Grilled cheese are the ultimate comfort food loved by many: warm, gooey and satisfyingly crispy. But did you know that the type of bread you choose can succeed or fail your sandwich? The key to making the perfect grilled cheese isn’t just about melted cheese but also in finding the right slices of bread to balance the flavors and texture.
Whether you prefer the classic white bread, the sourness bite in sourdough or the richness of brioche, each bread type brings something unique to your sandwich. That’s why I’ve put together the best bread for grilled cheese, with a recipe for each bread type to take your simple dish to another level of deliciousness. Ready to discover your new favorite bread for grilled cheese? Let’s explore the tastiest option!
Classic Bread for Grilled Cheese
Sourdough Bread
Sourdough bread is top choice for grilled cheese lovers, thanks to its crispy crust, airy and open crumb that perfectly absorbs melted cheese. Its signature tangy flavor adds a unique depth, enhancing the richness of the cheese with a subtle touch of acidity. Pair sourdough with cheeses like mozzarella, gouda, cheddar or halloumi for a sandwich that’s both flavorful and satisfying. With this types of cheeses and a fresh slices of sourdough, your grilled cheese can reach a a new level of deliciousness, blending creamy and tangy flavors in every bite.
Try this recipe: Spread 1 smashed avocado on two sourdough slices, drizzle with a mix of 2 tbsp honey, 1 tbsp chopped mint and dill. Add 5 oz halloumi slices and 1 tbsp nigella seeds. Brush your slices with olive oil, grill for 3-4 mins each side until golden and melty. Serve warm.
Brioche
With its buttery flavor and soft; tender crumb, brioche transforms the humble grilled cheese into a gourmet experience. This rich, slightly sweet bread creates a delightful balance with melted cheese, making each bite savory with a hint of sweetness. Brioche pairs wonderfully with creamy cheeses like brie or Aged cheeses like gruyère, adding a touche of sophistication to any grilled cheese sandwich. For delicious twist, try adding a hint of honey or thinly sliced apples to your bread grilled cheese to enhance its natural sweetness.
Rеlatеd: What is a Brioche?
Try this recipe: Butter one side of 4 brioche slices; place two slices, butter-side down, on a preheated skillet. Layer with grated gouda, 6 ham slices, thin apple slices, and the remaining gouda. Top with the other two brioche slices, butter-side up. Grill for 3-4 minutes per side until golden and melty. Drizzle with 2 tbsp hot honey and sprinkle with 1 tbsp fresh thyme before serving.
White Bread
White bread is the most popular bread for classic American grilled cheese especially for its light, soft, texture that crips-up beautifully when grilled. Its neutral, milk flavor allow the cheese to shine, making it versatile for any cheese types you prefer. The soft, comforting texture wraps melted cheese in a warm, golden crust that delivers a familiar, kid-friendly taste, making it an ideal choice for the perfect nostalgic grilled cheese sandwich. For more white bread options, see this article.
Try this recipe: Butter one side of 2 white bread slices with 1 tbsp salter butter. Place a one, in a preheated skillet over medium heat. Layer with 2 slices of you choice of American sharp cheddar, Monterey jack, or Swiss cheese. Top with the second slice, butter-side up. Grill each side for 3-4 minutes, until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted. Serve hot.
Challah Bread
With its rich, slightly sweet flavor and firm, rich, buttery texture, challah adds a little extra panache to the classic cheese. Thanks to its richness in eggs and oil, which create a deliciously soft and buttery texture that complements the beautifully melted cheese. Its woven shape give the plate a touch of elegance, making it the best grilled cheese bread when you want a look that matches its taste.
Try this recipe: Butter one side of 4 challah slices. Spread 1 Tbsp apricot preserves on the other side, layer with brie, sautéed shallots, a sprinkle of cardamon, ground pepper, honey and arugula. Top with remaining slices, butter-side-up, and grill 3-4mins per side until golden and melty. Serve warm.
Ciabatta
Ciabatta, With its soft, tender texture and unique tangy flavor, thanks to the use of Biga starter, adds a nice twist to grilled cheese. Its irregular, open crumb holds melted cheese beautifully, creating a perfect balance between the crispy crust and gooey melted cheese. Whether you enjoy your ciabatta grilled cheese with a layer of buttered cheese or topped with gourmet additions like prosciutto, ciabatta is a truly indulgent experience that’s sure to delight your senses.
Related: What is Ciabatta?
Try this recipe: Drizzle 1 tbsp olive oil on one side of each ciabatta slice. Layer two slices with 5 oz smoked gouda, 8 slices prosciutto, and 10 asparagus spears, then top with the remaining cheese and close with the other ciabatta slices, oiled side up. Grill in a preheated pan for 3-4 minutes per side until golden and melty. Season with salt and pepper, slice, and serve warm.
Focaccia
Herb-infused focaccia with olive brings a Mediterranean twist to grilled cheese, elevating it with unmatched aroma and flavor. Its large, open crumb structure captures melted cheese beautifully while the thin, tender crust provide a satisficing amount of crispiness without overwhelming the filling. This soft, chewy Italian bread type is perfect for holding both soft and granular cheese, making each mouthful a delicious combination of savory, salty, and cheesy goodness.
Try this recipe: On each half of two focaccias, spread 2 tablespoons of garlic tomato paste. Top with 4 tablespoons ricotta, roasted red pepper, tomato slices, mozzarella, Parmesan and basil. Close with the other half of the focaccia, drizzle with olive oil and grill in a skillet until golden and melted, 3-4 minutes per side. Slice and serve warm.
