5 Easy Ways to Upgrade Grilled Cheese
The perfect basic method, then five fillings that turn a grilled cheese into a proper dinner.
The method that works every time
- Spread the outside of the bread with softened butter or a thin layer of mayonnaise. Mayo browns evenly and does not burn as quickly.
- Cook over medium-low heat. High heat browns the bread before the cheese melts.
- Cover the pan for the first 2 minutes to trap heat and melt the cheese.
- Cook for 3 to 4 minutes per side, until golden and melted.
Mix a good melting cheese (mozzarella, Monterey Jack, American, fontina) with a flavorful one (sharp cheddar, Gruyère, provolone).
Tomato basil
- 2 slices sourdough
- 2 slices mozzarella and 1 slice provolone
- 3 thin tomato slices, patted dry
- 4 basil leaves
Layer the cheeses around the tomato and basil so the cheese glues the sandwich together. Serve with tomato soup.
Good with: Tomato soup or a green salad
Apple, cheddar and honey mustard
- 2 slices whole-grain bread
- 1 1/2 ounces sharp cheddar
- 1/2 small apple, very thinly sliced
- 1 teaspoon honey mustard
Spread the honey mustard inside the bread, then layer cheddar and apple. The thin apple slices soften but keep a little crunch.
Good with: A cup of soup on a cold night
Pizza grilled cheese
- 2 slices white bread
- 1/3 cup shredded mozzarella
- 8 slices pepperoni
- 1 pinch dried oregano
- 1/4 cup marinara, warmed, for dipping
Fill with mozzarella, pepperoni and oregano and cook as usual. Dip in warm marinara.
Good with: Kids who ask for pizza on a Tuesday
French onion
- 2 slices rye or sourdough
- 1 1/2 ounces Gruyère
- 3 tablespoons caramelized onions
- 1 pinch fresh thyme
Spread the onions over the Gruyère. Use a batch of make-ahead caramelized onions from our mushroom flatbread recipe.
Good with: A crisp green salad with vinaigretteFull recipe
Jalapeño popper
- 2 slices white bread
- 2 tablespoons cream cheese, softened
- 1 ounce sharp cheddar
- 1 tablespoon chopped pickled jalapeños
- 1 slice cooked bacon, crumbled, optional
Spread cream cheese on one slice, then add jalapeños, bacon and cheddar. Cook low and slow so the center heats through.
Good with: A cold drink and a pickle
Questions, answered
Is it better to use butter or mayonnaise for grilled cheese?
Both work. Butter tastes richer; mayonnaise spreads more easily, browns evenly and is less likely to burn.
Why does my grilled cheese burn before the cheese melts?
The heat is too high. Use medium-low heat and cover the pan for the first couple of minutes.
