Mastering The Perfect Microwave Grilled Cheese Sandwich

Grilled cheese is a popular, tasty, and quick meal to make. But how long should you microwave a grilled cheese sandwich for? The answer depends on the power of your microwave, the thickness of the bread, and the amount of cheese you use. Most sources recommend microwaving your grilled cheese for 15-30 seconds, with some suggesting up to 40 seconds if your bread is on the thicker side. To prevent a soggy sandwich, wrap it in a paper towel before microwaving to absorb excess moisture.

How long to microwave a grilled cheese sandwich

Use a toaster to brown the bread first

To make a grilled cheese sandwich in the microwave, you can first toast the bread to achieve your desired level of browning. This can be done in a toaster or toaster oven. Toasting the bread first will give your sandwich a firmer texture. It also means you can focus on melting the cheese in the microwave without worrying about burning the bread.

Once you have toasted your bread to your liking, spread butter on one side of each slice. Place a slice of buttered toast, butter-side down, onto a microwave-safe plate. Top with your cheese slices and add the remaining piece of bread, butter-facing outwards.

Microwave for 15-30 seconds until the cheese is melted. If you want to remove excess moisture from the sandwiches, wrap a paper towel around the sandwich while it's in the microwave. This will help to keep it crisp.

If you don't have a toaster, you can also grill the bread in a skillet before adding the cheese and microwaving.

Choose a bread that suits your taste

The bread you choose for your grilled cheese sandwich can make or break your sandwich. The right bread can add a boost of flavour and texture to your sandwich, making it spectacular.

Sourdough

Sourdough is a versatile bread that can be used in grilled cheese sandwiches. It has a rich tang and a delightful crust, making it a great grown-up option. Its slightly sharp flavour also contrasts well with the rich cheese and butter in the sandwich. Look for a loaf with a uniform texture, as the large holes in a rustic loaf may allow the cheese to leak out.

White sandwich bread

There is no shame in going for a classic. White sandwich bread is a great option for grilled cheese sandwiches as it is soft and convenient.

Brioche

Brioche is a soft, buttery bread that makes for an extra-decadent grilled cheese sandwich. It is sturdy enough to hold up during pan-frying. However, it browns quickly, so keep an eye on it to avoid burning the exterior.

Rye

Rye bread, made with rye berries and caraway seeds, can add extra flavour to your grilled cheese. It pairs well with mild cheeses like Swiss, Gruyère, or Gouda.

Multigrain

Multigrain bread gives your grilled cheese a boost of nutty texture and a slightly healthier profile. It stands up to a variety of cheeses, from gooey mozzarella to pungent, creamy blue cheese.

Ciabatta

Ciabatta's firm crust makes it ideal for sandwiches. It is soft enough to toast beautifully but firm enough for a variety of toppings. Its crusty exterior and bubbly interior make it a great candidate for an outside-in grilled cheese.

Potato bread

Sliced potato bread is a surprising option that can impart a buttery and creamy flavour to your grilled cheese.

Cinnamon raisin bread

For a mix of sweet and savoury, cinnamon raisin bread is an unorthodox but tasty choice. Contrast the sweetness of the bread with savoury ingredients like bacon and Muenster cheese.

Pullman loaf

Tender, typically white Pullman loaves are naturally associated with sandwiches due to their long, rectangular shape, which makes for perfect square slices. Top this bread with cheddar, ripe tomato, and crispy bacon before griddling.

Pumpernickel

Pumpernickel bread is made with molasses and brown sugar, giving it a deep brown colour, a soft texture, and a sweet flavour. Make a grilled cheese with an Alpine cheese like Gruyere or Emmental, sliced cornichons, and whole-grain mustard.

Baguette

What to do with day-old baguettes? Make gourmet grilled cheese! Slice the baguette horizontally, then griddle the cut side for a crispy, golden-brown exterior.

Focaccia

Give stale focaccia a new life by turning it into grilled cheese bread. Depending on the thickness of your loaf, you can use two separate slices or split it horizontally and stuff it with fillings like Fontina, roasted red peppers, and olives before griddling.

Pick a cheese that melts easily

When making grilled cheese, it's important to choose a cheese that melts easily to ensure a smooth, creamy texture. Here are some tips to help you select the best cheese for your microwave grilled cheese sandwich:

Choose younger, fresher cheeses

Younger, fresher cheeses tend to melt better than aged cheeses. Look for softer varieties as they will give you a smoother melt. Cheeses like mozzarella, younger cheddars, and American cheese melt exceptionally well.

Consider the moisture content

Moisture content plays a crucial role in how well a cheese melts. Cheeses with higher moisture content have more milk proteins that spread out when heated, resulting in a creamier, smoother melt. Examples of such cheeses include full-fat, high-moisture mozzarella, younger Gruyère, and Fontina.

