By Becky Hardin
Published Feb 18, 2023
There’s just nothing better than a warm and buttery Grilled Cheese sandwich! Two pieces of buttered white bread are held together by classic American cheese and grilled until perfectly crisp on the outside and gooey on the inside.
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What’s in a Grilled Cheese Sandwich?
Thick-cut white bread is buttered and sandwiched together with as much American cheese as your heart desires. Flip it a few times and enjoy it with some tomato soup, potato chips, or whatever else floats your boat!
- Bread : Choose thick-cut bread, like Texas toast or a Pullman loaf, for the best results. Slices should be ¼-½-inch thick! You can also use multigrain or whole-wheat sandwich bread , sourdough, country bread, challah, or brioche.
- Butter: I like unsalted butter for a classic grilled cheese, but you can use mayonnaise instead if you prefer.
- Cheese : I like processed American cheese for that classic grilled cheese taste, but you can use any melting cheese, such as Swiss, cheddar, Colby, Monterey jack, gruyere, Havarti, or fontina! Make sure to fully cover the bread with cheese.
- Black Pepper: Optional. Adds a bit of a kick!
Pro Tip: If using grated cheese, opt for freshly-grated cheese over pre-shredded. It melts better! Use about ⅔-1 cup to avoid overloading the sandwich.
Grilled Cheese for a Crowd
I can only fit 2 sandwiches in my cast-iron skillet at a time, so when I want to cook for a crowd, I like to use the sheet pan method! Here’s how:
- Preheat oven to 425°F.
- Place bread slices butter-side-down on a baking sheet, top with cheese and pepper, and bake until the cheese is bubbly.
- Top the sandwiches with the second piece of bread and bake until toasty, about 5 minutes more.
In my opinion, you can’t go wrong with classic American cheese. However, any melting cheese will work here, so go with what you love! Swiss, cheddar, Colby, Monterey jack, gruyere, Havarti, or fontina are all good choices.
The best bread for grilled cheese is a thick, sturdy bread, such as Texas toast or a Pullman loaf. You can really use just about any bread, as long as it is cut thick enough (¼-½-inch) to stand up to being buttered. Multigrain or whole-wheat sandwich bread, sourdough, country bread, challah, or brioche all work well!
Not particularly! You can make it healthier by choosing a multigrain or whole-wheat bread and a less processed cheese, but this is a food that should be enjoyed in moderation.
The number of calories in a grilled cheese varies depending on the type of cheese and bread you choose. If you prepare it according to my recipe below, one sandwich is 392 calories.
Absolutely! I even have an air fryer grilled cheese recipe you can follow!
How to Store and Reheat the Best Grilled Cheese
Store leftover grilled cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat in a covered skillet set over medium-low heat until the cheese melts or in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes.
How to Freeze Grilled Cheese Sandwiches
Freeze grilled cheese sandwiches tightly wrapped in plastic wrap for up to 6 weeks. Bake directly from frozen in a 400°F oven for 5-7 minutes, until the cheese has melted.
What to Serve with the Perfect Grilled Cheese
Grilled cheese sandwiches are the perfect meal for kids and adults alike. Serve them alongside a warm bowl of tomato soup , butternut squash soup , or cream of mushroom soup for a hearty meal. Dip them in marinara sauce or ranch dressing for a tasty snack. Or, serve them with classic sandwich sides, like tater tots , sweet potato fries , or homemade cool ranch Doritos .
Ingredients1x2x3x
- ▢ 4 slices thick-cut white bread
- ▢ 2 tablespoons unsalted butter room temperature (¼ stick)
- ▢ 4-5 slices processed American cheese depending on the size of your bread
- ▢ Freshly ground black pepper optional
Video
Instructions
- Preheat a skillet or griddle over medium heat.
- Butter one side of each piece of bread with ½ tablespoon butter. 4 slices thick-cut white bread, 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- Flip two of the pieces butter side down and top with cheese. Sprinkle with pepper, if desired. 4-5 slices processed American cheese, Freshly ground black pepper
- Add on the top slice of bread, butter side out.
- Add the sandwiches to your preheated skillet. Cover and cook until the underside is an even golden brown, about 2-4 minutes.
