A grilled cheese sandwich is one of the first things I learned to make for myself when I was very young, and it symbolizes my first tentative steps into independence in the kitchen.
Early attempts at grilled cheese for many of us, including myself, consisted of two slices of American cheese sandwiched between whatever kind of sliced bread you could find at home. But as I’ve gotten older, I’ve learned to appreciate the little touches that elevate a grilled cheese: plenty of butter (perhaps even some mayo), quality bread, and basically any type of cheese other than American.
Since it’s difficult to make a bad grilled cheese, I was eager to use this competition as a chance to focus on the elements that elevate a grilled cheese from good to great. I started by looking up popular, highly rated recipes online, and I eventually found the recipe for the ideal grilled cheese sandwich.
Ultimate Grilled Cheese Sandwich
Best-Ever Grilled Cheese 🔗
Looking to majorly upgrade the classic grilled cheese? This recipe has you covered with bread slicked with and crisped up by the power of mayonnaise.
Ingredients:
- 2 slices ½”-thick Pullman or other white bread
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 2 ounces thinly sliced American cheese or cheddar (about 4 slices)
- Freshly ground black pepper
- Tomato soup (for serving; optional)
Instruction:
- Place bread on a cutting board and spread mayonnaise over top side of each; this is key to a golden, delectable crunch. Heat a small skillet (nonstick, ideally) over medium. Slide in half of butter. When it melts, place 1 slice of bread, mayonnaise side down, in skillet; top with cheese; season with pepper. Top with second slice of bread, mayonnaise side up. When underside is golden brown, about 4 minutes, turn sandwich and add remaining butter to skillet. Press down on sandwich to encourage even browning and to help melt cheese—be gentle, don’t smash it. Cook until second side is golden brown and cheese is melted. Eat immediately, preferably with soup.
FAQ
What is the best cheese for grilled cheese?
American cheese, Cheddar cheese, Brie, Monterey Jack cheese, Pepper Jack cheese, Gouda, Havarti, and Fontina are some of the cheeses I choose to use because the differences between yellow and white Cheddar are not very great.
What can I add to grilled cheese to make it better?
Here are just a few suggestions:Fresh vegetables, fruits, and herbs: To each his own, but we prefer fresh, juicy vegetables with a distinct sweet or tart flavor; pickles and other cured things: Pickles are the ideal accompaniment to grilled cheese; deli meats: They’re simple to add, salty, meaty…
Is butter or mayo better for grilled cheese?
The exterior of grilled cheese made with mayo rather than butter has a rich, golden color, and some people even remark that it tastes better.
How do you make grilled cheese taste like a restaurant?
The exterior of grilled cheese made with mayo rather than butter has a rich, golden color, and some people even remark that it tastes better.