Sourdough Bread Grilled Cheese
Why This Recipe Works
This sourdough bread grilled cheese recipe works for several reasons:
- It is loaded with flavor! This is no ordinary grilled cheese. The sourdough provides a robust flavor base on which various kinds of cheese can shine.
- It is quick and easy! Your first sandwiches will be ready in 11 minutes. Eleven! Isn’t this what lunch or dinner dreams are made of?
- It is customizable! You can use different kinds of cheese in this recipe. Sourdough holds up to various kinds of cheese. You aren’t limited to cheese slices either. Feel free to shred a block of cheese and use!
- Yield: 4 sandwiches
- Prep: 5 minutes
- Cook: 10 minutes
- Total: 15 minutes
Ingredients
Here is everything you need for tasty gooey grilled cheese made with sourdough:
- Sourdough bread: We love using the sliced sourdough bread from Trader Joe’s. The taste is on point and compliments the cheese really well!
- Cheese: A combination of cheddar and Swiss cheese make this no ordinary grilled cheese. Layered cheeses creates a more complex satisfying flavor. We used cheese slices here but you could use freshly grated cheese if you have the time to grate cheese.
- Salted butter: Good quality salted butter is a non-negotiable. We love using Kerrygold butter because it adds flavor to the sandwich.
For the full list of ingredients with measurements, check out the recipe card below.
How it comes together
- Prepare the pan. Heat up a skillet (preferably cast iron) on medium low heat.
- Butter the bread. Spread butter on one side of each slice of bread.
- Assemble the sandwiches. Place the buttered side down on the heated skillet. Layer with cheese slice then cover with another slice of bread, buttered side up.
- Cook for 2-4 minutes per side. Cook until golden brown and the cheese is melted.
- Serve warm.
To keep grilled cheese sandwiches warm before serving, place them in an oven at 200 to 250 degrees Fahrenheit. This will keep the cheese melted until the sandwiches are served.
Love cheese? Check out our phenomenal 3 Cheese Mac and Cheese.
Other ways
- Caramelized onions: Consider adding caramelized onions for more flavor and texture.
- Bacon: Add some crispy bacon for some crunch and meatiness.
- Pesto: Replace the butter with pesto for a herby, nutty grilled cheese.
- Mayo: Swap the butter for mayo if you like mayo. After testing this recipe with both butter and mayo, we prefer the version with butter.
Love cheese? Also check out our incredible 3 Cheese Mac and Cheese.
Cook notes
- Choosing sourdough bread: The choice of bread plays a crucial role. Opt for high quality artisan sourdough bread or bread from local bakeries. Grocery stores like Trader Joe’s also carry good quality sourdough bread.
- The ideal cheese combo: The sharpness of cheddar cheese and the nutty notes of Swiss cheese combine to form a grilled cheese sandwich that will leave you begging for more. Experiment with different kinds of cheese to find a flavor that works for you.
- Patience is key: It may look like it’s taking a while for the cheese to melt but patience is key when making grilled cheese. Ensure the skillet is on medium low heat then allow to cook on one side until golden brown and the cheese starts to melt before flipping to the other side.
Ingredients
- 8 slices sourdough bread
- 6 Tablespoons salted butter
- 4 slices cheddar cheese
- 4 slices swiss cheese
Method
- Heat a large cast iron pan or another frying pan medium-low heat. As the pan heats, spread butter on one side of each slice of sourdough bread.
- Place the buttered side of bread down in the heated skillet. Place a slice of cheddar and Swiss cheese on each slice of bread in the pan, allowing the cheese slices to overlap each other and end just around the border of the bread. Then cover the cheese with another slice of bread, this time, buttered side up.
- Let it cook for 2 to 4 minutes on one side still on medium-low heat until golden brown then flip to the other side and let it cook for another 2-4 minutes until the cheese is melted and the other side is golden brown too. Repeat the process with the rest of the bread slices.
- Remove the sourdough grilled cheese sandwiches from the frying pan, cut them in halves and serve warm.
Notes
Optimal Heat: Be sure to maintain the heat on medium-low to allow time for the cheese to melt without the bread burning.
Keeping Warm: If you make the sandwiches way ahead of serving time, set your oven to 200 to 250 degrees F then place the sandwiches on a baking sheet and keep them in the oven to stay warm. Grilled cheese sandwiches are best served warm so the cheese is enjoyed while still melted.
