There’s just something magical about the gooey stretch of melted cheese between perfectly toasted bread, isn’t there? This Best Cheddar Mozzarella Grilled Cheese Recipe has become my go-to when I want comfort food on speed dial — it’s simple, reliably delicious, and packed with cheesy goodness.

The image shows a stack of three grilled cheese sandwich halves, each layer showing thick, golden-brown toasted bread with a rough, crunchy texture. Between each bread layer, there is melted, creamy yellow cheese dripping slightly out of the sandwich, looking smooth and rich. The bread has some salt flakes sprinkled on top and appears fluffy inside with a crispy outer crust. The background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Best Cheddar Mozzarella Grilled Cheese Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Best Cheddar Mozzarella Grilled Cheese Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Best Cheddar Mozzarella Grilled Cheese Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I get it — grilled cheese is a classic, but what makes this Best Cheddar Mozzarella Grilled Cheese Recipe stand out is that perfect balance between sharp cheddar flavor and the gooey, melty mozzarella. It’s like a little taste party in every bite!

Perfect Cheese Combo: The sharpness of aged cheddar paired with stretchy mozzarella creates a melty, flavorful filling you’ll crave.
Golden, Crispy Crust: Buttering every side of the bread means each bite has a satisfyingly crunchy texture.
Simple Steps: No weird ingredients or fancy gear — just straightforward cooking that anyone can master.
Comfort on Demand: It’s ready in under 15 minutes, perfect for a quick lunch, snack, or even a cozy dinner.

Two slices of golden brown toasted bread are being pulled apart by two pairs of fingers, showing melted white cheese stretching in thin, stringy layers between them. The bread has a crispy, textured surface with darker toasted spots. The background is a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient here plays a starring role. From the bread’s texture to the cheese’s meltiness, I’ve tested this combo multiple times to get the best results — here’s why these choices come through every time.

Flat lay of two thick slices of fresh sourdough bread with a rustic crust, a small pile of freshly grated vintage cheddar cheese, a small pile of freshly grated mozzarella cheese, a small white ceramic bowl filled with softened salted butter, and two whole uncracked brown eggs, all arranged in perfect symmetry on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p awthu7i m7354615311229779997

Sourdough Bread: I recommend a good-quality sourdough sliced about half a centimeter thick — sturdy enough to hold the cheese but thin enough to get golden and crisp.
Salted Butter: I personally love salted butter here because it adds another layer of flavor directly to the crust, but unsalted works too — just add a pinch of salt.
Vintage Cheddar Cheese: This is where the flavor party starts — choose a well-aged, sharp cheddar for that classic tangy bite.
Mozzarella Cheese: Freshly shredded mozzarella melts beautifully and gives you that dreamy cheese pull we all secretly live for.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I’m all about giving this grilled cheese sandwich a personal twist now and then — sometimes adding a little extra with avocado slices, or swapping cheeses based on what’s in my fridge. You should feel free to make it your own, too!

Variation: I love adding a thin layer of Dijon mustard under the cheese for a little kick — it’s unexpected but so good. Maybe try it when you want to spice things up!
Diet-Friendly: You can swap the sourdough for gluten-free bread, and use dairy-free butter and cheese alternatives for a great vegan-friendly grilled cheese.
Seasonal addition: Fresh tomato slices or a handful of spinach add freshness and nutrition without interrupting that cheesy goodness.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Best Cheddar Mozzarella Grilled Cheese Recipe

Step 1: Butter Every Side for Crunch

Start by generously buttering both slices of your sourdough bread on all four sides — yes, I mean even the edges! This step might seem like overkill, but trust me, it’s what gives you that golden crunch all around. Don’t rush here, and use room-temp butter so it spreads easily without tearing the bread.

Step 2: Light Toast Before Cheese Goes On

Heat a heavy skillet over medium-low heat (no oil or extra butter needed) and place both buttered slices in carefully. Toast them lightly for about 1 minute — you’re looking to just warm through and create a bit of a crust. This little pre-toast makes a huge difference when you flip and add cheese because it lets the cheese start melting immediately without soggy bread.

