• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
BeeyondCereal
  • Recipes
  • Summer Recipes
  • Resources
  • About
  • Subscribe
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Recipes
  • Summer Recipes
  • Resources
  • About
  • Subscribe
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • Recipes
    • Summer Recipes
    • Resources
    • About
    • Subscribe
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • ×
    • a wooden spoon scooping into apple pie baked beans.
      Apple Pie Baked Beans
    • spoon holding a scoop of caramel over a jar.
      10 Minute Salted Caramel Sauce
    • strawberry blueberry shortcake with fresh fruit and homemade whipped cream.
      Strawberry Blueberry Shortcake
    • plates topped with strawberry blueberry pancakes, fresh berries, and whipped cream.
      Strawberry Blueberry Pancakes
    • a red bowl filled with apple berry salsa on a plate of cinnamon sugar chips.
      Apple Berry Salsa
    • a strawberry blueberry parfait garnished with a mint leaf.
      Strawberry Blueberry Parfait
    • a bowl of strawberry blueberry fruit salad.
      Strawberry Blueberry Fruit Salad
    • sourdough bagels on a wire cooling rack.
      Sourdough Discard Bagels
    • a spoon holding a bite ot egg drop soup over a bowl.
      Egg Drop Soup
    • two burger buns filled with cabbage tuna salad.
      Tuna Cabbage Salad
    • a fork poking into sliced pieces of spiral ham.
      Honey Baked Spiral Ham
    • a bowl of strawberry blueberry overnight oats.
      Strawberry Blueberry Overnight Oats
    BeeyondCereal » Recipes » Sandwich Recipes

    Freezer Grilled Cheese

    Modified: Oct 17, 2023 Published: Jun 12, 2023 by Nicole Durham This post may contain affiliate links. Leave a Comment

    Jump to Recipe Pin Recipe
    4.60 from 5 votes

    Grilled cheese sandwiches just got easier this summer, thanks to meal prepping. With freezer grilled cheese, you can prep now and eat later. Fast, convenient, and just as delicious as fresh!

    Recipe: $2.33 | Per Serving: $0.39 | Servings: 6

    Grilled cheese sandwiches on plate, with tomato soup bowl in background.

    Did you know that you can meal prep grilled cheese sandwiches? It's true! And they turn out fabulously too. We've been meal prepping a lot lately, especially sandwiches becase they're so fast and easy.

    Made with sliced cheese, butter, and bread, these grilled cheese sandwiches are exactly what you're looking for, but with the simplicity and speed we need. This prep today, cook tomorrow method has seriously been helpful to us and our busy schedules. When we're not in the mood for cheese, we opt for Frozen Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwiches.

    If you love grilled cheese sandwiches, then you may also love our Rainbow Grilled Cheese and Air Fryer Grilled Ham and Cheese.

    Jump to:
    • 🍯 Why This Recipe Works
    • 🥘 Ingredients
    • 🧾 Substitutions
    • 🔪 Instructions for Freezer Grilled Cheese
    • 📖 Variations - Cooking Methods
    • 🍴 Recipe Tips
    • 👩🏻‍🍳 Storage
    • 💭 Recipe FAQs
    • ❤️ More Delicious Sandwich Recipes
    • 📖 Recipe
    • 💬 Comments

    🍯 Why This Recipe Works

    1. It's so convenient! As someone who works from home, having a quick and effortless lunch option is fantastic. It saves time and allows me to get back to work promptly, especially during the summer months. When the kids are home, I opt for Baked Grilled Cheese since I can cook several at once.
    2. It's great for older cheeses. We aren't a household that eats cheese at every meal, and we often find packs of sliced cheese going moldy from aging before we can eat it. By prepping freezer grilled cheese sandwiches in advance, the cheese doesn't spoil, so we're saving money by NOT wasting food anymore. This is a great tip for Meal Planning on a Tight Budget.
    3. It tastes just as great as fresh. If you didn't know that this recipe was frozen prior to being cooked, I doubt you'd even notice. The chewy, crunchy texture is exactly what you know and expect from a grilled cheese, and the cheese is perfectly melty too.

    🥘 Ingredients

    labeled ingredients needed to make grilled cheese sandwiches.

    Ingredient Notes:

    Cheddar Cheese- You can use any sliced cheese desired, but we like our grilled cheese sandwiches with cheddar cheese or Muenster cheese.

    Sandwich bread- Using sliced sandwich bread is preferred because it's evenly sized and thin, making it a lot easier to cook later.

    Butter- Use some softened butter to make the bread golden and crispy when cooked later.

    For specific ingredients and measurements, please see the recipe card below.

    🧾 Substitutions

    Different Cheeses: You can use any sliced cheese or bread for this recipe, so feel free to make them unique or keep them as simple as you want.

    Mayo Variation: I have not tried to spread mayo on the outside of the bread, so if you like your grilled cheese with mayo instead of butter, let me know how it turns out.

    🔪 Instructions for Freezer Grilled Cheese

    Three buttered bread slices, cheese, and butter-covered butterknife for making grilled cheese sandwiches.

