Patrick Oconnell
Grilled cheese sandwiches are a classic, comforting meal that can be enjoyed by both kids and adults. While they are typically made on a stovetop, baking them in the oven is a great way to save time and make several sandwiches at once. This method is perfect for feeding a large family or a crowd, and it only requires three simple ingredients: bread, cheese, and butter. You can also get creative and add different fillings, such as meats and vegetables, or condiments, to make gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches. In just about 10 to 20 minutes, you can have a batch of hot, crispy, and gooey grilled cheese sandwiches ready to serve!
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Oven temperature | 425°F to 450°F |
| Baking time | 10-20 minutes |
| Number of sandwiches | 6-12 |
| Bread | White, wheat, sourdough, brioche, nine-grain, rye, gluten-free |
| Butter | Salted, softened |
| Cheese | Cheddar, Colby, Mozzarella, Gruyere, Comté, American, Provolone, Swiss, Pepper Jack |
| Add-ins | Sauteed greens, sliced ham, tomatoes, roasted mushrooms, deli meats, caramelized onions, fig jam, sun-dried tomatoes, roasted red peppers, artichoke hearts, turkey, sauerkraut, fish sticks, mayonnaise |
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What You'll Learn
Oven temperature and baking time
The oven temperature and baking time for grilled cheese sandwiches depend on the number of sandwiches you are preparing and your oven type. For a small batch of sandwiches, preheat your oven to 425°F to 450°F. If you are preparing a large batch, preheat your oven to 450°F.
For a small batch of sandwiches, place a sheet pan in the oven to preheat. Butter one side of the bread slices and place them buttered-side down on the preheated sheet pan. Top the bread slices with cheese and another slice of bread, with the buttered side facing up. Bake for 5 minutes, flip the sandwiches, and bake for another 5 to 7 minutes until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
For a large batch of sandwiches, butter one side of the bread slices and place them buttered-side down on a baking sheet. Layer cheese on top of the bread and place another slice of bread on top, with the buttered side facing up. Bake for 6 to 8 minutes, flip the sandwiches, and bake for an additional 6 to 8 minutes, or until golden brown.
The total baking time for a small batch is 10 to 12 minutes, while for a large batch, it is 12 to 16 minutes. However, it is important to keep a close eye on the sandwiches, as the baking time may vary depending on your oven. Broiler temperatures differ from oven to oven, and some ovens may run hotter or cooler than the set temperature.
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Preparing the baking sheet
Start by selecting the right baking sheet. Choose a sturdy, lightweight sheet with a solid core that heats evenly and resists warping. A rimmed baking sheet is ideal, as it prevents any cheese from leaking out and making a mess in your oven. If you're cooking for a large group, opt for an XL rimmed baking sheet, which can accommodate up to twelve sandwiches.
Before you begin assembling the sandwiches, preheat your oven to 425°F to 450°F. Place the baking sheet in the oven as it preheats. This step is essential, as it ensures the baking sheet is hot enough to toast the bread evenly on both sides.
Once the oven and baking sheet are preheated, carefully remove the sheet from the oven. Grease the hot baking sheet with butter. You can melt butter and brush it onto the sheet or spray it with cooking spray to prevent the sandwiches from sticking. Alternatively, you can line the baking sheet with lightly oiled foil, providing a non-stick surface for your sandwiches.
Now, you're ready to assemble your grilled cheese sandwiches on the prepared baking sheet. The beauty of this method is that you can make as many sandwiches as your baking sheet can accommodate, with no need to cook in batches. Simply follow the grilled cheese sandwich recipe of your choice, placing the assembled sandwiches directly onto the prepared baking sheet.
With the baking sheet prepared and the sandwiches assembled, you're one step closer to enjoying your oven-baked grilled cheese sandwiches!
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Layering the sandwich ingredients
Start with the bread: Choose a bread that suits your preference. You can go for classic white bread, or opt for wheat, sourdough, brioche, nine-grain, rye, or even gluten-free bread. If you're feeling adventurous, try using tortillas instead of bread for a crispy twist.
Butter the bread: Spread softened butter generously on one side of each slice of bread. This step is essential, as it adds flavour and helps the bread achieve that golden, crispy texture. You can also try using mayonnaise instead of butter for a slightly different taste.
