on one side of each slice of bread. This will help the bread crisp up beautifully when grilled.
Assemble the sandwich: Place 2-3 slices of cheese between the unbuttered sides of the bread, forming a sandwich with the buttered sides facing outward.
Preheat the skillet: Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium-low heat. Using medium-low heat ensures the cheese melts evenly without burning the bread.
Grill the sandwich: Place the sandwich on the skillet and cook for 2-4 minutes on the first side. Press gently with a spatula for even browning. Flip the sandwich carefully and cook the other side for another 2-4 minutes, or until both sides are golden brown and the cheese is fully melted.
Serve immediately: Remove the sandwich from the skillet, let it cool for a minute, then slice it diagonally for a classic presentation. Serve hot and enjoy!
2. Tips for Perfect Grilled Cheese Sandwich
Use Room-Temperature Butter
Softened butter spreads more evenly on the bread, ensuring consistent browning and crispiness. Cold butter can tear the bread and leave uneven patches.
Choose the Right Cheese
Melty cheeses like cheddar, American, mozzarella, or Gruyère work best. Combining different types of cheese can give the sandwich more depth of flavor. Avoid cheeses that don’t melt well, such as feta or Parmesan.
Low and Slow Cooking
Keeping the heat at medium-low prevents the bread from burning while allowing the cheese to melt fully. Rushing the process with high heat often results in unevenly cooked sandwiches.
Use Quality Bread
Fresh, hearty bread like sourdough, brioche, or Texas toast provides a sturdy base. Thin or overly crumbly bread may fall apart during cooking.
Press Lightly While Cooking
Gently pressing the sandwich with a spatula helps the bread make full contact with the skillet, creating a more even browning. Avoid smashing the sandwich, as this can squeeze out the melted cheese.
3. Recipe Variations
Three-Cheese Grilled Cheese: Combine cheddar, mozzarella, and Gruyère for a richer, more complex flavor profile.
Bacon Grilled Cheese: Add crispy cooked bacon between the cheese slices for a savory twist.
Tomato Grilled Cheese: Layer thin slices of fresh tomato inside the sandwich for a refreshing burst of flavor.
Pesto Grilled Cheese: Spread a thin layer of pesto on the inside of the bread before adding the cheese. This variation adds a herby, tangy flavor.
Sweet and Savory Grilled Cheese: Add a touch of sweetness by including a thin layer of fruit preserves (like fig or apricot) alongside sharp cheddar. The balance of sweet and savory makes for a unique experience.
Spicy Grilled Cheese: Include sliced jalapeños, a dash of hot sauce, or pepper jack cheese for a kick of heat.
4. What to Serve with Grilled Cheese Sandwich
Grilled cheese sandwiches are the ultimate comfort food: gooey, melty cheese between crisp, buttery bread. While they are delicious on their own, pairing them with complementary sides can turn a simple sandwich into a satisfying meal. Here are some tasty options and why they work so well with grilled cheese:
Tomato Soup
Tomato soup is the classic companion to grilled cheese. The creamy, tangy soup perfectly balances the richness of the cheese, and dipping the sandwich into the soup adds an extra layer of flavor.
Salad
A fresh salad, such as a Caesar or mixed greens, provides a crisp, light contrast to the sandwich’s buttery, cheesy richness. Adding ingredients like nuts, fruits, or a zesty vinaigrette enhances the flavor pairing.
Pickles
The tangy, crunchy bite of pickles cuts through the richness of the cheese and butter, adding a refreshing burst of flavor to each bite.
Chips or French Fries
The salty crunch of potato chips or the crispiness of fries adds texture to your meal. These sides are especially satisfying when served with dipping sauces like ketchup or ranch dressing.
Coleslaw
The creamy, slightly tangy coleslaw complements the grilled cheese while adding a refreshing crunch. It’s a great option for balance and texture.
Roasted Vegetables
Roasted vegetables like carrots, zucchini, or broccoli provide a savory, slightly sweet accompaniment to the sandwich. They’re a healthier option that adds a variety of flavors to the meal.
Fruit Salad
A fresh fruit salad provides a sweet, juicy contrast to the buttery grilled cheese. The natural sweetness of fruits like berries, oranges, or grapes adds balance to the meal.
The grilled cheese sandwich is a versatile dish that’s easy to prepare and customize. With these instructions provided in the article, I hope that you can elevate this simple classic into a meal that’s perfect for any occasion.
