Grilled Cheese Or Fried Egg Recipe

Assemble cheese

If using a block of cheese, slice or grate enough cheddar to cover one slice of bread (about 1 oz). Set bread, cheese and butter within reach. If using optional tomato or spinach, wash and slice tomatoes and pat the greens dry.

Prep egg (if using)

Crack the egg into a small bowl and season with the measured salt and pepper. This makes it easy to slide into the pan and catch any shell pieces.

Heat pan

Place a nonstick or well-seasoned skillet over medium heat. Add 1 tsp cooking oil or butter and let it melt and shimmer but not burn (about 30 seconds).

Fry egg

Gently slide the egg from the bowl into the skillet. For a set white and runny yolk, cook undisturbed 2 to 2.5 minutes until whites are set but yolk still jiggles. For a firmer yolk, cook 3 to 4 minutes. If you prefer, cover the pan with a lid for the last 30–45 seconds to set whites.

Finish egg

Use a spatula to transfer the fried egg to a plate. Keep warm while you make the sandwich.

Butter bread

Spread butter evenly on one side of each slice of bread. The buttered sides will be the outside surfaces that contact the pan.

Assemble sandwich

Place one slice of bread, buttered side down, in a cold or room-temperature skillet. Top with the cheddar cheese to cover the bread. If using the fried egg, place it on top of the cheese now. Add optional tomato slices or spinach if desired. Place the second slice of bread on top with the buttered side facing up.

Grill

Set the stove to medium-low to medium heat. Cook the sandwich 3 to 4 minutes per side: after 3 minutes, check the bottom — it should be golden brown. Use a spatula to press gently and flip the sandwich, then cook the second side another 3 to 4 minutes until golden and the cheese is melted. If the bread browns too quickly before the cheese melts, lower the heat and cover the pan for 1–2 minutes to help cheese melt through.

Rest and slice

Remove the sandwich to a cutting board and let rest 1 minute. Slice in half if desired and serve immediately with optional hot sauce on the egg or on the side.