A simple grilled cheese is the ultimate comfort food.
Two pieces of buttered bread that have been toasted to a golden brown, with all that ooey-gooey cheese inside. You can’t help but love it.
Serve it with a bowl of classic tomato soup, and I’ve got everything I need! I could probably eat that every single day.
Grilling bread and cheese is actually older than sliced bread. The idea has been around for centuries. We see it in Roman cookbooks, but I’m willing to bet it’s even older than that, considering cheese was first discovered around 10,000 years ago. Coincidentally, that’s also around the same time that humans started baking bread.
At some point, someone slapped some cheese on a piece of bread, and they discovered how tasty it was. Fast forward to the early 1900s, and grilled cheese sandwiches were part of everyday menus. Well, they were called “melted cheese” back then, and they were cooked in the oven. Somewhere during the Great Depression era, it evolved into the “toasted cheese,” which more resembled what we think of today. People were broiling them or cooking them in a frying pan with butter.
Mmm butter.
These days, our lovable melty grilled cheese sandwiches have evolved even further. All across the U.S. and even across the globe, people are getting creative with it. We’re using different blends of cheeses and adding things like tomato or bacon. Instead of just sliced white bread, people are using sourdough, rye, and brioche. I’ve even had a grilled cheese made on pita bread.
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No matter what kind of bread or cheese you use, it’s all delicious if you ask me. Of course, to make a proper grilled cheese, you have to give it a way to develop that perfectly crisp, golden brown exterior. Most people opt for butter, but some people have been reaching for something different: mayonnaise. Even Bon Appétit swears that mayo is the key to the best-ever grilled cheese.
Whether you use butter or mayo, American cheese or Gouda, white bread or sourdough – I think we can all agree that this sandwich is peak deliciousness.
And if I’ve managed to get your taste buds going, let’s make some! I want to talk about all the best ways to upgrade your grilled cheese game. The next time you make a “simple” sandwich for your friends or fam, you’ll blow them away!
The Best Breads for Grilled Cheese
Before we move into recipes, let’s talk bread. While plain ol’ sliced white bread is the standard for grilled cheese, it’s not your only option. These days, we’re getting creative with our bread choices. The bread you choose can really add a boost to your sandwich’s flavors and textures. And, some breads play better with certain ingredients than others.
It’s important to remember that we’re making a sandwich that really only relies on two main ingredients. Sure, we can add all kinds of other ingredients, but the bread and cheese really make or break the sandwich.
Sourdough: Sourdough is crusty and tangy, making it perfect for a rich, melty cheese. This is the base for a perfect “grown up” grilled cheese because it adds just a little extra oomph.
Brioche: I love a good buttery brioche on its own, so clearly I also love it as the base of a grilled cheese sandwich. It makes for an extra-decadent sandwich, whether you stick with a mild cheese or upgrade to an artisan cheese and jam.
Multigrain: Hearty, nutty multigrain is my go-to when it comes to certain sandwiches. That’s because it can stand up to a multitude of bold flavors. When it comes to grilled cheese, pair it with pungent or funky cheeses, flavorful jams, and other big tastes.
Rye: Rye bread is another that has a strong flavor that won’t be overpowered by other ingredients. Most ryes have a nutty, earthy taste with a chewy texture spiked with caraway seeds. It pairs wonderfully well with strong cheeses, along with semi-sweet ingredients and even spices as well.
Pumpernickel: That deep brown color of pumpernickel bread comes from molasses and brown sugar. It also provides that signature sweetness, which will play nicely against rich and savory cheeses. Add in something tart, like thinly sliced Granny Smith apples, and you’ll have quite the complex flavor balance.
White Bread: Hey, it’s a classic for a reason. A good, fresh loaf of white bread provides the perfect canvas for all kinds of grilled cheese variations. It will crust up nicely with some butter (or mayo!), and it won’t compete with other ingredients.
