While making a basic grilled cheese is easy enough, transforming it into a gourmet delight requires some know-how and a bit of creativity.

Choose the right bread

When making a grilled cheese sandwich, choosing the right bread is key. Basic white or wheat sandwich bread works well for a classic version, while sourdough and rye bread can add more depth of flavor. Avoid thick slices of artisan bread as they tend not to cook evenly.

Get the cheese right

Grating vs. slicing

When making grilled cheese sandwiches, one of the choices you'll need is whether to grate or slice your cheese. Grating your cheese can help it melt more evenly and quickly, which results in a gooey, melted texture throughout the sandwich. Slicing your cheese, on the other hand, can create pockets of melted cheese that ooze out of the sandwich when you take a bite. Ultimately, deciding between grating or slicing your cheese depends on personal preference.

Mix and match

If you've played the game Papas Cheeseria, you'll know you can select from American, Swiss, Pepperjack and shredded cheddar. This inclusion of different cheese options mimics real-life grilled cheese sandwich customization at restaurants and eateries.

However, if you want to take your grilled cheese sandwich to the next level, you can try mixing and matching different types of cheese. Some popular combinations include cheddar with Gruyère or mozzarella, Swiss and provolone, and cheddar with pepper jack for a spicy kick.

Go beyond cheese

To enhance the flavor of your grilled cheese sandwich, consider adding sliced tomatoes, avocado, bacon, ham, sautéed mushrooms or onions, pesto or any other ingredients of your choice between or alongside the cheese slices.

Get the Right Browning

Achieving the ideal grilled cheese sandwich requires browning the bread to perfection. Use a panini press or sandwich grill for the ideal crunch and flavor. You can cook the sandwich in a skillet over medium-low heat and gently press it down with a spatula.

Butter Basics

For a perfectly crispy and golden-brown crust, spread a thin layer of softened butter on the outer sides of the bread slices. You can also use clarified butter, ghee, mayo or olive oil for a higher smoke point than regular butter.

Use medium heat

Using medium heat is essential for creating a delicious grilled cheese sandwich. This cooking method allows the cheese to melt evenly without burning the bread.