Classic American Grilled Cheese Sandwich
The quintessential comfort food: golden-brown, buttery bread encasing perfectly melted, gooey American cheese. A simple yet deeply satisfying classic.
🧂 Ingredients
- 4 slices White bread(Sturdy sandwich bread works best. Avoid very thin or overly airy slices.)
- 4 slices American cheese(For optimal meltiness, use good quality processed American cheese slices. You can also use shredded cheese if preferred, about 1/2 cup total.)
- 3 tbsp Unsalted butter(Softened to room temperature for easy spreading. You can also use salted butter if you prefer.)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Prepare the bread: Lay out the four slices of bread. Evenly spread 1/2 tablespoon of softened butter on one side of each slice. This will be the outside of your sandwich.
⏱️ 2 minutes - 2
Assemble the sandwiches: Place two slices of bread, butter-side down, onto a clean work surface. Layer two slices of American cheese on top of each slice of bread. Top each with another slice of bread, butter-side up.
⏱️ 1 minute - 3
Heat the pan: Place a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium-low heat. Allow it to preheat for about 2-3 minutes. A slightly lower heat is key to achieving a golden crust without burning the bread before the cheese melts.
⏱️ 3 minutes - 4
Grill the first side: Carefully place the assembled sandwiches into the preheated skillet. Cook for 4-5 minutes, or until the bottom slice of bread is a deep golden brown and feels slightly crisp. Gently lift an edge with a spatula to check the color.
⏱️ 4-5 minutes - 5
Flip and grill the second side: Using a spatula, carefully flip each sandwich. Cook the second side for another 4-5 minutes, or until it is also golden brown and the cheese inside is fully melted and gooey. You should see some cheese starting to ooze out the sides.
⏱️ 4-5 minutes - 6
Serve immediately: Once the bread is golden and the cheese is melted, remove the sandwiches from the skillet. Let them rest for about 30 seconds before slicing in half, if desired. Serve hot, ideally with a side of tomato soup.
⏱️ 1 minute
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Low and slow is the secret: Cooking over medium-low heat ensures the bread toasts to a perfect golden brown while allowing ample time for the cheese to melt completely without burning the exterior.
- ✓American cheese for the win: While other cheeses can be used, American cheese is renowned for its superior melting properties, creating that signature gooey texture.
- ✓Butter is essential: Don't skimp on the butter; it's crucial for achieving that irresistible crispy, golden-brown crust.
- ✓The classic pairing: Grilled cheese and tomato soup are a match made in comfort food heaven. The soup's acidity cuts through the richness of the sandwich beautifully.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add crispy cooked bacon strips between the cheese slices for a salty, savory crunch.
- Experiment with a blend of cheeses, such as cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Gruyère, for more complex flavor profiles, but always include at least one slice of American cheese for optimal melt.
- Spread a thin layer of mayonnaise on the outside of the bread instead of butter for an extra tangy crisp.