Grilled cheese is a favorite comfort food for many: warm, gooey and satisfyingly crispy. But did you know that the type of bread you use for your grilled cheese sandwich can make it delicious or ruin it? Read on to find out the best bread for grilled cheese.

How to Make the Perfect Grilled Cheese
Although the majority of expert chefs consider cheese as the most important ingredient for an exceptional grilled cheese.
Bread is the unsung hero of grilled cheese sandwiches as it brings the essential textural contrast to the melty cheese, which should be a well chewy with an ideal slightly crispy exterior. So, whatever type of cheese you prefer, cheddar, American cheese or Swiss Gruyere, it’s ultimately a matter of taste. Conversely, bread must have special properties to make a great grilled cheese sandwich. Here are some of the points you should focus on when choosing which bread to use:
- Texture: Bread texture is crucial as it impacts on every bite and the overall experience. Choose a bread that can hold up to the cheese without getting too soggy. sourdough and ciabatta are great examples.
- Flavor: Although the cheese is the star, the bread can affect the flavor. Look for bread that pairs perfectly with the flavor of the cheese used. A tangy bread like sourdough can complement sharp cheeses, while sweeter bread like French brioche goes well with milder cheeses.
- Structure: Bread holds the sandwich together as it needs to be sturdy enough to withstand the heat and prevent the cheese from leaking.
Best Bread For Grilled Cheese Sandwich
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 that enhance the richness of the cheese with a subtle touch of acidity. Pair your sourdough with cheeses like mozzarella, cheddar, or halloumi for a flavorful and hearty sandwich.
Brioche

With its buttery flavor and soft, tender crumb, brioche transforms any humble grilled cheese sandwich into a gourmet experience. This rich, slightly sweet bread creates a delightful balance with melted cheese, giving each mouthful a touch of sweetness. Look for creamy cheeses like brie or aged cheeses like gruyere for a touch of sophistication, and try adding a touch of honey or sliced apple to enhance the sweet taste of the bread.
White Bread

One of the most popular types of white bread for grilled cheese sandwiches and heavily used in classic American grilled cheese. With a light, fluffy texture that holds up well when grilled and a neutral flavor that allows the cheese to shine through, white bread is an excellent choice for pairing with all types of cheese, offering a familiar and kid-friendly taste.
Challah Bread

Apart from its braided shape, which adds a touch of elegance to any platter, a rich, sweet flavor and a soft, tender crumb are a great features for any classic sandwich. When grilled, the sliced challah becomes golden in color and develops a satisfying crunch that complements the melted cheese beautifully. Consider pairing your challah slices with brie, fontina, havarti, or sharp cheddar cheese, which all work wonderfully with it.
Ciabatta

Chewy, rustic texture that holds up well to the melting cheese without becoming soggy, slightly tangy flavor that complements the richness of cheese, and irregular, open crumb thank to the use of biga starter in its dough, are the perfect combination for making the best grilled cheese.
Whether you make a grilled cheese sandwich with a layer of buttery cheeses or topped with additions like prosciutto, ciabatta bread offers a truly indulgent experience.
Focaccia

Focaccia stuffed with herbs and oil gives grilled cheese a Mediterranean twist and makes it flavorful. As the most types of Italian bread, its large, open crumb structure captures melted cheese beautifully while its thin, tender crust offer a slightly crispiness without overwhelming the filling.
Baguette

When you looking for the best grilled cheese sandwich in a sandwich makers, a baguette is a good option to choose. Its crisp, crunchy exterior easily withstands heat and becomes incredibly crispy when grilled, while its elongated shape allows for generous layering of cheese, filling each bite with gooey cheese pleasure. Baguette go well with various cheeses, especially French ones ( Camembert, gruyere, brie, raclette), even better, you can make your own baguette with this easy baguette recipe.
Whole Wheat Bread

One of the best ways to make a gourmet grilled cheese both filling and nutritious is to experiment with fiber-rich breads, such as whole wheat or bran bread. Its hearty, fiber-rich texture adds healthy nutrients to the sandwich, while its subtle nutty flavor complements the richness of the melted cheese. The crunch and nutritional benefits of whole wheat 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.
Multigrain Bread

Another great option for a healthy grilled cheese that is packed with fiber, vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients that can help you control your cholesterol levels, weight, and blood pressure, as mentioned in this article. Pair multigrain bread with a bold or blue cheese such as Gorgonzola, as it can withstand complex flavors and tangy aromas, and balance the overall taste.
Rye Bread

Compared to some other breads, the dense, dark texture of rye bread holds up well on the grill, develops a golden brown crust that creating a crispy exterior, while the seeds on top add a distinctive flavor profile and a pleasing crunch. Its hearty, slightly tangy, nutty flavor goes perfectly with nutty and creamy cheeses.
Pumpernickel Bread

Fan of smoky, spicy cheeses or Alpine varieties such as Provolone, Emmentaler and Pepper Jack? If so, the strong sweet taste of Pumpernickel bread is your go-to choice for adding a nutty, earthy aroma to your classic grilled cheese experience.
Croissant

Not only do the flaky layers of the French croissant crisp up beautifully, they also turn golden when toasted, giving them a crisp appearance with a hint of sweetness that pairs perfectly with the gooey melted cheese, making them excellent sandwiches for breakfast or brunch. Note, it is recommended not to put too much cheese as it may make it difficult to close and may also prevent it from toasting evenly.
Bagels

With their ring shapes, chewy crumbs, and finely crisp crusts, most types of bagels provide a solid base for a grilled cheese sandwich that holds their shape well, making them especially useful when using multiple cheeses and fillings. Their holes allow grated cheese to melt more thoroughly, resulting in a pure gooey mouthful all the way through.