The best grilled cheese recipe is about to change your sandwich game forever. This version layers golden challah bread with thick sharp cheddar, smoky bacon, and a crispy shredded cheese crust on the outside that takes a classic comfort food to a whole new level. I made this on a busy Friday night and my kids declared it the best thing I had put on the table in months.
There is something special about a grilled cheese that goes beyond the basics. I grew up eating the classic version with white bread and processed singles, and while that will always hold a warm spot in my memory, this one is in a completely different league. The challah toasts up buttery and golden, the sharp cheddar melts into every corner, and that crispy cheese skirt on the outside gives you a satisfying crunch you will not stop thinking about. My family asks for this one every single week now. Give it a try and see for yourself.
Table of Contents
Ingredients for Best Grilled Cheese Recipe
I always grab challah from the bakery section whenever I plan to make this. The slight sweetness in challah pairs perfectly with salty bacon and bold sharp cheddar. Here is everything you need to put it together.
- 8 slices challah bread (sliced ½ to ¾ inch thick)
- 4 to 6 tablespoons butter, softened and divided (I recommend using at least this amount for a properly golden crust)
- 8 thick slices sharp cheddar cheese, or more to taste (my preference is a good aged sharp cheddar for maximum flavor)
- 8 slices bacon, cooked (pro tip: bake your bacon ahead of time so it is ready to go)
- 1 cup or more shredded cheese, sharp white cheddar and Monterey Jack recommended and divided (in my experience, mixing the two gives you the best combination of melt and flavor)
Step-by-Step Instructions
I recommend keeping the heat at medium-low the entire time. Rushing the heat is the most common mistake people make, and it leads to burnt bread with cold cheese still in the middle.
Step 1: Slice challah bread into ½ to ¾ inch thick slices. You need 8 slices total for 4 sandwiches.
Step 2: In a wide nonstick skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-low heat. Add 2 slices of bread and make sure the bottoms are fully coated in the butter.
Step 3: Place 2 thick slices of sharp cheddar on one piece of bread. Place the second slice on top with the butter side facing up.
Step 4: Lay 2 strips of cooked bacon on top of the sandwich, then sprinkle about 2 tablespoons of shredded cheese evenly over the bacon.
Step 5: Melt an extra ½ tablespoon of butter in the pan right next to the sandwich. Carefully flip the sandwich onto the melted butter so the cheese and bacon are now on the bottom. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes until the bottom is deep golden and crispy.
Step 6: Sprinkle 2 more tablespoons of shredded cheese on top of the sandwich. Flip again so that cheese side faces the pan. Cook for another 3 to 4 minutes until golden and crispy.
Step 7: Repeat for all 4 sandwiches. Keep finished ones on a cooling rack set over a baking sheet in a 170°F oven so the bottoms stay crispy while you finish cooking the rest.
What to Serve with Best Grilled Cheese Recipe
The right side dish balances the richness of this sandwich and turns it into a truly complete meal. Here are some of my favorite pairings.
Homemade Tomato Soup: This is the classic pairing for a reason. A warm bowl of homemade tomato soup cuts right through the buttery richness of the sandwich, and every dip is pure comfort food.
Broccoli Cheddar Soup: If you want to lean fully into the cheesy theme, a bowl of broccoli cheddar soup alongside this sandwich is a match that works every single time.
Cheeseburger Soup: For a heartier weeknight pairing, cheeseburger soup adds a satisfying richness that makes this a full dinner the whole family will love.
BLT Pasta Salad: The bright, tangy flavors in a BLT pasta salad provide a fresh contrast to the warm, gooey sandwich and keep the meal feeling balanced.
Creamy Zucchini Soup: For something lighter, a bowl of creamy zucchini soup adds a smooth, vegetable-forward side that pairs beautifully without overpowering the sandwich.
Broccoli and Mushroom Stir Fry: A quick broccoli and mushroom stir fry adds color, crunch, and nutrition alongside the richness of melted cheese and bacon.
Storage and Serving Tips
Store leftover grilled cheese in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Let each sandwich cool completely before sealing so it does not steam and turn soggy inside the container.
To reheat, skip the microwave entirely. I recommend warming the sandwich in a skillet over medium-low heat for a few minutes per side to bring back the crispy exterior. A toaster oven at 350°F for 5 to 7 minutes also works well, as does an air fryer for a quick reheat.
Pro tip: if you are making these for a crowd, place finished sandwiches on a cooling rack over a baking sheet in a 170°F oven. This keeps them warm and crispy without drying them out while you finish cooking the remaining batches.
FAQs
Can I use a different bread instead of challah?
Yes. Sourdough and white sandwich bread both work well. Challah is recommended for its slight sweetness and soft texture, but use what you have on hand.
What cheese gives the best stretch?
Sharp cheddar delivers great flavor, but adding a slice of Velveeta or American cheese in the center alongside the cheddar gives you that classic gooey stretch in every bite.
Can I make this without bacon?
Absolutely. The sandwich is still rich and delicious without it. Simply skip the bacon strips and proceed with the cheese layers as written.
Conclusion
This best grilled cheese recipe is the kind of meal that looks simple but delivers serious results every single time. The crispy cheese crust, the melty interior, and the smoky bacon make it something your whole family will ask for again and again. Try it tonight and see why it has become a weekly staple in so many home kitchens.
The Best Grilled Cheese of Your Life
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Slice challah bread into 1/2 to 3/4 inch thick slices. You need 8 slices total for 4 sandwiches.
- In a wide nonstick skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-low heat. Add 2 slices of bread and coat the bottoms in the melted butter.
- Place 2 thick slices of sharp cheddar on one piece of bread. Set the second slice on top with the butter side facing up.
- Lay 2 strips of cooked bacon on top of the sandwich, then sprinkle about 2 tablespoons of shredded cheese evenly over the bacon.
- Melt an extra 1/2 tablespoon of butter in the pan next to the sandwich. Carefully flip the sandwich onto the melted butter so the cheese and bacon are on the bottom. Cook on medium-low for 3 to 4 minutes until golden and crispy.
- Sprinkle 2 more tablespoons of shredded cheese on top of the sandwich. Flip again so the cheese side faces down. Cook for another 3 to 4 minutes until golden and crispy.
- Repeat for all 4 sandwiches. Keep finished sandwiches on a cooling rack set over a baking sheet in a 170 degree F oven to stay warm and crispy until ready to serve.
