Running short on time, yet tummy’s still growling? Well, it’s cheese-o-clock, the perfect moment to enjoy an ooey-gooey cheesy recipe that gets ready in no time!
It’s no secret that cooking is one of my biggest passions. If I had my way, you would find me in the kitchen cooking(and eating!) delicious food all day.
However, there are days when time just flies and cooking gets forced to take a backseat. On those hectic days, a short and simple recipe like a grilled cheese sandwich recipe feels like a total lifesaver!
If you are in a rush but still want to pack your lunchbox with something hearty and delicious, you can throw together the best grilled cheese sandwich recipe in mere minutes. Bread, butter, and cheese—with just these three simple ingredients, you can whip up this classic delight that’s a favorite for everyone.
The crispy bread with melting cheese inside creates a perfect contrast and gives you comforting, homemade food ready in a flash!
Variations For Make A Grilled Cheese Sandwich Recipe
I have prepared the most basic version of a grilled cheese sandwich in this recipe. However, you can add different ingredients to make the best grilled cheese sandwich and customize it to your liking.
Here are some variations you can try to make a grilled cheese sandwich:
Caramelized Onion and Tomatoes
Caramelized onion and juicy tomatoes pair up nicely with buttery and cheese sandwiches. The sweet taste of the caramelized onions adds depth to the sandwich, while the acidity in the fresh tomatoes cuts through the cheese’s richness and compliments the overall dish.
Grab a skillet and start caramelizing the onions until soft and golden. Layer the onions on top of the cheese, put fresh tomato slices between the onions, and butter the outside of the bread. Grill the sandwich until it’s crispy and the cheese is melted.
Jalapenos
Missing a spicy kick in your sandwich? Well, I got you covered for this one with the mighty jalapeno!
Jalapenos have a distinct taste that goes well with melted cheese. It’s one kind of spice that develops a sweet and smoky taste while sauteing. As they get cooked, the sweetness intensifies, offering a sharp flavor that contrasts with your grilled cheese sandwich recipe.
To add this ingredient to make grilled cheese to your sandwich, cut some fresh jalapenos into thin slices and remove the seeds if you don’t want them to become too spicy. Layer the slices on top and put another cheese slice on top. For added flavor, consider sauteing the jalapenos before adding them to your sandwich. Grill and cook as per the recipe instructions.
Vegetable Add-ins
Adding vegetables to your classic grilled cheese sandwich recipe is a great idea to get more nutrition from this snack! Fresh vegetables like spinach, bell pepper, avocado, and zucchini help add a fresh burst of flavor and crunchy texture to the grilled sandwich.
To add the vegetables to your sandwich, first, slice them into thin rounds. Then, saute the veggies in a skillet until they are tender and slightly caramelized. At this cooking stage, you can sprinkle salt, pepper, and herbs. Prepare the cheese for grilled cheese sandwich as usual and arrange the veggies on top of the cheese. Layer another slice of cheese on top of the vegetables and grill as per the recipe instructions.
BBQ Chicken
If you want to add a protein element to the cheese sandwich and make it more fulfilling, then chicken is your best option!
You can use leftover cooked chicken in this recipe. However, I suggest using BBQ chicken instead for an extra burst of smoky flavor. The sauce used in BBQ chicken adds a delicious contrast to the creamy, melting cheese. The sauce’s sweetness goes beautifully with the cheese’s richness and creates a balanced flavor profile for the sandwich.
Cook the chicken first or shred the leftover chicken into small pieces. Toss the chicken pieces with BBQ sauce so that they are well coated. Spread the chicken with the sauce on top of the cheese in your sandwich and grill it until the bread is crispy and golden.
Sauteed Mushroom
Mushrooms add a savory and earthy flavor to any dish. When combined with cheese, the mushroom’s strong flavor is balanced, making the cheese taste even better!
To add mushrooms to your sandwich, you need to clean and slice the mushrooms into thin strips. Heat a skillet on the stove, add butter, and season the mushroom with salt and pepper. Saute the mushrooms until they are tender and golden brown in color. Spread the cooked mushroom on top of the cheese and grill the sandwich as per the recipe instructions.
Poached or Scrambled Eggs
Both poached and scrambled eggs are great additions to grilled cheese sandwiches. The runny yolk of the poached egg melts beautifully with the creamy cheese. And the fluffy texture of the scrambled eggs creates a stark contrast with the crispy bread. Both types of eggs add a comforting and hearty note to the overall dish.
To add poached or scrambled eggs, simply cook the eggs as you normally would. Then place them onto your great grilled cheese sandwich bread before grilling.
What To Pair With The Best Grilled Cheese Sandwich Recipe?
Tips and Tricks
Despite the recipe being pretty straightforward, small mistakes can happen and affect the outcome. To help you make a delicious and crispy grilled cheese sandwich, here are some essential tips and tricks to keep in mind:
- For grilled sandwiches, choose a type of cheese that melts well and creates a delicious filling.
Go for Cheddar cheese if you want a sharp flavor contrasting the other ingredients in the perfect grilled cheese sandwich. Mozzarella is best known for its easy melting and mild flavor, and it’s the best cheese for grilled cheese. Swiss cheese provides a slightly sweet and nutty flavor, while American cheese melts smoothly with a creamy texture. Pick the one that suits your taste the most.
- Love the golden crust on your sandwich? Well, to get that crispy exterior, preheat the pan properly before adding the bread to it. For an extra-crispy sandwich, toast the bread lightly before adding the filling and cooking.
While grilling, keep the temperature on medium to low heat to ensure the bread gets a nice crispy burn while the cheese melts smoothly inside.
- If your cheese isn’t melting properly, cover the pan lid for a short time. The heat and steam will get trapped inside and help the cheese melt more easily. Keep an eye on the dish, as the bread might get burned if it’s not uncovered in time.
- You can add different types of spreads to bring a unique twist to your grilled cheese sandwich. For instance, try Pesto spread for a green sauce made of basil leaves for a fresh burst of herbal flavor. Or you can add hummus to get a Mediterranean flavor or mayo to your grilled cheese recipe, bringing a slightly nutty and creamy taste.
5. After the sandwich is prepared, let it rest for a few minutes. This cooling period allows the cheese to set and prevents it from spilling out when you cut into the sandwich.
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If you often find yourself racing against the clock, don’t forget to bookmark this comfort food recipe. That way, you can quickly pull it up and make this delicious grilled cheese sandwich, fitting a satisfying meal into even the busiest of days!
Recipe FAQs
What Type Of Bread Should I Use To Make The Ultimate Grilled Cheese Recipe?
You can use any bread that’s sturdy enough to handle grilling and toasting, including white bread, sourdough, rye, and whole wheat bread.
How To Make Grilled Cheese Recipe Bread Crispy?
Spread a generous amount of butter on the bread to make it crispy. You can also add mayo for extra crispiness.
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