Ingredients:
- 2 slices of bread
- 1 tablespoon butter, softened
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
- Spread the butter on one side of each slice of bread.
- Place one slice of bread, butter-side down, in a skillet over medium heat.
- Sprinkle half of the cheddar cheese and half of the mozzarella cheese on top of the bread.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Top with the other slice of bread, butter-side up.
- Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Cut in half and serve immediately.
Tips:
- Use good quality bread. A sturdy bread like sourdough or rye will hold up well to the weight of the cheese and will not get soggy.
- Use real butter. Margarine will not give you the same flavor or texture.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan. If you try to cook too many sandwiches at once, they will not cook evenly.
- Don’t press down on the sandwich while it is cooking. This will squeeze out the melted cheese and make the sandwich dry.
- Add your favorite toppings. Some other popular grilled cheese toppings include bacon, ham, tomato, avocado, and pesto.
Variations:
- Grilled cheese with ham and Swiss: Add 1 slice of ham to each sandwich.
- Grilled cheese with tomato and basil: Spread a thin layer of mayonnaise on one slice of bread. Top with tomato slices, basil leaves, and grated Parmesan cheese.
- Grilled cheese with avocado and cheddar: Mash 1/2 avocado and spread it on one slice of bread. Top with cheddar cheese.
- Grilled cheese with bacon and cheddar: Fry 2 slices of bacon until crisp. Crumble the bacon and sprinkle it on top of the cheese.
- Grilled cheese with grilled chicken: Grill or pan-fry 1 chicken breast until cooked through. Shred the chicken and add it to the sandwich along with the cheese.
Make-ahead:
You can make the grilled cheese sandwiches ahead of time and then reheat them in the oven or toaster oven. To do this, assemble the sandwiches as instructed, but do not cook them. Wrap each sandwich in foil and freeze. When you are ready to eat, thaw the sandwiches overnight in the refrigerator and then reheat them in a 350 degree F oven for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Enjoy!
Here are some additional tips for making the best grilled cheese sandwich:
- Use a heavy-bottomed skillet or griddle. This will help to prevent the bread from sticking and will also help to create a crispy crust.
- Don’t overcook the sandwich. If you cook it too long, the bread will get dry and the cheese will become tough.
- If you want a really crispy sandwich, you can butter the outside of the bread as well.
- Serve the grilled cheese sandwich immediately, while it is still hot and gooey.
I hope you enjoy this recipe for the best grilled cheese sandwich!
