Grilled Cheese: Oven-Baked Perfection In Under 10 Minutes

Grilled cheese is a classic, easy-to-make comfort food. But when you're cooking for a crowd, standing over the stove to flip individual sandwiches can be a pain. Luckily, you can make grilled cheese in the oven! This method lets you make up to 12 sandwiches at once, depending on the size of your sheet pan. Preheat your oven to 425–450°F, butter your bread, layer on the cheese, and bake for 10–20 minutes, flipping the sandwiches halfway through.

Oven temperature

The oven temperature is a crucial factor in achieving the perfect grilled cheese sandwich. The ideal temperature range for baking grilled cheese sandwiches is between 425°F and 450°F. Preheating the oven to this temperature ensures that the sandwiches cook evenly and efficiently.

At 450°F, the sandwiches should take around 10 minutes to cook, with 5-6 minutes on each side. This results in golden brown, crispy sandwiches with melted cheese. However, it's important to keep a close eye on the sandwiches, as the exact cooking time may vary depending on factors such as the type of bread and cheese used, as well as the quirks of your oven.

If you prefer a lighter toast, you can reduce the oven temperature to 425°F and bake for a similar duration. This will give you a slightly less crispy sandwich while still melting the cheese.

Additionally, the placement of the rack in the oven can impact the cooking time. For the best results, it's recommended to place the baking sheet on the middle rack of the oven. This ensures even heating and prevents the sandwiches from burning or cooking unevenly.

Experimenting with different oven temperatures and cooking times can help you find the perfect balance for your taste preferences and oven characteristics.

Bread type

The type of bread you use for your grilled cheese sandwich can make a big difference in the cooking time and the overall taste of your sandwich.

For even cooking, it's best to use bread with even slices of medium thickness (about 1/4 inch). Hearty sandwich bread, sourdough, brioche, and rye all work very well. You can also use whole-wheat, multigrain, oatmeal, or potato bread. Just make sure the bread is not too soft, so it doesn't flatten when pressed.

If you're feeling adventurous, cinnamon raisin bread can add a sweet and savory twist to your grilled cheese. This pairs well with savory heavy hitters like bacon and Muenster cheese.

For a classic grilled cheese, thinly sliced soft white bread is a simple and accessible option that can be easily found at home.

For a crispier sandwich, you can also use a baguette, ciabatta, or focaccia. Just slice the bread horizontally and griddle the cut side until you get a crispy, golden-brown exterior.

Bread thickness

Additionally, the texture of the bread can also affect the cooking time. Bread that is too soft or has large air pockets may result in uneven toasting. For even toasting, it is best to choose bread that is slightly firm and has a consistent thickness. Sliced bread is the most common and convenient option, ensuring even toasting and easy handling.

Furthermore, the type of bread used can impact the cooking time. Traditional white and whole wheat bread are popular choices, but you can also experiment with sourdough, rye, or multigrain bread for added flavor. However, keep in mind that the size of the bread should fit properly in your toaster or oven to avoid uneven toasting.

By taking into account the thickness, texture, and type of bread used, you can better estimate the cooking time for grilled cheese in the oven. Thicker slices of bread may require a longer cooking time, while thinner slices may cook faster. Experimenting with different types of bread can also add variety to your grilled cheese sandwiches.

Cheese temperature

The type of cheese you use in your grilled cheese sandwich will affect the cooking time. For example, if you're using a cheese that melts quickly, like American cheese, you'll want to keep an eye on your sandwich so it doesn't overcook. Harder cheeses like cheddar or Swiss cheese may take a little longer to melt, so you might need to adjust your cooking time accordingly.

When assembling your grilled cheese sandwich, it's important to consider the temperature of the cheese. If you're using a softer cheese, like mozzarella or fontina, you might want to let it come to room temperature before assembling your sandwich. This will help ensure that the cheese melts evenly and doesn't cool down the other ingredients.

For a classic grilled cheese sandwich, it's best to use a cheese that melts easily and has a mild flavour. Some popular options include:

• Cheddar cheese
• American cheese
• Mozzarella cheese
• Provolone cheese
• Swiss cheese

If you're feeling adventurous, you can experiment with different types of cheese to find your perfect combination. Just keep in mind that the cooking time may vary depending on the type of cheese you use.

When baking your grilled cheese sandwich in the oven, it's important to keep an eye on it to avoid overcooking. The cheese should be melted but not burnt, and the bread should be golden brown. Depending on your oven and the type of bread and cheese you use, this should take around 10 minutes at 425-450 degrees Fahrenheit.

Additionally, the thickness of your cheese slices will also impact the cooking time. Thicker slices may take longer to melt, so you might need to adjust your cooking time accordingly.

Oven quirks

The time it takes to make grilled cheese in the oven depends on the quirks of your oven. Even if you follow the recipe to a tee, your oven might run hot or cold, affecting the cooking time.

To check if your oven is the correct temperature, you can try the sugar test. Place some sugar in an oven-safe container and put it in the oven. Set the oven to 375°F. When the sugar melts, your oven is at 366°F. From there, you can gauge if your oven is running hot or cold. You can also buy an inexpensive oven thermometer to check your oven's temperature.

If you're using a toaster oven, you will need to work in batches or reduce the number of sandwiches you're making.

If you're making a big batch of grilled cheese, you can preheat the oven to 450°F and place a rimmed baking sheet on the middle rack. This method works for a crowd of six or fewer.

If you're making a smaller batch, preheat the oven to 425°F and place a sheet pan in the oven to preheat.

Frequently asked questions