Save The first time I made everything bagel seasoning at home, I ended up putting it on toast, then eggs, then secretly considered whether it would work on chocolate. That is how I discovered this grilled cheese. My roommate walked into the kitchen, smelled the butter toasting with the seasoning, and immediately demanded I make two. Now it is the only way we eat grilled cheese in our apartment. The crunch is exactly what the classic version has been missing all these years.
I made these for my sister last winter when she was recovering from surgery and too tired to cook anything elaborate. She took one bite, set the sandwich down, and texted her husband to buy everything bagel seasoning on his way home from work. Something about the combination of sharp cheddar and that savory crunch just hits different when you are worn out and need real comfort food. Now she calls them her recovery sandwiches.
Ingredients
- 4 slices sourdough or white sandwich bread: Sourdough gives you a nice sturdy base that will not get soggy, but white bread works beautifully if you want something softer and more nostalgic
- 4 slices sharp cheddar cheese: Sharp cheddar melts perfectly and has enough flavor to stand up to the bold seasoning, though Swiss or provolone are excellent if you prefer something milder
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened: Softened butter spreads evenly without tearing the bread and helps the seasoning stick, creating that gorgeous golden crust
- 2 tablespoons everything bagel seasoning: This is the star of the show, so do not be shy with it, the seasoning needs to coat the butter generously for maximum crunch
Instructions
- Prep the bread:
- Lay out all your slices and spread a thin layer of softened butter on one side of each piece, making sure to cover the entire surface right to the edges
- Add the seasoning:
- Sprinkle the everything bagel seasoning generously over the buttered side, pressing down gently with your fingers so it really adheres and will not fall off during cooking
- Build the sandwiches:
- Flip two slices over, pile two slices of cheese on each, then top with the remaining bread slices, seasoned side facing out so the seasoning makes direct contact with the pan
- Get the pan ready:
- Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium heat for a couple of minutes until it is evenly hot but not smoking
- Grill to perfection:
- Carefully place the sandwiches in the pan and cook for about three to four minutes on the first side, pressing down gently with your spatula, until the bottom is deep golden and the cheese starts melting
- Flip and finish:
- Flip the sandwiches carefully and cook another three to four minutes on the second side until the bread is crispy all over and the cheese is completely melted
Save These grilled cheese sandwiches have become my go-to when friends come over for movie night because everyone gets excited about them but nobody feels like I made anything complicated. Last month my friend Sarah took a photo of hers before she even took a bite because the seasoning looked so beautiful toasted in the butter. Then she made me write down the recipe on a napkin before she left.
Choosing the Right Bread
Sourdough is my personal favorite because it holds up well to the pressing and flipping, and its tanginess plays nicely with the savory seasoning. White bread gives you that nostalgic childhood grilled cheese vibe but upgraded. Avoid super thick artisan bread because the cheese will not melt all the way through before the outside burns.
Cheese Variations That Work
Sharp cheddar is classic for a reason, but I have found some amazing combinations playing around with different cheeses. Provolone adds a mild creaminess, Swiss brings that nutty flavor, and mozzarella creates the most insane cheese pull. Mix two cheeses together for something truly special.
Perfect Pairings
These sandwiches are rich enough to stand on their own, but a bowl of tomato soup makes it feel like a proper meal. A simple green salad with vinaigrette cuts through the butter nicely. I have also served them alongside potato soup or just some pickles when I want something lighter.
- Classic tomato soup creates that perfect dunking situation
- A crisp side salad balances out the richness
- Apple slices on the side add a fresh, sweet contrast
Save These are everything a grilled cheese should be, crispy, cheesy, and somehow even more satisfying than the original. Once you try them this way, regular grilled cheese just will not hit the same spot.