<img loading=“lazy” src=“https://www.simplejoy.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Grilled-Cheese-Pin-2-150x150.jpg" onerror=“this.onerror=null;this.src=‘https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhe7F7TRXHtjiKvHb5vS7DmnxvpHiDyoYyYvm1nHB3Qp2_w3BnM6A2eq4v7FYxCC9bfZt3a9vIMtAYEKUiaDQbHMg-ViyGmRIj39MLp0bGFfgfYw1Dc9q_H-T0wiTm3l0Uq42dETrN9eC8aGJ9_IORZsxST1AcLR7np1koOfcc7tnHa4S8Mwz_xD9d0=s16000';" alt=“Pinterest graphic for grilled cheese sandwich recipe. Text says, “the best grilled cheese simplejoy.com.” Image shows a person’s hand pulling apart half of grilled cheese sandwich with tomato soup in the background. - 1”>

<img loading=“lazy” src=“https://www.simplejoy.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Grilled-Cheese-Pin-4-150x150.jpg" onerror=“this.onerror=null;this.src=‘https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhe7F7TRXHtjiKvHb5vS7DmnxvpHiDyoYyYvm1nHB3Qp2_w3BnM6A2eq4v7FYxCC9bfZt3a9vIMtAYEKUiaDQbHMg-ViyGmRIj39MLp0bGFfgfYw1Dc9q_H-T0wiTm3l0Uq42dETrN9eC8aGJ9_IORZsxST1AcLR7np1koOfcc7tnHa4S8Mwz_xD9d0=s16000';" alt=“Pinterest graphic for grilled cheese sandwich recipe. Image is side view of person’s hand dipping half of grilled cheese sandwich into a bowl of tomato soup. Text says, “super easy grilled cheese simplejoy.com.” - 2”>

<img loading=“lazy” src=“https://www.simplejoy.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Grilled-Cheese-Pin-150x150.jpg" onerror=“this.onerror=null;this.src=‘https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhe7F7TRXHtjiKvHb5vS7DmnxvpHiDyoYyYvm1nHB3Qp2_w3BnM6A2eq4v7FYxCC9bfZt3a9vIMtAYEKUiaDQbHMg-ViyGmRIj39MLp0bGFfgfYw1Dc9q_H-T0wiTm3l0Uq42dETrN9eC8aGJ9_IORZsxST1AcLR7np1koOfcc7tnHa4S8Mwz_xD9d0=s16000';" alt=“Pinterest graphic for grilled cheese sandwich recipe. Image shows two halves of a grilled cheese sandwich stacked on top of each other with bowls of tomato soup beside. Text says, “grilled cheese simplejoy.com.” - 3”>

A grilled cheese sandwich is an easy recipe, and with my tips and tricks, it will turn out perfect every single time.

The Best Grilled Cheese Sandwich - 4

A grilled cheese sandwich paired with my homemade tomato soup is top-tier comfort food in my book. It’s like the meal itself is wrapping you up in a warm hug. This grilled cheese recipe is perfectly cheesy and delicious, and you will find yourself making it over and over every time you need that comfort.

The Best Grilled Cheese Sandwich - 5

Grilled Cheese Ingredients

Here are the ingredients that make up the best grilled cheese sandwich! Be sure to scroll to the recipe card to see the full recipe, including all the measurements.

  • Sourdough bread: Brings a great flavor to the sandwich and holds up well while cooking and holding that melty cheese. Sourdough is the best bread for grilled cheese because it gets nice and crunchy on the outside, while keeping the cheese gooey on the inside of the sandwich. If sourdough isn’t your thing, find another hearty white bread.
  • Butter: Room temperature butter will spread much easier on the bread than cold butter. Some people prefer to use mayonnaise on the outside of the bread, but I love the flavor of butter and the crust it forms.
  • Mild cheddar cheese: Melts smoothly and has a creamy, mellow flavor that’s perfect for that classic grilled cheese taste. You can read more about the best cheese for grilled cheese below.
  • Gruyere cheese: Keeps the cheese gooey and adds a great flavor combination with the mild cheddar. Adding gruyere is really want makes this taste like a gourmet sandwich.
Person's hand pulling apart two halves of a grilled cheese sandwich with bowls of tomato soup beside - 6

