The Best Bread for a Perfect Grilled Cheese Sandwich

Grilled cheese sandwiches are a beloved classic, and with so many strong opinions on how to make the perfect one, it’s clear why the debate never ends. Should you use American or Cheddar? Is butter or mayo better on the outside? No matter which side you take, one thing is certain: The bread must be durable enough to hold all that gooey cheese, get a crispy golden sear, and bring its own distinct flavor to the table.

Choosing the Perfect Bread for Your Grilled Cheese

So, what’s the best bread for grilled cheese? Here are our top three picks:

Brioche or Challah Bread 

• What it is: Brioche is a rich bread made with eggs, milk, and butter. Challah is an eggy bread made without butter that has a similar texture.
• Why it works: Brioche and challah have a dense crumb, or pattern of holes in a slice, so they are easy to spread with butter or mayo and so the melted cheese won’t drip through. The bread will also get nicely golden as it sears in the pan. Because it has a softer texture, however, it won’t get extra crisp and could burn more easily if left too long in the pan.
• Best for: Kids (and kids at heart) who prefer soft textures and mild flavors.

Rye Bread 

• What it is: Rye bread is a dark, dense whole grain bread made with rye and white flours. It has a tight crumb and pronounced tanginess. Caraway seeds are often added for flavor.
• Why it works: Cheese is rich on its own—it needs a bold partner to balance it out. The tang complements the cheese. The texture is also hearty enough to toast well. Rye bread that uses 100 percent rye flour is also safe for those with gluten sensitivities. Its plus could be a minus for some who find the flavor a bit too strong.
• Best for: Grownups who like to be a bit more daring with their grilled cheese.
  

Sourdough Bread 

• What it is: Sourdough bread uses a fermented starter instead of yeast to rise. It has a more open crumb (a bigger pattern of holes) than other breads, a crispier crust, and a tangy flavor that’s less intense than rye bread.
• Why it works: Sourdough is our winner when it comes to making a great grilled cheese. Its sturdy slices can hold up to a long sear in the pan. The crust and thorough toasting create a great crunch. Its flavor stands up to but won’t overwhelm the cheese. A downside could be the irregular holes that could make cheese drips a challenge. Look for country-style sourdoughs that have a tighter crumb.
• Best for: With the exception of kids who prefer a softer bread, sourdough will be a hit for everyone. 
  

Make It Your Own

Now that you've got your bread picked out, it's time to take your grilled cheese to the next level. Add a crispy Parmesan crust and some bacon, swap regular cheese for a blend of cream cheese and shredded cheese, or spice things up with jalapeños. You can also throw in some sliced tomatoes, pickles, or even mango chutney. Whatever you decide, make sure to butter your pan or the outside of your bread, then cook your sandwich for about 2 to 3 minutes on each side until it's perfectly golden and crispy on the outside, with melty goodness inside.