grilled cheese sandwiches

Golden, buttery bread with perfectly melted, gooey cheese inside — a simple, comforting sandwich ready in about 10 minutes.

Ingredients

• 4 slices bread (white, sourdough or whole wheat)

• 2–4 slices cheddar cheese

• ½ cup grated mozzarella cheese (optional, for extra stretch)

• 2 tbsp softened butter

• A pinch of black pepper or garlic powder (optional)

Instructions

1. Assemble the sandwiches

Place cheddar and mozzarella between two slices of bread. Use enough cheese to cover the bread without overflowing.

2. Butter the bread

Spread softened butter evenly over the outside of each sandwich. This creates a rich, crispy golden crust.

3. Grill slowly

Heat a skillet over medium-low heat. Cook for 3–4 minutes per side, pressing gently with a spatula, until the bread is golden and the cheese has melted.

4. Slice and serve

Rest for 1 minute, slice diagonally and serve hot while the cheese is stretchy and melted.

Secrets to the perfect grilled cheese

• Best cheese combination: Cheddar for flavour and mozzarella for stretch.

• Keep the heat low: High heat browns the bread before the cheese melts.

• Extra-crispy crust: Spread a thin layer of mayonnaise on the outside instead of butter, or use a little of each.

• Extra flavour: Add a pinch of garlic powder, chilli flakes or dried oregano.

• Make it a meal: Serve with tomato soup, fries or a fresh salad.

My recommendation: Use sourdough bread, sharp cheddar and mozzarella, with butter on the outside. The result is crunchy on the outside and wonderfully gooey in the middle.