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 mom-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! In virtually the same time it takes to create one classic grilled cheese 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 these Sandwiches
- Minimal Ingredients – And they are on the table in less than 10 minutes, too.
- Feeds a Crowd – This method means you can create multiple sandwiches at once!
- Perfectly Toasty – 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.
Ingredients and Substitutions
- Bread – For a classic grilled option, choose a super fresh sandwich bread, or our favorite homemade Artisan Bread.
- Cheese – You can choose any cheese you’d like, but try American cheese, cheddar, gouda or gruyere for a great melt.
- 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.
- Add more protein with deli meat! Try ham, salami, prosciutto, bacon, pancetta, capicola, or guanciale.
- Instead of butter, try a Mayo Grilled Cheese.
Test Kitchen Tip
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Generally, most people probably just butter the outside of the grilled cheese, where the bread hits the pan. However, for even more flavor, try buttering the inside and outside of your bread!
No matter how you’re cooking your grilled cheese sandwich, pay attention to the browning as you’re cooking. Just as it begins to turn golden brown, you’ll want to flip it! This goes for oven grilled cheese and a traditional stovetop method, too.
Serving Suggestions
Grilled cheese sandwiches serve beautifully with a variety of sides. For a well rounded meal, serve your oven grilled cheese with any of the following ideas.
Oven Grilled Cheese
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon butter salted, softened
- 2 slices bread white, sour dough, texas toast or your favorite
- 2 slices cheese American, cheddar, gouda or your favorite
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 450℉.
- Spread softened butter on one side of each slice of bread.
- Assemble sandwiches with bread and any other ingredients on the interior.
- Bake five minutes, flip, bake three more minutes.
Julie’s Tips
- To make your 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.
- 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.
- Choose cheese that it is fresh sliced from your local deli – or buy a fresh block and grate or slice it yourself.
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.
- Use mayo instead of butter.
Storage Tips
Oven baked grilled cheese sandwiches can sit out while serving for up to two hours safely. You can also 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). Or, flash freeze on a sheet pan before wrapping tightly and storing in your freezer for up to three months.Video
Estimated nutrition information is provided as a courtesy and is not guaranteed.
The cheese melted perfectly and the bread was toasted a crisp golden brown.
Simple and perfection every time! Thanks for taking a moment to rate!