Mayo Grilled Cheese gives this classic a crisp crust and amazing flavor! Skip the butter and try this delicious twist! You have everything you need to make this easy 3 ingredient recipe in just 5 minutes!

Did you know? Mayo is the secret to the best grilled cheese! It seals in delightful flavor, adds a delicious crisp to every bite, just before you sink your teeth into creamy, melted cheese!

I learned through years of catering and cooking on the farm that all you need is a few simple ingredients to make a classic craveable! This elevated Mayo Grilled Cheese served with a shot glass of tomato soup was one of my favorites to cater. It’s perfect to pass for parties, and makes a delicious lunch or dinner.

A stack of sliced mayo grilled cheese sandwiches
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Not only is mayonnaise easier to spread than butter, but you don’t have to wait for it to soften. This simple sandwich is foolproof – you’re less likely to burn mayo due to its higher smoke point. I can’t wait for you to try it! Even nay sayers to mayonnaise will love it!

Ingredient and Variations

  • Bread – Learn more about the Best Bread for Grilled Cheese. Use whatever you have on hand, white or wheat sandwich bread, sourdough (my favorite), Texas toast, ciabatta, rye, pumpernickel or pretzel bread.
  • Cheese – Classic American cheese, gouda, gruyere, Swiss, mild or white cheddar or get creative with Boursin Cheese, Pimento Cheese, Whipped Goat Cheese. There are so many ways to mix up this sandwich!
  • Mayonnaise – Homemade mayo, store-bought, or a flavored mayonnaise; Garlic Aioli, Bacon Aioli, Pesto Aioli, or Truffle Aioli. Full fat mayonnaise has better flavor and yields the best crust. Do not substitute Miracle Whip.
  • Protein – Add more protein with deli meat; ham, turkey, salami, prosciutto, bacon, pancetta, capicola, or guanciale.

More Grilled Cheese Recipes

A stack of sliced grilled cheese with mayonnaise on a white marble surface.
5 from 7 votes
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Mayo Grilled Cheese

Say bye to butter! Mayo Grilled Cheese is a delicious twist with a crispier crust and amazing flavor!
Prep: 2 minutes
Cook: 6 minutes
Total: 8 minutes
Servings: 1
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Ingredients  

  • 1 tablespoon mayonnaise do not substitute Miracle Whip
  • 2 slices bread
  • 1-2 slices cheese

Instructions 

  • Spread mayonnaise on one side of each slice of bread.
    1 tablespoon mayonnaise, 2 slices bread
  • Warm skillet to medium heat. Place one slice of bread mayonnaise side down, top with cheese and a second slice of bread mayonnaise side up.
    1-2 slices cheese
  • Grill 2-2½ minutes until bread is slightly golden in color. Using a spatula, flip and grill the other side 2-2½ minutes until golden brown.

Julie’s Tips

The more even the slice of bread, the more evenly it will brown.
Watch cook time carefully.

Substitutions and Recommendations

Bread – White, wheat or whole grain sandwich bread, ciabatta, sourdough, Texas Toast, pumpernickel, rye, pretzel or your favorite bread.
Cheese – American, cheddar, gruyere, Swiss,  pimento, Boursin, or your favorite.
Mayonnaise – Full fat is recommended, homemade or store-bought. Mix it up with an aioli. Favorites include truffle, avocado, chipotle and garlic.

How to Store

They’re best served fresh from the skillet, but safe at room temperature up to 2 hours.
Refrigerate – Cover tightly with plastic wrap or place in an airtight container and store refrigerated up to 3 days.
Freeze – Flash freeze on a sheet pan, then cover tightly with plastic wrap and freeze up to 3 months.

Reheat

Bring to room temperature for 30 minutes. In a skillet over medium heat, warm until just melty, flip and warm until cheese appears slightly gooey.

Video

Calories: 359kcal | Carbohydrates: 28g | Protein: 13g | Fat: 22g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 7g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 35mg | Sodium: 553mg | Potassium: 132mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 291IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 280mg | Iron: 2mg

Estimated nutrition information is provided as a courtesy and is not guaranteed.

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4 Comments

    1. Hello Marlee,
      We tend to defrost them in the microwave and then warm them in our toaster oven for crispy edges.
      I hope that helps!
      Julie

  1. 5 stars
    I am extremely lactose intolerant and have to be very strict with myself or I can end up laid up in bed for days. My favorite sandwich has always been grilled cheese, and I crave it. I have tried every substitute cheese on the market, but they all taste horrendous, so I’ve gone without. Just today, I tried this recipe, using mayo (and yes, dairy-free cheese), and wowwwww! What a TREAT! It was absolutely delicious. For some reason, the mayo really helped flavor the cheese to the point where it was actually good! Thank you so much.

    1. Hi Bev,
      I love to hear this and what a great tip for others who might struggle with the same issue!
      I’m so appreciative of your comment – have a beautiful week!
      Julie