Sandwiches

How to make Grilled Cheese

Buttered bread slowly griddled around a molten cheese centre.

What it is

Grilled Cheese in the kitchen

Grilled Cheese is buttered bread slowly griddled around a molten cheese centre.

Why make it

Make Grilled Cheese when you want a recognisable sandwich with a strong sense of place and a clear balance of bread, filling, moisture, acidity and texture.

Best with

lunch, casual dinner, street-food night, weekend cooking and global sandwich tasting menus

Method

Step-by-step

  1. Step 1

    Butter the outside of each bread slice and add mustard inside if using.

  2. Step 2

    Distribute the cheese evenly, keeping it just inside the edges.

  3. Step 3

    Cook in a heavy pan over medium-low heat until the first side is deep golden.

  4. Step 4

    Turn, lower the heat if needed and continue until the second side is crisp and the cheese is completely molten.

  5. Step 5

    Rest for one minute before cutting.

    Look for: uniform golden crust with a fully molten centre Tip: A lid for the final minute traps enough heat to melt thick cheese without burning the bread. Avoid: using high heat, which colours the bread before the cheese melts
Storage

Make ahead and storage

Storage

Store prepared fillings separately in the refrigerator and assemble as close to serving as possible.

Make ahead

Prepare sauces, pickles and cooked fillings ahead where practical; refresh, reheat or toast just before assembly.