#1 Secret for the Perfect Grilled Cheese Sandwich
Oozy melty cheese and toasty crisp bread. It could really only mean one thing... the perfect grilled cheese. Are you hungry yet? This post may contain affiliate links.
This delicious cheesy sandwich is grilled and melted to absolute perfection.
If you're obsessed with that perfect mix of crispy bread and delightfully oozy cheese, this is going to be your new go-to way to make an epic grilled cheese.
I'm only wondering how it took me so long to discover this bit of magic.
Many know of the secret and others simply have never heard of it before now.
The best throwback meal that never gets old... in fact it just got a little better.
I'm sharing a delicious secret ingredient for a perfect grilled cheese sandwich that makes for a delicious quick bite.
Here is another twist with this yummy cherry pepper grilled cheese here, too.
One of my favorite memories from childhood involved grilled cheese sandwiches and tomato soup.
Whenever I visited my Aunt, she would make us this glorious combo.
That's exactly why this is the best comfort food with a side of nostalgia for me.
There's almost no day that I couldn't throw a grilled cheese or two back.
You know what I mean?
Even after all these years, I can still go for one of these yummy sandwiches at almost any point in a day.
Now, I have to admit that making a grilled cheese should be fairly easy right?
But, I actually kind of stink at it.
At least until now.
This yummy little miracle performs in a way I never imagined.
You could say it's genius or a super hack.
BEST GRILLED CHEESE RECIPE
Who knew that swapping out butter for Hellmann's Real Mayonnaise or any high quality mayo would make the process not only fool-proof but completely awesome.
That's right!
We're putting mayo on the bread and into your pan mayo-side down.
Sounds crazy, but I promise it's worth it.
In just 5 minutes, your sandwich is going to be toasted to perfection and the cheese will be perfectly melted.
Some know this as an old school trick, but so many have not heard of this... including me.
So, I hope this fun grilled cheese hack finds the ones...
The ones that don't know this cheesy crispy magic trick.
Just look at this crazy goodness.
I'm practically drooling as we speak.
Updating in 2022 to say that sprinkling a little sea salt over the mayo before or after grilling is the a delicious tweak to this method of preparing grilled cheese.
The beauty of the basic grilled cheese sandwich is that you can add different ingredients for something new.
Pesto and sun dried tomatoes anyone?
A new melting cheese that you haven't tried before?
Oh no, now I have a new craving. {Runs to the kitchen}.
For a buttery flavor, you can butter the insides of your bread for a special added touch.
Bonus, you can also make the perfect grilled cheese in an air fryer. YUM.
MORE CHEESE RECIPES
Sriracha Dip with Spinach & Artichokes
Making a quick weeknight dinner is made easy and you can add toppings to customize each sandwich that your family members love.
Mmm. Take a bite!
If you love old fashioned recipes using mayonnaise, you are going to LOVE this Mayo Chicken recipe.
What are your favorite toppings to add to grilled cheese sandwiches?
Perfect Grilled Cheese Sandwich
Old fashioned recipe to make an amazing crispy grilled cheese that turns out perfect each and every time.
Ingredients
- 1 Tbsp. Hellmann's® Real Mayonnaise, divided
- 2 slices crusty Italian bread or thick bread of choice
- 2 ounces sliced cheddar cheese (or other meltable cheese)
Instructions
- SPREAD one slice of bread with Hellmann's® Real Mayonnaise.
- Place bread mayonnaise-side- down into hot skillet; add cheese.
- SPREAD other slice of bread with mayonnaise and place Mayonnaise-side up on top of the cheese.
- COOK until lightly browned on one side.
- Flip over and cook until cheese is melted.
Nutrition Information
Yield 1 Serving Size 1Amount Per Serving Calories 508Total Fat 32gSaturated Fat 13gTrans Fat 1gUnsaturated Fat 16gCholesterol 62mgSodium 820mgCarbohydrates 36gFiber 2gSugar 3gProtein 19g
This nutritional information is for reference only. We are not responsible for these calculations.
Tell me your unique ways to make a grilled cheese?
Nobody mentioned rye bread ? My husband made the BEST grilled cheese by using rye bread and butter with American cheese and bacon on an electric fry pan .
