Clean Eating Grownup Grilled Cheese Sandwich Recipe (2024)

If it’s about time your grilled cheese sandwich grew up, this grown-up grilled cheese sandwich recipe is ready to take its place!

Your grilled cheese sandwich just grew up. That’s not to say you can’t occasionally enjoy the sandwiches of your youth, but sometimes, it’s nice to age well. And this recipe certainly fits that description.

What Is A Grown-Up Grilled Cheese?

Grownup Grilled Cheese Sandwiches are what we grownups want when somebody makes a grilled cheese for dinner. These do not have kid-favorite flavors, but they sure do have plenty of cheesy, melty goodness. The flavors are more refined to an adult palate.

What Cheese Melts The Best?

Fresh mozzarella is a fantastic way to go. If you need more flavor, simply add other cheeses. The mozzarella will help other cheeses melt better.

What’s The Best Cheese To Make A Grilled Cheese Sandwich?

The best cheese is one that melts well, which is why I went with mozzarella in this recipe. However, you can certainly use other cheeses if you prefer them. In fact, sometimes, a mix can be even more delicious than a single cheese. Consider cheeses such as cheddar, jack cheese, or even cream cheese.

Can I Cook This A Different Way?

Yes! You can cook this in a cast iron skillet or even a nonstick skillet. A 12-inch pan is plenty. Whatever you have on hand. But you’ll need to butter or oil the outside of the bread slices a bit heavier for cooking. If you can, use a pan with a lid. Using a lid will help the cheese melt faster. Just make sure to pick the lid straight up so that the droplets of water don’t fall back onto the bread.

What Can I Add To Grilled Cheese To Make It Better?

Most people ask this when they are having the kid’s version of a grilled cheese sandwich. Adult versions have way more flavor in them. But if you want to round out this recipe a bit, you can try adding or substituting with one of these:

• Bacon
• Brie cheese
• Sharp cheddar cheese
• Sourdough bread
• Dijon mustard
• Sliced onionsor caramelized onions.

About The Ingredients

Whole grain bread – Find something with no added sugar. And yes, sourdough bread will work here if you don’t mind the processed flour.

Fresh mozzarella cheese– You can slice this as thick or thin as you like.

Salt and black pepper – Add to taste. You can always sprinkle on a bit more as needed after cooking.

Fresh basil leaves – Choose smaller leaves for easier eating.

Tomato– ¼ inch thick slices. You don’t want these to be too thick.

Balsamic vinegar –To taste. You just want a drizzle of the stuff. A little goes a long way here.

How To Make A Grownup Grilled Cheese Sandwich

Preheat oven to 350 F. Assemble your sandwichon a parchment-lined baking sheet, in this order: Bread, cheese, salt & pepper, basil, tomato, bread. Position the sandwich so that the cheese melts down over everything else.

Spray both sides of the sandwich with a light coating of oil using an oil sprayer. You can also spread a light coat of butter on before assembling the sandwich if that works for your eating plan. Fold the sandwich into a piece of parchment, and then sandwich the entire thing between two cookie sheets. (I used two on top because my pans were tiny, and I wanted a little more weight on top.) Set the pan on a wire rack positioned in the middle of your oven.

Bake for about 20 minutes or until the cheese is nicely melted. Remove from oven and remove cookie sheets and parchment. Sprinkle the top of the sandwich with a bit of balsamic vinegar to taste. Cool enough so you don’t burn yourself and enjoy.

Note that if you want the bread to be crispier, you can remove the pan and parchment from the top of the sandwich after 15 minutes of baking and turn your broiler on. Just remember to flip the sandwich halfway through the last 5 minutes so both sides get crispy. If your tomato slices are too thick or you put too much cheese on, the bread will be much soggier. So keep it light and simple.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container and keep them in the fridge for up to 3 or 4 days.

Freezing

Freezing for this recipe is not recommended.

Reheating

This can be reheated in a microwave or in an oven. Even a skillet on a stovetop will get the job done. Just keep the heat on the lower side.

More Grilled Cheese Sandwich Recipes

• Grilled Cheese Roll-Ups
• Jalapeno Popper Grilled Cheese Sandwich
• Grilled Cheese Sandwich With Blackberries
• Campfire Grilled Cheese Sandwich with Apples and Thyme

SUBSCRIBE

Remember to subscribe to my free newsletter to receive all my latest recipes in your inbox. Click here to sign up!

Grownup Grilled Cheese Sandwich Recipe