Crisp and buttery on the outside and warm and gooey on the inside are what a perfectly executed grilled cheese sandwich is all about.
The secret twist to this easy grilled cheese sandwich is the addition of fresh basil. The combination of fresh basil and tomato is a match made in heaven. If you agree, you might also like my recipe for the Best Creamy Homemade Tomato Soup or my Italian Lentil and Barley Soup with Vegetables recipe. The best part is that you don't have to be a kid to enjoy dunking your grilled cheese in a steaming bowl of soup 🙂
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Gather the Ingredients for the Grilled Cheese
- bread-I used a sprouted grain bread for this recipe
- salted butter
- mild, old or extra old cheddar
- fresh basil
See the recipe below for specific quantities and details.
How to make Grilled Cheese
Prepare the bread. On your work surface, lay both slices of bread. Spread half the butter on what will be the outside of your sandwich and do the same with the other slice of bread.
Add the rest of the ingredients. Next, lay one slice of cheese onto the unbuttered side of the bread, add the fresh basil, lay the second piece of cheese on top of the basil and finally add the second slice of bread (buttered side facing out) on top of the cheese to form your sandwich.
Preheat the frying pan. Over medium-low heat, preheat the frying pan for two minutes. Once the pan is preheated, carefully add the sandwich and cook for 3-5 minutes on the first side until golden brown. Next, flip the sandwich and cook the other side for approximately 2 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from the pan.
Serve. Once removed from the pan let the grilled cheese sit before diving in, as it will be very hot! Enjoy 🙂
Secrets for Success
- Slow and easy wins the race! Make sure you don't overheat the frying pan, as this will result in a charred sandwich instead of one that is golden brown.
- Cut the basil into ribbons; see the note in the recipe card.
Substitutions & Variations
- Many different types of cheese will work in this recipe. I like sharp cheese because it is very flavourful, but you may want to consider mozzarella and Monterey Jack if you prefer milder cheese.
- If you have sourdough bread on hand, then go for it! Sourdough has a great tang that will complement the cheese.
Frequently Asked Questions
I have tried substituting mayonnaise for butter when making grilled cheese. If I am honest, it's just not my thing. I enjoy the buttery goodness that only butter can offer. If you think using butter is too rich, then maybe you'd like mayonnaise instead.
Olive oil could be substituted for butter. The bread will get crispy and golden on the outside and the overall flavour will be neutral.
I suppose this is a relative question depending on your eating habits and dietary requirements. Although grilled cheese does have high amounts of saturated fat, it also has many other nutrients. If saturated fat is a concern to you, then substituting with olive oil will lower the amount of saturated fat and you will benefit from the monounsaturated fats from the olive oil. Also, use unsalted butter if you want to reduce the sodium in this recipe.
Storage Instructions
- Grilled cheese does not store well and will become soft and soggy if refrigerated. Go ahead and eat this right away to best appreciate the crispy golden exterior of this sandwich 🙂
Recipe
Easy Grilled Cheese with a Twist
Equipment
- nonstick frying pan
- spatula
- measuring spoons
- chef's knife
- butter knife
Ingredients
- 2 slices bread, I highly recommend sour dough
- 1 tablespoon salted butter, at room temperature
- 2 slices cheddar cheese, mild, old or extra old
- 5 fresh basil leaves, cut into little ribbons (see note below)
Instructions
- Prepare the bread. On your work surface, lay both slices of bread. Spread half the butter on what will be the outside of your sandwich and do the same with the other slice of bread.2 slices bread, 1 tablespoon salted butter
- Add the rest of the ingredients. Next, lay one slice of cheese onto the unbuttered side of the bread, add the fresh basil, lay the second piece of cheese on top of the basil and finally add the second slice of bread (buttered side facing out) on top of the cheese to form your sandwich.2 slices cheddar cheese, 5 fresh basil leaves
- Preheat the frying pan. Over medium-low heat, preheat the frying pan for two minutes. Once the pan is preheated, carefully add the sandwich and cook for approximately 3-5 minutes on the first side until golden brown. Next, flip the sandwich and cook the other side for approximately 2 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from the pan.
- Serve. Once removed from the pan, let the grilled cheese sit before cutting into it, as it will be very hot! Enjoy.
Pam says
How can you not like a grilled cheese? The basil is the secret twist!
Donna Poirier says
Thanks for your comment 🙂