Toaster Oven Grilled Cheese: Getting The Perfect Melt

Grilled cheese sandwiches are a tasty treat, and you can make them in a toaster oven in a few simple steps. The cooking time and temperature will depend on your toaster oven and your preference for how toasted you like your sandwich. You can cook your grilled cheese at temperatures ranging from 350°F to 450°F for 3 to 12 minutes. You can also pre-assemble your sandwiches and store them in the freezer, cooking them straight from frozen at 400°F for 10 to 12 minutes.

Characteristics and Values Table

Explore related products

Oven Thermometer 50-300°C/100-600°F, Oven Grill Fry Chef Smoker Analog Thermometer Instant Read Stainless Steel Kitchen Cooking Thermometer

$6.99

Comimark 2Pcs Kitchen Electric Oven Replacing Thermostat Thermal Control AC 220V16A

$7.99

Rubbermaid Commercial Products Stainless Steel Monitoring Thermometer, Safe for Inside Oven/Grill/Smoker, 60-580°F Range, Easy to Read Food Thermometer For Food Resturant/Home Cooking

$16.13

Digital Oven Thermometer Heat Resistant up to 572°F/300°C, LCD

$12.99

ECSiNG 2Pcs Electric Oven Thermostat KST220 T250 Adjustable Thermostat Bimetal Temperature Controller for Electric Heaters 16A/250VAC

$12.29

Oven Thermometer 50-300°C/100-600°F, Oven Baking Chef Thermometer Instant Read Stainless Steel Thermometer Kitchen Cooking Thermometer, Oven Temperature Gauge

$7.99

Preheat the toaster oven to 375-450°F

Preheat your toaster oven to between 375 and 450°F. The temperature you choose will depend on your toaster oven and your preference for how toasted you like your grilled cheese sandwich. Remember that toaster ovens vary in temperature and timing, and not everyone likes their grilled cheese cooked the same way.

If you like your sandwich lightly toasted, you should reduce the timing and if you prefer it well done, you should increase the timing. If you are using thick-cut bread, decrease the oven temperature by 25°F and cook for 3 to 4 minutes longer on each side. Dense, hearty bread takes longer to toast than airy, white sandwich bread.

If you are using an air-fryer style toaster oven, use the Air-Fry setting with the temperature at 350°F. Add the sandwich to the air-fry basket and cook until browning on top, about 3 to 4 minutes, then flip it and cook for about 1 minute more.

If you are cooking your grilled cheese sandwich from frozen, you may want to start with a temperature of 400-425°F and cook for 10 to 12 minutes, flipping halfway through.

It's important to note that the cooking time will vary depending on your oven's temperature and the thickness of your sandwich. Keep a close eye on your sandwich, and when the bread turns a golden brown and the cheese has melted, it's time to flip it.

Use the middle rack

To cook grilled cheese in a toaster oven, it is recommended to use the middle rack. This is because the middle rack provides a more even distribution of heat, ensuring that your grilled cheese is cooked through and toasted evenly on both sides.

When using the middle rack, set your toaster oven to a temperature between 350-400 degrees Fahrenheit. This temperature range is ideal for melting the cheese and toasting the bread to a golden brown without burning it. If your toaster oven has a

Cook for 3-12 minutes

The cooking time for grilled cheese in a toaster oven depends on the temperature you set your oven to, the type of bread you use, and your personal preference for how toasted you like your sandwich.

If you are using an Air-Fryer Style Toaster Oven, set your temperature to 350°F and cook for 3-5 minutes. Then, flip your sandwich and cook for another 1-4 minutes.

If you are using a toaster oven with a higher temperature of 400°F, you should cook your sandwich for 4-5 minutes on each side. However, note that the second side will likely cook faster than the first, so you may want to reduce the cooking time for the second side.

If you are cooking your grilled cheese from frozen, you should set your toaster oven to 400°F and cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping your sandwich halfway through.

If you are using thick-cut or dense, hearty bread, decrease your oven temperature by 25°F and cook for 3-4 minutes longer on each side.

Remember that toaster ovens vary in temperature and timing, and not everyone has the same toasting preference, so you may need to adjust the timing depending on your specific oven and how toasted you like your grilled cheese.