Pullman: I see a lot of suggestions to use Pullman bread for the ultimate grilled cheese, so it deserves a spot. However, it’s important to note that it’s basically the same thing as white bread. The difference is that a Pullman loaf is baked in a specific pan with a lid to create a flat top.
The Best Cheese for Grilled Cheese
But where would a grilled cheese sandwich be without the perfect cheese? Again, a grilled cheese relies on two main ingredients, so let’s make them count! And cheese is in the title, so this one is extra special when it comes to making a knock-out sandwich.
Cheddar: I normally reach for a good sharp cheddar in other applications, but a medium or mild cheddar will melt better in a grilled cheese. You can also find cheddars that have chilis, onions, pepper, or other ingredients added to bring even more flavor.
Monterey Jack: Monterey Jack cheese has a pale yellow color, so it’s fitting that it boasts a mild, buttery flavor. It melts wonderfully, which is why you often find it in quesadillas. If you want that Instagram-worthy cheese pull, this is the cheese you want.
Pepper Jack: If you prefer something with a bit of a kick, Pepper Jack is Monterey Jack with red pepper flakes. That means you’ll get that same buttery taste and creamy texture, but with a little heat to go along with it.
Gouda: There are a few different variations of gouda cheese, and I love every one of them. Younger gouda is soft, with a milder and almost sweet taste. Aged gouda becomes a little stronger in flavor, but it doesn’t melt as well (it’s still delicious in my book). However, smoked gouda is top-tier, making for a decadent, mouthwatering sandwich.
Gruyere: Like gouda, the flavor of gruyere cheese depends on its age. Young gruyere is creamy and nutty, while aged gruyere develops a more complex, earthy flavor. It melts so nicely and really pairs well with both sweet and savory ingredients.
Brie: I’ve definitely seen a rise in grilled cheese sandwiches made with brie, and it’s definitely for good reason. It’s melty, gooey, and decadent. It’s a soft-ripened cheese that boasts a rich, buttery, and even fruity flavor. The brie that we have in the U.S. is milder than authentic French brie, but it still makes for a decadent grilled cheese.
American: Just like sliced white bread, American cheese is the original, classic choice for a grilled cheese. It melts beautifully, and it’s hard to resist that taste!
Now It’s Time for the Recipes!
We’ve talked about the two main ingredients. But now, what are you going to make with all that bread and cheese? Let’s take a look at some fun and inventive grilled cheese recipes that will get you thinking outside the box!
French Onion Grilled Cheese
For a truly comforting, decadent sandwich, check out this recipe for a French onion grilled cheese sandwich. It features that gruyere cheese along with caramelized onions prepared long and slow like you would for a traditional French onion soup. Put it all on French bread with a slather of whole grain mustard, and it’s a party in your mouth.
Check out the recipe here: French Onion Grilled Cheese Sandwich
Gouda and Jam Grilled Cheese
To really elevate a grilled cheese, look no further than this recipe. It only features a handful of ingredients, but all of them pack a serious punch. Sourdough bread is loaded with smoked gouda cheese, cheddar, and some jam. You end up with an extra gooey, smoky sandwich with a kick of sweet flavor to balance it all out.
Check out the recipe here: Gourmet Grilled Cheese
Thanksgiving-worthy Grilled Cheese
This grilled cheese would be delicious year-round, but it is exceptionally wonderful for Thanksgiving – or just after, when you have a bunch of leftovers to use up. It features turkey, brie, and a condiment made from cranberry sauce and whole grain mustard. If you’re already drooling just thinking about it, you’re not alone.
Check out the recipe here: Turkey Grilled Cheese Sandwich With Cranberry Mostarda
Taco Tuesday-Worthy Grilled Cheese
Add taco ingredients to anything, and I’m on board. This grilled cheese variation takes advantage of taco seasoned ground beef, cheddar, salsa, diced tomato, sour cream, guacamole, and shredded lettuce. This one would be just wonderful on white bread, wheat, or even sourdough. But if you really want to tap into Mexican flavors, try making it on a bolillo.
Check out the recipe here: Taco Grilled Cheese Sandwich
