After many years of delicious taste tests, I’ve found that this recipe really does create the BEST Grilled Cheese Sandwich! I use four different cheeses that all compliment each other beautifully and create the most picturesque cheese pull.

A grilled cheese sandwich has been split in half.


The Best Grilled Cheese Sandwich

I don’t play around when it comes to grilled cheeses. I know that may sound silly, since they’re famously such a kid friendly sandwich… but it’s the truth. After many years of trial and error, I’m very proud to share what I consider to be the very BEST grilled cheese sandwich!

The key to success here is the cheese, of course. Listen, I’ve eaten plenty of grilled cheeses with a simple slap of American cheese before and I’ve never been disappointed. But with that being said, really nothing can compare to the perfect balance of cheddar, muenster, havarti and parmesan in this recipe.

What really sends it over the top is the butter. Everyone knows that the best grilled cheese sandwiches have lots of butter on the bread! The easiest way to elevate things just a little bit is to mix some parmesan into the butter before you use it. You can thank me later!

Sliced bread is placed next to a bowl of cheese and a block of butter.

Ingredient Notes

Let’s take a quick look at that shopping list! We’re keeping things simple with just the essentials.

  • Cheeses – You’ll need cheddar, muenster, havarti and parmesan cheese for this recipe. A huge key to success for getting the BEST gooey cheese pull is to get good quality cheeses! Try to get them all freshly shredded if possible. Usually, you can request this from the deli at your local grocery store.
  • White Bread – I always recommend grabbing bread from the bakery section of your grocery store for grilled cheese sandwiches! You’ll want hearty, sturdy white bread that can really hold up to the amount of butter and cheese we’re using.
  • Butter – It can be salted or unsalted, whichever you prefer (I use salted). Just make sure it’s fully softened to room temperature so it doesn’t rip your bread.
Cheese is piled on top of a slice of bread.

How to Make the Best Grilled Cheese Sandwich

Here’s a quick sneak peek at how to get the best grilled cheese every single time! For exact step by step instructions and ingredient measurements, keep on scrolling all the way down to the recipe card.

  1. Mix the cheeses. Add the cheddar, muenster, havarti and 2 tbsp parmesan cheese. Stir it all together to combine.
  2. Mix together the butter and parm. Mix together the remaining parmesan with 4 tbsp butter.
  3. Butter the bread. Brush one side of one slice of bread with about 1 tbsp of butter. Cover the entire surface!
  4. Assemble the sandwiches. Preheat a skillet over medium heat. Place the bread, buttered side down, in the hot skillet. Assemble the sandwich in the skillet (this is how to avoid a big mess)! Add about half of the cheese mixture to the bread in the pan.
  5. Add the other slice of bread. Brush a second slice of bread with the butter. Place the second slice of buttered bread on top of the cheese.
  6. Cook the sandwich. Cook the sandwich for 3-4 minutes on one side until golden brown and crispy. Then, flip the sandwich over and cook on the other side until golden brown. Make sure the cheese has melted until you remove it from the pan!
  7. Enjoy! Remove the grilled cheese from the skillet. Let it rest for about a minute, then slice it in half.

Don’t forget to serve it with some homemade tomato soup or roasted tomato soup!

Half a sandwich is being dipped into soup.

Best Sides for a Grilled Cheese Sandwich

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Grilled Cheese Sandwich on a blue plate.

Get the Recipe: The Best Grilled Cheese Recipe

This gourmet grilled cheese recipe elevates a classic comfort food with a crispy Parmesan crust and a gooey, melted blend of four cheeses. The Parmesan, combined with butter, creates a flavorful and textured exterior, while the combination of cheeses inside melts into a creamy, savory filling. This recipe is simple to follow, making it a perfect weeknight meal or weekend indulgence.
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Ingredients

  • 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/4 cup shredded muenster cheese
  • 1/4 cup shredded havarti cheese
  • 3 tablespoons shredded parmesan cheese, divided
  • 4 slices hearty white bread
  • 1/2 cup salted butter, softened, divided

Equipment

  • 1 skillet

Instructions 

  • In a small bowl, add the cheddar, muenster, havarti and 2 tablespoons parmesan cheese. Stir to combine.
  • In a separate bowl, mix the remaining parmesan with 4 tablespoons butter.
  • Lightly brush one side of one slice of bread with 1 tablespoon of butter being sure to cover the entire surface.
  • Preheat a skillet over medium heat and place the bread buttered side down in the skillet. Assemble the sandwich in the skillet. Add half the cheese mixture to the bread in the pan in an even layer.
  • Brush a second slice of bread with the butter on one side and top the sandwich with the bread buttered side up.
  • Cook the sandwich for 3 to 4 minutes on one side until golden brown and crispy.
  • Flip the sandwich over using a spatula and cook on the opposite side until golden brown and the cheese has melted.
  • Remove the sandwich from the skillet and transfer to a cutting board. Allow the sandwich to rest for 1 minute then cut in half.
  • Repeat with the remaining ingredients.
  • Serve hot.

Notes

You can easily swap any of the cheeses for your favorite cheese. Or go full on cheddar for a single cheese sandwich.
Calories: 729kcal, Carbohydrates: 26g, Protein: 18g, Fat: 63g, Saturated Fat: 39g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g, Monounsaturated Fat: 16g, Trans Fat: 2g, Cholesterol: 167mg, Sodium: 1011mg, Potassium: 118mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 3g, Vitamin A: 1874IU, Vitamin C: 0.1mg, Calcium: 495mg, Iron: 2mg