Menu

The Ultimate Grilled Cheese

52 reviews
Contest Ribbon Contest Winner
Test Kitchen Approved
Total Time

Prep/Total Time: 15 min.

Makes

5 servings

Updated: Jun. 30, 2023
These gooey grilled cheese sandwiches taste great for lunch with sliced apples. And they're really fast to whip up, too. Here's how to make grilled cheese the right way. —Kathy Norris, Streator, Illinois
Next Recipe

Ingredients

  • 3 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 3/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 1 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/8 teaspoon seasoned salt
  • 10 slices Italian bread (1/2 inch thick)
  • 2 tablespoons butter, softened

Directions

  1. In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and mayonnaise until smooth. Stir in the cheeses, garlic powder and seasoned salt. Spread 5 slices of bread with the cheese mixture, about 1/3 cup on each. Top with remaining bread.
  2. Butter the outsides of sandwiches. In a skillet over medium heat, toast sandwiches for 4-5 minutes on each side or until bread is lightly browned and cheese is melted.

Test Kitchen Tips
  • Sharp cheddar cheese has been aged longer than regular cheddar. As cheese ages, its flavor becomes more pronounced. Using aged cheese in a recipe can add complexity and rich flavor, even to humble favorites like mac ’n’ cheese.
  • It’s usually cheaper to buy cheese in blocks rather than already shredded. So I purchase large quantities of cheddar, Monterey Jack and mozzarella, then use my food processor to shred it myself. I store the shredded cheese in the freezer so I have it when I need it. —Evelyn O. Parma, OH
  • Check out 101 of our cheesiest recipes.

    • Nutrition Facts

    1 sandwich: 646 calories, 50g fat (18g saturated fat), 84mg cholesterol, 885mg sodium, 32g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 16g protein.