Frederic Melton
Grilled cheese sandwiches are a popular and easy meal to make, but making them one or two at a time on the stove can be a hassle. Making grilled cheese in the oven is a great way to make multiple sandwiches at once, saving time and effort. This method is perfect for feeding a large family or group of friends, and it also keeps the stove clean! There are several ways to make grilled cheese in the oven, including using a sheet pan, a baking sheet, or a microwave.
How to Make Grilled Cheese in the Oven
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Oven Temperature | 350°F to 475°F |
| Baking Time | 5-10 minutes |
| Bread | Soft sandwich bread, sourdough, white or wheat bread |
| Butter | Spread on the outside of each slice |
| Cheese | Cheddar, American, Swiss, or any other kind |
| Toppings | Bacon, tomatoes, spinach, ham, or other veggies |
| Equipment | Baking sheet, cooking spray, aluminum foil |
| Tips | Check often to ensure desired level of crispiness, use mayonnaise instead of butter |
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What You'll Learn
Oven temperature and cooking time
For a single sandwich, some sources suggest preheating the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and cooking the sandwich for a total of 15 minutes. This involves letting the butter melt for 3 to 5 minutes, letting the bread sit in the oven for 5 minutes, flipping the bread and adding cheese, and then cooking for another 5 minutes.
For multiple sandwiches, it is recommended to preheat the oven to 400 to 450 degrees Fahrenheit. The cooking time can range from 6 to 10 minutes, depending on the level of crispiness you prefer. For example, one source recommends cooking the sandwiches for 5 minutes, flipping them, and then cooking for an additional 3 to 4 minutes. Another source recommends cooking the sandwiches for 6 to 8 minutes on each side.
It is important to keep a close eye on the sandwiches, especially when trying this method for the first few times, to ensure they do not burn and to achieve your desired level of crispiness.
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How to prepare the bread
Preparing the bread is a crucial step in making grilled cheese in the oven. Here is a detailed guide on how to do it:
Firstly, select your preferred type of bread. While you can use any type of bread, softer varieties, such as soft-sandwich bread or sourdough, tend to work well. If you are making multiple sandwiches, you will need two slices of bread per sandwich.
Before you begin assembling the sandwiches, preheat your oven to a temperature between 350°F and 450°F. The ideal temperature may vary depending on your oven and preferences, so you might need to experiment a little.
Now it's time to prepare the bread slices. Spread butter generously on one side of each slice. Some recipes suggest using softened butter, while others recommend melting the butter. You can also try using mayonnaise instead of butter or adding it along with the butter. The butter or mayonnaise adds flavour and helps achieve the desired crispiness.
Place one slice of bread, buttered side down, on a baking sheet or sheet pan. If you are making a large batch, you can place multiple slices on a half sheet pan, which can typically fit around six sandwiches.
Add your desired toppings to the bread slices. The most popular choice is cheese, with varieties like cheddar, American, or Swiss being common favourites. You can use sliced or shredded cheese, adjusting the amount to your preference. Don't be afraid to get creative with your toppings! Some popular additions include bacon, tomatoes, spinach, or onions.
Finally, place the second slice of bread on top of the toppings, with the buttered side facing up. If you're feeling adventurous, you can spread butter or mayonnaise on the second slice as well, creating an extra crispy exterior.
With the sandwiches assembled, they are now ready to be baked in the oven. Depending on your oven temperature and desired level of browning, the baking time can range from 5 to 10 minutes. Keep a close eye on your sandwiches to ensure they don't burn and reach your desired level of crispiness.
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Choosing your cheese
When it comes to choosing your cheese, the world is your oyster. You can use any cheese you like, but some are better suited to the task than others.
A good melting cheese is key to a great grilled cheese sandwich. You want a cheese that will get nice and gooey, with that dreamy cheese pull. Cheddar is a popular choice, and it melts beautifully. American cheese slices are also a good option, as they have a low melting point and a creamy texture. Swiss cheese, with its mild flavour and excellent melting properties, is another variety that works well. If you're feeling fancy, Gruyère is a great choice, as it has a slightly nutty flavour and a smooth, creamy texture when melted. Mozzarella, Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, and Provolone are also excellent melting cheeses.
If you want to get creative, you can try using a combination of cheeses. For example, a mix of sharp cheddar and creamy mozzarella can add a nice depth of flavour. Or, if you're feeling extra indulgent, try a blend of Gruyère and Fontina for a truly decadent grilled cheese experience.
Don't be afraid to experiment with different cheeses and find the perfect combination for your taste buds. You can also add other ingredients, like bacon, tomatoes, spinach, or other veggies, to take your grilled cheese to the next level.
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Additional toppings
Grilled cheese sandwiches are a great base for a variety of toppings. You can add cooked bacon, ham, or spinach to your sandwich for a savoury kick. If you're looking for something more fruity, try adding apple slices. Thinly sliced onion and tomato are also popular choices.
For a more indulgent option, try combining your grilled cheese with other dishes, such as leftover spaghetti or meatballs. You can even transform your sandwich into a panini by grilling it after baking.
If you're a fan of cheese combinations, try using cheddar and havarti, Swiss and Monterey Jack, or Pepper Jack and white cheddar.
Get creative and experiment with different toppings and combinations to find your favourite grilled cheese sandwich!
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Tips for crispy grilled cheese
Making grilled cheese in the oven is a great way to make multiple sandwiches at once without having to stand over a hot stove. Here are some tips to help you achieve crispy, golden grilled cheese sandwiches:
Oven temperature
The oven temperature you use will depend on your preference for crispiness and how many sandwiches you are making. A good range is between 350°F and 450°F (230°C). For a larger batch, a lower temperature may be better to avoid burning the bread.
Butter
Butter is key to achieving a crispy grilled cheese. Be generous and spread softened butter on the outside of each slice of bread. You can also try using mayonnaise instead of, or in addition to, butter. Some cooks also recommend using cooking spray.
Bread
The type of bread you use can affect crispiness. Softer bread or sourdough works well, and you can also use gluten-free. If you are using thicker bread, you may need to adjust your cooking time.
Timing
Keep a close eye on your sandwiches, especially the first few times you try this method. Depending on your oven and the number of sandwiches, cooking times can vary. For a large batch, you may need a little longer, but be careful not to burn the bread.
Toppings
Add your favourite toppings, such as bacon, tomatoes, spinach, or ham. Just be mindful that adding too many toppings may affect the crispiness of your sandwich.
Equipment
Use a sheet pan or baking sheet to cook your sandwiches. You can also try using two sheet pans, with one placed on top of the sandwiches to speed up the cooking time, but this method may result in uneven browning.
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Frequently asked questions
Preheat your oven to around 400-450°F. Butter one side of a slice of bread and place it butter-side down on a baking sheet. Layer cheese on top of the bread and add any other toppings of your choice. Place another slice of bread on top, buttered-side up. Bake for approximately 5-10 minutes, flipping the sandwich halfway through.
The baking time depends on your preference for the level of browning and the type of bread used. For a softer grilled cheese, bake for 3-4 minutes on each side. For a crispier sandwich, bake for 5-6 minutes on each side.
You can use any type of bread you like for grilled cheese. However, softer bread or sourdough are popular choices.
