Microwave grilled cheese is the perfect lunch option when you want some melted cheese between buttered bread, and you want it fast. They're quick, simple, and oh-so-satisfying.
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Microwave grilled cheese is a great recipe for kids, college students, and those without access to a griddle or stovetop. Another great perk is that it's a great way to avoid heating up the house on a hot summer's day!
Can you make a grilled cheese in the microwave? YES! With just 15-30 seconds in the microwave, you can have hot and gooey melted cheese between soft and crispy bread. The longest part is waiting on the toaster, but it's fine because even that doesn't take more than a few short minutes!
If you love grilled cheese sandwiches, make sure to check out my Freezer Grilled Cheese, Baked Grilled Cheese, and Rainbow Grilled Cheese.
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⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ The Buzz From Readers
"This taste so good I am eating this every morning."
- Shaea
💛 Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Budget friendly. Skip expensive deli meat and condiments. A little butter and cheese go a long way, making this one of our favorite low cost sandwiches alongside Grilled Fluffernutters, Spicy Tuna Sandwiches, and Frozen Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwiches.
- Fast to make. It's much quicker than making grilled cheese on the stovetop, especially when cooking for a whole family.
- Always delicious. Use one slice of cheese or two, or swap in your favorite variety to create a sandwich that's satisfying every time.
🛒 Ingredients
Butter- You will need some softened butter or butter-like spread to apply to the bread. Cold butter won't work as well (I promise!)
Sandwich bread- Use some sliced sandwich bread for maximum convenience. We like white bread, but wheat works fine too.
Cheese slices- You can use Kraft slice singles or packaged sliced cheese. We like to pick and choose based on what we have on hand.
See the recipe card below for full ingredients and instructions.
🔀 Substitutions & Variations
Cheese and Bread Variety: Feel free to use any sliced cheese or type of bread for this recipe. Customize it to your taste preferences, whether you prefer something unique or simple.
Mayo instead of Butter: If you prefer grilled cheese with mayo instead of butter, you can try spreading mayo on the outside of the bread. If you try your sandwich this way, let me know how it turns out.
💰 Budget-Friendly Tips
Use store-brand bread and cheese: Generic sandwich bread and sliced cheese melt just as well and cost less.
Make it stretch: Pair with soup or fruit to turn a simple sandwich into a more filling meal without adding much cost.
🥄 Instructions for Microwave Grilled Cheese
Step 1: Grab two slices of sandwich bread. Place the bread in your toaster and cook until nice and golden brown.
Step 2: Remove the warm slices and spread butter on one side of each cooked slice.
Step 3: Place a slice of buttered toast, butter side down, onto a microwave-safe plate.
Step 4: Top with your sliced cheese.
Step 5: Add the remaining piece of bread, butter facing outwards.
Step 6: Microwave for 15-30 seconds until the cheese is nice and melted.
Serve warm, and enjoy!
👩🏻🍳 Expert Tips
Enhanced Texture- For a firmer texture in your grilled cheese, wrap it in a paper towel before microwaving to absorb excess moisture and retain crispness.
❄️ Storage, Reheating & Make Ahead
Storage: This Microwave Grilled Cheese is best eaten fresh and is not ideal for storing once assembled.
Reheating: If needed, reheat briefly in the microwave for 10-15 seconds, but texture will soften.
Make Ahead: You can pre-slice cheese and keep bread ready, but assemble just before eating for best results.
🥗 Side Dishes or Pairing Ideas
You can serve your Microwave Grilled Cheese with any of your favorite lunch side dishes like potato chips, fresh fruits, or cut vegetables. We like to serve this grilled cheese sandwich with anything that we have on hand. (Usually strawberries and grapes).
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❓ Microwave Grilled Cheese FAQs
Yes, if you don't want to use butter or a butter spread you can use mayo in its place. You can even omit this step entirely. One of my kids prefers to just have bread and cheese.
Records show grilled cheese or melted cheese sandwiches being available for purchase in restaurants around the early 1900s.
Grilled cheese tastes great with itself on its own, fresh-cut veggies like broccoli baby carrots, or soups. Soups like tomato, chili, or even chowders can be great side dishes.
🍽️ More Recipes You'll Love
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🐝 If you tried this Microwave Grilled Cheese, please leave a ⭐️ star rating and share your buzz in the 💬 comments below. I'd truly appreciate it!
📖 Recipe
Microwave Grilled Cheese
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 slices sandwich bread - ($0.12)
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, softened - ($0.12)
- 2 slices cheddar cheese - ($0.38)
Instructions
- Toast the bread. Toast the bread slices until golden brown.
- Butter the bread. Immediately spread the butter on one side of each slice while warm.
- Assemble the sandwich. Place the cheese on the unbuttered side of one slice, then top with the second slice, buttered sides facing outward.
- Melt the cheese. Place the sandwich on a microwave-safe plate and microwave for 15 to 30 seconds, until the cheese is melted.
- Serve. Serve warm.
Notes
- Microwaving tip. Wrap the sandwich in a paper towel while microwaving to absorb moisture and help keep it crisp.
- Butter swap. Mayonnaise can be used in place of butter if preferred.
- Timing. Microwave times vary. If needed, continue heating in 10-second intervals until the cheese is fully melted.
Nutritional Information
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Stacy morris says
Very good . I love toasted cheese 😊😊
Shaea says
This taste so good I am eating this every morning
Nicole says
I'm so glad you like it ☺️