There’s something magical about the gooey, melty cheese hugging perfectly toasted bread that makes the Ultimate Cheddar and Mozzarella Grilled Cheese Recipe a forever favorite. This isn’t just any grilled cheese—it’s the comforting hug of two cheeses that melt together like a dream, with crispy sourdough edges that make each bite irresistible.

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 Ultimate Cheddar and Mozzarella Grilled Cheese Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Ultimate Cheddar and Mozzarella Grilled Cheese Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Ultimate Cheddar and Mozzarella Grilled Cheese Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

When I first mastered this Ultimate Cheddar and Mozzarella Grilled Cheese Recipe, it instantly became my go-to comfort food. Between the perfect cheese combo and that golden crust, it’s so satisfying — plus, it’s simple enough for any day of the week.

Perfect Cheese Balance: Combines the creamy stretch of mozzarella with sharp cheddar’s bold flavor for max deliciousness.
Simple Ingredients: Easy pantry staples come together to elevate your grilled cheese game effortlessly.
Crispy, Golden Bread: Butter every edge for that crunch that contrasts beautifully with melty cheese inside.
Quick to Make: Ready in just about 10 minutes—perfect for a no-fuss lunch or snack.

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

This grilled cheese thrives because each ingredient does exactly what it should: melt, crisp, and flavor perfectly. Choosing the right bread and cheese really sets the foundation, and using real butter seals the deal for that golden crust.

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 like it around 1.3cm thick—substantial enough to hold cheese but still melts beautifully without overpowering.
Salted butter: Spreading it on all sides locks in a crisp, golden texture and adds rich flavor—don’t skimp!
Vintage cheddar cheese: Offers a sharper, nuttier taste that cuts through mozzarella’s mild creaminess.
Mozzarella cheese: Gives you that dreamy, stretchy cheese pull and melts evenly without greasiness.

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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 love mixing things up depending on what cheese I have or what mood I’m in—and you should too! This Ultimate Cheddar and Mozzarella Grilled Cheese Recipe is like a blank canvas, so get creative and make it uniquely yours.

Variation: Once, I added caramelized onions and it instantly transformed the sandwich into something next-level—sweetness paired beautifully with the salty cheeses.
Dietary tweak: Try a gluten-free sourdough if you’re avoiding gluten; it still crisped up nicely when I tested it out!
Seasonal twist: Summer pesto spread on inside the bread before adding cheese gives freshness and herbal zip.

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

Step 1: Butter Every Side Like You Mean It

This part is key—slather salted butter on all four sides of each bread slice. I used to just butter one side, but covering every bit means the crust crisps up golden all around, giving you that satisfying crunch in every bite. Don’t rush it!

Step 2: Warm Up Your Bread First

Pop the bread slices butter-side down into a dry skillet over medium-low heat. Let them lightly toast for a minute until just starting to brown. This little trick helps create a stronger crust and gives your cheese a warm head start on melting once you add it.

Step 3: Layer Up the Cheese Goodness

Flip just one slice, then pile on the freshly grated vintage cheddar first—it adds that sharp kick—then top with mozzarella for that stretchy melt. Close it up with the other slice, toasted side down on the cheese.

Step 4: Get Golden, Press Gently, and Patience Is Key

Cook the sandwich for about 3 minutes, pressing lightly with a spatula now and then for even browning. If the bread browns too fast, just lift it off heat briefly and lower the flame. You want that perfect golden crust without burning.

Step 5: Flip and Finish Strong

Turn your sandwich over and cook the other side another 3 minutes. By now, the cheese should be happily melted and oozing inside. Pull the pan off the heat and transfer to cutting board.

Step 6: Admire That Cheese Pull and Enjoy

Cut your sandwich swiftly in half so you get that beautiful cheese pull everyone loves. There’s nothing quite as satisfying as that slow, stretchy string of melted cheese encouraging you to take that first bite!

Top Tip

Over the years, I’ve tried lots of grilled cheese tweaks, and mastering the heat level and butter coverage made the biggest difference. Here are the gems that will help you make the ultimate grilled cheese every time.

Butter All Around: Don’t just butter the outside; get those edges! This creates extra crunch and seals the sandwich.
Medium-Low Heat: Slow and steady melts your cheese inside without burning the bread outside—a lesson learned from my early burned attempts.
Freshly Grated Cheese: Pre-grate your own cheese to avoid anti-caking agents that can mess with melting quality.
Patience Is Key: Press down gently but avoid squashing—the cheese needs space to melt evenly without the sandwich turning into mush.

How to Serve Ultimate Cheddar and Mozzarella Grilled Cheese Recipe

Garnishes

I like to add a few crunchy pickles or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes on top for a little zing. Sometimes a touch of fresh basil leaves gives it a surprising fresh bite that pairs wonderfully.

Side Dishes

A classic tomato soup is my ultimate sidekick—it’s the nostalgic comfort combo we all crave. Crispy oven-roasted potatoes or a bright green salad with vinaigrette also balance out the richness perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like cutting the grilled cheese into bite-sized triangles arranged around a small bowl of spicy ketchup or garlic aioli for dipping. It’s such a fun finger food for parties or movie nights!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, I wrap them tightly in foil or parchment paper and store in the fridge for up to one day. The sandwich will soften a bit but still tastes great when reheated carefully.

Freezing

I’ve tried freezing these grilled cheese sandwiches wrapped well in plastic film and foil. They freeze okay but I recommend eating fresh if you can—the texture is best when made fresh but frozen ones are fine reheated thoughtfully.

Reheating

To keep the crust crisp and cheese melty on leftovers, I reheat in a skillet over low heat or in a toaster oven. Avoid the microwave unless you want a soggy sandwich—trust me, I’ve been there!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use other types of bread besides sourdough for the Ultimate Cheddar and Mozzarella Grilled Cheese Recipe?

Yes! While I prefer sourdough for its texture and flavor, you can use any bread as long as it’s not too thick or soft. Something like whole wheat, rye, or a nice sandwich loaf also works well.

What’s the best way to get that perfect cheese melt without greasy mess?

Using freshly grated cheese is key since pre-shredded cheeses often contain additives that affect melting. Also, combining mozzarella with a stronger-flavored cheese like cheddar balances melt and flavor without excess grease.

How do I avoid burning the bread while making this grilled cheese?

Cook on medium-low heat and be patient—don’t rush! Press gently with your spatula and if the bread’s browning too quickly, lift the pan off heat briefly and lower the flame. This slow approach crisps the bread without burning.

Can I add extras like tomatoes or bacon to the Ultimate Cheddar and Mozzarella Grilled Cheese Recipe?

Absolutely! I’ve added caramelized onions, sliced tomatoes, and crispy bacon with great success. Just keep in mind extra fillings can affect how the sandwich cooks, so adjust your cooking time and press gently to keep the sandwich intact.

Final Thoughts

Making this Ultimate Cheddar and Mozzarella Grilled Cheese Recipe has literally changed how I think about grilled cheese—it’s no longer just a quick snack but a little celebration on a plate. Once you’ve nailed that golden crust and perfect cheese pull, you’ll see why it’s worth the love and attention. Trust me, you’re going to want to make this again and again!