If you’re craving a warm, melty, perfectly golden sandwich that feels like a cozy hug on a plate, you’re in the right place. The Best Ever Classic Grilled Cheese Sandwich brings together the sharp tang of cheddar, the creamy smoothness of Monterey Jack, and a luscious hint of chevre goat cheese all nestled between slices of beautifully toasted sourdough bread. It’s simple, nostalgic, yet so elevated in flavor and texture that it quickly becomes not just a snack, but a memorable experience you’ll want to make again and again.

Best Ever Classic Grilled Cheese Sandwich Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Making the Best Ever Classic Grilled Cheese Sandwich is delightfully simple, relying on a handful of key ingredients that each play an essential role. From the tangy cheeses to the crisp sourdough bread and the buttery golden crust, every element guarantees that irresistible combination you crave in every bite.

Sourdough bread: Choose thick, sturdy slices for a crunchy exterior and soft, chewy center.
Cheddar cheese: Sharp and flavorful, cheddar offers a classic grilled cheese tang that melts beautifully.
Monterey Jack cheese: Creamy and mild, it balances the cheddar with smooth meltiness.
Chevre goat cheese: Adds a subtle, tangy richness that lifts the sandwich beyond traditional flavors.
Butter, softened: Essential for that golden crust, butter caramelizes the bread while imparting irresistible flavor.

How to Make Best Ever Classic Grilled Cheese Sandwich

Step 1: Prepare the Bread

Start by spreading a thin layer of butter on one side of each slice of sourdough bread, which will become the crispy outer crust. Then, carefully spread a thin layer of chevre goat cheese on the non-buttered side of every slice. This layering sets the stage for that wonderful tangy complexity with every bite.

Step 2: Heat the Skillet

Warm your skillet over medium heat and melt a generous spoonful of butter. This creates a rich base that encourages even browning without burning your sandwich, crucial for achieving the signature golden exterior of the Best Ever Classic Grilled Cheese Sandwich.

Step 3: Assemble the Sandwich in the Pan

Place up to four slices of the prepared bread butter-side down in the skillet. On these slices, layer three thin slices of sharp cheddar and three slices of creamy Monterey Jack. The combination of cheeses ensures a perfect melt and rich flavor that defines this sandwich.

Step 4: Grill One Side

Let the bread toast and cheese begin to melt for a couple of minutes, watching for the edges to turn a beautiful golden brown. This is when the magic starts, creating that crisp exterior paired with gooey cheese inside.

Step 5: Complete and Flip the Sandwich

Now, place the other slices of bread butter-side up on top of the cheesy bread in the pan. Gently press down and flip each sandwich carefully to grill the second side. The flip seals everything together, melding the buttery toast with melty, luscious cheese.

Step 6: Finish Grilling Until Melted and Golden

Cook the other side just until the cheese is fully melted and the bread reaches that same gorgeous golden brown. The Best Ever Classic Grilled Cheese Sandwich demands patience here for maximum ooey-gooey satisfaction.

Step 7: Serve Immediately

Once your sandwiches are perfectly grilled, serve them piping hot, ideally alongside a warm bowl of tomato soup for dipping or pairing. This is comfort food at its very best.

How to Serve Best Ever Classic Grilled Cheese Sandwich

Garnishes

A simple sprinkle of fresh herbs like finely chopped parsley or chives can brighten the presentation and add a subtle freshness. A small dusting of smoked paprika or cracked black pepper on top elevates the experience without overpowering the flavors.

Side Dishes

The classic accompaniment to the Best Ever Classic Grilled Cheese Sandwich is tomato soup, whose acidic sweetness complements the creamy cheese perfectly. For a twist, consider serving with a crisp green salad, tangy pickles, or even a small bowl of roasted veggies to balance the richness.

Creative Ways to Present

Slice your sandwich into fun shapes using cookie cutters for kids or create elegant, smaller versions for a party platter. Layer with additional fillings like caramelized onions or crispy bacon for a gourmet touch. No matter how you serve it, this sandwich always shines.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers—which might be a rare moment—wrap them tightly in foil or place them in an airtight container to keep the bread from drying out. Refrigerate and consume within 24 hours for the best texture and flavor.

Freezing

You can freeze assembled but uncooked sandwiches by wrapping each tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and grill fresh for that perfect crisp and melt, maintaining the integrity of the Best Ever Classic Grilled Cheese Sandwich.

Reheating

To bring leftovers back to life, reheat in a skillet over medium heat rather than a microwave to preserve crispness. A couple of minutes on each side will revive that toasted exterior and melty cheese just like freshly made.