- Flip, cover again, and cook until the second side is golden, about 2-4 minutes
- Let cool for 2 minutes. Cut in half and serve!
Equipment
- Cast Iron Skillet
Becky’s Tips
- You can use multigrain or whole-wheat sandwich bread, sourdough, country bread, challah, or brioche instead of white bread.
- You can use mayonnaise instead of butter.
- You can use Swiss, cheddar, Colby, Monterey jack, gruyere, Havarti, or fontina instead of American.
- Feel free to add toppings, such as mustard, jam, veggies, or fruit slices to dress up your grilled cheese!
- Use thick-sliced bread for a sturdy sandwich; thin bread will end up soggy.
- Generously coat the bread with butter to get a crisp exterior.
- Make sure to get the bread totally covered with cheese! Break the cheese into pieces if needed. We don’t want any cheeseless bites!
- If using grated cheese, opt for freshly-grated cheese over pre-shredded. It melts better! Use about ⅔-1 cup to avoid overloading the sandwich.
- Use medium-low heat for the best results. Good grilled cheese takes time, so be patient.
- Use a cast-iron skillet for the best browning.
- If the bread is browning too fast, turn down the heat!
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
More Grilled Cheese Recipes We Love
- Air Fryer Grilled Cheese
- Pulled Pork Grilled Cheese
- Waffle Apple Grilled Cheese
- Hawaiian Pizza Grilled Cheese
Grilled Cheese Recipe
Equipment
- Cast Iron Skillet
Ingredients
- 4 slices thick-cut white bread
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter room temperature (¼ stick)
- 4-5 slices processed American cheese depending on the size of your bread
- Freshly ground black pepper optional
Instructions
- Preheat a skillet or griddle over medium heat.
- Butter one side of each piece of bread with ½ tablespoon butter. 4 slices thick-cut white bread, 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- Flip two of the pieces butter side down and top with cheese. Sprinkle with pepper, if desired. 4-5 slices processed American cheese, Freshly ground black pepper
- Add on the top slice of bread, butter side out.
- Add the sandwiches to your preheated skillet. Cover and cook until the underside is an even golden brown, about 2-4 minutes.
- Flip, cover again, and cook until the second side is golden, about 2-4 minutes
- Let cool for 2 minutes. Cut in half and serve!
Video
Notes
- You can use multigrain or whole-wheat sandwich bread, sourdough, country bread, challah, or brioche instead of white bread.
- You can use mayonnaise instead of butter.
- You can use Swiss, cheddar, Colby, Monterey jack, gruyere, Havarti, or fontina instead of American.
- Feel free to add toppings, such as mustard, jam, veggies, or fruit slices to dress up your grilled cheese!
- Use thick-sliced bread for a sturdy sandwich; thin bread will end up soggy.
- Generously coat the bread with butter to get a crisp exterior.
- Make sure to get the bread totally covered with cheese! Break the cheese into pieces if needed. We don’t want any cheeseless bites!
- If using grated cheese, opt for freshly-grated cheese over pre-shredded. It melts better! Use about ⅔-1 cup to avoid overloading the sandwich.
- Use medium-low heat for the best results. Good grilled cheese takes time, so be patient.
- Use a cast-iron skillet for the best browning.
- If the bread is browning too fast, turn down the heat!
Nutrition
By Becky Hardin
Published Jul 12, 2017
This Essential Grocery List is an absolute life saver for my family on the busy weeks. When I started this journey to learn how to cook, I quickly realized that the first step in cooking is having staple ingredients on hand. I want to avoid having to run out to the grocery store every single time I prepare a new recipe. Having a well-stocked pantry has made my life in the kitchen so much simpler, because when it’s time to cook, I have what I need.
Essential Grocery List
It’s so helpful to have a basic grocery list to help me remember which foods to buy at the store. This food shopping list is my go-to!
It’s better to stock up on things like grains, seasonings and spices, baking essentials, oils, condiments, canned and frozen foods, etc. so I can just grab them when I need them. These things have a long shelf life , so I keep them in my kitchen for convenience.
However, I do have to go to the supermarket sometimes, and there’s a way to make that trip easy and hassle-free: I keep a grocery list! If I go in blindly, I’ll leave with things I don’t need, and nothing that actually helps me prepare a good meal.
