April 12 is National Grilled Cheese Sandwich Day—as if we needed a reason to celebrate melty, crispy, golden perfection. Whether you’re cooking it over a campfire, in a cast iron skillet, or on your stovetop at home, a grilled cheese done right is pure comfort food magic.
And lucky for you, we’ve got the tips (and tools) to take it from basic to unforgettable. Let’s make the kind of grilled cheese that earns happy silence after the first bite.
Step 1: Start with the Right Bread 🍞
Not all bread is created equal. Skip the flimsy sandwich slices and go for something sturdy like:
-
Sourdough (tangy + chewy = yes)
-
Country white or rustic Italian
-
Thick-cut artisan loaf with a crispy crust
You want something that holds its shape, crisps up beautifully, and supports all that melty goodness inside.
Step 2: Don’t Skimp on the Cheese 🧀
This is not the time for single slices of processed cheese. Aim for bold flavor and melt factor. A few crowd-pleasing combos:
-
Sharp cheddar + mozzarella
-
Gruyère + caramelized onions
-
Pepper jack + a little hot honey
-
Fontina + roasted mushrooms
Pro tip: Shred your cheese or slice it thin so it melts evenly and quickly.
Step 3: Butter the Bread (Not the Pan) 🧈
Here’s the trick: spread a thin, even layer of softened butter on the outside of each bread slice. Want to go next-level? Mix in a bit of garlic powder or a sprinkle of herbs into your butter.
If you’re cooking over fire, this step makes all the difference between golden and burnt.
Step 4: Use Cast Iron for That Crispy Finish 🔥
Want that crispy, evenly toasted crust and gooey interior? Cast iron’s your best friend.
The MWTP Cast Iron Skillet holds heat beautifully and creates that perfect golden crunch every grilled cheese deserves.
Set it over steady coals or medium heat, press gently with your spatula, and let each side cook for 2–3 minutes until it’s golden and the cheese is melted all the way through.
Step 5: Add Some Magic (Optional, but Highly Recommended) ✨
This is where you can get creative:
-
Add a layer of bacon or prosciutto
-
Swipe on some tomato jam, pesto, or hot sauce inside
-
Toss in leftover pulled pork or sautéed mushrooms for serious wow-factor
Keep it simple or stack it up—either way, it’s still grilled cheese.
Step 6: Slice with Confidence 🔪
That first slice is the moment of truth. Use a solid, sharp knife like the Special Edition Cleaver to cut through your sandwich cleanly without squishing it.
Listen for the crunch, watch the cheese pull, and prepare to feel very proud of yourself.
Grilled cheese may be simple, but when it’s done right, it’s the kind of meal you remember. This National Grilled Cheese Sandwich Day, keep it cozy, keep it crispy, and most of all—make it your own.
🔥 Need the tools? Shop our fire-friendly cast iron and outdoor gear at Men With The Pot.
