This page may contain affiliate links. I receive a small commission at no cost to you when you make a purchase using my link. This post is about a Classic Grilled Cheese Sandwich With Mayo Recipe!
There is somewhat of an art (and science) to making grilled cheese sandwiches, one of the greatest comfort foods of all time.
The ideal companion to a bowl of tomato soup, the perfect grilled cheese sandwich has a golden brown and crispy texture to the outside of the bread, soft interior inside of the bread, and ooey gooey cheese in the middle.
So if you're craving a grilled cheese sandwich, I'll show you how to make a perfect classic grilled cheese but using mayonnaise instead of butter!
But first, please allow me to explain why mayonnaise is a great option and the perfect fat to use to toast your delicious grilled cheese sandwich.
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Why Use Mayonnaise To Make Your Grilled Cheese Sandwich?
If you are looking for a butter substitute for grilled cheese, then mayonnaise is the way to go. But even if you aren't necessarily looking for a great alternative to butter, I'd like to make the case that using mayo will take your cheese sandwich to the next level!
Here are the main reasons to use mayo in place of butter on the outside of your bread slices:
- Mayonnaise has a higher smoke point than butter. Therefore, the fat in the mayo can stand up to higher temperatures so that you can take your time grilling the bread until you achieve the beautiful golden brown on the outside of the sandwich. So you are less likely to burn your bread!
- White bread is delicate, so using an ingredient like traditional butter that is not softened enough can tear up your bread. Mayonnaise is ready to spread right from your fridge, no waiting! And of course it will spread seamlessly on your slices of bread.
- Yes, butter's rich flavor is always appreciated. However, in this case the light and tangy flavor of mayonnaise has a more neutral flavor, which allows you to experience the flavor of the cheese to a greater extent.
I hope I've convinced you to give mayo a try if you've never tried it on your grilled cheese before!
🥘 Ingredients
So you only need 3 simple ingredients for this traditional grilled cheese sandwich with mayonnaise:
- White bread - sourdough bread or French bread may sound appealing, but plain white sandwich bread is the type of bread to use if you are after the classic grilled cheese!
- American cheese (I used Kraft American Deli Deluxe cheese) - many cheese lovers adore sharp cheddar, but for this grilled cheese recipe the type of cheese I've opted for is good old American cheese!
- Mayonnaise (full fat) - I used Hellmann's mayo. Although I haven't tried Miracle Whip I would think that would be a delicious option as well!
I favor using Kraft American cheese, possibly because that is what I grew up eating. But by all means use your favorite cheese (American process cheese) for this particular recipe.
Now let's make this easy and delish sandwich which will delight your taste buds!
🔪 Instructions
Spread ½ tablespoon of mayonnaise on one side of each slice of bread.
Place one of the bread slices mayo side down, then top with 2 cheese slices of American cheese. Place the other slice of bread on top of the cheese, with the mayo on the outside. (So, the mayo is on the outside of the bread that you will grill, not on the inside with the cheese).
As far as pan choice goes, I used a non-stick skillet, but you can also use a cast-iron skillet.
Heat your skillet on medium-low heat, and once hot place your sandwich on the skillet, and cover the skillet with a lid about ¾ of the way (not completely). Grill this side for about 3-4 minutes.
Covering the skillet helps the cheese melt.
Please note: stoves vary so I highly recommend you check the side that is toasting about 2 minutes in and adjust the time as necessary and increase the heat just a tad if necessary. Your aim is to get a lovely golden toasty browned bread.
Once flipped, partially cover the skillet again and cook for around 2-3 minutes, or until this second side is lovely and brown and the cheese is melted in the center.
And that's it! Take a moment to behold your masterpiece before indulging in it!
Suggestions For Serving
It's time to enjoy the delicious flavors of your beautiful cheese sandwich with the golden brown crust!
This sandwich is perfect on its own as a snack or light lunch. However you can make it into a fantastic meal by enjoying it with some Tomato Soup and a green salad.
I hope this will become a favorite grilled cheese recipe of yours! Enjoy!
FAQ
Mayo is a great substitute for butter because it has a high smoke point meaning it can stand up to higher temperatures which helps you achieve that beautiful golden brown bread you want on a grilled cheese. It's also highly spreadable, and its neutral flavor allows the taste of the cheese to stand out.
The ingredients essential for this sandwich include bread, cheese, and traditionally butter. However, in this recipe we feature mayo which is a great butter substitute!
Using a lid to partially cover the skillet helps the cheese melt.
Some Other Recipes You May Enjoy!
Here are some other recipes that you may enjoy:
- How To Elevate Canned Tomato Soup - the perfect accompaniment to your cheese sandwich!
- Healthy Turkey Sandwich With Grilled Zucchini
- Florida Cuban Sandwich
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Cheers!
Grace
Classic Grilled Cheese Sandwich With Mayo Recipe
Equipment
- medium to large skillet I used a nonstick skillet
- cover/lid for the skillet
Ingredients
- 2 slices white bread I used a grocery store brand of white bread
- 2 slices American pasteurized cheese I used Kraft Deli Deluxe American cheese
- 1 tablespoon mayonnaise split; use a full fat mayo (the good stuff!)
Instructions
- Spread ½ tablespoon of mayonnaise on one side of each slice of bread.
- Place one of the bread slices mayo side down, then top with 2 slices of American cheese. Place the other slice of bread on top of the cheese, with the mayo on the outside. (So, the mayo is on the sides of the bread that you will grill, not on the inside with the cheese).
- Heat your skillet on medium low heat, and once hot place your sandwich on the skillet, and cover the skillet about ¾ of the way (not completely). Grill this side for about 3-4 minutes. Please note: stoves vary so I highly recommend you check the side that is toasting about 2 minutes in and adjust the time as necessary. Your aim is to get a lovely golden toasty browned bread.
- Once flipped, partially cover the skillet again and cook for around 2-3 minutes, or until this second side is lovely and brown and the cheese is melted in the center.
- Bon appetit!!
Grace
I love this simple recipe for a classic grilled cheese sandwich. Sometimes only this classic comfort food will do, and using mayo is perfect to help me get that beautiful brown crust! Yum!