This sourdough grilled cheese sandwich, with its golden, crispy, buttery exterior and an ooey-gooey centre, uses a four-cheese blend of sharp cheddar, mozzarella, gouda, and parmesan that when combined with the rustic depth of sourdough will absolutely take your classic grilled cheese to a whole new level.
I am an ardent cheese lover and grilled cheese sandwiches have always been a favorite for when I am craving something quick, indulgent, and fulfilling (come on, the calories don’t count when something is this oozingly delicious!).
This ultimate comfort food snack with a little extra pizzazz is definitely going to claim a top spot in your recipe notebook. Pair it with my tomato basil soup and you have treated yourself with the best meal ever!
With a rich blend of sharp cheddar, mozzarella, gouda, and parmesan, each bite is a burst in bold, balanced flavors that surpasses what you’ll find in artisan spots or the classic grilled cheese specialties of Dunkin' and Starbucks.
In addition, sourdough adds a subtle tang and hearty texture. The sturdy crust toasts beautifully and pairs perfectly with the rich, melted cheese and aromatic fresh basil.
If you're all about the cheese, don't miss my Potato & Cheese Balls, Cheesy Garlic Bread and creamy Mac & Cheese!
Perfect for any occasion, this ultimate Sourdough Grilled Cheese Sandwich is a deliciously exquisite way to enjoy a beloved favorite. It stands out with its gourmet touch while still keeping the indulgence we all crave for when making a grilled cheese sandwich.
And it's the perfect pairing for ANY soup: see my Mushroom Soup, Hot & Sour Soup and Chicken Corn Soup!
I know grilled cheese sandwiches are incredibly simple to make and that many people skip the recipe altogether. But a four-cheese grilled cheese sandwich? With the crunchy delight of sourdough? A perfect cheese pull and a bang-on crispy exterior every time? Stick around!
Table of Content
Why You’ll Love this Recipe
A Gourmet Twist on a Classic: In my kitchen, my sourdough grilled cheese has become a beloved staple that takes the traditional recipe up a notch with a dreamy four-cheese blend and artisan sourdough bread.
Easy: This easy recipe is quick and simple. With just 6 main ingredients (I know right?!), simple techniques and minimal prep, you’ll have a delicious grilled cheese ready in 10 minutes!
Flavor Explosion: The combination of sharp cheddar, mozzarella, gouda, and parmesan combined with the crusty, chewy bread creates a flavor bomb that's both bold and satisfying.
Perfectly Crispy Crust: With the right technique, this sourdough grilled cheese recipe achieves a beautifully golden-brown, crispy crust thanks to the sturdy texture of sourdough that cannot be achieved with a regular sandwich toast.
Cheaper than Usual Cafes: This fancy grilled cheese costs a fraction of what you'd find at Dunkin', Panera, Starbucks or artisanal spots like Cafe Grumpy. Definitely giving gourmet flavor without the price tag!
Ingredients & Substitutions
See recipe card for quantities.
- Sourdough Bread: This bread gives a mild tangy flavor and a chewy texture, with a crust that stands up well to grilling. If sourdough isn’t available, whole wheat, rye, or ciabatta can be used as alternatives.
- Butter: Use unsalted because it allows for better control over the saltiness. For a dairy-free alternative, consider using vegan margarine or olive oil.
- Sharp Cheddar: This gives both a bold flavour and a gooey texture because it melts well. You can sub with Monterey Jack or Colby.
- Mozzarella: For the ultimate gooey cheese pull of course! Use a block or dried mozzarella slices. Avoid the fresh mozzarella balls as they have a high water content and will make the sandwich soggy.
- Gouda: Gives a smooth, rich flavor and has excellent melting qualities. For a different flavor profile, you can use Havarti or Fontina cheese, which also melt well.
- Parmesan: Parmesan adds a nutty and salty flavor. Pecorino Romano can be used as a substitute for a sharper flavor, or Grana Padano for a milder one.
- Seasonings: A pinch of sea salt and cracked black pepper enhances the flavors but it is optional. You can also incorporate garlic powder or Italian seasoning if desired.
Why Sourdough Makes the Perfect Grilled Cheese
Sourdough bread is a top pick for grilled cheese sandwiches because of its tangy flavor, chewy texture, and strong crust that can handle the grilling process without getting soggy.
Plus, the fermentation gives it a nice depth of flavor and makes it easier to digest. Other popular alternatives that work well with grilled cheese sandwiches are whole wheat bread for a little extra fiber, and ciabatta because of its soft, airy texture and lightness.
Brioche can also be used for its richer sweeter experience. Some people also use rye because it has a distinct flavor that pairs especially well with Swiss cheese.