    Step 1: Spread some softened butter on one side of the bread.

    Three bread slices, buttered side down, on parchment-lined baking sheet.

    Step 2: Place the bread on a parchment paper lined baking sheet, butter side down.

    cheese topped bread on a parchment paper lined baking sheet.

    Step 3: Top with one slice of cheese. Note you can double the cheese, but heating it up may take longer.

    assembled uncooked buttered grilled cheese sandwiches on parchment paper lined baking sheet.

    Step 4: Place another piece of buttered bread over the top of the cheese, the butter side facing up.

    Step 5: Freeze on the baking sheet for 2 hours or until solid. Transfer to an airtight container or gallon-sized baggie. They can remain frozen for up to 2 months.

    a frozen uncooked grilled cheese sandwich on a white plate.

    Step 6: When ready to eat, place one frozen sandwich on a microwave-safe plate.

    a warmed buttered cheese sandwich on a white plate.

    Step 7: Heat in the microwave for 15 seconds.

    toasted grilled cheese sandwich in a skillet.

    Step 8: Place onto a preheated skillet over medium heat and cook for 1-2 minutes per side or until toasted to your liking.

    a cooked grilled cheese sandwich in a skillet.

    Step 9: Repeat until all the sandwiches you want have been cooked.

    Serve warm and enjoy!

    One cooked, one uncooked grilled cheese, with soup bowl.

    📖 Variations - Cooking Methods

    We've experimented with different ways to cook these sandwiches, and they're all fantastic!

    Microwave: Fastest method; thaw 15-30 seconds, then toast on skillet. Microwave helps prevent cold centers.

    Oven: Preheat oven to 450°F. Line baking sheet with foil. Lay frozen sandwiches on sheet, cook 5 mins, flip, cook 3-5 mins.

    Air Fryer: Place frozen sandwiches in basket. Cook at 360°F for 8 mins, flipping halfway through for browning.

    🍴 Recipe Tips

    1. No thawing needed. Thawing the sandwiches beforehand isn't necessary, but it's an option. To thaw in the fridge, simply place individually bagged frozen grilled cheese in the fridge overnight or for at least 4 hours before cooking.
    2. If cooking from frozen, a brief stint in the microwave can hasten the process, but it's not obligatory. I prefer using the skillet to avoid cold centers, but I've noticed no difference with the air fryer or oven method, as they cook more evenly and for longer durations, ensuring the sandwiches are fully cooked upon completion.

    👩🏻‍🍳 Storage

    Freezer Storage Duration: Keep your frozen sandwiches in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2 months.

    Pre-Freezing Step: Freezing them until solid on a baking sheet before storing helps to prevent a mess and keeps the sandwiches from clumping together if stored in the same container.

    💭 Recipe FAQs

    Can you make grilled cheese with frozen bread?

    Yes! If you can separate slices of frozen bread, make this recipe as directed, simply using the frozen bread. You may find it even easier to spread butter since the bread is solid.

    Does grilled cheese freeze well?

    Yes, freezing grilled cheese sandwiches is very simple and easy. Perfect for meal prepping! Place sandwiches in a single layer in a freezer-friendly bag, and freeze for up to 6 weeks. Use a sheet pan for stability.

    Is it better to cook grilled cheese on high or low heat?

    If using a skillet for cooking your sandwich, cooking it at medium heat works best because too low of heat, and you'll be waiting forever for the cheese to melt and the bread to crisp, but too high of heat and you'll burn the sandwich before the cheese can melt.

    sliced grilled cheese on the rim of a bowl of tomato soup.

    ❤️ More Delicious Sandwich Recipes

    • two stacked halves of an air fryer club sandwich on a plate.
      Air Fryer Club Sandwich
    • an air fried turkey sandwich with cheese.
      Air Fryer Turkey Sandwich
    • 4 slices of a giant sub sandwich with one in the background on a white plate.
      Party Sub Recipe
    • a spicy tuna sandwich and half a sandwich on top of it.
      Spicy Tuna Sandwich

    If you tried this Freezer Grilled Cheese, please leave a ⭐️ star rating and share your feedback in the 📝 comments section below. I would truly appreciate it!

    📖 Recipe

    cooked grilled cheeese sandwiches on a plate with a bowl of tomato soup in the background.
    Print Recipe
    4.60 from 5 votes

    Freezer Grilled Cheese

    Grilled cheese sandwiches just got easier this summer, thanks to meal prepping. With make ahead frozen grilled cheese, you can prep now and eat later. Fast, convenient, and just as delicious as fresh!
    Prep Time 10 minutes mins
    Cook Time 6 minutes mins
    Total Time 16 minutes mins
    Servings: 6 sandwiches
    Calories: 271kcal
    Cost Recipe $2.33 / Serving $0.39
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Equipment

    • Butterknife
    • Baking Sheet
    • Parchment Paper

    Ingredients

    • 4 Tablespoons butter, softened ($0.50)
    • 12 slices sandwich bread ($0.72)
    • 6 slices cheddar cheese ($1.11)
    US Customary - Metric

    Instructions

    • Spread some softened butter on one side of the bread.
    • Place the bread on a parchment paper lined baking sheet, butter side down.
    • Top with one slice of cheese. Note you can double the cheese, but heating it up may take longer.
    • Place another piece of buttered bread over the top of the cheese, the butter side facing up.
    • Freeze on the baking sheet for 2 hours or until solid. Transfer to an airtight container or gallon-sized baggie. They can remain frozen for up to 2 months.
    • When ready to eat, place one frozen sandwich on a microwave-safe plate.
    • Heat in the microwave for 15 seconds.
    • Place onto a preheated skillet over medium heat and cook for 1-2 minutes per side or until toasted to your liking.
    • Repeat until all the sandwiches you want have been cooked.
    • Serve warm and enjoy!