Step 3: Cheese Time! Layer It Up

Flip one slice of bread over so the lightly toasted side faces up. Then pile on a heaping third cup of vintage cheddar cheese, followed by about a third cup of mozzarella. I like to grate my cheese fresh — pre-shredded rarely melts the same and can be grainy because of anti-caking agents. Put the other slice on top, toasted side down, so the heat contacts the cheese.

Step 4: Cook Low and Slow for Golden Perfection

Cook for about 3 minutes over medium-low heat. Press down lightly with a spatula now and then to help the sandwich form a tight seal and crisp evenly. If the bread starts browning too quickly, don’t hesitate to lift off the pan for a few seconds to prevent burning and lower the heat slightly — patience pays off here!

Step 5: Flip and Finish Strong

Carefully flip the sandwich over and cook another 3 minutes or until golden crust and gooey melted cheese. If you like, you can tilt the pan and spoon out a little butter from the bottom for extra crusty goodness. Once ready, transfer to a cutting board and slice in one smooth motion. Be prepared for that glorious cheese pull moment!

Top Tip

Over the years, I’ve learned a few tricks to nail this grilled cheese every single time — these tips make a real difference between a good sandwich and a memorable one!

Butter All Sides: Don’t just butter the outer surfaces; the edges get golden and prevent dryness or leakage.
Low and Slow Heat: Cooking on medium-low heat gives the cheese time to melt before the bread crisps too much — no burnt edges here.
Freshly Grate Cheese: Avoid pre-shredded cheese for melt and flavor — freshly grated gives a silky texture and stronger flavor.
If It’s Browning Too Fast: Momentarily take the pan off the heat or turn it down. I’ve burnt more sandwiches than I’d like to admit before figuring this out!

How to Serve Best Cheddar Mozzarella Grilled Cheese Recipe

cheddar mozzarella grilled cheese - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I often keep it simple with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt or a few cracked black pepper twists on top after cutting—it adds that little extra pop. Sometimes fresh basil leaves tucked inside elevate the flavor profile beautifully, especially in warmer months.

Side Dishes

For sides, nothing beats classic tomato soup—it’s the ultimate grilled cheese companion. I also enjoy pairing mine with crispy dill pickle spears or even a fresh green salad to balance out the richness.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve served this grilled cheese cut into bite-sized triangles on a platter for easy snacking at parties—pair with a variety of dipping sauces from mustard aioli to spicy ketchup. It’s always a crowd-pleaser!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover grilled cheese sandwiches store best wrapped in foil or parchment paper inside an airtight container in the fridge. This keeps the crust a bit crisper and the cheese from drying out. I usually eat leftovers within one to two days for the best texture.

Freezing

I have frozen grilled cheese sandwiches before, wrapped tightly to prevent freezer burn. When you thaw and reheat, just expect the crust will be a little less crispy, but the melty cheesy goodness shines through. Great for making ahead for busy days!

Reheating

To revive leftover grilled cheese, I reheat it gently in a skillet over low heat, pressing lightly with a spatula, which crisps the bread without overcooking the cheese. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep that delicious crust intact!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use other types of bread for this grilled cheese?

Absolutely! While I prefer sourdough for its texture and flavor, you can use any bread you like. Just aim for something not too thick or too soft to ensure the cheese melts well and the bread crisps up nicely.

Why do I need to butter all sides of the bread?

Buttering all sides—including the edges—helps create an evenly crispy and golden crust that seals in the cheese and prevents moisture loss. Skipping the edges often results in drier bites or cheese leaking out.

Can I prep these sandwiches ahead of time?

You can assemble the sandwiches up to a day ahead, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, and store them in the fridge. When ready, cook as instructed, but you might need to add a little extra time on the stove to ensure the cheese melts through.

What’s the best way to get a gooey cheese pull?

For the meltiest, stretchiest cheese pull, freshly grate your mozzarella and cheddar rather than using slices or pre-shredded cheese. Also, cooking low and slow allows the cheese to melt evenly without burning the bread.

Final Thoughts

This Best Cheddar Mozzarella Grilled Cheese Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen routine because it combines simplicity and indulgence in the best way. Whether it’s a hectic weeknight or a lazy weekend, it’s the kind of comfort food that feels like a warm hug. Give it a go — I have a feeling you’ll be making this one over and over again!