How to Make a Perfect Grilled Cheese

Get that golden-brown crust and melty center every time.

1. Pick a pan.

A cast-iron skillet is helpful for achieving a delightfully crisp exterior. A nonstick pan makes for easy cleanup. Prefer to have grill marks? Use a ridged grill pan.

2. Prep the bread.

Choose two slices of sturdy bread, like sourdough or ciabatta. Spread mayonnaise on one side of each. This is key for a golden brown, crispy crust — almost like a fried grilled cheese! (Be aware of the amount of mayo you’re using. Too much can overpower the cheese, and if the bread has larger nooks or holes, mayo can get trapped in them.)

3. Get cooking.

Warm the pan over medium-low heat. Melt enough butter so the bottom of the pan is fully covered.

4. Assemble the sandwich.

Lay one bread slice, mayo-side down, on the warm pan. Layer on cheese slices. If using shredded cheese, create a small mound that extends to the edges of the bread. Top with the second bread slice, mayo-side up.

5. Get your melt on.

Cook 5–7 minutes, or until cheese starts to melt and bottom bread slice starts browning.

Flip and cook another 5–7 minutes.

1. Everything Grilled Cheese

Three Cheese Blend + Sourdough Bread + Everything Bagel Seasoning (layered over mayo)

2. Southwest Flavor

Mexican-Style Cheese + Cooked Chorizo + Cilantro + Tomato + White Bread

3. Herb-Alicious

Parmesan + Mozzarella + Sautéed Red Bell Pepper Slices + Pesto + Parsley + Multigrain Bread

4. Reuben

Swiss Cheese + Corned Beef + Sauerkraut + Thousand Island Dressing + Rye Bread