Oven Grilled Cheese

Oven grilled cheese sandwiches are so easy to make, and you’ll never miss the mess of your stovetop! Learn how to make a simple baked grilled cheese, or several at once if you’re feeding a crowd.

A grilled cheese sandwich in the oven is just as delicious as the traditional method, without the mess. You can create a fully customized meal with a variety of cheeses and breads, giving everyone something they love.

An oven grilled cheese is full of creamy melted cheese and the salty burst of buttery bread we all know and love… come and get some!

It was a moment of panic when I decided to try this oven grilled cheese method, actually. We had several playmates over and the girls were starving after playing outdoors for hours.

I needed a way to put a kid-friendly meal out, and stat. Who has time for individual grilled cheese sandwiches over a hot stove in that situation? Not me!

Enter these oven grilled cheese sandwiches! Perfect for creating extra sandwiches and pleasing everyone on your list.

I’ve been working on some super delicious grilled cheese sandwiches and methods lately, and I love to share. Check out this Gourmet Grilled Cheese, classic Grilled Ham and Cheese, Mayo Grilled Cheese and this delicious Grilled Cheese on the Grill for more great ideas!

With that in mind, I wanted to share yet another way to make your favorite grilled cheese sandwiches: in the oven! This method can help contain any mess and is often safer for your kids who may be learning how to cook, so it’s fun to have this option in your back pocket.

Additionally, a baked grilled cheese sandwich method means you can create multiple sandwiches all at once! In virtually the same time it takes to create one classic Grilled Cheese Sandwich on the stovetop, you’ll have enough grilled cheese sandwiches to feed a party. Or at least a hungry group of kids!

Why You’ll Love it

• Make grilled cheese sandwiches for a crowd!
• So easy to customize
• On the table in less than 10 minutes
• Minimal ingredients

Making an oven grilled cheese isn’t as strange as it might sound… the bread toasts beautifully (and evenly) and this method works equally well in a toaster oven. Let’s learn how!

Oven Grilled Cheese Ingredients

• Bread – For a classic grilled option, choose a super fresh sandwich bread, or our favorite homemade Artisan Bread. Any bread will work, experiment to find your favorite!
• Cheese – You can choose any cheese you’d like, but try American cheese, cheddar, gouda or gruyere.
• Butter – softened for spreading. I prefer salted butter for our grilled cheese sandwiches.

Variations

• Use any bread you’d like. Read more about the Best Bread for Grilled Cheese.
• Experiment with cheese, too! Try gouda, gruyere, or white cheddar for fresh spin.
• Add more protein with deli meat! Try ham, salami, prosciutto, bacon, pancetta, capicola, or guanciale.
• Instead of spreading the bread with butter in the traditional way, try using mayo instead for a Mayo Grilled Cheese.

How to Make an Oven Grilled Cheese in Just Four Easy Steps

1. Preheat oven to 450 degrees.
2. Spread softened butter on one side of each slice of bread. 
3. Assemble sandwiches with bread and any other ingredients on the interior. 
4. Bake five minutes, flip, bake three more minutes.

Want to make your sheet pan grilled cheese sandwiches extra crispy? Use a second sheet pan and place it on top of the sandwiches! This pan acts as a panini press, helping to melt the cheeses and toasting the bread more evenly in the oven.

Serving Suggestions

Grilled cheese sandwiches serve beautifully with a variety of sides, beyond a basic cup of tomato soup (although of course that’s an amazing combo).

For a wholesome, rounded meal, serve your oven grilled cheese with any of the following ideas.

• Baked Apple Slices
• Oven Roasted Sweet Potatoes (Glazed Sweet Potatoes)
• Easy Homemade Onion Rings Dipped In Beer Batter
• Firehouse Green Beans with Bacon
• Bacon and Cheese Soup
• White Cheddar Cheese and Apple Soup

Tips

• Every oven is different and everyone likes a different level of toasting. If your oven grilled cheese needs a bit more time, check it regularly to ensure it doesn’t burn.
• Experiment to find your family’s favorite breads and cheeses for grilled cheese sandwiches. Learn more about the Best Bread for Grilled Cheese.
• Choose cheese that it is fresh sliced from your local deli – or buy a fresh block and grate or slice it yourself.

Scaling up, down or substituting? You’ll love this printable Measurement Conversion Chart!

Frequently Asked Questions

How to Store

• At Room Temperature – Oven baked grilled cheese sandwiches can sit out while serving for up to two hours safely. Of course, they are absolutely best when they’re hot out of the oven.
• Refrigerate – You can refrigerate your grilled cheese for up to three days when wrapped in an airtight container. Slowly reheat in your skillet after bringing it to room temperature for 30 minutes (allowing for more even heat in the skillet).
• Freeze – Flash freeze on a sheet pan before wrapping tightly and storing in your freezer for up to three months.

Dietary Considerations

• Nut Free
• To make this grilled cheese gluten free, simply choose a gluten free bread product.

More Easy Sandwiches

• Ham and Cheese Sliders
• Gerber Sandwich
• Party and Picnic Sandwiches
• Easy French Dip with Au Jus