Recipe

This post may contain affiliate links. Read our disclosure policy here.

A foolproof recipe to make the classic grilled cheese sandwich crispy and delicious in a pan.

Whether you’re making a grilled cheese in a pan for the first time ever or looking for tips to upgrade this sandwich, you just landed in the right place.

The Best Grilled Cheese

With my eldest in college and two kids still in school, I’ve lost count of how many sandwiches I’ve made over the years. Once thing is for sure: I master the art of making the best crispy grilled cheese that stays intact in the lunchbox.

The other good news is that it couldn’t be easier! So, grab a pan and let’s make that grilled cheese sandwich with golden exteriors and a gooey center that we all love.

Ingredients

The three simple items you need for a grilled sandwich are:

Bread: from Sourdough to regular sandwich bread, you can use your favorite, as long as it is thick.
Cheese: the best cheeses are the ones that melt well, such as cheddar, Gouda, provolone, mozzarella, and Swiss.
Butter: for a crispy and golden crust.

How to Make Grilled Cheese in a Pan

Butter one side of each slice of bread and assemble the sandwich as usual, making sure the buttered sides are facing out. Heat the pan and grill the sandwich on one side until golden brown. Flip it, and grill until the cheese has melted.

More Grilled Cheese Recipes

You can also make a grilled cheese in the air fryer or bake it in the oven. For bigger appetites, include more protein and assemble a tasty grilled cheese with roast beef. Check out this post for more delicious grilled cheese variations and all my tips for packing it for lunch.

Grilled Cheese in a Pan

Servings: 1

Prep Time: 5

Cook Time: 5

Total Time: 10

A foolproof recipe to make the classic grilled cheese sandwich crispy and delicious in a pan.

5 from 4 votes

Print Pin

Watch How It’s Packed:

Ingredients

2 slices sandwich bread, your favorite
2 slices cheese, your favorite
1 tablespoon butter, for grilling

Instructions

Make the sandwich:

On a flat surface, butter one side of each slice of bread, and flip them over. Layer the cheese between the bread pieces, and close the sandwich with the buttered sides facing out.

Grill it:

Heat a pan over medium-low to medium heat. Grill the sandwich for about 2 to 3 minutes, until the bread is golden brown. Flip and continue grilling until the cheese is melty.

Pack it for school:

If you are packing this sandwich for later, allow it to cool before slicing it in half and packing it in a hard lunch container. Pack fruit, veggies, and other healthy sides in separate compartments. Use an ice pack if needed.