And of course, nothing wrong with sticking to the classic white bread—it delivers that nostalgic comfort we all know and love!
The Best Cheeses for the Ultimate Grilled Cheese
When it comes to crafting a killer grilled cheese, choosing the right high quality cheeses makes all the difference.
Sharp cheddar is a classic choice because it provides a deep, rich flavour and excellent meltability that has earned grilled cheese sandwiches their reputation as a comfort food staple.
For that iconic cheesy stretch, Mozzarella or young Gouda can be is added. They both complement the cheddar beautifully, while a sprinkle of Parmesan adds a savory edge that cuts through the creaminess of the other cheeses just right.
I've also tried Pepper Jack which had a great spicy kick and of course, the classic American cheese for a nostalgic, ultra-smooth melt.
Gruyère also works beautifully, adding a nutty, fruity flavor that compliments the sour notes of the sourdough bread.
Provolone slices pair well with cheddar, as this semi-hard cheese is known for its smooth melting ability and mild flavor. If you want to go even creamier, Fontina or Brie will create an indulgent texture that’s hard to beat.
Whatever you choose, a mix of at least two types of cheese—one for bold flavor and one for smooth melting—will make for a perfect sandwich!
One quick tip: Aged cheeses, while flavorful, don’t melt as well as younger varieties. Their lower moisture content results in a grainy or rubbery texture when heated. For the best results, it’s advisable to pair aged cheeses with younger, meltier options like mozzarella or young gouda.
Butter Or Mayo
I stick with the OG: butter. While it’s true that butter can cause the bread to brown quickly, which risks burning, there’s a trick to avoid that. I grill my buttered sourdough on low heat and cover the pan with a lid.
This way, the butter caramelizes slowly, creating a perfectly crispy, golden-brown crust, while the trapped heat helps the cheese melt evenly.
Many people opt for mayonnaise because it can withstand higher temperatures due to its fat content without burning the bread. However, mayo tends to impart a more neutral flavor that doesn’t enhance the cheese as well as butter does.
If you choose to use mayonnaise, be sure to pick regular mayo; light mayo contains more water and can end up steaming the bread instead of toasting it.
How To Make Sourdough Grilled Cheese
- Butter slices of sourdough bread from both sides and grease a pan with butter too.
- Assemble the sandwich on the pan, by layering Cheddar, Mozzarella, Gouda, and Parmesan. Top with the second slice of bread.
- Cook on low heat with the pan covered for 3-4 minutes until golden brown, then flip and cook for another few minutes.
- Serve this perfect grilled cheese sandwich on a plate, garnished with chopped basil and grated Parmesan, and enjoy!
Video
Expert Tips
- Use at least a two-cheese combo for the best sourdough grilled cheese flavour. Combine cheeses like cheddar or Gruyère with a melty cheese like mozzarella for a flavorful and gooey texture.
- A cast iron skillet is ideal for making grilled cheese because it provides even heat distribution and high heat tolerance, resulting in a perfectly golden crust and thoroughly melted cheese.
- To keep the mess to minimum, assemble the sandwich in the cooking pan. In that way, cheese will not spill out while transferring.
- Cook on low heat to allow the cheese to melt thoroughly before the bread darkens. This create a gooey centre without burnt bread.
- Cover with a lid during cooking to trap heat and steam, allowing for even heat circulation.
- Press down gently on the sandwich with a spatula while cooking. This allows the cheeses to meld together and helps with even toasting from the bottom.
- Rest the sandwich before slicing for a minute after cooking. This will help the cheese to set slightly, making it easier to slice without filling spilling over.
- Avoid cutting the sandwich all the way through for a good cheese pull, as the knife can slice through the cheese as well. Also, use a serrated knife to achieve a clean cut without squishing the sandwich.
Variations
- Season your cheeses with herbs like oregano, dried basil, fresh thyme, or Italian herbs for a fragrant burst of flavor.
- You can even make a grilled cheese toastie to enjoy yourself or pack in your kids’ lunchboxes by using a panini press or a sandwich maker for perfectly pressed, crispy edges.
- Spread garlic butter on the outside of the bread to make a garlic bread grilled cheese.
- For those who enjoy a bit of heat, incorporate jalapeños, pepper jack cheese, or a drizzle of sriracha, which complement the creaminess of the cheese. You’ll end up with a delicious spicy grilled cheese sandwich!
- You can make a Caprese-style grilled cheese by layering mozzarella, tomato slices, and basil leaves between slices of tangy sourdough bread or the airy ciabatta. Grill on medium-low until golden and melty, adding a drizzle of balsamic glaze. Viola! A fresh Italian twist!
