This Sourdough Grilled Cheese Sandwich takes comfort food to the next level. Three cheeses are melted between slices of tangy sourdough bread to create a crispy, gooey sandwich perfect for dipping into your favorite soup.
I first got the idea to share a sourdough grilled cheese sandwich recipe on the blog after finishing my recipe for sourdough sandwich bread.
I made a grilled cheese sandwich for my sister with that bread, and we were both blown away by how delicious it was. The tanginess of the sourdough really cuts through the richness of the cheese. It truly tasted better than any grilled cheese we’d ever had before.
Initially, I wondered if anyone actually needed a recipe for grilled cheese - we’ve all made it before, right? But then I realized that while a basic grilled cheese is good, you can do so much more to make it special.
Using your own homemade sourdough bread already sets it apart. I used my sourdough sandwich bread, but whole wheat sandwich bread, classic sourdough or whole wheat sourdough works well, too.
Grating your own cheese from the block also really elevates this sandwich. I enjoy mixing different types of cheese to create unique flavors and textures. And don’t forget to sprinkle a pinch of coarse salt on the finished sandwich to enhances all those rich, creamy, and tangy flavors.
If you’re ready to take your grilled cheese game to the next level, I hope you'll give my sourdough bread grilled cheese recipe a try!
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Ingredients & Substitutions
Here are some notes on key ingredients. For a full list of ingredients, check out the recipe card below.
- Sourdough Bread- I like using my sourdough sandwich bread, but classic, garlic herb, jalapeño cheddar, plain cheddar, or honey wheat work too. For a salty-sweet twist, try cinnamon raisin sourdough.
- Gouda Cheese- Adds a creamy, mildly sweet flavor that melts beautifully. You can swap gouda for mild cheddar cheese for a similar flavor and melt.
- Mozzarella Cheese- Choose low-moisture mozzarella for a stretchy melt and mild flavor that pairs well with the stronger-flavored cheeses. Provolone or Monterey Jack are good alternatives for mozzarella.
- Parmesan Cheese- Parmesan adds a sharp, salty kick that balances the richness of the other cheeses. Try pecorino romano or asiago for a similar flavor.
- Butter- Butter creates a golden, crispy crust for a perfect grilled cheese sandwich. Mayonnaise or olive oil can be used instead of butter if preferred.
- Coarse Salt- Don't skip this - trust me! A pinch of coarse salt on top adds the perfect finishing touch and enhances the flavors.
Tips for Success
- Use freshly grated cheese. Freshly grated cheese tastes better and melts more evenly than pre-shredded cheese.
- Adjust heat. Keep an eye on the heat and adjust as needed - too high, and your bread might burn before the cheese melts. Low to medium-low heat allows the bread to turn golden while the cheese melts perfectly.
- Serve immediately. Sourdough grilled cheese is best enjoyed right off the skillet when the bread is crispy and the cheese is still hot and gooey.
- Experiment with your fillings. To mix up the flavors, try different cheese combinations like brie, fontina, or even blue cheese. You can also add extra fillings such as caramelized onions, fresh tomato slices, or cooked bacon.
How to Make a Sourdough Grilled Cheese Sandwich
Here is how to make grilled cheese on sourdough bread.
Step 1: Prepare cheese. Grate the gouda (or cheddar), mozzarella, and parmesan. Combine them in a small bowl and mix well.
Step 2: Butter the bread. Heat a stainless steel or cast iron skillet over medium heat. Spread ½ tablespoon of softened butter on one side of each slice of sourdough bread.
Step 3: Assemble the sandwich. Once the skillet is hot, reduce the heat to low or medium-low. Place one slice of bread, buttered side down, into the skillet. Spread the shredded cheese mixture evenly on top of the bread. Add the second slice of bread, buttered side up, on top of the cheese. Gently press down on the sandwich with a spatula to compress it slightly.
Step 4: Cook the sandwich. Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, adjusting the heat as needed to ensure the bread turns golden brown while the cheese melts completely.
Step 5: Finish and serve. Once both sides are golden and the cheese is melted, transfer the grilled cheese sandwich to a plate. Sprinkle a pinch of coarse salt over the top. Serve immediately.
Serving Suggestions
Grilled cheese pairs perfectly with comforting soups like chicken noodle soup, beef chili, potato soup, broccoli soup, and classic tomato soup.
For a lighter summer meal, enjoy it with a fresh salad such as my strawberry spinach salad, arugula salad, or asparagus spring mix salad.
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Let's Connect!
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📖 Recipe
Sourdough Grilled Cheese Sandwich
Equipment
- Stainless steel skillet or cast iron skillet
Ingredients
- ½ cup gouda or cheddar cheese shredded
- 2 tablespoons low-moisture mozzarella cheese shredded
- 1 tablespoon parmesan cheese grated
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter softened
- 2 slices sourdough sandwich bread or classic sourdough bread
- Coarse salt for sprinkling
Instructions
- Grate the gouda (or cheddar), mozzarella, and parmesan. Combine them in a small bowl and mix well.½ cup gouda or cheddar cheese, 2 tablespoons low-moisture mozzarella cheese, 1 tablespoon parmesan cheese
- Heat a stainless steel or cast iron skillet over medium heat.
- Spread ½ tablespoon of softened butter on one side of each slice of sourdough bread.1 tablespoon unsalted butter, 2 slices sourdough sandwich bread
- Once the skillet is hot, reduce the heat to low or medium-low. Place one slice of bread, buttered side down, into the skillet. Spread the shredded cheese mixture evenly on top of the bread. Add the second slice of bread, buttered side up, on top of the cheese. Gently press down on the sandwich with a spatula to compress it slightly.
- Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, adjusting the heat as needed to ensure the bread turns golden brown while the cheese melts completely.
- Once both sides are golden and the cheese is melted, transfer the grilled cheese sandwich to a plate. Sprinkle a pinch of coarse salt over the top. Serve immediately.Coarse salt
Notes
- Use freshly grated cheese. Freshly grated cheese tastes better and melts more evenly than pre-shredded options. However, if you prefer convenience, pre-sliced or pre-grated cheese will work just fine, too!
- Adjust heat. Keep an eye on the heat and adjust as needed - too high, and your bread might burn before the cheese melts. Low to medium-low heat allows the bread to turn golden while the cheese melts perfectly.
- Serve immediately. Sourdough grilled cheese is best enjoyed right off the skillet when the bread is crispy and the cheese is still hot and gooey.
- Experiment with your fillings. To mix up the flavors, try different cheese combinations like brie, fontina, or even blue cheese. You can also add extra fillings such as caramelized onions, fresh tomato slices, or cooked bacon.
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