Patrick Oconnell
Grilled cheese is a classic, easy-to-make comfort food. But how many calories does it contain? The calorie count of a grilled cheese sandwich varies depending on the ingredients used and how it is prepared. For example, a grilled cheese sandwich made with white bread and American cheese has 378 calories. In contrast, a grilled cheese sandwich made with whole wheat bread has 377 calories and provides more protein and fiber. According to another source, a grilled cheese sandwich with cheddar cheese on white bread contains 420 calories. The calorie count can range from 340 to 440 calories, depending on the preparation and specific ingredients used.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Calories | 340-440 (depending on ingredients and preparation method) |
| Calories in a grilled cheese sandwich made with white bread and American cheese | 378 |
| Calories in a grilled cheese sandwich made with whole wheat bread | 377 |
| Fat | 22 grams (28% DV) |
| Carbohydrates | 33.4 grams (11% DV) |
| Protein | 12.1 grams (12% DV) |
| Sodium | High |
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What You'll Learn
Calories in grilled cheese with white bread and American cheese
A grilled cheese sandwich made with white bread and American cheese has approximately 378 calories. This calorie count constitutes 13% protein, 35% carbohydrates, 52% fat, and 0% alcohol.
The calorie count of a grilled cheese sandwich depends on the ingredients used and how it is prepared. For example, adding more than one slice of cheese will increase the calorie count, as will using butter.
American cheese is a traditional choice for a grilled cheese sandwich, but it is a highly processed cheese product with a very mild flavor. As a result, you may need to use more of it to achieve the desired taste. If you use a sharper cheese, like cheddar, you will consume fewer artificial ingredients, and may be able to use less due to its stronger taste.
While it may be tempting to use low-fat products like margarine or fat-free cheese to reduce the calorie count of a grilled cheese sandwich, it is not recommended. Cheese naturally contains fat, and using a low-fat version may increase the sugar content of the sandwich as food manufacturers often replace fat with sugar to improve the taste.
Swapping white bread for whole wheat or whole grain bread is another option to consider. While this may not significantly reduce the calorie count, it will provide more complex carbohydrates, protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
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Calories in grilled cheese with whole wheat bread
The number of calories in a grilled cheese sandwich depends on the ingredients used and the method of preparation. A grilled cheese sandwich typically contains just under 400 calories.
Using whole wheat bread instead of white bread will provide more protein, fibre, vitamins, and minerals. While this won't save you many calories, it will provide more complex carbohydrates. A grilled cheese sandwich made with American cheese and whole wheat bread contains 377 calories, according to one source. Another source suggests that there are 325 calories per 100g.
If you use cheddar cheese on wheat bread, the calorie count goes up to 418. This is because cheddar cheese has a stronger flavour, so you may be able to use less of it.
The grilled cheese sandwich also provides about 22 grams of fat, 33.4 grams of carbohydrates, and 12.1 grams of protein. According to the USDA dietary guidelines, adults should not exceed 2,300 milligrams of sodium per day. The American Heart Association further recommends no more than 1,500 milligrams of sodium per day to reduce the risk of heart disease.
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Calories in grilled cheese with sourdough bread
The calorie count of a grilled cheese sandwich depends on the ingredients used and the method of preparation. A grilled cheese sandwich typically has just under 400 calories. A grilled cheese sandwich made with white bread and American cheese has 378 calories. Using whole wheat bread instead lowers the calorie count to 377 and provides more protein and fibre.
Sourdough bread is a great choice for a grilled cheese sandwich due to its sturdiness and distinct tangy flavour, which pairs well with cheese. A Starbucks Crispy Grilled Cheese Sourdough Bread Sandwich has 540 calories.
A recipe for a Crispy Sourdough Grilled Cheese Sandwich with four types of cheese—havarti, gouda, cheddar, and parmesan—yields a sandwich with 828 calories. This recipe recommends grilling the sandwich in a skillet until both sides are golden brown, which takes about 2–4 minutes per side depending on the thickness of the bread and cheese slices.
While sourdough grilled cheese sandwiches are typically higher in calories than those made with white or whole wheat bread, they offer a unique flavour and texture experience thanks to the tangy flavour and sturdiness of sourdough bread.
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Calories in grilled cheese with gluten-free bread
The number of calories in a grilled cheese sandwich depends on the ingredients used and the method of preparation. A grilled cheese sandwich typically has just under 400 calories. A grilled cheese sandwich made with white bread and American cheese has 378 calories.
If you're looking for a gluten-free option, you can use gluten-free bread. The calorie count of a grilled cheese sandwich made with gluten-free bread will depend on the specific type of bread and other ingredients used. However, as an example, a grilled cheese sandwich made with gluten-free bread and American cheese would likely have a similar calorie count to one made with white bread, which is around 378 calories.
It's worth noting that while switching to whole wheat or whole grain bread won't save you many calories, it does provide more complex carbohydrates, protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals than white bread. According to the USDA, a whole wheat grilled cheese sandwich is more nutritious than one made with white bread.
Additionally, the type of cheese you use can impact the calorie count. American cheese, a traditional choice for grilled cheese sandwiches, is a highly processed cheese product with a mild flavor. You may need to use more of it to achieve the desired taste. On the other hand, a sharper cheese like cheddar has a stronger taste, so you might be able to use less, resulting in slightly fewer calories.
Regardless of the type of bread and cheese you choose, a grilled cheese sandwich can provide you with several important nutrients, including protein, carbohydrates, and fat. However, due to the cheese content, it may also be high in sodium, so it's important to monitor your intake according to recommended dietary guidelines.
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Calories in grilled cheese with cheddar cheese on white bread
A grilled cheese sandwich made with white bread and cheddar cheese typically contains 400-500 calories. The calorie count may vary depending on the specific ingredients used and the preparation method. For example, grilling the sandwich in a pan with additional butter or oil can add 50-100 calories or more to the total.
The majority of the carbohydrates in a grilled cheese sandwich come from the bread. White bread is generally higher in refined carbohydrates, while whole wheat bread provides more fiber and B vitamins. If you use whole wheat bread instead of white bread, you may get slightly more or similar calories, depending on the thickness of the bread.
Cheddar cheese is a good source of vitamin A, which supports eye health and immune function. It also provides protein, with approximately 7 grams of protein per slice, which helps with muscle repair and growth.
While grilled cheese sandwiches are tasty, they can be high in calories, especially if you use extra cheese or added fats. To make a healthier sandwich, you could try using whole wheat bread, which has more fiber, vitamins, and minerals than white bread. Additionally, instead of butter, you could use half the amount or substitute it with olive oil.
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Frequently asked questions
A grilled cheese sandwich on white bread has 378 calories.
Yes, a grilled cheese sandwich on whole wheat bread has 377 calories.
A grilled cheese sandwich with cheddar cheese on white bread has 420 calories.
A grilled cheese sandwich provides 22 grams of fat, 33.4 grams of carbs, and 12.1 grams of protein.
