If you have been on the hunt for a grilled cheese sandwich that brings an irresistible twist and heaps of flavor, then the Everything Bagel Grilled Cheese Recipe is about to become your new obsession. This sandwich perfectly combines the toasty, buttery crunch of sourdough bread with the bold, savory punch of everything bagel seasoning and sharp cheddar cheese. It’s the nostalgic comfort food you love, elevated with a bit of everything good, making each bite a celebration of textures and tastes that feel both familiar and exciting.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the right balance of simple, yet flavorful ingredients is key to making the perfect Everything Bagel Grilled Cheese Recipe. Each component plays an essential role, from the bread’s crisp texture to the seasoning’s zesty pop, ensuring a mouthwatering meal every single time.
- Sourdough or white sandwich bread: Choose good-quality bread that crisps up nicely and holds the cheese without becoming soggy.
- Sharp cheddar cheese slices: Sharp cheddar melts beautifully and offers that classic, slightly tangy flavor that complements the seasoning.
- Unsalted butter, softened: Butter is what creates that golden brown crust, and using unsalted allows total control of seasoning.
- Everything bagel seasoning: This blend of sesame seeds, poppy seeds, garlic, onion, and salt adds incredible aromatic flavor and a little crunch.
How to Make Everything Bagel Grilled Cheese Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Bread
Start by laying out your slices of sourdough or white bread on a clean surface. This recipe works best with fresh bread to get that perfect crispy exterior.
Step 2: Butter the Bread
Spread a thin, even layer of softened unsalted butter on one side of each slice. This bit of butter is what will give you the golden, irresistible crust you’re dreaming of.
Step 3: Sprinkle the Everything Bagel Seasoning
Generously sprinkle the everything bagel seasoning onto the buttered sides of each bread slice. Press gently so the seasoning sticks well, creating a flavor-packed layer that makes this grilled cheese truly shine.
Step 4: Assemble the Sandwich
Flip two of the bread slices so the unbuttered side is up, then layer two slices of sharp cheddar on each. Top with the remaining bread slices, seasoned side facing outward. This assembly ensures the seasoning crisps directly against the skillet surface for maximum flavor.
Step 5: Heat the Skillet
Warm a large nonstick skillet over medium heat until it’s hot enough to sizzle but not burn. This sets the stage for toasting your sandwiches perfectly.
Step 6: Cook the Sandwiches
Place the sandwiches in the skillet and cook for 3 to 4 minutes on each side, pressing gently with a spatula. You want the bread to turn a lovely golden brown and the cheese to melt into gooey goodness.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Take the sandwiches off the skillet, let them cool just a bit so the cheese firms up slightly, then slice and serve immediately for that unbeatable melt-in-your-mouth feeling.
How to Serve Everything Bagel Grilled Cheese Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chives or a few pickled jalapeño slices can add a refreshing burst of color and flavor that pairs brilliantly with the cheesy richness. A dash of flaky sea salt on top right after cooking can also heighten all those seasoning notes wonderfully.
Side Dishes
Pair your grilled cheese with a crisp green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette for balance, or opt for classic tomato soup that complements the tartness of the cheddar. Sweet potato fries or kettle-cooked chips are great choices when you want a bit of crunch and a contrast to the creaminess.
Creative Ways to Present
Try cutting the sandwich into fun shapes with cookie cutters for a crowd-pleasing appetizer, or serve alongside small dipping bowls filled with honey mustard or spicy aioli. You can even stack two sandwiches and secure with a skewer for an impressive savory tower that’s sure to impress guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers, wrap them tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. This keeps the bread fresh and prevents the cheese from drying out too quickly.
Freezing
You can freeze un-toasted sandwiches individually wrapped, which makes for a convenient quick lunch option. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and then reheat in a skillet for the best texture.
Reheating
To bring your leftover Everything Bagel Grilled Cheese Recipe back to life, heat in a skillet over medium heat until the bread is crisp again and the cheese is melted. Avoid microwaving as it tends to make the bread soggy.
FAQs
Can I use bread other than sourdough?
Absolutely! White sandwich bread works well, and you can experiment with whole wheat or multigrain for different flavors and textures, but keep in mind that the bread should be sturdy enough to hold the cheese and seasoning.
What’s in everything bagel seasoning?
This special seasoning blend usually contains sesame seeds, poppy seeds, dried garlic, dried onion, and salt. It’s what gives everything bagels their signature punch and works beautifully here too.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Definitely! While sharp cheddar is classic, feel free to try mozzarella for ooey-gooey stretch or pepper jack for a little heat. Just be sure the cheese melts well.
How do I prevent the bread from burning before the cheese melts?
Cooking over medium heat and pressing gently helps the cheese melt evenly while allowing the bread to toast just right. Patience is key here to avoid rushing the process.
Is it possible to make this vegan?
Yes, by swapping the butter for a plant-based spread, using vegan cheese slices that melt well, and choosing a vegan-friendly seed seasoning mix, you can enjoy a delicious vegan version of this recipe.
Final Thoughts
Now that you know how to craft this sensational Everything Bagel Grilled Cheese Recipe, it’s time to roll up your sleeves and create a sandwich that’s bursting with flavor and nostalgia. Whether it’s a quick lunch or a cozy dinner, this recipe will quickly become a favorite you’ll want to share — and savor — again and again.
Print
Everything Bagel Grilled Cheese Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 2 sandwiches
- Category: Sandwich
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Everything Bagel Grilled Cheese is a delicious twist on the classic grilled cheese sandwich, featuring crispy, buttery bread generously coated with everything bagel seasoning and melted sharp cheddar cheese inside. Ready in just 15 minutes, it’s a quick and flavorful meal perfect for any time of day.
Ingredients
Sandwich Ingredients
- 4 slices sourdough or white sandwich bread
- 4 slices sharp cheddar cheese
Seasoning & Butter
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 2 tablespoons everything bagel seasoning
Instructions
- Prepare bread slices: Lay out the bread slices on a clean surface to prepare for seasoning.
- Spread butter: Evenly spread a thin layer of softened unsalted butter on one side of each bread slice to ensure crispiness and to help the seasoning stick.
- Apply seasoning: Generously sprinkle the everything bagel seasoning onto the buttered side of each slice, pressing gently to adhere the seasoning well to the butter.
- Assemble sandwiches: Flip two slices so the unseasoned side faces up, then layer two slices of sharp cheddar cheese on each. Top with the remaining two slices of bread with the seasoned side facing outward, creating two sandwiches.
- Heat skillet: Warm a large nonstick skillet over medium heat until hot and ready for grilling the sandwiches.
- Cook sandwiches: Place the sandwiches in the hot skillet and cook for 3 to 4 minutes on each side. Press gently with a spatula to ensure even cooking, until the bread turns golden brown and the cheese melts completely.
- Serve: Remove sandwiches from the skillet, let them cool slightly for easier handling, then slice and serve warm.
Notes
- Use softened butter for even spreading and better seasoning adhesion.
- Choose sharp cheddar for a robust, tangy flavor that melts well.
- Press the sandwiches gently while cooking to help melt the cheese evenly and create crispy bread.
- Everything bagel seasoning usually contains sesame seeds, poppy seeds, dried garlic and onion, so adjust accordingly if allergic.
- Serve immediately after cooking for the best melty, crispy texture.
