Build Your Own Grilled Cheese Recipe

Select which bread (white, wheat, or rye) and which cheese (American, Pepper Jack, Cheddar, Swiss, Gouda, or Havarti Dill). Gather any optional toppings you want (see ingredients).

If using bacon, cook until crisp (pan-fry or bake) then drain on paper towel. If using grilled chicken, have it cooked and sliced. If using mushrooms or onions as toppings, slice thinly.

Grill mushrooms and onions

Heat 1 teaspoon neutral oil or 1/2 tbs butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add sliced mushrooms and/or sliced onions, season lightly with salt and pepper, and cook until browned and softened, about 4–6 minutes. Remove to a plate.

Fried egg

If adding a fried egg, heat 1 tsp butter or oil in a nonstick pan over medium heat. Crack egg into pan, season with salt and pepper. Cook until whites are set and yolk reaches desired doneness: about 2–3 minutes for runny yolk, or 3–4 minutes for medium. Remove and keep warm.

Butter (or spread mayonnaise) evenly on the outside faces of both bread slices (about 1 tbs per slice). This creates a golden crust when grilled.

On the unbuttered side of one bread slice, place one slice of your chosen cheese, then arrange any interior toppings in a single layer: tomato slices, pickled onions, jalapeños, grilled mushrooms/onions, bacon, ham, grilled chicken, avocado slices, and/or the fried egg. Top with the second slice of cheese (this helps the sandwich stick together) and close with the second bread slice, buttered side out.

Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium-low to medium heat. Place assembled sandwich in the pan and cover loosely with a lid or another pan to help the cheese melt evenly.

Cook 3–4 minutes on the first side, checking after 2–3 minutes to ensure the bread is golden but not burning. Carefully flip the sandwich and cook another 2–4 minutes until the second side is golden and cheese is fully melted. If the bread is browning too quickly before the cheese melts, lower the heat and cover for a couple more minutes.

Remove sandwich to a cutting board. Let rest 1 minute, then cut diagonally or down the middle. Serve immediately with your chosen side (fries, fruit, or onion rings).

French fries: cook according to package or recipe (bake at 425°F/220°C for 15–25 minutes until crisp, or deep-fry at 350°F/175°C until golden).

Onion rings: cook according to package or recipe (deep-fry 2–3 minutes until golden or bake per package instructions).

Fruit: wash and portion mixed fruit; serve chilled alongside sandwich.