Grilled Cheese Recipe
American and cheddar cheese on white
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Ingredients
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Sandwich
Butter/Oil
Seasoning (optional)
Method
Prepare Sandwich
- 1
Assemble bread
Lay the two slices of white bread flat on a cutting board. Spread about half of the softened butter evenly over the outer side of one slice and the remaining butter over the outer side of the other slice. The buttered sides will be the exterior of the sandwich.
- 2
Add cheese
Place the American cheese slice on the unbuttered side of one bread slice. Sprinkle or arrange the 1 oz of grated or thinly sliced sharp cheddar evenly on top of the American slice so cheeses overlap and will melt together. If using black pepper or garlic powder, lightly sprinkle it over the cheddar before topping with the second bread slice, buttered side facing out.
- 3
Gently press the sandwich together so the cheeses make contact and the bread stays aligned.
Cook
- 4
- 5
Grill first side
Place the assembled sandwich in the preheated pan, buttered side down. Cook undisturbed for 3 to 4 minutes, checking after 2 minutes to ensure it is not browning too quickly. The goal is a golden-brown crust while allowing cheese to begin melting.
- 6
Flip and press
Carefully flip the sandwich using a spatula. Cook the second side for another 2 to 3 minutes. After flipping, press gently with the spatula or a second spatula/pan weight for 10–20 seconds to encourage even contact and faster melting. Reduce heat slightly if the bread is browning too fast.
- 7
Check for doneness
The sandwich is done when both sides are golden brown and the cheese is fully melted and gooey. If the exterior is browned but cheese is not fully melted, reduce heat to low, cover the pan with a lid for 1–2 minutes to trap heat and finish melting.
Finish & Serve
- 8
Transfer the grilled cheese to a cutting board. Let rest 30 seconds to 1 minute to settle. Slice diagonally or down the middle as preferred.
- 9
Serve immediately while hot. Optional: serve with ketchup, tomato soup, or pickles.