Let’s take a classic grilled cheese sandwich to the next level by making it The Ultimate Grilled Cheese. I’m sharing my secret blend of ingredients to create an epic sandwich worthy of its name.

I was brainstorming recipe ideas with my mom recently. I like to get outside input as to what might be good to share. One of the first things she suggested was this Ultimate Grilled Cheese. When she made it, she always paired it with the best tomato basil soup. You’ll want to grab that recipe HERE.

And yes, I added some of my homemade croutons to my soup as well because why not. Ha!

dipping Ultimate Grilled Cheese into tomato basil soup.

stack of Ultimate Grilled Cheese sandwiches.

As soon as she mentioned the ultimate grilled cheese, I immediately went, “YES!” Honestly, it has been years since I’ve had this grilled cheese or tomato soup and I knew now would be the perfect time to share them since the weather is starting to get a little cooler. In my opinion, they are the perfect comfort food!

So, you might ask, “What makes it the ULTIMATE grilled cheese?“

Well, it’s not just cheese and bread. It’s a combination of ingredients that add flavor, creaminess, cheesiness, and body to this sandwich. We’ll get into this more below. Plus, the sandwich’s exterior boasts a beautiful golden-brown, buttery crispness, while the inside is filled with oozing, melty cheese goodness.

This recipe really takes the comforting and familiar grilled cheese experience and elevates it to a whole new level, turning it into a gourmet comfort food delight.

TABLE OF CONTENTS hide

1 Secret to a Good Grilled Cheese

2 Why You’ll Love This Recipe

3 Ingredients

4 How to Make:

5 Recipe Variations

6 Frequently Ask Questions:

7 More Cheesy You’ll Love

8 The Ultimate Grilled Cheese

Secret to a Good Grilled Cheese

There are a few things I’d like you to consider when making a grilled cheese sandwich.

Start with fresh, soft bread. I head straight to the bakery, grab a fresh loaf and slice it myself.
Use quality cheese and cheese you love. Below, I’ll share the cheese I like for this ultimate grilled cheese, but feel free to substitute using one of your favorites. If you can, freshly shred your cheese.
Set your pan heat to medium-ish. Having your pan at the right temperature is really important especially if you’re making a thicker sandwich like this one. You want it to be warm enough so that it browns but not so hot that the bread burns before the cheese is melted.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Bursting with Flavor: This sandwich goes beyond the traditional grilled cheese by incorporating a special blend of ingredients that work together harmoniously to create a flavor explosion in every bite.
Creamy and Cheesy: The combination of cheeses used in this recipe results in an incredibly creamy and cheesy texture that will leave you craving more.
Customizable: While the recipe provides a tried-and-true combination of ingredients, it’s also versatile enough for you to get creative and add your favorite elements to tailor it to your taste.
Simple to Make: Despite its gourmet taste, The Ultimate Grilled Cheese Sandwich is surprisingly easy to make, making it perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends.

ultimate grilled cheese sandwich on plate.

Ingredients

To get things started, here’s what you’ll need to put this sandwich together. I assume these ingredients are pretty self-explanatory. Essentially, the purpose of everything that is being added here is to create ultimate flavor and creaminess. In other words, the additional ingredients take the sandwich up a notch compared to just cheese and bread.

Here’s what you’ll need:

cream cheese
mayonnaise
shredded cheddar
shredded mozzarella
garlic powder
seasoned salt
thick sliced Italian bread
butter

How to Make:

I’ll walk you through the steps here. I’ve also provided a detailed ingredient list and instructions in the printable recipe card below.

In a medium bowl add the cream cheese, mayo, cheddar, mozzarella, garlic powder, and salt. Mix with a wooden spoon to evenly combine.

making Ultimate Grilled Cheese sandwiches.

Divide the mixture evenly onto six pieces of thickly sliced Italian bread.
Top with the second piece of bread.
Butter the outside of the sandwiches.

buttered Ultimate Grilled Cheese sandwiches.

In a lidded skillet over medium heat, toast the sandwiches for four to five minutes on each side or until the bread is lightly browned and the cheese is melted.
Use the lid for half or more of the cooking time to thoroughly melt the cheese.

Slice in half and serve immediately.

And that’s it.

You’re ready to enjoy your ultimate grilled cheese sandwich. I highly recommend serving it with a big bowl of my creamy tomato basil soup for the best combination. I know you’re going to love it.

It makes a great lunch for a group of friends or a wonderful dinner for your family. You can make the soup AND this ultimate grilled cheese in under 30 minutes. It’s that easy. Looking for another unique and delicious sandwich recipe? Try this puff pastry ham sandwich. It’s one of my favorites!

Recipe Variations

While I LOVE this recipe as it is, you can also take it to the next level with some of these recipe variations. Here are few ideas to get you started.

Bacon and Avocado Bliss: Add crispy bacon slices and creamy avocado slices to the classic recipe. The smoky and savory bacon pairs wonderfully with the richness of the cheeses, while the avocado adds a fresh and buttery texture.
Caprese Twist: Incorporate the flavors of a classic Caprese salad into your grilled cheese. Layer fresh basil leaves, ripe tomato slices, and mozzarella cheese with the cheddar for an Italian-inspired twist on this beloved sandwich.
Spicy Jalapeño Kick For those who enjoy a bit of heat, add sliced pickled jalapeños or fresh jalapeño rings to the sandwich. The spicy kick complements the cheese’s creaminess and provides a tantalizing zing.
Mushroom and Caramelized Onion Delight: Sauté sliced mushrooms and onions until caramelized and tender. Layer them between the cheeses for a sweet and savory umami boost to your grilled cheese experience.
Pesto Pizzazz: Spread a layer of pesto sauce on the inside of the bread slices before adding the cheese. The pesto’s herbal and garlicky notes will elevate the sandwich to a gourmet level.
Buffalo Chicken Twist: Toss shredded cooked chicken in buffalo sauce and layer it with blue cheese crumbles between the cheddar. This variation brings a delightful spicy kick and tangy cheese profile.
Apple and Brie Elegance: Thinly slice crisp apples and layer them with creamy Brie cheese. This combination of sweet and creamy is a sophisticated take on the classic grilled cheese.
BBQ Pulled Pork Extravaganza: Pile on tender pulled pork coated in barbecue sauce along with the cheddar cheese. This hearty and flavorful option is perfect for barbecue lovers.

Feel free to mix and match ingredients or get creative with your own favorite flavors to create your personalized Ultimate Grilled Cheese Sandwich!

Frequently Ask Questions:

Here are some frequently asked questions when folks are making grilled cheese.

What kind of cheese is best for grilled cheese?

Whatever cheese you like! Seriously. If you’re not sure what cheese(s) you like, I generally reach for a cheddar for flavor and mozzarella for that beautiful stretch. Monterey jack and gruyère are great options too.

What can I put in a grilled cheese?

Truth be told, I’m a purist and like my grilled cheese without extra items. However, If you’re looking for other things to add to your grilled cheese sandwich, I’ve listed some to consider. I think any of these additions would be delicious in a standard grilled cheese or this ultimate grilled cheese recipe.

sliced or sun-dried tomato
caramelized onions
olives or olive tapenade
grilled vegetables
sauteed mushrooms
sliced apples
ham or other deli meats
bacon
pickles

Ultimate Grilled Cheese on plate with tomato soup.

More Cheesy You’ll Love

If you give this ultimate grilled cheese recipe I try, I would love to know what you think. Stop back and leave a comment and a 5-star rating below.

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