This oven trick changed the way I make sandwiches! My recipe for Oven-Baked Grilled Cheese Sandwiches is a genius way to make a big batch of sandwiches at one time, with the same buttery, crispy toast and melty cheese combo you love. Watch my video tutorial to see how easy this is.
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Baked Grilled Cheese Video
Baked grilled cheese made in the oven was such an Ah-Ha! moment for me that I featured it in my Natasha’s Kitchen Cookbook, along with more of my family’s favorite recipes.
Easy Baked Grilled Cheese Recipe
When I realized I could make my whole family delicious grilled cheese sandwiches in the oven in 10 minutes, I got excited. I could feed a crowed without standing over the stove waiting and flipping. You’ll end up with that same iconic Grilled Cheese pull that just makes your mouth water. Mmmm, warm and toasty.
If you love using this shortcut, don’t miss my Cheeseburger Sliders, Baked Chicken Tacos, and Cheesy Shrimp Tea Sandwiches!
Ingredients for Baked Grilled Cheese
There are just 3 ingredients for grilled cheese in the oven, so feel free to substitute your favorite ingredients to make it your own (and see my suggestions below).
- Unsalted butter – The secret ingredient to making the toast crunchy. Use softened butter for easy spreading.
- Sandwich bread slices – we prefer white bread, but any type of bread will work.
- Cheese – I love a combination of thick-sliced cheddar and mozzarella. You can substitute with your favorite cheeses (see below) or opt for a single type of cheese.
Variations
Try a few of these variations to make your baked grilled cheese to your tastes:
- Bread – swap white for–Rye & Whole Wheat Bread, sprouted, oat-flour, Gluten-free, or Sourdough Bread
- Butter – Mayonnaise in place of butter works here
- Cheese – Use sharp or mild cheddar, American, Swiss, Gruyere, Monterey Jack, or a combination
- Proteins – add a slice of ham, pepperoni, prosciutto, cooked Bacon, or Pulled Pork
- Fun additions – make it unique! Add some potato chips, cut jalapenos, thinly-sliced apples or avocado, Pesto, tomato, or Brie cheese & Plum Jam
How to Make Baked Grilled Cheese
This recipe couldn’t be any easier, with just 3 steps and 10 minutes.
- Spread butter – Preheat the oven to 400°F, and then spread butter on one side of 4 slices of bread. Place them butter-side-down on a rimmed cookie sheet.
- Top each bread slice with 3 slices of cheese: first cheddar, then mozzarella, and finally cheddar on top. Butter one side of the last 4 slices of bread and place them butter-side-up on top of the cheeses.
Pro Tip:
Make as many sandwiches as you need by scaling this recipe up or down, but just be sure the Grilled cheeses aren’t touching each other on the sheet pan.
- Bake the sandwiches for 5 minutes per side (flipping halfway through), totaling 10 minutes.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
Baked grilled cheese sandwiches are easy to make ahead and reheat. Be sure to allow them to completely cool before storing to preserve crispiness.
- Make-Ahead: Bake the sandwiches and then allow them to cool before refrigerating. Reheat in the oven or on the stove until melty.
- To Refrigerate: wrap cooled sandwiches in parchment or a paper towel and then place in an airtight container in the fridge for 3 to 4 days.
- Freezing: Follow the refrigerator directions, but store in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight.
- To Reheat: Place on a sheet pan and heat until melty (165°F).
After just one bite of my Baked Grilled Cheese, you’ll be sold on this oven-baked technique because you get the same nostalgic taste without standing over a frying pan.
What to Serve with Baked Grilled Cheese
Of course, Tomato Soup is our favorite pairing for baked grilled cheese, but I find it goes well with so many soups and stews, or by itself for a quick and tasty lunch.
Baked Grilled Cheese Sandwiches
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
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Spread butter – Preheat the oven to 400°F. Spread the softened butter over one side of 4 slices of the bread (about 1 teaspoon of butter per slice) and place them butter side down on a rimmed baking sheet.
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Top each slice of bread with a slice of cheddar, a slice of mozzarella, and another slice of cheddar. Spread the remaining butter over the remaining 4 slices of bread and place the slices on top of the cheese, butter side up.
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Bake for 10 minutes, flipping about halfway through, until both sides are golden brown.
Storage – Cool and wrap in a paper towel or in a piece of parchment paper and an airtight container before storing leftovers.
- Refrigerator – store for up to 5 days.
- Freezer – freeze for up to 2 months and then thaw in the fridge overnight
- Reheat – Place on a sheetpan and heat in the oven until warmed through (165°F)
221kcal Calories25g Carbs6g Protein11g Fat
Nutrition Facts
Baked Grilled Cheese Sandwiches
Amount per Serving
% Daily Value*
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
More Nostalgic Dinner Recipes
There’s nothing more comforting than eating a recipe you’ve loved since childhood. While these Baked Grilled Cheeses bake, check out these other throwback recipes:
