15-Minute Best Grilled Cheese Sandwich

Prep: 5 minCook: 7 minmediumAmerican
Best Grilled Cheese Sandwich with Cheddar and Mozzarella

This classic grilled cheese sandwich combines the sharp tang of cheddar with the creamy melt of mozzarella for the perfect cheese pull. Made with buttered sourdough bread and cooked to golden perfection, it delivers crispy edges and a gooey center. Perfect for lunch, dinner, or any time you crave comfort food. The two-cheese blend creates superior melting and flavor depth compared to single-cheese versions.

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 slices sourdough bread
    white bread1:1none

    Works well but less tangy flavor

    Full guide →
  • 1 ounce part skim mozzarella, shredded
    fontina1:1nonedairy-free

    Creamier melt with mild flavor

    Full guide →
  • 1 ounce cheddar, shredded
    gruyere1:1nonedairy-free

    More sophisticated nutty flavor

    Full guide →

Instructions

  1. 1

    Spread butter evenly over each slice of bread

  2. 2

    Turn one slice over and top with shredded cheese

  3. 3

    Gently press the other slice butter-side out over the cheese

  4. 4

    Heat pan over medium heat until hot

  5. 5

    Add grilled cheese and cook until toasted on bottom and cheese begins to melt

  6. 6

    Flip grilled cheese, cover with lid and continue cooking until cheese has melted and bottom is toasted

  7. 7

    Remove from heat, slice and serve

Tips

Tip 1

Use medium heat to ensure the cheese melts completely before the bread burns.

Tip 2

Cover with a lid after flipping to create steam that helps melt the cheese thoroughly.

Tip 3

Let the sandwich rest for a minute before slicing to prevent cheese from oozing out.

Good to Know

Storage

Best eaten immediately while hot. Can be kept warm in low oven for 10 minutes.

Make Ahead

Can prepare sandwiches and refrigerate up to 2 hours before cooking.

Serve With

Serve immediately while cheese is melted and bread is crispy.

See pairing guide →

Common Mistakes

Watch

Use low heat to avoid burning bread before cheese melts

Watch

Don't press down hard with spatula to keep bread fluffy

Watch

Butter the bread not the pan to ensure even browning

Substitutions

Dairy-Free Swaps

cheddar
gruyere1:1nonedairy-free

More sophisticated nutty flavor

Full guide →
mozzarella
fontina1:1nonedairy-free

Creamier melt with mild flavor

Full guide →

General Alternatives

sourdough bread
white bread1:1none

Works well but less tangy flavor

Full guide →
Find more substitutions →

FAQ

Can I use different types of bread?

Yes, white bread, whole wheat, or rye all work well. Thicker slices may need longer cooking time to melt the cheese completely.

What if my cheese isn't melting?

Lower the heat and cover with a lid to create steam. You can also grate cheese finer for faster melting.

How long will leftovers keep?

Grilled cheese is best eaten fresh but can be reheated in a skillet for 1-2 minutes per side within a few hours.