The Ultimate Melty Sourdough Grilled Cheese Sandwich

Want to take your grilled cheese to the next level? This golden brown, crispy, gooey, sourdough grilled cheese is gourmet to a whole new level!

This post contains affiliate links. I may make a small commission on sales at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I make a small commission on sales.

You may think that the grilled cheese sandwich is simple, but, let me tell you, when you make it on fresh sourdough bread with high quality ingredients takes this beloved classic to a whole new level! It truly is the best grilled cheese sandwich!

Why does Sourdough Bread make the Ultimate Grilled Cheese?

Artisan sourdough bread has a delightfully crispy crust and is packed with tangy flavor for the most delicious grilled cheese you’ve ever had! The ultimate comfort food!

Sourdough bread also holds up so well when filled with melty cheese because of its sturdy texture.

In my humble opinion, sourdough bread makes the best grilled cheese sandwiches!

Ingredients to make this recipe

Although this recipe uses simple ingredients, the quality of those ingredients will make all of the difference!

• Loaf of Sourdough Artisan Bread – You will need 2 slices of sourdough bread. I use my EASIEST SOURDOUGH ARTISAN BREAD RECIPE for a same day tangy sourdough loaf that is quick and is an easy recipe to make. This is my favorite sourdough bread recipe in a pinch.
• Cheese – This is where you can get super fancy! Use any types of cheese you prefer from sharp cheddar cheese, swiss cheese, pepper jack, american cheese, to brie cheese and blue cheese. I prefer a combination of cheeses for the most flavor. Aged cheeses work particularly well!
• Butter – It’s important to use a high quality butter that is flavorful. Using the right butter really does make a difference in the end result of this cheese sandwich. For the very best results, use a grass fed butter.
• Optional add-ins -This is where is gets gourmet! There are endless combinations and toppings you can add to your grilled cheese sandwiches to give them extra flavor. Just to name a few of our favorites: Grilled Zucchini slices, Tomato slices, Romaine Lettuce, Grilled Onions and Mushrooms, etc..You get the point, use your imagination and take this humble sandwich to the next level!

Shop this post

For the perfect crust, I highly recommend using a CAST IRON SKILLET. I use a 10.25 inch cast iron skillet for these sandwiches, however a griddle would work very well, also!

To make a crusty loaf of sourdough bread, consider using a CAST IRON DUTCH OVEN

If you want to take the bread to the next level, consider using fresh milled flour! To mill my own wheat berries, I use the NUTRIMILL GRAIN MILL

How to make the ULTIMATE GRILLED CHEESE SANDWICH

There is a good grilled cheese and a great grilled cheese sandwich, and in my opinion, the bread makes all the difference!

Make the bread

The first step to making this recipe is to make a loaf of tangy sourdough bread. I recommend using my EASIEST SOURDOUGH ARTISAN BREAD RECIPE. Of course, you can use your favorite sourdough loaf for this sandwich.

To make this recipe, mix 1 1/2 cups water, 1 cup of sourdough starter, 3 1/2-4 cups of flour, and 1 1/2 teaspoons of salt in a large mixing bowl.

Mix well until no dry flour remains.

Take a banneton basket or medium colander and line it with a tea towel. Generously flour the towel.

Turn the dough onto a lightly floured work surface and shape into a ball by lifting up on the corners of the dough and folding them into the center of the dough.

Turn the dough over and drag against the table to build surface tension.

Add the ball of dough, seam side up, to the colander or banneton basket.

Cover and let rise for 4-6 hours.

You will know it is ready to bake when an indention made with your finger stays in the dough. If it springs back quickly, cover and allow to rise a little longer.

Preheat your oven with the Dutch oven inside to 450 degrees F.

Take a piece of parchment paper and turn the dough, seam side down on the paper. Take a sharp knife or razor blade and slice the top of the dough.

Place very carefully into the Dutch oven, place the lid on and bake for 20 minutes.

Take the lid off and continue to bake for 10-15 minutes or until golden brown.

Allow to cool completely before slicing.

Make this grilled cheese recipe

Slice the cheese to your desired thickness and any other veggies you are adding onto the sandwich.

Take 2 thick slices of your sourdough artisan bread and spread 1-2 tsp of softened butter on each piece.

Place one slice, butter side down, into a cast-iron skillet on a burner.

Top this slice with the cheese and any other toppings (except lettuce). I like to sprinkle some garlic powder on top:)

Add the second slice of bread, butter side up.

Turn the burner on 3-4 or medium-low heat.

Let cook until the first side is golden brown, about 4-5 minutes, then carefully turn the sandwich and allow to cook for another 2-3 minutes until golden brown and crispy.

Serve warm and enjoy!

Variations

Try adding fig jam and goat cheese for a delicious grilled cheese sandwich with a sweet punch. The 2 ingredients make the perfect match, especially for a summer time sandwich combo.

Serving Suggestions

Serve along side a bowl of tomato soup for a classic combination.

Grill up some veggies on the side slathered in garlic butter!