    Notes

    Use any sliced cheese or bread for variety.
    You can try using mayo on the outside of the bread instead of butter for a different twist.
    Variations - Cooking Methods:
    1. Microwave: Fastest method. Thaw in the microwave for 15-30 seconds, then toast in a skillet for a few minutes. Thawing in the microwave helps prevent cold centers.
    2. Oven: Preheat to 450°F, cook for 5 minutes, flip, and cook for another 3-5 minutes.
    3. Air Fryer: Cook at 360°F for 8 minutes, flipping at the 4-minute mark.
    Recipe Tips:
    • Thawing is optional, but you can do it in the fridge overnight or for at least 4 hours.
    • Quick microwave thawing is recommended when cooking from frozen, especially for skillet cooking, to ensure no cold centers.
    Storage: Keep frozen sandwiches in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2 months. Freezing individually on a baking sheet before storing prevents clumping.

    Nutritional Information

    Serving: 1sandwich | Calories: 271kcal | Carbohydrates: 25g | Protein: 9g | Fat: 15g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: 0.3g | Cholesterol: 37mg | Sodium: 410mg | Potassium: 74mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 404IU | Calcium: 228mg | Iron: 2mg
    Author Nicole Durham
    Course lunch, Main Course
    Cuisine American
    Diet Vegetarian
    Tried this recipe?Mention @BeeyondCereal on Instagram and hashtag it #BeeyondCereal
    Nutrition provided is an estimate. It will vary based on specific ingredients used. To view how this recipe was calculated you can visit my Pricing Disclosure Page for more information.

    More Cheap and Easy Sandwich Recipes

    • peanut butter jelly sandwiches on a plate with green grapes in the background.
      Frozen Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwiches
    • a stack of halved tuna melt on a plate with red and green grapes to the side.
      Air Fryer Tuna Melt
    • grilled cheese sandwiches on a baking sheet.
      Baked Grilled Cheese
    • sliced and angled air fried peanut butter jelly sandwich on a wire rack.
      Air Fryer Peanut Butter and Jelly

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    No Comments

    4.60 from 5 votes (5 ratings without comment)

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    A photo of Nicole from Beeyond Cereal

    Hey, I'm Nicole

    The proud owner and recipe developer behind BeeyondCereal. Here, I'm passionate about showing people how to navigate the kitchen with frugality in mind, whipping up family-friendly recipes that not only save money but also bring joy to every meal.

    Learn More→

    Summer Recipes

    • two loaves of snickerdoodle zucchini bread on a cutting board with two fresh zucchini.
      Snickerdoodle Zucchini Bread
    • strawberry blueberry shortcake with fresh fruit and homemade whipped cream.
      Strawberry Blueberry Shortcake
    • a white bowl filled with orange fluff sald and topped with marshmallows and orange slices.
      Orange Creamsicle Fluff
    • angled view into a glass of ice cold lemonade with sliced lemons on a wooden cutting board and fresh lemons to the side.
      Single Serving Lemonade

    Trending NOW

    • a white bowl filled with cooked canned green beans.
      The Best Canned Green Bean Recipe
    • a bowl of creamy 5 ingredient mac and cheese.
      5 Ingredient Mac and Cheese
    • roasted chicken, carrots and potatoes in a baking dish with a sprig of rosemary on top.
      Roasted Chicken with Potatoes and Carrots
    • sliced banana bread on a wooden surface.
      Eggless Banana Bread
    • a sliced beef roast on a cutting board with carving utensils.
      Poor Mans Prime Rib
    • cinnamon rolls with icing on top in an 8x8 baking dish.
      Small Batch Cinnamon Rolls

    As Seen In

    as seen in various articles and websites.

    Footer

    ↑ Back to Top

    About

    • Privacy Policy
    • Affiliate Disclaimer
    • Terms & Conditions
    • Public Sharing Policy
    • Pricing Disclosure
    • Accessibility Statement

    Follow

    • Subscribe for FREE eBook
    • Follow on Facebook
    • Follow on Instagram
    • Follow on Pinterest

    Contact

    • Contact
    • Services

    As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Copyright © 2025 Beeyond Cereal --Theme by Feast Design Co.

    promotional graphic for make ahead frozen grilled cheese

    Rate This Recipe

    Your vote:




    A rating is required
    A name is required
    An email is required

    Recipe Ratings without Comment

    Something went wrong. Please try again.