Baguette
When you want a gourmet grilled cheese in a sandwich press, a baguette is one of the best option to choose. Its crackly, crunchy exterior hold up to heat, while the elongated shape allow cheeses to be layered generously, filling every bite with gooey goodness. In addition, Baguette pairs well with various types of cheese especially French cheeses like Camembert, gruyere, brie as well as raclette, offering satisfying flavors in a crisp, artisanal package.
Try this recipe: Slice a baguette in half lengthwise, spread sun-dried tomato pesto on one side and artichoke lemon pesto on the other. Layer with 2 slices of gruyère or raclette cheese and top with 1 tbsp fresh arugula. Close the baguette, brush the outside with olive oil, and grill in a preheated skillet over medium heat for 3-4 minutes per side until golden and melty. Slice and serve warm.
Healthier Bread or Grilled Cheese
Multigrain Bread
Multigrain bread is a great option for a healthier grilled cheese, offering a hearty combination of grains and seeds that boost sandwich’s nutritional value. The satisfying crunch and nutty flavor of the bread complements the gooey melted cheese beautifully, especially when paired with bold choices like gorgonzola or other blue cheese types for a healthy yet luxurious touch.
Try this recipe: Butter one side of 4 whole-grain bread slices. On the unbuttered side of two slices, spread 2 tbsp spinach basil pesto, layer with 2 slices of creamy Havarti, and add 2/3 cup sliced artichoke hearts with a pinch of sea salt. Close with remaining bread, buttered side up, and grill in a skillet over medium heat for 3-4 minutes per side until golden and melty. Slice and serve hot.
Whole Wheat Bread
One of the best ways to make a sandwich recipe both filling and nutritious is to experiment with fiber-rich breads, such as whole wheat. Its earthy flavor and hearty, fiber-rich texture add a wholesome dimension to the sandwich, and its natural nuttiness complements the rich flavors of the melted cheese. The crunch and nutritional benefits of whole grain bread go well with mild cheeses such as Brie and Camembert, making it an excellent option for a healthier grilled cheese with a balanced flavor profile.
Try this recipe: Mix 2 oz softened cream cheese with 1/4 cup fresh blueberries and 1 tbsp honey. Spread on one slice of whole wheat bread, top with 2 slices of muenster, and close with the second slice. Melt 1 tbsp butter in a skillet over medium heat, grill the sandwich for 3-4 minutes per side until golden and melty, adding more butter as needed. Let cool slightly, slice, and enjoy!
Rye Bread
Rye bread brings a unique, earthy flavor to grilled cheese, and its firm crumb creates a satisfying crunch on the outside while remaining soft and chewy on the inside. Its hearty, slightly tangy flavor pairs well with nutty and creamy cheeses, making it the best bread for grilled cheeses with a variety of cheeses such as nutty Swiss, cottage cheese and Camembert.
Try this recipe: Butter one side of 8 rye bread slices. On the unbuttered sides of 4 slices, spread fig jam, layer with 6 oz Gruyère or Comté, 4 oz cheddar, and 2 slices of prosciutto. Top with remaining bread, buttered side out, and grill in a skillet over medium heat for 3-4 minutes per side until golden and melty. Let cool slightly, slice, and serve warm with extra fig jam for dipping.
Pumpernickel Bread
Pumpernickel bread offers a unique bold, earth sweetness to grilled cheese, thanks to its molasses flavor and distinctive dark color, which makes for eye-catching presentation. Its robust taste pairs excellently with smoky or spicy cheeses like Pepper Jack and Provolone, while Alpine varieties like Emmentaler add a nutty, savory note that complements the pumpernickel’s sweetness.
Try this recipe: Butter one side of 8 pumpernickel slices. Spread 2 tsp Dijon mustard on the unbuttered side of 4 slices, then layer with 2 folded slices of Emmentaler and dill pickle slices. Top with remaining bread, buttered side out, and grill in a skillet over medium heat for 3-4 minutes per side until golden and melty. Let cool slightly, slice, and serve warm.
Unusual Bread for Grilled Cheese
Croissant
In addition to crisping up beautifully, the flaky layers inside the French croissant peel away and turn golden brown when grilled, forming crunchy layers with a hint of sweetness that perfectly complement gooey melted cheese, making it ideal for brunch or breakfast sandwiches. To enjoy this French-inspired treat, pair it with cheddar, Gruyère, or Swiss cheese and a cup of coffee for a satisfying start to the day.
Try this recipe: Cut 2 croissants in half and fill with a mixture of 1/4 cup sharp white cheddar, 2 tbsp Parmesan, and 1 tbsp chopped basil. Brush the outsides with olive oil and grill in a skillet over medium heat for 3-4 minutes per side, pressing gently, until golden and melty. Let cool slightly, slice, and enjoy warm.
Bagels
With their ring shape, fine crumb and soft texture, most types of bagels provide a solid base for grilled cheese, creating a crispy exterior with a satisfyingly soft, chewy center. Their holes allow the cheese to melt more thoroughly, providing a pure gooey bite all the way through.
Try this recipe: Slice a bagel in half and spread each half with 1/2 oz cream cheese, then sprinkle 1/3 cup grated cheddar over one side. Close the bagel, melt 1 tbsp butter in a skillet over medium heat, and cook the bagel for 3-4 minutes per side until golden and melty. Slice and enjoy warm.
