The Ultimate Grilled Cheese

Grilled cheese with cream cheese takes this sandwich’s pull-apart, cheesy factor to a whole new level. However, that’s not the only variety of cheese this recipe calls for—creamy mozz and tangy cheddar are also included for added depth of flavor.

Check out all our favorite grilled cheese recipes for more inspiration and if you’re on a sandwich kick.

Grilled Cheese With Cream Cheese Ingredients

• Cream cheese: Made from curdled cream and milk, cream cheese is perfect for making an ooey-gooey snack like this one.
• Mayonnaise: This ingredient adds another layer of creamy goodness and features a lovely, tangy flavor.
• Mozzarella: This is one of the ultimate melting cheeses and a classic choice for grilled cheese. While fresh mozz has its time and place, we recommend using the dry variety for this recipe.
• Cheddar: This type of cheese comes in many varieties, ranging from buttery and mild to sharp and robust in flavor. We suggest choosing a cheddar that’s on the sharper side but feel free to go with what you like.
• Seasoned salt: Because this recipe is creamy and mild overall, you can really customize it with the seasoned salt you choose. For example, Italian or cajun seasoning would both taste great here.
• Garlic powder: The savory, pungent flavor of garlic brings more depth of flavor to this grilled cheese with cream cheese recipe. If you’d like, you can use roasted or fresh garlic, instead.
• Italian bread: Soft on the inside and crusty on the outside, Italian bread is sturdy enough to hold the sandwich together and soft enough to bite right off.
• Butter: Butter is mostly fat but it does contain some sugars. This means it’s great for caramelizing the surface of the bread as it toasts in the skillet.

Directions

Step 1: Blend the mayo and cheeses

In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and mayonnaise until smooth. Stir in the cheeses, garlic powder and seasoned salt.

Step 2: Assemble the grilled cheeses

Spread five slices of bread with the cheese mixture, about 1/3 cup on each. Top with the remaining bread.

Step 3: Butter and toast the sandwiches

Spread the butter on the outside layers of each sandwich. Place a skillet over medium heat and toast the sandwiches for four to five minutes on each side or until the bread is lightly browned and the cheese is melted.

Grilled Cheese With Cream Cheese Variations

• Add to the filling: This grilled cheese with cream cheese would pair well with a number of different ingredients, including slices of fresh tomato, a layer of basil pesto or even bacon jam.
• Switch up the bread: Apart from Italian bread, this recipe would also work well with focaccia, sourdough or brioche.

How to Store Grilled Cheese With Cream Cheese

To store any leftovers, cover the grilled cheese in reusable beeswax wraps or aluminum foil. Store in the fridge for up to three days. Place them on the stovetop over medium heat until the cheese softens again to reheat.

Can I freeze grilled cheese with cream cheese?

To freeze this recipe, wrap the grilled cheeses in aluminum foil and then place them in an airtight container. Transfer to the freezer and keep for up to three months. To thaw, allow them to sit in the fridge overnight.

Grilled Cheese With Cream Cheese Tips

What is the secret to a good grilled cheese sandwich?

For the crispiest and crunchiest grilled cheese on the block, we recommend toasting the inside of each sandwich slice first. This way all four surfaces of your bread get browned.

Is it better to make grilled cheese with butter or oil?

Some prefer using oil since butter has a lower smoke point. That said, the butter usually helps toast the bread more efficiently than oil. As a result, there’s no right or wrong answer here. We suggest going with which option you prefer.

What is the best way to soften cream cheese?

Regardless of which cream cheese recipes you make, we recommend softening it by letting it sit on the countertop for 30 to 60 minutes. That said, if you’re in a pinch you can soften cream cheese in a hot bowl of water, instead. Just make sure you keep the cream cheese in the packet it comes in.