In the list below, I’ve compiled everything I always have on my stock-up grocery list.
I’ve got you covered! I created an easy grocery list filled with all of the essentials. Plus there’s a free printable version that you can take with you to the grocery store. It has everything you need to stock your pantry, your freezer, and your refrigerator.
Click to get my Free Printable Grocery List
What to Buy at the Grocery Store
This is the perfect grocery list filled with all the basics and essentials. It should help get you going if you’re new to cooking, or if you’re just left staring helplessly at an empty pantry and don’t know how to fill it.
When I first started cooking, things could seem overwhelming. I quickly realized that they more prepared I could be, the more confident I felt. If you already have the basics in your kitchen, then you can shop stress-free.
So print out our easy grocery list, stock up your pantry and fridge, and you’ll be cooking in no time!
Click to get my Free Printable Grocery List for the perfectly stocked pantry and freezer!
Fresh Produce
- Apples
- Bananas
- Strawberries
- Avocados
- Bell Peppers
- Carrots
- Broccoli
- Garlic
- Lemons/Limes
- Onion
- Parsley
- Cilantro
- Basil
- Potatoes
- Spinach
- Tomatoes
GRAINS
- Breadcrumbs
- Pasta
- Quinoa
- Rice
- Sandwich Bread
- Tortillas
MEAT/PROTEIN
- Chicken
- Eggs
- Ground Beef
- Sliced Turkey
- Lunch Meat
DAIRY
- Butter
- Sliced Cheese
- Shredded Cheese
- Milk
- Sour Cream
- Greek Yogurt
BAKING GOODS
- Baking powder
- Baking Soda
- Granulated Sugar
- Brown Sugar
- Flour
- Honey
- Vanilla Extract
- Dry Yeast
- Chocolate Chips
- Cocoa Powder
- Powdered Sugar
FREEZER
- Fruit and Berries
- Frozen Veggies (Corn, Peas, Broccoli, etc)
- Juice Concentrate
- Pizza or Other Convenience Meals
- Pie Crust
- Cookie Dough
CANNED/DRIED GOODS
- Chicken stock/broth
- Salsa
- Diced Tomatoes
- Jam/Jelly
- Peanut Butter
- Pasta Sauce
- Beans (Black Beans, Chickpeas, Baked Beans, etc)
- Soups
- Tuna
- Green Chiles
- Canned Veggies
- Coffee or Tea
Get more details on the best non-perishable and pantry foods
CONDIMENTS/SPICES
- Black Pepper
- Chili Powder
- Cinnamon
- Crushed Red Pepper
- Cumin
- Garlic Powder
- Ketchup
- Mustard
- Mayo
- Nutmeg
- Paprika
- Salt (Course Sea Salt and Kosher Salt)
- Soy Sauce
- Steak Sauce
- Hot Sauce/ Buffalo Sauce
- Salad Dressings
OILS/VINEGARS
- Apple cider vinegar
- Balsamic vinegar
- Coconut Oil
- Olive Oil
- Vegetable/Canola Oil
- Red Wine Vinegar
- White Vinegar
- Cooking Wine
- White Wine Vinegar
SNACKS
- Crackers
- Nuts
- Quick Oats
- Popcorn
- Tortilla Chips
- Cereal
Click to get my Free Printable Grocery List for the perfectly stocked pantry and freezer!
Click ☝🏻 for my FREE Grocery List Printable!
I hope this essential grocery list can help you buy what you need and make your home cooking so much easier!
Stock Your Kitchen
Find more ideas for your grocery list, stock up your kitchen, and print more cooking guides and charts to keep handy!
Non-Perishable Foods to Stock Up On
Frozen Vegetables to Stock Up On (and Recipes to Make)
Ultimate List of Cooking Herbs for Your Kitchen
Ultimate List of Cooking Spices for Your Kitchen
Cooking Oil 101: Types of Cooking Oils to Use
26 Types of Pasta and When to Use Them
What Fruits and Vegetables are in Season?
Meat Temperature Chart (Free Printable)
How to Meal Prep (Guide for Beginners)
Basic Cooking Measurements & Kitchen Conversion Chart