My favorite is with a large thin slice of Vidalia onion I always use butter, but welcome the new suggestions. Must try a few of them.
Quetion? Can you use Miracle Whip for instead of the mayonnaise?
I like to use double the cheese !
When my kids were small and we lived in cold, snowy West Virginia I accidentally stumbled on grilling sandwiches on the waffle grids of my grill instead of the flat side. The sandwich comes out with little pillows of cheese or what ever you have put between two slices of bread. This recipe works on well oiled waffle irons. In addition to grilled cheese the kids liked “waffled” PBJ also!
Thank you for such a simple tasty recipe. Thanks also to the many comments with a variety of ideas. Sometimes my eating disorder kicks in and I don’t eat. Simple recipes like this help enormously. Even just a couple of bites a few minutes apart makes such a difference even if it takes all day. I made this with pepper Jack and white cheddar with a slice of tomato to add moisture. Thank you again.
Add avocado and cooked bacon with the cheese!! Yum…..
I use 2-3 kinds of cheese, sometimes topping with pepperoncini rings or bacon and tomato!
Way too burnt in the pics, I like gold not black.
Bet you’re the life and soul of every party.
Add sliced ripe tomato...yummy!
Thank you for this recipe i have tried it and it is so delicious.
My mom always added ketchup and hamburger sliced dill pickles to the sandwich (layered in with the sliced american cheese). Been doing this way for years. My grown kids still request them. Don't knock it till you try it!
@Meem, I do the same, only I use bbq sauce and the pickles. Yummmm!!
For extra crispy sandwich, I toast bread in the frying pan on one side and then use the toasted sides facing in.. proceed with adding cheese, etc. Then butter (or Mayo) on the remaking plain sides as usual and place in pan.
Instead of regular butter try Ghee (clarified butter) on the outside of the bread. Great taste.
I like to add thinly sliced tomatoes and vidalia onions with a very light amount of oregano. It's delicious. Haven't tried the mayo yet but I'll give it a try.
Try a grilled cheese on the BBQ. Bread will hold its thickness and not get soggy. Your welcome.
@Mike, Your welcome to!
Try sprinkling parmesan cheese on the out side before putting it in the fry pan. I mean on top of the mayo. Also mayo and bacon and American inside. Serve with tomato soup. Thank the gods for this one.
@Mike, definitely going to try with Parmesan for crispy finish. Thanks
Thin sliced apple is what I add
I use butter, white cheese and pepper jelly. Makes a boring sandwich into a delicious sandwich.
@PEGGY, yumm I would love that!
My personal favorite is a tuna melt, as long as the tuna doesn't get heated up. I cook the cheesy bread slices separately and quickly assemble my sandwich with the tuna in between the slices
You can't have a cheese sandwich without a dill-type pickle spear or sandwich slice.
Butter is better. I love Hellman's on about everything but not on a grilled cheese sandwich as was prepared. not to mention it was burned crispy. Melt the butter in the pan, use a brush to transfer the butter to the bread to get maximum coverage. Use the lowest heat that will toast the bread and melt the cheese. it takes a little longer but butter on the bread and patience as it slowly toasts up makes the best grilled cheese.
@michael dwyer, this is exactly how I do it as well! But I am going to try a little mayo in there too. I also saw above someone said pepper jelly. I think a little might give it a nice kick. So I think I’ll give that a try also.
@michael dwyer, I have made my grilled cheese like this for years and everyone compliments me on them. I use Hellman’s and mine are a beautiful golden color, not blackened like the pictures.
Can you use the air fryer
Garlic or truffle aioli (a "sister" to mayo, made with olive oil instead bland veg oils ). Aioli makes a beautiful grilled cheese sandwich.
I love to add a slice of sweet onion between the slices of cheese and I put pepper relish jelly on the inside of the bread. YUM!
Brought to you by Hellmann's. 🤣 Just kidding. Thank you for this tip and it sounds delicious. 🤤😋
Try adding a little mustard inside on top of cheese.
adding a bit of truffle oil to the cheese makes it quite special
So my secret ingredient is cream cheese and cheddar with a third slice of bread in the middle yum
@Michelle, I just want to know where the middle yum is. Apparently, it's somewhere between two outer yums.
