There's something so comforting about the melty goodness of a grilled cheese sandwich that hits just the right spot. This Perfect Cheddar and Mozzarella Grilled Cheese Recipe is my go-to when I want the perfect mix of crispy crust and gooey, flavorful cheese inside that never disappoints.

A close-up view of a stack of three grilled cheese sandwiches on a white marbled surface, each sandwich showing one layer of melted pale yellow cheese between two slices of golden brown toasted bread with a crisp texture. The top sandwich has a light sprinkle of coarse salt on the browned surface. The melted cheese appears creamy and slightly stretchy, oozing gently from between the bread slices, highlighting the soft, airy crumb of the bread itself. The sandwiches are stacked unevenly, showcasing the rich texture and gooey filling inside. 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 Perfect Cheddar and Mozzarella Grilled Cheese Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Perfect Cheddar and Mozzarella Grilled Cheese Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Perfect Cheddar and Mozzarella Grilled Cheese Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Honestly, I can't tell you how many times I've turned to this grilled cheese when I needed a quick, satisfying meal. It’s just the perfect balance of crunchy bread and creamy cheese that’s easy enough for any skill level, yet customizable to suit your mood.

Melty Cheese Combo: The blend of sharp cheddar and stretchy mozzarella creates that unbeatable flavor and texture you’ll crave.
Crispy Sourdough Bread: Using the right bread gives you a sturdy, flavorful base that crisps up beautifully without getting soggy.
Simple Technique: No fancy gadgets needed—just a pan, some butter, and patience for that perfect golden crust.
Quick & Satisfying: From prep to plate in under 10 minutes, it’s perfect for a lunch, snack, or late-night treat.

A grilled cheese sandwich being pulled apart by two woman's hands, showing melted cheese stretching between the two halves. The bread is golden brown and toasted with a crispy texture, and the cheese inside is white and stringy, stretching in long thin lines. The background has a simple white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient here plays a key role. The sourdough provides a sturdy but flavorful base, while the mix of cheddar and mozzarella creates that perfect melty stretch and rich taste. Freshly grated cheese really makes a difference for texture and melt.

Flat lay of two thick slices of rustic sourdough bread with a golden crust, a small white ceramic bowl filled with rich golden salted butter, a small white ceramic bowl heaped with freshly grated vintage cheddar cheese showing a vibrant orange-yellow color, a small white ceramic bowl with freshly grated creamy white mozzarella cheese, and two whole uncracked brown eggs placed neatly together, all arranged symmetrically 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: Choose slices about half a centimeter thick; thick enough to hold the cheese, but not so thick that it overwhelms the melt.
Salted Butter: Spreading butter evenly on both sides helps achieve that irresistible golden-brown crust. I love using salted butter as it adds a nice flavor punch.
Vintage Cheddar Cheese: Sharp and flavorful, this cheese offers depth that balances the mild mozzarella perfectly.
Mozzarella Cheese: Provides that creamy, stretchy texture that makes grilled cheese so comforting. Freshly shredded is the way to go for the best melt.

📝

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

One of my favorite things about the Perfect Cheddar and Mozzarella Grilled Cheese Recipe is how easy it is to personalize. I like to toss in some fresh herbs or swapping cheeses depending on what’s in my fridge, so feel free to get creative!

Variation: Adding a thin layer of caramelized onions inside takes the sandwich to another level — sweet meets savory in the best way. I tried this one weekend, and it instantly became a new favorite.
Dietary Tip: You could try gluten-free sourdough or dairy-free butter and cheeses if needed, though the texture might shift slightly.
Extra Crunch: For a little extra texture, sprinkle some Parmesan on the outer buttered side before cooking—it crisps up gorgeously!

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

Step 1: Butter Up Every Side

The secret to that gloriously crispy crust is buttering both sides of each slice of bread. Don’t skimp—make sure every edge is covered. I usually spread a bit more on the edges to prevent any dryness and add richness right where it counts.

Step 2: Light Toast to Get Things Started

Heat up a heavy pan over medium-low heat. Pop both slices of buttered bread in, butter-side down, and toast just until they start to develop a slight crust—about a minute. This primes the bread and helps your cheese get melty faster once you flip.

