The Best Cheese for Grilled Cheese
The best cheese for grilled cheese is a young, moist cheese that melts smoothly, such as mild cheddar, havarti, muenster or young gouda. For more flavor, mix one good melter with a smoked or herb cheese, or a little sharper cheddar. Very aged, dry cheeses taste great but can turn oily or grainy on their own.
Our picks for grilled cheese
Each pick links to its product page.
Why: a smooth, creamy small-batch cheddar the maker says melts easily; listed for sandwiches and grilled cheese.
Why: buttery, mild havarti that the maker says melts beautifully; listed for grilled cheese with tomato soup.
Why: mild Wisconsin muenster; listed for grilled cheese and melting.
Why: young, buttery Wisconsin gouda; listed for grilled cheese and burgers.
Why: hardwood-smoked havarti; listed for grilled cheese upgrades and panini.
Why: naturally smoked farmstead cheddar; listed for layering into grilled cheese sandwiches.
Why: farmstead cheddar with fresh chives; listed for grilled cheese with herbs.
Why: wood-fired smoked gouda from Wisconsin; listed for grilled cheese sandwiches.
How we chose
We picked only products that are in stock on Madeline's today, and every reason below comes from the maker's own product listing. There are no paid placements, star ratings or invented reviews, and the order is not a ranking. Prices, sizes and availability can change, so check each product page.
How to make a better grilled cheese
- Use about 2 to 3 ounces of cheese per sandwich, sliced thin or grated.
- Butter the outside of the bread (or use mayonnaise) for even browning.
- Cook over medium-low heat with a lid for a minute to help the cheese melt before the bread burns.
- Combine a melter with a flavorful cheese.
What to look for
- Melt: young, semi-soft cheeses melt best.
- Flavor: add smoked, herb or sharper cheese in a blend.
- Slicing: thin slices or grated cheese melt faster.
Shop more: Cheese, Smith's Country Cheese. Or browse every curated page on Shop by Meal, Occasion, Diet & Origin.
Frequently asked questions
- What cheese melts best for grilled cheese?
- Young, moist cheeses such as mild cheddar, havarti, muenster, Monterey Jack and young gouda.
- Can you use sharp cheddar in grilled cheese?
- Yes, but aged cheddar can be oily or grainy alone. Mix it with a better melter like havarti or mild cheddar.
- How much cheese goes in a grilled cheese?
- About 2 to 3 ounces per sandwich, sliced thin or grated.
- How do I melt the cheese without burning the bread?
- Cook over medium-low heat and cover the pan for a minute so the cheese melts before the bread over-browns.
- Is smoked cheese good in grilled cheese?
- Yes. Smoked cheddar, gouda or havarti adds depth, especially mixed with a milder melting cheese.