Best Grilled Cheese

This easy grilled cheese sandwich has a crispy Parmesan crust and a gooey Cheddar and bacon filling, and is simply the best I've ever had! As far as grilled cheese goes, this is it!

Print Recipe

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 6

Total Time 16

Course lunch/dinner

Cuisine American

Servings 4 people

Calories 3913.8 kcal

Equipment

1 Large Skillet
1 Small Mixing Bowl
1 Fork for mashing butter
1 Spatula for flipping sandwiches
1 Chef's knife for serving

Ingredients

Main

¼ cup butter softened
1 cup freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
8 slices cooked bacon
4 slices Cheddar cheese
8 slices sourdough bread

Instructions

Mash together butter and Parmesan cheese in a small bowl until evenly blended. Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
Make sandwiches by placing two slices of bacon and one slice of Cheddar cheese on half of the bread slices. Top with the remaining slices of bread. Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Spread some of the butter mixture on the top of each sandwich. Place sandwiches butter side down in the skillet. Spread the remaining butter mixture on the other sides. Cook until golden brown on each side, about 3 minutes per side. Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
To serve, cut in half diagonally. DOTDASH MEREDITH FOOD STUDIOS

Notes

For optimal results, ensure your butter is genuinely softened to achieve a smooth, even Parmesan mixture for the crust. Maintain consistent medium heat on your skillet; this is critical for a beautifully golden-brown, crispy exterior without burning, allowing the Cheddar to melt perfectly. Overcrowding the pan is a common pitfall; cook sandwiches in batches if necessary. To elevate, consider adding a whisper of garlic powder or smoked paprika to the butter mix for an extra layer of savory depth. A different cheese blend, like Gruyere or fontina, can also add complexity. Serve immediately to enjoy the gooey texture and crisp crust.