Mom’s grilled cheese recipe is simple, classic, and fabulous. You’ll need just 3 ingredients and a couple minutes to make the best grilled cheese sandwich ever invented. Thanks Mom!
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Sometimes you don’t need all the bells and whistles to make something 10/10 delicious. This grilled cheese recipe doesn’t require and doesn’t need anything fancy. The essentials are soft sandwich bread (go to the bread aisle of the grocery store and pick out one of those super soft loaves), good quality salted butter, and sharp cheddar cheese slices.
If I had a last meal on Earth, this grilled cheese sandwich would be on the menu! It’s Mom’s special recipe, and I can’t wait to share it with you.
Grilled Cheese Recipe Ingredients
- Soft sandwich bread – you know the soft sandwich bread you get in the bread aisle at the grocery store? Get that! Don’t get fancy bakery bread; the result will not be the same and won’t be as good! I really like Pepperidge Farm Oat Bread (this is not an ad), or white bread, soft pumpernickel or rye bread.
- Sharp cheddar cheese – my mom always used sharp cheddar cheese (or even extra sharp cheddar cheese). It has incredible flavor when melted, and it creates this slightly gooey, soft interior that complements the crunchy, buttery exterior.
- Salted butter – good-quality butter is a must!
Best Cheese for Grilled Cheese
Sharp cheddar cheese is the best cheese for making grilled cheese sandwiches for so many reasons. Sharp cheddar cheese has a bold, robust, and tangy flavor compared to other cheese. When melted, it mellows a bit so it’s not too intense and it also melts perfectly!
While sharp cheddar cheese is my favorite choice for grilled cheese, you can use any other melting cheese you love, like American, Gruyère, or even mozzarella!
How to Make Grilled Cheese
Let’s make Mom’s famous grilled cheese! Full instructions in the recipe card; this is just an outline!
- Layer.
In a large nonstick skillet, add 2 slices of bread. Add a single layer of cheese to each slice. Add final slices of bread on top of cheese.
- Butter.
Generously butter the tops of each sandwich. Carefully flip sandwiches over and butter the bottom slices of each sandwich.
- Toast.
Turn heat to high. Toast the first side for 2-4 minutes until golden brown. Watch carefully!
- Flip.
Use a spatula to flip sandwiches. Press down each sandwich. Toast the other side for 1-2 minutes until golden, watching carefully! Enjoy.
Recipe Variations
- Add veggies (make sure all veggies are not wet to prevent a soggy sandwich): tomato slices, Caramelized Onions, Roasted Red Peppers, sautéed mushrooms, pickles, pickled jalapenos, green onions, chives, arugula, Roasted Garlic, fresh basil, sundried tomatoes
- Add a thin layer of cooked meat: bacon, ham, turkey, thinly sliced sausage, salami
- Try different cheeses: gouda, swiss, mozzarella, pepper jack, American, brie, Havarti, provolone, gruyere
- Other random additions and dipping sauces: pesto sauce, sliced apples, BBQ sauce, Tomato Sauce, buffalo sauce, honey, fig jam, Dijon mustard
My Pro Tip
Tips for the Best Grilled Cheese
- Choose soft sandwich bread: My personal favorite is Pepperidge Farm Oat Bread (not an ad!). Soft white bread, pumpernickel, rye, etc. also work well. Opt for soft, regular sandwich bread from the bread aisle.
- Use high heat: To achieve that perfect balance of a crispy exterior and a soft interior, high heat is key. Just be cautious and keep an eye on your sandwich to prevent burning!
More Cheesy Recipes YOu’ll Love!
Easy Weeknight Dinners
Easy Cheese Calzone
Breakfast
Dad’s Ham and Cheese Quiche
Snacks & Side Dishes
BEST Homemade Baked Mac and Cheese
Appetizers
Best Beer Cheese Recipe
If you’ve tried this Grilled Cheese Recipe or any other recipe on my website, please let me know in the comments below. I love hearing from you. Please consider leaving a 🌟 star rating while you are here!
How to Make Mom’s Grilled Cheese
Equipment
- Nonstick pan
Ingredients
- 4 slices soft sandwich bread
- 3 slices sharp cheddar cheese, (more or less depending on size of bread)
- 2 tablespoons salted butter, softened (more or less depending on size of bread)
Instructions
- In a large nonstick skillet, add 2 slices of bread. Add a single layer of cheese to each slice, making sure the cheese goes right out to the edges. Add final slices of bread on top of cheese.
- Generously butter the tops of each sandwich. Carefully flip sandwiches over and butter the bottom slices of each sandwich. The key is generous….you’ll want to use about 1 tablespoon of butter per sandwich.
- Turn heat to high. Toast the first side for 2-4 minutes until golden brown. Carefully watch to prevent burning!
- Use a spatula to flip sandwiches. Press down each sandwich with the back of the spatula. Toast the other side for 1-2 minutes until golden, again carefully watching to prevent burning! Serve right away.
Video
Notes
- Bread rule: I love Pepperidge Farm Oat Bread (not an ad!). I also like soft white bread, pumpernickel or rye! The key is soft, regular sandwich bread from the bread aisle.
- Cheese rule: Depending on the size of your bread you’ll likely need 1 or 1 ½ slices of cheese per sandwich. Can you use different cheese? Sure! But sharp cheddar is Mom’s favorite (and it’s the best!).
- Butter rule: If your sandwich bread is small and square, you’ll probably need a little less than 1 tablespoon of butter per sandwich. If it’s bigger and rectangular, you’ll need at least a tablespoon. Be generous and make sure your butter is softened!
- High heat is key for crispy exterior and soft interior! Check sandwiches often to prevent burning.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
