How to Make the Perfect Grilled Cheese Sandwich

We are very excited to let you all know that April is National Grilled Cheese Month!! Grilled cheese sandwiches are the perfect harmony between oozy, melty cheese and perfectly toasted, crunchy bread. Not all grilled cheese sandwiches are created equal, though. There is special skill and care that must go into creating the perfect grilled cheese.

The most important element is CHEESE! In my grilled cheeses, I prefer cheddar or jack cheeses that are not too mild but also not super sharp. I also prefer yellow cheddar as it adds the classic color to your sandwich. Some great options are Cabot Medium Yellow Cheddar Cheese, Cady Creek Farms Gold'n Jack, and Tillamook Sharp Cheddar. Please, for the love of grilled cheese, do not get pre-shredded cheese! It will not melt into the ooey-gooey texture that you are looking for.

As far as bread, you can use any bread that your heart desires! I like sourdough and white bread the best for grilled cheese. Sourdough adds a little bit of extra flavor while white bread lets the cheese fully shine. Both get super crispy with this method which is the most important factor.

The first secret to making the perfect grilled cheese is using a combination of butter and mayonnaise. Use equal amounts, about 1 tbsp of each for 1 sandwich. Soften the butter in the microwave or on the counter top for a few hours. Stir the mayo into the softened butter until fully combined. Spread this mixture on one side of each piece of bread.

My next tip is to shred your cheese as opposed to slicing it. This way, the cheese will melt faster and more evenly. As stated before, pass on the pre-shredded cheese and shred your own. The flavor and melt factor will be wayyy better.

The last tip is to cook the grilled cheese low and slow. Too many times have I been so anxious to eat my grilled cheese that I ended up with burnt bread and non-melted cheese in the center. Cook your grilled cheese over medium-low heat. Keep an eye on it and flip when the side touching the pan is a perfect golden brown.

Finally, you can remove your grilled cheese from the heat and enjoy! Be careful not to burn your mouth 😉