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Grilled Cheese · Classic

The Perfect Classic Grilled Cheese

Crisp, buttery, golden bread around a gooey layer of melted cheddar. The trick is low heat and a lid, so the outside browns while the cheese fully melts.

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Prep
3 min
Cook
8 min
Total
11 min
Serves
1 · 1 sandwich
Level
Easy

Ingredients

  • 2 slices sandwich bread, white, wheat or sourdough
  • 1 ½ tbsp unsalted butter, softened, or mayonnaise
  • 2 oz cheddar cheese, sliced or shredded (about 1/2 cup)
  • 1 slice American cheese, for extra melt (optional)

Steps

  1. Spread the softened butter edge to edge on one side of each slice of bread.
  2. Heat a nonstick skillet over medium-low heat. Lay one slice in butter side down, pile on the cheese and top with the second slice, butter side up.
  3. Cover the pan with a lid and cook until the bottom is deep golden and the cheese starts to melt.
  4. Flip with a spatula, pressing gently, and cook uncovered until the second side is golden and the cheese is completely melted.
  5. Let it rest 1 minute so the cheese doesn't all run out, then cut in half and serve.

Tip: Medium-low heat is key. Too hot and the bread burns before the cheese melts.

Tip: Mayonnaise instead of butter browns beautifully and spreads easily straight from the fridge.

Storage: Best eaten right away.

Estimated nutrition per serving: 540 calories · protein 18 g · carbohydrates 31 g · fiber 2 g · sugars 4 g · fat 38 g (saturated 22 g) · sodium 660 mg. Estimate from USDA FoodData Central; not medical or dietary advice. Based on 3 of 3 ingredients.