I've been grilling our grilled cheese sandwiches with mayo for years. Started mainly to cut down on the grease content from using butter. Mayo is the best!!
@joan, 😳but mayo is litteraly grease
@Noface, no, it comes out crispier with Mayo. Butter tends to turn out greasy. I use honey mustard and pickled jalapeños with 3 kinds of cheese then mayonnaise on the outside. Best ever grilled cheese!
@joan, grease content in mayo vs. butter is probably about the same. I mean speaking in calories.
my mom always used American cheese on challah served w/potato chips & gerkin pickles..when i was up in the 'Catskills' they added tomato slices inside..from then on so did i. brie makes a great sandwich too. maybe w/jam.
grilled cheese makes my top list of 5 favorites growing up.
I have been using mayo on my grilled cheese sandwich for years. I put mayo on both bread sides. It is a lot quicker & easy instead of butter. I us Duke's mayo, it has tang.
My son who cooks professionally says to use grated cheese, the type you use is up to you
Sounds like a “grate” idea. I like a thin slice of tomato in it.
BACON!!!
Yummy! 👏
@LINDA SILVA, 👍😋😋😋
@LINDA SILVA, I've been thinking of everything in my fridge and Pepperoni came to mind. Oh boy, it's still a couple of hours until dinner, but these grilled cheese variations make me want to eat an early dinner, lol...
I was raised doing this only my mom used Miracle Whip.It is the only way I make grilled cheese.
I added spinach & ham along with cheddar cheese. I'm old school & went with butter on the outside. YUM!
@Shirley,
Not old school! You just can't follow directions! You need to use the MAYO like you were told!
Try sprinkling a small pinch of salt and/or a small pinch of granulated garlic (not powdered garlic) on the outside of both the bread slices on top the butter or mayo before grilling. I use both and everyone raves about how great they taste.
Try spreading purchased "sandwich spread" lightly to inside of pieces of bread, then spread mayo on outside of pieces of bread, proceed with grilling process, stove-top or broiler. Also, use small pat of butter or margarine to outside pieces of bread, if you feel that is needed or desired.
I always associate grilled cheese with a bowl of Campbells tomato soup on a cold rainy day, thanks mom for taking care of me on cold rainy days!
Today I might add toasted crispy prosciutto between the slices.
i like a slice or two of tomato in my grilled cheese.
Dried mustard gives a grilled cheese a little tang. (Wet mustard makes things too gooey.)
@Uncle Mike, Ooh! That sounds like a great idea! Thank you!
I like the mayo on the inside and butter on the outside.
Have started using an air fryer so instead of mayo use flavoured i.e garlic with the regular innards or branston pickle, onion and cheddar
- I add a few slices of Pepperoni on top of the cheese!-
@[email protected],
@[email protected],I like to shake things up with Fontina and Genoa salami on a good whole grain bread for a change of pace.
It’s good with cheddar and pepper jack cheese, or cheddar and sliced jalapeños! Yum!
@Viki, you are making me so hungry!
I was surprised years ago when my friend said to add a little mustard. She was right, I do it all the time now,
@Joyce, that is the one thing that I haven't tried yet! TY!
I like mine with pickles
@Brandy Woodruff,
GREAT IDEA, I LOVE PICKLES.
THANK YOU,
MARCY
The way I like Grilled Cheese Sandwiches is… Butter on both outside slices of bread, Cheddar Cheese and Swiss Cheese… Simple but delicious!
I love cheddar cheese and add a savory jam. Like pepper, bacon, or tomato jam, or even peach or apple jam. The savory with sweet is delicious!
My mom taught us to use best foods "Hellmans" but instead of in a skillet we do ours under the broiler.
Boiled ham and mustard. Delish
Try peanut butter and cheese. My mothers favorite!
Try making with pimento cheese
A new touch to the grilled cheese sandwich. Add bacon, sautéed mushrooms and gouda cheese. 😋😋
@Pamela Love, YUM!!
I will make these sandwiches
and try the other ingedients. I thought sliced tomatoes added before grilling was huge!
