Kid's Grilled Cheese Recipe

Sandwiches

1. 1

   Prepare bread and cheese

   Lay the two slices of sourdough bread flat on a cutting board. If using mayonnaise, evenly spread 1 teaspoon of mayonnaise on one side of each slice; this gives a lightly crisp, golden exterior. Alternatively, spread butter on the bread instead in the next step. Place 2 slices of American or cheddar cheese on the unspread side of one bread slice so the cheese is centered and slightly overlapping. If desired, sprinkle 1/4 teaspoon black pepper lightly over the cheese.

2. 2

   Assemble sandwich

   Place the second slice of bread on top, spread/mayo side out so the outer sides will be greased for browning. Gently press the sandwich together so the cheese is snug between the slices.

3. 3

   Heat pan

   Place a nonstick or cast-iron skillet over medium-low heat. Add 1 tablespoon unsalted butter to the pan and let it melt, coating the surface. If you used mayonnaise on the bread, you can use a slightly lower amount of butter (about 1/2 tbs) or none, but butter helps even browning and flavor.

4. 4

   Cook first side

   Place the sandwich in the skillet. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes, undisturbed, until the bottom side is golden brown. Keep the heat at medium-low so the bread browns slowly while the cheese melts.

5. 5

   Flip and finish

   Carefully flip the sandwich with a spatula. Add a little more butter to the pan if needed (about 1/2 tbs). Cook the second side for another 2 to 3 minutes, pressing gently with the spatula, until golden brown and the cheese is fully melted. If the bread is browning too quickly and the cheese isn't melted, lower the heat and cover the pan for 1 minute to help the cheese soften.

6. 6

   Rest and serve

   Remove the grilled cheese from the pan and place on a cutting board. Let rest for 1 minute to set the melted cheese. Cut the sandwich in half diagonally or down the middle as preferred. Serve warm.