There's a secret to making the Best Grilled Cheese Sandwich Recipe. Super gooey, melty cheese and crisp, golden brown bread are just the beginning of this simply delicious sandwich adored by families everywhere.
And today, I'm going to share my secret.
But first, you may be asking yourself why I'd post a recipe for something so simple.
Doesn't everyone know how to make a grilled cheese sandwich?
The best grilled cheese sandwich recipe
Well, as the mom of teenagers I can tell you, that's a hard "no". I've taught our kids how to make a good grilled cheese, but it's a fact that they don't come out of the womb with the inherant ability to make a mean grilled cheese.
In fact, even my grilled cheese skills were lacking, right up to several years ago. I just didn't know it.
Because to be honest, I think I've always made a pretty darn good sandwich.
But when it comes to my husband’s family, they take their approach to grilled cheese very seriously.
My husband talks about making 35-mile family road trips to get the “best” grilled cheese from a country diner in his childhood. Clearly this family has high expectations.
So you know I had to up my sandwich game when I married into a family with a history like this.
Here's my secret....You make the best grilled cheese using mayo.
For real. I grew up with buttered bread but I have since upped my game by making grilled cheese with mayo.
No pressure or anything…
From little kids to grown ups like, me, a grilled cheese sandwich is one of those classic recipes everyone can enjoy. A few humble ingredients are transformed into a creamy-crispy-gooey sandwich loved by all!
But a grilled cheese made with mayo? Prepare to be amazed...
How to make grilled cheese with mayo
Here's how I make it.
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First, I switched from buttering my bread to using mayo. It sounds weird, I know, but it works.
If you’ve ever just slaughtered an innocent slice of white bread as you tried to spread cold butter, then you get it. Your sandwich dreams are basically torn, right before your eyes.
But never fear.
Mayo spreads like a dream. No waiting for it to soften and no gaps in coverage. This will get you even toasting, which is what we're going for.
Next up, we're talking cheese.
My best grilled cheese includes not one, but two types of melty cheese. There aren’t fancy-smanchy cheeses, either. These are cheeses you can find at any grocery store – sliced cheddar and a colby jack cheese.
Layer your cheeses on your covered bread, then heat in a skillet. The step by step directions are in the recipe below, just waiting for you.
Sidenote: If you happen to place the cheese on the bread so it drips ever so slightly into the pan, that's not a bad thing. You know those crusty bits of cheese you get when happens? I don’t know of an “official” name for those lovely golden brown bits, but I love those!
That, my friends, is a grilled cheese worth going the distance!
Best types of cheese for grilled cheese
Once you've masted the classic grilled cheese sandwich, you may want to up your game. In fact, I highly recommend it! You can add things like cooked bacon slices and of course, different kinds of cheese.
Ideas for melty cheese include provolone, mozzarella, American, and of course, I already mentioned cheddar and colby jack.
Sometimes all you need to do is make some simple changes to a classic. So give using mayo for grilled cheese a try, then circle on back and tell me what you think.
The next time you're stressing out about "what's for dinner", keep the good ole grilled cheese sandwich in mind. Delicious doesn't need to mean fancy!
If you’re a grilled cheese lover, share this with your friends and family – they’ll thank you for making them the best grilled cheese recipe ever!
Oh, and don’t forget to serve some soup alongside – what's your favorite match?
For more meatless recipes, check out my Lenten Dinner Recipes!
Other Grilled Sandwiches You'll Love
The Best Grilled Cheese
Ingredients
- 2 slices bread whatever is your favorite
- 1-2 Tablespoons mayo
- 1 slice sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 slice colby jack cheese
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Instructions
- Heat a skillet over medium heat. Allow it to completely heat before adding any ingredients.
- Spread mayo on one side of both pieces of bread.
- Place one slice of bread, mayo side down, into the heated pan. Top with both slices of cheese. If you put them on an angle they will slightly overlap and give you the most cheesy coverage. (Don't forget those drippy bits!)
- Top with the other slice of bread, mayo side up.
- Cook until the first side is a light golden brown. Flip sandwich to cook the other side to a light golden brown.
- Remove from pan and wait a minute or two to slice. Enjoy!
Nutrition
This Farm Girl Cooks is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is an estimate. If calorie count and other nutritional values are important to you, we recommend running the ingredients through whichever online nutritional calculator you prefer. Calories and other nutritional values can vary quite a bit depending on which brands were used.
Rachel Long says
I agree that Mayo is the best way to make grilled cheese. I use whatever cheeses I have on hand and sometimes throw in some crumbled bacon or grilled veggies.
Deanne Frieders says
Ooooh, both of those sound yummy!
Val - Corn, Beans, Pigs & Kids says
I have never heard of using mayo on a grilled cheese! Now I'm intrigued to try! Good thing it is soup weather still... 😉