Best Cheese For Grilled Cheese

The key when choosing types of cheese to make a grilled cheese sandwich is to use one (or two) that melt really well. I love the combination of mild cheddar cheese and gruyere cheese. Mild cheddar cheese melts better than sharp cheddar cheese, which can turn out oily and clumpy. I recommend shredding them from a block, they will melt and taste so much better than pre-shredded cheese. Here are a few other suggestions:

  • Colby: This American cheese has a mild flavor and creamy texture, making it a great option for a melty and classic grilled cheese sandwich.
  • Havarti: If you are going to venture outside of the classics, this is the perfect one to reach for.
  • Gouda: This always feels like a fancier cheese to me, and it has a stronger flavor than most cheeses, but it is absolutely amazing on grilled cheese.
Overhead view of grilled cheese sandwich cut in half and pulled apart with cheese between. Bowls of tomato soup beside - 7

Air Fryer Grilled Cheese

Another great way to make a grilled cheese sandwich is in the air fryer. The benefit of using the air fryer is that the cooking time is accurate, and you don’t have to worry about watching it too closely once the timer is set.

Air Fryer Grilled Cheese

Person's hand dipping half of a grilled cheese sandwich into a bowl of tomato soup - 8

What to Serve with Grilled Cheese Sandwiches

  • Grilled cheese and Tomato Soup is a classic combination that is perfect for dipping!
  • Make a batch of Easy French Fries for a crispy, satisfying side.
  • Keep things lighter with Air Fryer Broccoli —a quick, healthy option that adds a pop of green to your plate.

If you make this perfect grilled cheese sandwich recipe or any of my other recipes, I’d be so grateful if you came back and left a comment letting me know how you enjoyed it!

  • Instagram
  • Facebook
  • Youtube
  • Newsletter

Ingredients

  • 2 slices sourdough bread
  • 2 tablespoons salted butter room temperature
  • 2 ounces mild cheddar cheese grated, see note
  • 2 ounces gruyere cheese grated

Instructions

  • Slather the bread with the butter. You will butter only one side of each slice, using 1 tablespoon per slice.
  • Heat a heavy-bottomed skillet that has a lid over medium-low heat.
  • Add one slice of bread to the pan, butter side down. Top with cheese. Add the second slice of bread, butter side up.
  • Toast for 4 to 6 minutes, until golden brown, with the lid on. Then carefully, using a spatula, flip the sandwich. I like to use a few fingers on the top of the sandwich as I flip. Return the lid and toast for 4 to 6 more minutes.

Notes

Side view of a grilled cheese sandwich cut in half with the halves stacked on top of each other. Bowls of tomato soup in the background. - 9

did you make this

Grilled Cheese Sandwich

  • Facebook

  • Twitter

  • Pinterest

  • Youtube

  • Newsletter

  • Patty Melt

  • BLT Sandwich

  • Chicken Salad

  • Reuben Sandwich

  • Instagram

  • Facebook

  • Youtube

  • Newsletter

Side view of a grilled cheese sandwich cut in half with the halves stacked on top of each other. Bowls of tomato soup in the background. - 10

Grilled Cheese Sandwich

Ingredients

  • 2 slices sourdough bread
  • 2 tablespoons salted butter room temperature
  • 2 ounces mild cheddar cheese grated, see note
  • 2 ounces gruyere cheese grated

Instructions

  • Slather the bread with the butter. You will butter only one side of each slice, using 1 tablespoon per slice.
  • Heat a heavy-bottomed skillet that has a lid over medium-low heat.
  • Add one slice of bread to the pan, butter side down. Top with cheese. Add the second slice of bread, butter side up.
  • Toast for 4 to 6 minutes, until golden brown, with the lid on. Then carefully, using a spatula, flip the sandwich. I like to use a few fingers on the top of the sandwich as I flip. Return the lid and toast for 4 to 6 more minutes.

Notes

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Youtube
  • Newsletter