Fat content matters, too

The fat content of the cheese also affects its melting properties. Cheeses with higher fat content tend to melt more easily and contribute to the overall creaminess of the melted cheese.

Avoid acid-set cheeses

Cheeses like goat cheese, feta, halloumi, ricotta, and paneer will become softer when heated but won't spread out and melt in the same way as other cheeses. They are better suited for crumbling or slicing, but won't give you the melted, gooey texture you're aiming for in a grilled cheese sandwich.

Some recommended cheeses for melting

• Mozzarella: This cheese is known for its melting capabilities and is perfect for grilled cheese sandwiches. Look for full-fat, high-moisture mozzarella packed in water for the best melting results.
• Cheddar: Younger cheddars melt smoothly, while aged cheddars can become oily and grainy. Shredded cheddar is an excellent option for grilled cheese sandwiches.
• American cheese: While it is processed cheese, American cheese melts quickly and smoothly, making it a good choice for grilled cheese sandwiches.
• Fontina: This cheese is buttery and smooth, with a rich and creamy finish. It melts exceptionally well and is ideal for grilled cheese sandwiches.
• Provolone: Provolone is a good choice for grilled cheese sandwiches, especially if you're looking for a sharper, tangier flavor.

Use a spread to infuse flavour and crisp the outside

How to Make a Grilled Cheese in the Microwave

Using a Spread to Infuse Flavour and Crisp the Outside

Using a spread on the outside of your grilled cheese sandwich not only infuses flavour but also helps to crisp up the bread. You can use either softened butter or mayonnaise for this purpose.

Start by placing two slices of sandwich bread in a toaster and cook until they are golden brown. You can use white or wheat bread, depending on your preference. Once toasted, remove the slices and spread butter on one side of each slice. You can also use mayonnaise instead of butter if you prefer.

For the cheese, you can use Kraft Singles or any packaged sliced cheese. Place a slice of buttered toast, butter side down, on a microwave-safe plate. Top with your sliced cheese, and then add the remaining piece of bread with the buttered side facing outwards.

Microwave your sandwich for 15-30 seconds until the cheese is melted. The timing will depend on the thickness of the bread and the power of your microwave. If your cheese isn't fully melted, continue cooking in 10-second intervals.

To enhance the texture and absorb excess moisture, you can wrap your sandwich in a paper towel before microwaving. This will help retain crispness.

And that's it! Your grilled cheese sandwich is ready to be served and enjoyed. You can pair it with side dishes like potato chips, fresh fruits, or cut vegetables.

Microwave for 15-30 seconds

Microwaving a grilled cheese sandwich for 15-30 seconds is a quick and easy way to get melted cheese between two slices of crispy bread. This method is perfect for those who don't have access to a stove or are looking for a faster alternative. Here's a detailed guide to help you achieve the perfect microwaved grilled cheese sandwich.

Ingredients and Preparation:

Start by gathering your ingredients: sliced sandwich bread (white, wheat, or any variety of your choice), butter or butter-like spread, and sliced cheese (American, Cheddar, or any easily meltable cheese). You can also add extra ingredients like sliced tomatoes, pickles, or deli meat, but be mindful that these can make your sandwich soggier.

Toast two slices of bread in a toaster until they are golden brown. This step is crucial to ensure the bread doesn't become too soggy in the microwave. Once toasted, remove the bread from the toaster and spread butter on one side of each slice. Place one slice of buttered toast, butter-side down, on a microwave-safe plate.

Microwaving:

Now it's time to add your cheese. Place your desired amount of cheese on top of the slice of bread in the microwave. You can use one or two slices, or adjust the amount to your preference. Add the remaining piece of bread, with the buttered side facing outwards.

Microwave your sandwich for 15-30 seconds. This duration is just enough to melt the cheese without overdoing it. Keep an eye on the sandwich, as you don't want the cheese to start dripping out. The ideal result is hot, gooey, melted cheese.

Serving:

Once your sandwich is ready, let it cool down for a bit before serving. You can serve it with a variety of sides, such as potato chips, fresh fruits, or cut vegetables. Enjoy your quick and delicious microwaved grilled cheese!

Tips for Optimal Results:

• For a firmer texture, wrap the sandwich in a paper towel before microwaving to absorb excess moisture and retain crispness.
• If you prefer grilled cheese with mayo, you can spread mayo on the outside of the bread instead of butter.
• If your cheese isn't fully melted after 15 seconds, continue microwaving in 10-second intervals to avoid overdoing it.
• If you're using a toaster oven or a crisper pan, you can place the assembled sandwich directly in the toaster oven or on the preheated crisper pan and microwave for a similar duration.

Frequently asked questions