10 Best Cheeses for a Grilled Cheese Sandwich That's Extra Gooey
Get ready for that cheese pull!
You can't go wrong with a good ol' grilled cheese sandwich—even if you use whatever cheese you have lying around in the fridge! But if you want some seriously ooey-gooey melted deliciousness, read on for our picks for the all-time best cheeses for a grilled cheese. The fact is, a grilled cheese is a pretty simple thing, so it's all about the details—including which type of cheese you use. If you butter your bread, you'll get a nice golden crunch... or you can try the beloved "diner trick" and spread the outside with mayonnaise for an extra tangy, crispy exterior. You can even "grill" your sandwich in an air fryer or fill it with a multitude of extras like fancy mustard, sliced apple, or sweet-tangy jam! Take inspiration from Ree Drummond herself who stacks her Ultimate Grilled Cheese with crispy bacon, caramelized onions, and spicy mayo. With so many options for grilled cheese sandwiches, you'll be making one for lunch every day of the week!
Of course, there's no better way to amp things up than by using a special, just-right cheese which is why we've put together the ultimate guide. From taste to texture to melting ability, these cheeses hit every mark. The key for a great grilled cheese is to start with sturdy bread. Think sourdough or Ciabatta. Then, choose your cheese and add complimentary flavors! A caprese-style grilled cheese sandwich piled with fresh mozzarella, juicy tomatoes, and pesto is downright delicious. And so is one filled with melty brie and tart cherry jam! Of course, you can keep things simple and use American or cheddar cheeses, too. It's your call! Each of the options we're sharing here brings something different to the table.
Brie
Ree Drummond is a big fan of piling brie onto a grilled cheese sandwich. This soft cheese has a mild flavor and creamy texture, and it melts very easily once it's heated up. It's great paired with crusty ciabatta bread and a spread of something sweet, like jam, for the ultimate sandwich.
Swiss
Want to jazz up your basic grilled cheese sandwich? Slather some good, substantial bread with dijon mustard and mayo and tuck slices of mild, nutty Swiss cheese and thinly sliced deli ham in. Toast it up and you're in for a delicious melt!
Mozzarella
Mozzarella makes a mean caprese-style grilled cheese sandwich that you'll fall in love with. Fresh mozzarella is best for this—it's stretchy texture and delicate flavor is unmatched, especially when paired with juicy tomatoes and pesto!
American Cheese
It’s hard to beat a classic! Not only does American cheese give you a sandwich with that tell-tale orange stripe of melted goo, it also has a super nostalgic flavor. Bonus: American cheese is great for a picture-perfect cheese pull.
Fontina
This Italian cheese ranges in texture from semi-soft to hard: Young fontina is better for grilled cheese, as it's softer and smoother in texture, resulting in a sweet and creamy melt. Aged fontina tends to be harder and more complex in flavor.
Havarti
Havarti was the result of a cheesemaker's quest in the mid-1800s to make an ultra-creamy cheese—and it doesn't disappoint! It melts well in a grilled cheese sandwich without any of the oily separation that can occur with other cheeses.
Gouda
Pick a gouda that’s young to medium-aged, which means it will be soft and springy (aged goudas tend to be firm). A young gouda melts beautifully, and it has a great nutty, caramel-like flavor. Just avoid smoked gouda—smoking tends to change a cheese's consistency and it won't melt the same way.
Gruyère
This Alpine cheese is a well known melter—it's often used to make fondue. The flavor is sweet and nutty, so you'll end up with a grilled cheese that's got some personality.
Monterey Jack
This is an excellent mild melting cheese: Try monterey jack for a more basic sandwich, or go with a flavored jack cheese like pepper jack for a more unique sandwich.
Cheddar
There are many kinds of cheddars out there: Young mild cheddars will melt better, but aged sharp cheddars will have more flavor. The solution? Use a blend of young and aged cheddar to combine the best of both worlds!
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