Grilled Cheese & Fries Recipe

Prepare bread and cheese

Bring all sandwich ingredients to room temperature for 10 minutes so cheese melts evenly. Spread mayonnaise (optional) on the inside face of one slice of bread. Place one American cheese slice on that bread, then evenly sprinkle shredded mozzarella on top. Close with the second slice of bread.

Butter and grill

Heat a skillet or griddle over medium-low to medium heat. Spread the unsalted butter evenly on the outside faces of both bread slices (or butter one side and place buttered side down). When the pan is hot and the butter is shimmering but not browned, place the sandwich in the pan. Cook for 3–4 minutes until the bottom is golden brown and cheese begins to melt. Press gently with a spatula, then flip and cook another 2–3 minutes until the other side is golden and cheeses are fully melted. If cheese isn’t fully melted, lower heat and cover the pan for 1–2 minutes to allow gentle steam to finish melting without burning the bread.

Rest and slice

Transfer sandwich to a cutting board and rest for 1 minute to let cheeses settle, then slice diagonally and keep warm until fries are ready.

Prep potatoes

Wash and peel potatoes if desired. Cut potatoes into 1/4- to 1/3-inch sticks for classic fries. Place cut fries into a bowl of cold water and soak for at least 20 minutes (or up to 2 hours) to remove excess starch; this yields crisper fries. Drain and rinse, then pat completely dry with kitchen towels.

Optional toss with cornstarch

If you want extra-crispy fries, toss the dried potato sticks with 1 teaspoon cornstarch and a pinch of salt until lightly coated.

Cook the fries — deep-fry method

Heat vegetable oil in a heavy pot to 325°F (162°C) for the first fry. Fry the potatoes in batches for 3–4 minutes until pale and just tender but not browned. Remove to a wire rack or paper towels and let rest 5 minutes. Increase oil temperature to 375°F (190°C). Fry the potatoes again in batches for 2–3 minutes until golden brown and crispy. Drain on paper towels, then immediately season with kosher salt and black pepper to taste.

Cook the fries — air-fryer method

If using an air fryer, lightly toss the dried potato sticks with 1–2 teaspoons oil. Arrange in a single layer (cook in batches if needed). Air-fry at 400°F (200°C) for 12–16 minutes, shaking the basket every 4–5 minutes, until golden and crisp. Season immediately with kosher salt and black pepper.

Select and serve

Choose one sauce to accompany the sandwich and fries. For ketchup or ranch, transfer to a small ramekin. For spicy mayo, whisk together 3 tablespoons mayonnaise with 1 teaspoon sriracha (adjust to heat preference) and transfer to a ramekin. Serve the sauce on the side.

Plate the grilled cheese alongside a generous portion of fries. Serve immediately while the sandwich is hot and the fries are crispy. One complimentary sauce of your choice accompanies the plate.