Tracy Smith
@Tracy Smith, I love tomatoes on grilled cheese. So good!
I love to have grilled Ham and cheese so tasty. Will need to try with Mayo
I mayo or butter both sides of the bread, put them both in the pan and flip them when they're lightly brown. THEN put the cheese on. Then brown til the cheese is melted, which doesn't take long because the bread is already hot. Talk about crispy!
@Gigi Wright,
@Liz,
That sounds good. I'm going to give it a try.
I add capers to the cheddar cheese.
I always use mayo on the outside. Add corn relish and tomato slices. Cooked bacon if I am really hungry, or raving the saltiness. Corn relish is something I tried when I lived in Canada, and I always use it, if I can find it in the stores.
Which bread slice is that in the picture?
Bacon
Yes I use butter and parmasan cheese and garlic! It delish... muster cheese or provolone cheese is always tasty but use what you like! Yum
What kind of cheese makes it look like lots of cheese?
Have you tried putting shredded mild cheddar on the buttered side of the bread and then grilling? Easier than it sounds and pretty darn good!
Try using sourdough bread with a slice of munster and a slice of provolone cheese. Really good!
Tried it, did not like t, I will stick to butter!
You need to try Pimento Cheese for the cheese part. Another level!!!!!
Or, try 2 different cheese combinations.
Sprinkle mayo (I use Miracle Whip) with dill, then put cheese on.
Try spreading some good mustard on the inside... it’s how my Grandson loves them!
Try it with bologna or ham. Um um good.
Ooh! I love these ideas for a filling twist!
Really is!
Add sliced red onion and tomato.
Sounds delish!
Butter is a major flavor component in a grilled cheese sandwich. Butter the inside when you use mayo on the outside.
BTW: Olive oil works too.
Forgot the grated Parmesan sprinkled on the outside!!
Ooh! That sounds yummy!
The Parm idea sounds great.
I don’t know about giving up the butter.
That would definitely be a tasty addition! Love me some butter!
Yum! Cute memory Dawn! Must.....have....grilled....cheese.....NOW!
Grilled cheese is my absolute favorite!!! Yours look sooooo good!! I will use Mayo on anything!!
Have tried it with mayonnaise, was just not my thing. Although if you want to add some kick to a grilled cheese, then add some crispy peppered bacon! Yummy!
After looking at that, I know what I am having for lunch today. Holy Grilled Cheese batman that looks awesome!
Grilled cheese is a major comfort food for me, so I'm all about it! It looks fantastic!
Well, you are right! That looks like the perfect ooey gooey, melty and delicious grilled cheese sandwich. Now I just want to go and eat one.
I would have never thought about putting mayo on there! It makes perfect sense! That HAS To taste SO good! I will be trying that soon!
I have never thought of putting mayo on my grilled cheese but it sounds and looks so delicious. I will have to it a shot.
I never thought of this and I am a huge fan of both grilled cheeses and mayo! Such a wonderful idea.
Ah that does make sence! The secret ingredient would make it a lot more sauce-y like!!
Grilled cheese sandwiches are one of my favorite things to make for a quick snack! I'm craving this one now!! Thanks for sharing such a practical and easy recipe!
I love having grilled cheese. This makes me want to make some for supper soon. Yours turned out amazing. They look so good!
I have been on a grilled cheese kick lately, but haven't even been using mayo. I like to add a few pieces of lunch meat and tomatoes to mine, and cook it all together.
I always put mayo on mine too, I didn't know anyone else did that. It is so yummy...now I want one!
I love grilled cheese! I'm totally going to try swapping mayo for butter! I love mayo so I imagine this will be amazing!
YUM! Grilled cheese is a major favorite of mine, I crave them usually at ... oh about 11 pm. Shhh hahaa don't tell. Looks fantastic.
@Melissa, and i thought i was the only one to have grilled cheese sammies in the middle of the night, usually after midnight for me with a bottle of hot sauce to shake on it as i chow,down....
This is so funny because I saw this on the Hellman's commercial and tried it for the kids and they went crazy for it. It cooked up so evenly and they said it was delicious. Who knew? LOL