Pin My roommate came home with a jar of everything bagel seasoning and insisted we put it on literally everything that week. We were standing in the kitchen on a lazy Sunday afternoon, and she suggested coating a grilled cheese in it. I was skeptical at first, but the moment that golden crust hit the pan, the whole apartment smelled like a bagel shop had moved into our kitchen. One bite and I understood why she was so obsessed.
I've made this for my friends at least a dozen times now, and someone always asks if I'm secretly running a bakery. There's something about serving these with tomato soup on a cold afternoon that makes people feel cared for, even though you barely tried. It's become my go-to when I want to impress without stressing.
Ingredients
- Sourdough or white sandwich bread: Sourdough gives you that tanginess that plays beautifully with the savory seasoning, but regular sandwich bread works if that's what you have.
- Sharp cheddar cheese: The sharpness cuts through the richness and seasons itself. If you use mild cheddar, the sandwich feels one-dimensional.
- Unsalted butter, softened: Softened butter spreads evenly without tearing the bread, and unsalted lets the seasoning shine.
- Everything bagel seasoning: This is where all the magic happens. Look for a blend with sesame, poppy seeds, garlic, and onion flakes.
Instructions
- Butter and season your bread:
- Lay out all four slices and spread a thin layer of softened butter on one side of each. It should be even enough that the seasoning sticks but not so thick that your sandwich becomes greasy. Sprinkle the everything bagel seasoning generously on the buttered sides, pressing gently so each flake locks in.
- Build your sandwiches:
- Take two unseasoned slices and flip them seasoned-side down. Layer two slices of cheese on each one, then top with a seasoned slice, seasoning facing outward so you get that crust on both sides.
- Heat your skillet:
- Get a large nonstick skillet to medium heat. You want it hot enough that the bread starts getting golden immediately, but not so hot that the outside burns before the cheese melts.
- Cook until golden and melted:
- Place both sandwiches in the skillet and cook for 3 to 4 minutes per side, pressing down gently with your spatula halfway through. You're looking for that deep golden brown crust and the cheese oozing slightly at the edges.
- Rest and serve:
- Let them cool for just a minute so the cheese sets slightly, then slice and serve while they're still warm and crispy.
Pin There was this moment when my neighbor knocked on my door asking what that smell was, and I ended up giving her half a sandwich. She came back the next week and asked me to teach her how to make it. Now whenever we both have a rough day, we text and agree it's a grilled cheese kind of evening. Food doesn't have to be complicated to bring people together.
Variations Worth Trying
Once you nail the basic version, the fun begins. Add thin slices of tomato or caramelized onions between the cheese layers for moisture and sweetness. Try swapping cheddar for Swiss if you want something milder and more delicate, or use provolone for a nuttier flavor. Some people press a thin slice of deli ham between the cheese layers, which sounds wrong but tastes right.
Pairing and Serving Ideas
Tomato soup is the obvious choice and honestly the perfect one. A simple green salad with vinaigrette cuts through the richness beautifully and keeps the meal feeling balanced. Even a small bowl of pickles on the side adds brightness and makes the whole thing feel more intentional than it is.
Storage and Make-Ahead
These are best eaten fresh and warm, so make them to order when you're actually hungry. The bread gets tough when cold, and reheating makes them gummy rather than crispy.
- You can prep your ingredients earlier in the day so assembly takes seconds.
- If you must save one, store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a day.
- Toast it briefly in a skillet over medium heat to restore some crispness before eating.
Pin This is one of those recipes that reminds you that comfort food doesn't need to be complicated to be unforgettable. Make it for yourself on a quiet morning or for someone else on a day when they need a little warmth.
Recipe FAQ
- → What type of bread works best for this dish?
Sourdough or white sandwich bread provides the best balance of texture and flavor, holding up well to the seasoning and melting cheese.
- → Can I substitute cheeses in this preparation?
Yes, sharp cheddar is traditional, but Swiss, provolone, or mozzarella can be used for varied melt and flavor profiles.
- → How do I ensure the bread is crispy and not soggy?
Use softened butter on the outside and cook over medium heat, pressing gently, until the bread is golden and crisp on both sides.
- → What is everything bagel seasoning made from?
It's a blend of poppy seeds, sesame seeds, dried garlic, dried onion, and salt, adding a savory crunch to the bread exterior.
- → Can I add other ingredients inside for extra flavor?
Absolutely, thinly sliced tomatoes or caramelized onions complement the melted cheese and seasoning wonderfully.