Description

Discover the ultimate grilled cheese sandwich recipe that transforms a simple comfort food classic into a gourmet delight. Featuring tangy sourdough bread, a rich blend of aged cheddar, Gruyère, and optional blue cheese, plus a seasoned cheese mix and a unique butter and mayonnaise spread, this sandwich boasts a golden crispy crust encasing gooey melted cheese. Perfect for nostalgic meals or creative variations, this recipe guides you step-by-step to achieve a perfectly grilled cheese sandwich that’s crispy, flavorful, and utterly satisfying.

Ingredients

Scale

Bread and Spread

4 slices of sourdough bread
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
1 tablespoon mayonnaise

Cheese Mixture

1 cup shredded aged cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese
1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese (optional for an extra kick)

Seasonings

1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme)
1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
Pinch of salt and pepper

Garnish (Optional)

Fresh arugula for serving

Instructions

Prepare the Bread: Spread the softened butter evenly on one side of each slice of sourdough bread. On the opposite side (the unbuttered side), spread a thin layer of mayonnaise. This combination creates a beautifully golden and crispy crust while keeping the inside moist and flavorful.
Mix the Cheese: In a large bowl, combine the shredded aged cheddar, Gruyère, and blue cheese (if using). Add garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly to ensure the seasonings are evenly distributed throughout the cheese blend, which will give your sandwich a robust and layered flavor.
Assemble the Sandwich: Place two slices of sourdough bread on a clean surface with the mayonnaise side facing up. Generously pile the cheese mixture onto one slice, distributing it evenly for uniform melting. Then place the other slice of bread on top with the mayonnaise side facing down. Repeat this assembly for the second sandwich.
Heat the Pan: Preheat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat for about 2-3 minutes until hot, ensuring even cooking and perfect browning.
Grill the Sandwiches: Carefully place both assembled sandwiches into the heated pan, butter side down. Cook for 3-4 minutes, keeping an eye on the bread’s color to prevent burning while achieving a golden, crispy crust.
Flip and Finish: Gently flip the sandwiches using a spatula. Optionally, add a small pat of butter to the pan to enhance crispiness and flavor during the second side’s grilling. Cook for another 3-4 minutes until the bread is golden brown and the cheese inside is melted and gooey. For thorough melting, you may cover the pan with a lid for the last minute.
Serve: Remove the sandwiches from the pan onto a cutting board and let them rest for a minute to stabilize the melted cheese. Slice diagonally and serve warm, optionally garnished with fresh arugula for a peppery contrast and a pop of color. Enjoy your perfect grilled cheese!

Notes

Using a mix of butter and mayonnaise for the bread spread creates a superior golden crust compared to butter alone.
Grating cheeses helps them melt evenly and blend better.
Optional blue cheese adds a bold tangy flavor but can be omitted for a milder taste.
Adjust seasoning proportions to suit your preference for spiciness and herb intensity.
To melt cheese thoroughly without burning the bread, consider cooking on medium to medium-low heat and covering briefly with a lid.
Adding extras like bacon, tomato slices, or caramelized onions can customize the sandwich further.
Pair with tomato soup or a fresh salad for a balanced meal.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Sandwich
Method: Frying
Cuisine: American

Keywords: grilled cheese sandwich, comfort food, sourdough bread, aged cheddar, gruyère, blue cheese, crispy crust, buttery sandwich, easy recipe, cheesy sandwich