Explore related products

ThermoPro 2-Pack Oven Thermometer for Gas Oven, 50-300°C/100-600°F Smoker Temperature Gauge with 431 Stainless Steel, Analog Instant Read Cooking Thermometer

$14.99 $18.99

AcuRite 00620A2 Stainless Steel Oven Thermometer (150°F to 600°F)

$6.99

Elite Gourmet ETO490 9L/4 Slice Countertop Toaster Oven with 30-Minute Timer, Adjustable Temperature Control, Includes Baking Pan and Wire Rack, Bake, Broil, Toast, Black

$39.99

Elite Gourmet ETO236 Personal Compact 2 Slice Countertop Toaster Oven with 15 Minute Timer & Adjustable Temperature, Bake, Broil, & Toast, Black

$29.99

BLACK+DECKER 8-Slice Extra Wide Convection Toaster Oven, Fits 9"x13" Oven Pans and 12" Pizza, Bake, Toast, Broil, and Keep Warm Functions, Countertop Compact Design with Stainless Steel Finish

$89.32

Cuisinart Air Fryer Toaster Oven with Grill, 1800W 8-1 Air Fryer Oven with Bake, Convection Bake, Grill, Broil and Warm Options, Large Capacity, 60-Minute Timer, TOA-70NAS, Stainless Steel

$164.99 $219.95

Flip halfway through

When making grilled cheese in a toaster oven, it's important to keep an eye on your sandwiches, especially if it's your first time making them, to determine the ideal timing and temperature for your desired level of doneness. Toaster ovens can vary in temperature and timing, and different people have different toasting preferences. For example, if you prefer your grilled cheese lightly toasted, you may want to reduce the cooking time, and if you like it well done, you can increase the time. The type of bread you use can also impact the temperature and timing. If you're using thick-cut or dense, hearty bread, it's recommended to decrease the oven temperature by 25 degrees and increase the cooking time by 3 to 4 minutes per side.

Now, let's talk about flipping halfway through. Flipping your grilled cheese sandwich during the cooking process ensures even browning and melting on both sides. Here's a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Prepare Your Sandwiches

Start by preheating your toaster oven. The ideal temperature can vary depending on the type of bread and cheese you're using, but a good starting point is around 350°F to 400°F (177°C to 204°C). Prepare your sandwiches by buttering one side of two slices of bread. Place them butter-side down on a baking sheet or aluminum foil. Add your desired cheese to each slice, ensuring it's evenly distributed.

Step 2: Initial Toast

Place the baking sheet or foil with the sandwiches into the preheated toaster oven. Toast for 3-5 minutes or until you see the cheese starting to melt. The timing can vary, so keep an eye on your sandwiches to avoid overcooking.

Step 3: Flip and Final Toast

Once the cheese is melting and the bottom slice of bread is golden, it's time to flip your sandwiches. Carefully use a spatula to flip the sandwiches over so that the uncooked side of the bread is now facing down. Butter this side if you prefer a richer taste and an even crispier texture. Place the sandwiches back in the toaster oven and toast for an additional 3-5 minutes, or until the new bottom slice is golden and the cheese is melted to your liking.

Step 4: Enjoy!

Once both sides are golden and the cheese is gooey, your grilled cheese sandwiches are ready to enjoy! Serve them whole or cut diagonally.

Remember, the timing and temperature may vary depending on your toaster oven and your personal preferences, so feel free to experiment to find your perfect grilled cheese. Enjoy the crispy, cheesy goodness!

Use thick slices of cheese

When making a grilled cheese sandwich in a toaster oven, it's important to consider the type and thickness of the cheese you're using. If you're using thick slices of cheese, you'll want to make sure that the cheese melts completely and that your sandwich doesn't dry out. Here are a few tips to help you achieve the perfect grilled cheese with thick slices of cheese:

• Grate or Shred the Cheese: Instead of placing a whole slice of cheese, grate or shred it and sprinkle it over the bread. This will help the cheese melt more evenly and quickly, ensuring that it's nice and gooey by the time the bread is toasted.
• Lower Temperature: Thick slices of cheese may require a slightly lower temperature setting. Set your toaster oven to around 350°F (180°C) to give the cheese enough time to melt before the bread gets too toasted. Keep an eye on it to ensure it doesn't burn.
• Cover the Sandwich: While the sandwich is toasting, cover it with a small piece of aluminum foil. This will help trap the heat and ensure that the cheese melts evenly. Just be sure to remove the foil a few minutes before the sandwich is done to allow the bread to crisp up.
• Use a Heavy Pan: Place a heavy skillet or pan on top of the sandwich while it's toasting. This will help press the sandwich, ensuring even cooking and a crispy exterior. You can also try using a panini press if you have one.
• Combine with Other Cheeses: If you're using a strong-flavored cheese, consider combining it with a milder variety. For example, mix thick slices of cheddar with some shredded mozzarella or Monterey Jack. This will help the cheese melt more easily and give you a creamier texture.
• Extend Baking Time: Depending on the thickness of your cheese slices, you may need to extend the baking time. Keep an eye on your sandwich, and if the bread is browning too quickly, lower the temperature or cover it with foil to prevent burning. Allow enough time for the cheese to melt completely.

Remember, the key to achieving the perfect grilled cheese with thick slices of cheese is to allow enough time for the cheese to melt thoroughly while ensuring that the bread doesn't burn. With these tips and a bit of experimentation, you'll be able to create a delicious, gooey grilled cheese sandwich in your toaster oven.

Frequently asked questions