Step 3: Cheese It Up

Flip one slice so the golden side is up, then pile on your freshly grated cheddar, followed by mozzarella. Top with your other slice, toasted side down, pressing gently to nestle everything together.

Step 4: Golden, Crispy, Melty Magic

Keep the heat on low to medium-low—this helps melt the cheese without burning the bread. Cook for about 3 minutes, gently pressing down with a spatula every so often. If things brown too fast, give the pan a quick break off heat.

Step 5: Flip and Finish

Carefully flip your sandwich and cook the other side for 3 minutes or until it matches that golden, crispy perfection. The cheese inside should be gooey and inviting. Trust me, the anticipation is worth it.

Step 6: Slice and Enjoy

Transfer the grilled cheese to a cutting board and slice it perfectly in half in one smooth motion. Take a moment to admire that glorious cheese pull before digging in—it’s one of my favorite parts!

Top Tip

Through dozens of grilled cheese experiments, I’ve found that the key to perfection isn’t just the cheese blend—it’s patience and heat control. Cooking low and slow keeps everything melting nicely and prevents a burnt crust.

Butter Every Side: Never forget the edges! I learned this the hard way after ending up with dry crust edges.
Freshly Grated Cheese: Skip pre-shredded cheese when you can. It just doesn’t melt the same and can be grainy.
Low Heat Cooking: Cooking slow over low-medium heat ensures crispy bread without burnt bits.
Press Gently: Press lightly with your spatula to help everything meld without squeezing the sandwich too flat.

How to Serve Perfect Cheddar and Mozzarella Grilled Cheese Recipe

cheddar mozzarella grilled cheese - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I like adding a little fresh cracked black pepper on top for a subtle kick. Sometimes I’ll sprinkle chopped fresh herbs like chives or parsley, which brighten up the richness and add a nice color contrast.

Side Dishes

A warm bowl of tomato soup is my classic side—there’s nothing quite like dipping that buttery, cheesy sandwich into a tangy, comforting broth. For something lighter, a crisp green salad with a zesty vinaigrette cuts through the richness perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For a cozy brunch or casual get-together, I sometimes cut the sandwich into bite-sized wedges and serve them on a wooden board garnished with fresh herb sprigs and a ramekin of spicy ketchup or aioli. It makes for a fun, shareable presentation that everyone loves.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, wrap your grilled cheese tightly in foil or plastic wrap and store it in the fridge. I've found it stays pretty good for up to 24 hours, though best enjoyed fresh.

Freezing

I typically don’t freeze grilled cheese sandwiches because the bread can get soggy. However, if you want to freeze, wrap well in foil and plastic wrap and reheat gently from frozen.

Reheating

My favorite way to reheat leftover grilled cheese is in a skillet on low heat again—this brings back that crisp crust while gently melting the cheese. Avoid microwaving if you can; it tends to make the bread chewy and the cheese rubbery.

Frequently Asked Questions:

What’s the best cheese combination for this grilled cheese?

I love using a mix of sharp vintage cheddar for flavor and mozzarella for meltiness and that amazing cheese pull. You can experiment with Gruyere or Monterey Jack if you like, but this combo consistently delivers great results.

Can I use a different type of bread?

Absolutely! While I recommend sourdough for its sturdy texture and nice flavor, any bread that isn’t too thick or too thin will work. Avoid breads with big holes to prevent cheese leakage.

How do I get the crust perfectly crispy without burning the bread?

Low and slow is the key. Cooking on medium-low heat and keeping an eye on the bread, pressing gently and adjusting heat as necessary prevents burning while allowing cheese to melt thoroughly.

Can I make this recipe vegan or dairy-free?

You can definitely try substituting dairy-free butter and plant-based cheese alternatives, but keep in mind that the texture and flavor will be different. Using vegan cheeses that melt well is important for a satisfying grilled cheese experience.

Final Thoughts

This Perfect Cheddar and Mozzarella Grilled Cheese Recipe is one I turn to time and again because it’s straightforward, delicious, and always hits the spot. I love sharing it with friends because it’s approachable yet feels special—just like a warm hug on a plate. Give it a try, and I promise you’ll be reaching for it again and again.