FAQs

What type of bread works best for this grilled cheese?

Sourdough is ideal thanks to its sturdy texture and tangy flavor, which perfectly complements the cheeses. However, any hearty, thick-cut bread will work well to provide the right crunch and structure.

Can I use different cheeses instead of cheddar and Monterey Jack?

Absolutely! The Best Ever Classic Grilled Cheese Sandwich is flavorful because of the blend, but feel free to experiment with mozzarella for meltiness, gouda for smokiness, or fontina for creaminess.

Is it necessary to use goat cheese?

While not traditional, the chevre goat cheese adds a unique tang and rich creaminess that makes this sandwich truly stand out. If you’re not a fan, substituting cream cheese or skipping it will still give you a delicious result.

How do I prevent the bread from burning while melting the cheese?

Keep your skillet at medium heat to allow the bread to toast slowly while giving the cheese time to melt perfectly. Buttering the bread also helps regulate heat and encourages even browning.

Can this sandwich be made vegan or dairy-free?

Yes, by using dairy-free butter and plant-based cheeses that melt well, you can create a vegan version with a similar gooey and crispy texture. Keep in mind the flavor will shift, but it can still be wonderfully satisfying.

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing quite like the comforting joy of biting into the Best Ever Classic Grilled Cheese Sandwich — that melty, buttery, golden crusted delight that feels like home. Whether you’re making a quick lunch, a nostalgic snack, or feeding friends and family, this recipe is sure to become your go-to. Give it a try, share with loved ones, and enjoy every wonderfully cheesy moment!

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Best Ever Classic Grilled Cheese Sandwich Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 17 reviews

Author: Ethan
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 4 sandwiches 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

This Best Ever Classic Grilled Cheese Sandwich recipe features a delightful combination of sourdough bread layered with creamy goat cheese, sharp cheddar, and Monterey Jack cheeses. Perfectly grilled to golden perfection with a buttery crust, this sandwich is a comforting, gooey classic that pairs wonderfully with tomato soup for a cozy meal any time of day.

Ingredients

Scale

Bread and Butter

8 slices sourdough bread
1/2 cup butter, softened

Cheeses

3 thin slices cheddar cheese per sandwich (about 12 slices total)
3 thin slices Monterey Jack cheese per sandwich (about 12 slices total)
1/2 cup chevre goat cheese

Instructions

Prepare the bread: Spread a thin layer of softened butter on one side of each slice of sourdough bread, ensuring even coverage for a golden, crispy crust.
Add goat cheese: On the non-buttered side of each bread slice, spread a thin layer of chevre goat cheese. This adds a rich and tangy flavor base for the sandwich.
Heat the skillet: Place a skillet over medium heat and melt a large spoonful of butter in the pan to prevent sticking and add extra buttery flavor.
Start grilling: Place 4 slices of the prepared bread butter-side-down in the skillet. Immediately top each with 3 slices of cheddar cheese and 3 slices of Monterey Jack cheese, layering the cheeses evenly.
Brown the bread and melt cheese: Grill the bread and cheese for a couple of minutes until the cheese begins to melt and the bread on the bottom side is nicely browned.
Assemble and flip: Place the remaining bread slices butter-side-up on top of the cheese layers, press down gently to compress the sandwich, and carefully flip each sandwich over using a spatula.
Finish grilling: Continue to grill until the cheese is completely melted and the second side of the bread is golden brown and crisp, about 2-3 minutes more.
Serve: Remove sandwiches from heat and serve immediately, ideally paired with warm tomato soup for a classic comfort meal.

Notes

Use a non-stick skillet or well-seasoned cast iron pan to prevent sticking.
Adjust the heat as needed to avoid burning the bread while ensuring the cheese melts thoroughly.
You can experiment with other types of bread or cheese to customize your grilled cheese.
For added flavor, consider sprinkling herbs like thyme or adding a slice of tomato inside the sandwich.
Make sandwiches in batches if your skillet can’t fit all slices at once.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Lunch
Method: Grilling on stovetop
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 sandwich
Calories: 480
Sugar: 1g
Sodium: 560mg
Fat: 32g
Saturated Fat: 19g
Unsaturated Fat: 11g
Trans Fat: 0.5g
Carbohydrates: 32g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 18g
Cholesterol: 80mg

Keywords: grilled cheese sandwich, classic grilled cheese, sourdough grilled cheese, cheddar grilled cheese, Monterey Jack cheese, comfort food, easy lunch recipe