The Perfect Grilled Cheese Sandwich

The simple goodness of three ingredients - bread, butter and cheese - combine deliciously for a crisp, crunchy exterior and a smooth, creamy center. Our tips for making amazing grilled cheese sandwiches:

Start with the best ingredients

Cheese: Deli American cheese is ideal. It has a mild flavor and a perfect, creamy texture when melted. A traditional grilled American cheese sandwich uses 1 to 3 thin slices, though this can vary depending on the other ingredients used. Shredded cheese works well also, as the shreds easily melt into a gooey and cheesy sandwich filling!

Bread: Any bread can be used, but the best grilled cheese sandwiches use good quality bakery-style white or wheat bread. Heavy breads will give you a chewy coarse texture that may overpower the cheese flavor. Plain white breads will give you a soft texture that blends into the cheese.

Butter: Butter provides flavor and gives the bread a toasty, golden color and crispness. Butter should be at room temperature to spread easily and not tear the bread. Or use spreadable butter right from the refrigerator for similar results.

Variations and Special Touches

Purists love a plain grilled cheese sandwich but you can use your imagination and add your favorite sandwich filling and flavors. When cut into smaller portions, these creative suggestions can make great appetizers too.

• Thin slices of tomato, avocado or roasted red peppers
• Caramelized onions
• Crisply cooked bacon
• Deli ham, turkey or roast beef
• Pesto, mustard or fresh herbs
• Thin slices of apple or pear

Grilled cheese sandwiches are traditionally made on the stovetop, but the air fryer does an especially good job of toasting the buttered bread to the perfect crisp texture while melting the cheese into creamy deliciousness. 

Here are some more ideas to get you started:
 

Air Fryer Hot Honey Grilled Cheese

Bacon & Avocado Grilled Cheese Sandwiches

Jalapeño Popper Grilled Cheese

 

Salami & Pickle Grilled Cheese

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Classic Grilled Cheese Sandwich

Sheet Pan Garllic Bread Grilled Cheese

Air Fryer Garlic Bread Grilled Cheese

Check out our Grilled Cheese Sandwich Collection for even more options!

Bonus recipes: What's a grilled cheese sandwich without a side of tomato soup?

Herbed Tomato Soup

Slow Cooker Cheesy Tomato Soup