Cheese, please: Place the buttered side of the bread down on a baking sheet. Now, it's time for the star ingredient—the cheese! Layer two to three slices of cheese on top of the bread. You can use shredded cheese or sliced cheese, but freshly shredded or sliced cheese tends to melt better. Go for classic options like cheddar, Swiss, or American, or get creative with provolone, pepper jack, or mozzarella. If you're feeling extra cheesy, add another slice or two!
Get creative with fillings: This is where you can let your imagination run wild. For a simple sandwich, you might just add some sliced tomatoes or ham. If you're feeling more adventurous, try sautéed greens, roasted mushrooms, caramelized onions, or even fish sticks! You can also make it gourmet by adding fancy fillings like caramelized onions and fig jam.
Top it off: Place another slice of bread on top of the cheese and fillings, with the buttered side facing up. This ensures that both sides of your sandwich get that delicious, crispy texture.
Now that your sandwiches are assembled, they're ready to be baked in the oven. Follow the baking instructions, keep an eye on them, and soon you'll have hot, crispy, and gooey grilled cheese sandwiches to enjoy!
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Optional fillings and add-ins
The grilled cheese sandwich is a versatile dish that can be adapted to suit your taste preferences. While the classic grilled cheese sandwich is a crowd-pleaser, you can experiment with different types of bread, cheese, and add-ins to create a unique flavour profile.
When it comes to bread, you can opt for a variety of options beyond the traditional white sandwich bread. Sourdough, with its tangy flavour and crunchy crust, is a popular choice. For a richer, slightly sweeter option, consider brioche. Ciabatta, a sturdy bread with a delicate texture, can also be used, but ensure it is sliced thicker to prevent the cheese from oozing out. If you're looking for a nutty flavour and the added benefit of fibre, whole-grain bread is a great choice. Additionally, crusty sourdough or ciabatta, thick-sliced rustic bread, or even tortillas can be used for a unique twist.
In terms of cheese, the options are endless. While the classic choice is sliced American cheese or mild, medium, or sharp cheddar, you can explore other varieties such as Gruyere, Brie, Fontina, Gouda, Pepper Jack, or havarti. For a more decadent option, try a combination of cheeses, such as cheddar and mozzarella.
Now, let's talk about add-ins and fillings. You can include thinly sliced ham, veggies, or other meats and vegetables as complementary flavours to enhance your grilled cheese sandwich. If you're looking for a more indulgent option, sprinkle some Parmesan cheese on the buttered bread before adding the other ingredients. You can even add shaved turkey breast, fish sticks, or mustard to create a unique flavour profile. The possibilities are endless, and you can customise your sandwich to suit your taste preferences.
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Serving suggestions
Oven-baked grilled cheese sandwiches are versatile and can be served in many ways. Here are some serving suggestions:
Soups
Grilled cheese sandwiches are commonly served with soups, such as tomato soup or a bowl of chili. This combination is a classic that never gets old.
Sides
For extra nutrition, you can serve the sandwiches with apple slices on the side. Homemade milkshakes and fries also make a great pairing.
Ingredients
You can add extra ingredients to your grilled cheese sandwich to change it up. Try adding pre-cooked bacon, different types of cheese, meat, tomatoes, or mustard. You can also experiment with different types of bread, such as wheat, sourdough, brioche, nine-grain, or rye.
Dips
If you want to dip your grilled cheese sandwich, consider serving it with a side of creamy tomato basil soup.
For a Crowd
If you are serving a large group, it is easy to make a big batch of grilled cheese sandwiches in the oven. You can also prepare the sandwiches in advance by assembling them on a sheet pan and baking them right before serving to ensure they are warm and crispy.
Leftovers
Oven-baked grilled cheese sandwiches are best enjoyed hot from the oven, but if you have leftovers, you can store them in the fridge for a day or two. Wrap the sandwiches in plastic wrap or place them in a Ziploc bag to keep them fresh.
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Frequently asked questions
It takes about 10 minutes to bake grilled cheese sandwiches in the oven.
The oven should be preheated to 425°F to 450°F.
The ingredients needed are bread, butter, and cheese. You can use any type of bread and cheese you like.
