Description
This sourdough grilled cheese sandwich is the ultimate comfort food—crispy, golden sourdough bread filled with perfectly melted cheese. Whether you keep it classic or add gourmet variations, this recipe delivers the best balance of crunch and gooeyness.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 slices sourdough bread (½-inch thick)
- 2 tbsp butter (room temperature)
- 80g (about 3 oz) cheese (cheddar, gruyère, gouda, or your preferred combo)
Instructions
- Preheat a cast iron pan over medium-low heat.
- Butter the outside of each sourdough slice.
- Layer cheese between the slices, ensuring even coverage.
- Cook in the pan for 3–4 minutes per side, covering with a lid to help melt the cheese.
- Flip when the first side is golden brown. Continue cooking until both sides are crispy and the cheese is fully melted.
- Rest for 2–3 minutes before slicing and serving
Notes
- Use Room Temperature Cheese – Cold cheese takes longer to melt, which can cause the bread to brown too quickly before the inside is gooey.
- Grate for Better Melting – If using firm cheeses like cheddar or gruyère, grating helps them melt more evenly. For a mix of textures, try layering sliced and grated cheese.
- Cover the Pan – Using a lid traps heat, helping the cheese melt faster without overcooking the bread.
- Adjust Heat as Needed – Every stove and pan retains heat differently. If your bread is browning too fast, lower the heat to ensure the cheese melts properly.
- Rest Before Slicing – Letting the sandwich sit for 2–3 minutes prevents the cheese from oozing out too quickly when you cut it.
- Customize It – Try adding caramelized onions, bacon, or poached quince for a gourmet twist!
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snack
- Method: Pan-frying
- Cuisine: American