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Close up of grilled cheese sandwich sliced in half and stacked on wooden cutting board
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5 from 4 votes

Easy Grilled Cheese Sandwich | Shortcut to Make One at a Time

Crispy, buttery slices of toasty bread on the outside, loads of melty cheese goodness on the inside is how I'd describe my Easy Grilled Cheese Sandwich. This is my version of the classic lunchtime cheesy sandwich.
Prep Time3 minutes
Cook Time4 minutes
Total Time7 minutes
Servings: 1 serving
Calories: 550kcal
Cost: 2

Equipment

  • Cheese grater

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon softened butter or whipped butter in a tub
  • 2 slices thick-cut white bread ( I used Sara Lee Artesan)
  • 1 ounce block Cheddar cheese (to shred yourself) (or 1/3 cup pre-shredded or a 1-ounce slice of cheese ... or two)
  • 1 (1-ounce) slice Monterey Jack cheese or other cheese

Instructions

  • First, gather the bread, cheese, and butter on the counter.
  • Turn on the stovetop burner on medium-low and let a heavy skillet start to preheat.
  • Shred the cheese onto a paper plate (for easy clean up or serve the sandwich on it later). This will literally take just 30 seconds.
  • Spread half of the soft butter on one side of one slice of bread. By this time, the skillet should be hot enough to toast the bread, but not too hot.
  • Place the slice of bread, buttered side down, in the skillet. Sprinkle the shredded cheese and slice of cheese, if using, on top of the bread.
  • While the first slice of bread is starting to brown, the cheese will just begin to melt on the underside. This should take 2 or 3 minutes. Meanwhile, butter the other slice of bread with the remaining butter.
  • Place the second slice of bread. Gently lift a corner of the bottom slice of bread with a spatula. When it is golden brown, slip the flat spatula under the sandwich. Flip the sandwich over. It's ok to use your hand or another spatula to gently hold the top slice of bread down if you are nervous about flipping it.
  • Cook it 1 minute or until that side is golden brown.

Notes

Any combination of about 2 ounces shredded, pre-shredded, or slice cheese can be used. Part of the shortcut is using what you have on hand in your pantry.
Tip: To soften stick butter quickly, microwave 8 seconds on one side, turn, then microwave 8 seconds and you have perfectly softened butter to spread. It's fine to refrigerate the remaining stick until ready to use again.

Nutrition

Serving: 1sandwich | Calories: 550kcal