- Add ingredients like thin apple slices or fig jam for a sweet contrast to the savory cheese.
Serving Ideas
A warm bowl of tomato soup is a classic pairing that complements the richness of the sourdough grilled cheese sandwich perfectly. You can also pair with my Mushroom Bisque!
For something heartier, try my grilled chicken Caesar salad for a nice crunch and freshness. Or Jalepeno Cucumber Salad for a lighter side.
Hearty and satisfying, crispy potato wedges or parmesan crusted potatoes make a great pairing too.
A side of fruit, such as apple slices or grapes, can add a nice sweet balance to the savory flavors of the grilled cheese.
FAQ
Some excellent options include sharp Cheddar, Monterey or Colby Jack for a bold flavor. Mozzarella, Gouda or Brie for creaminess. Gruyère and Parmesan add a nutty flavor that compliments the sour notes of the bread perfectly.
While sourdough is a fantastic choice for the best grilled cheese sandwich, other good options include whole wheat, rye, or classic white bread slices. The best bread will have a sturdy structure to hold the filling and provide a nice crunch when grilled.
Cook on low to medium-low heat while covered. This lets the bread toast slowly while the cheese melts evenly so you get a golden crispy outside without burning.
Use a thin layer of butter. Spread an even thin layer on the outside of the bread to prevent sogginess and get a crisp texture. Don’t overfill. Too much cheese especially ones with high moisture content or other fillings can make the sandwich too wet.
Use a mix of cheeses. Cheeses like mozzarella, Gouda and provolone are stretchy and blend well with sharper cheeses like cheddar for the best pull. Let the cheese melt fully. Cover the pan for a second or two while cooking to help the cheese melt evenly.
Don’t cut the sandwich all the way through with the knife as that will also cut through the cheese. Also use a serrated knife for a clean cut without squishing the bread slices.
To store leftover grilled cheese, let the sandwich cool, then wrap it tightly in foil or plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator. It’s best consumed within 1-2 days. To reheat, use a skillet over medium heat to crisp it back up.
Yes! You can make a healthier version by using whole-grain or sourdough bread and opting for lower-fat cheese options like reduced cheddar, part-skim Mozzarella, Swiss, Feta or goat cheese. Keep in mind that Feta and goat cheese are hard cheeses and have to be paired with younger cheeses to get a good melt.
More Indulgent Sandwiches
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📖 Recipe
The Ultimate Sourdough Grilled Cheese Sandwich
Ingredients
- 4 slices sourdough bread
- 2 tbsp (30g) butter unsalted
- 4 slices sharp Cheddar
- 4 slices Mozzarella
- ½ cup Gouda shredded
- 3 tablespoon Parmesan grated
- Sea salt and pepper optional
- Fresh basil chopped for garnish
Instructions
- Generously smear softened butter on both sides of the slices of bread, ensuring an even coating.
- Select a large skillet that can comfortably accommodate two sandwiches side by side without overlapping. If your skillet is not large enough, cook the sandwiches one at a time. Lightly grease the skillet with butter.
- Place the bottom pieces of bread. Layer the cheeses: start with the cheddar, followed by mozzarella, then shredded Gouda, and finish with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese. Equally divide the cheeses between both sandwiches.
- Optionally season with a pinch of sea salt and cracked black pepper. Top with the second slice of buttered bread, then transfer the pan to the stove.
- Set the heat to low and cover the pan with a lid. Allow the sandwich to cook for 3-4 minutes, or until the bottom is golden brown. Keep a close watch to prevent burning.
- Carefully flip the sandwich using a spatula, re-cover the pan, and continue cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the second side is also golden and the cheese is thoroughly melted. The pan will be hot now so this side will brown faster.
- Transfer the sourdough grilled cheese to a plate and garnish with chopped fresh basil and an extra sprinkle of grated Parmesan. Pair it with a bowl of Tomato Basil Soup and enjoy!
Video
Notes
- Feel free to experiment with various cheese combinations, but aim to pair a bold, flavorful cheese like Cheddar or Gruyère with a melting cheese such as Gouda or Mozzarella. Using at least two types of cheese will give the best results. For inspiration, check out my suggested cheese combos.
- If preferred, mayonnaise can be used instead of butter on the bread.
- Keep the heat low so the bread toasts evenly and the cheese melts all the way. Adjust as needed to prevent burning.
- This sourdough grilled cheese sandwich recipe will also work in a toaster oven or an air fryer.
- This sandwich is best enjoyed immediately, but if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 day. Reheat in a skillet to crisp up.
Nutrition
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