12 Best Grilled Cheese Hacks To Go From Average To Gourmet

Everyone loves a good grilled cheese sandwich. How could you not love freshly toasted, buttery bread filled with gooey, melted cheese? But what if I told you there are ways to make a plain old grilled cheese even better? I actually have quite a few tips and tricks that will help you make the best-grilled cheese sandwich of your life. Just be warned that you are going to want to make one right away!

1. Use More Than One Cheese

Cheddar cheese is the typically go-to choice when it comes to grilled cheese. Yes, cheddar is great, but if you really want that next-level sandwich, you need to mix it up. Try using a combo of sharp cheddar for tang, mozzarella for stretch, and Gruyère for a fancy twist of flavor. Different cheeses melt at different rates, so blending them gives you the perfect gooey bite in every sandwich. You can also experiment with smoked gouda for a deeper flavor or a touch of blue cheese for an extra punch of flavor. Don’t be afraid to mix and match different cheeses until you find your favorite signature combo.

2. Butter Is Good, Mayo Is Better

Butter is the original ingredient for grilling, but mayo on the outside of your bread creates the crispiest, most golden-brown crust ever. It spreads on the bread easier, doesn’t burn as fast, and gives your sandwich that perfect crunch. Trust me, once you try grilling with mayo, you’ll never go back. If you’re feeling fancy, mix a bit of garlic powder or parmesan into your mayo before spreading it on for extra flavor.

3. Don’t Skip the Low and Slow Method

Impatience is the enemy of a good grilled cheese. Cooking on medium-low heat instead of cranking the burner up to high lets the cheese melt in the middle evenly without burning the bread. Give it time! I promise it’s worth the wait. If you’re in a rush, you can cover the pan with a lid which will trap the heat and encourage faster melting without sacrificing texture.

4. Pre-Toast Your Bread for Extra Crunch

Want a crunchier, more stable grilled cheese? Lightly toast your bread before assembling the sandwich. This creates a sturdier base, prevents sogginess, and ensures maximum crispiness. It also speeds up the grilling process. This hack is especially useful when using softer breads like brioche or challah, which can sometimes turn too soft under the pressure of melting cheese.

5. Add a Little Texture

Smooth, melty cheese is amazing, but a little crunch can take your grilled cheese from basic to gourmet. Try tossing crispy bacon into the center of the sandwich. Caramelized onions or even crushed potato chips will also add an incredible crunch and flavor. You can even go a little crazy with toasted nuts, crispy prosciutto, or even a sprinkle of panko breadcrumbs on the outside of the sandwich for an extra crispy crust. Who doesn’t love a little crunch?

6. Experiment With Sweet and Savory

A grilled cheese doesn’t just have to be cheese. A little sweetness can make it extra special. Try adding a smear of fig jam, honey, or even apple slices to the center of your sandwich for an unexpected but delicious contrast. The salty-sweet combo is especially amazing when paired with cheeses like brie or fontina. You should also try adding a drizzle of hot honey to the center of the sandwich, which will give you both sweetness and heat. Now that sounds absolutely amazing!

7. Ditch the Plain White Bread

If you’re still using plain white bread to make your grilled cheese, it’s time to try something new. Sourdough, ciabatta, or a thick-cut brioche make a huge difference. More structure means a sturdier, crunchier, more flavorful sandwich. Whole grain or rye can add depth and nuttiness, while something like Texas toast gives you maximum surface area for crispy, buttery goodness.

8. Use Thin Pieces of Cheese

If you always end up with perfectly toasted bread but semi-melted cheese, you need to make sure you shred or thinly slice your cheese before adding it to the sandwich. It melts faster when in small, thin pieces and also will melt more evenly than big, thick slices. No more half-melted cheese disasters! You should also try to let your cheese come to room temperature before assembling your sandwich. This helps everything blend together faster once it hits the pan.

9. Add a Touch of Umami

You will be amazed by the impact umami has on a grilled cheese. How can you get it? Just spread a thin layer of Dijon mustard, a dash of Worcestershire sauce, or even a little miso paste on the inside of the bread before adding cheese. It deepens the flavor and makes everything pop. A light dusting of nutritional yeast on the outside of the bread can also enhance that cheesy umami flavor without overpowering the sandwich.

10. Cook It in Something Other Than a Pan

A skillet works great to make a grilled cheese, but if you want to really go gourmet, try using a panini press for that perfect crispy exterior. No panini press? A cast-iron pan with another pan pressing on top gives you that evenly toasted, slightly compressed texture that chefs swear by. An air fryer is another fantastic way to cook a grilled cheese, as it creates an ultra-crispy crust while keeping the inside perfectly gooey.

11. Use Flavored Butter for an Extra Punch

Instead of just slathering on plain butter, mix in some garlic, herbs, or even a dash of hot sauce into softened butter for extra flavor. Garlic butter, truffle butter, or even a hint of smoked paprika in your butter will have people wondering what your secret is. Even just a little bit of brown butter will add a nutty depth that makes every bite richer and more complex.

12. Serve With a Side That Complements It

Gourmet grilled cheese deserves more than just to be on a plate by itself. It needs a great side to really make it shine! Grilled cheese goes great with homemade tomato soup or a crisp arugula salad. It is even good with just a drizzle of balsamic glaze in a bowl for dipping. The right side takes your sandwich from good to legendary.