How to Make the Best Grilled Cheese (and the Cheeses That Make It Great)

When choosing cheese for a grilled cheese sandwich, look for varieties that melt evenly while offering a balance of richness and flavor.

At a basic level, meltability comes down to structure. Cheeses that melt well tend to have a balanced ratio of moisture and fat, along with a protein network that loosens—rather than tightens—when heated. As the cheese warms, fat begins to liquefy, and proteins relax, allowing the cheese to soften into that smooth, cohesive melt instead of separating or turning rubbery. Younger cheeses and Alpine-style varieties are especially good at this, which is why they’re such reliable choices for a grilled cheese sandwich. Here are some favorites:

Murray’s High Plains Cheddar

Best for: classic flavor + smooth melt

Sharp yet approachable, this cheddar melts beautifully while delivering that nostalgic, savory bite you want in a traditional grilled cheese.

Murray’s Cave Aged Gruyère

Best for: nutty depth + ultra-gooey texture

Silky and deeply flavorful, Gruyère is a grilled cheese staple, bringing rich, toasty notes that pair especially well with tomato soup.

Murray’s Cave Aged Reserve Cornelia

Best for: elevated, Alpine-style melts

With its butterscotch-like richness and smooth melt, this cheese adds depth and a slightly sweet finish.

Maple Leaf Pepper Jack

Best for: a little heat

Creamy with a gentle kick from fresh red and green jalapeños, it brings just enough spice to keep things interesting.

Murray’s Smoked Mozzarella

Best for: stretch + subtle smokiness

Expect long, satisfying cheese pulls and a whisper of smoke.

Grand Ost Havarti

Best for: creamy, buttery melts

Havarti melts effortlessly into a luscious, velvety interior that defines a great grilled cheese.

Pyrenees Truffe

Best for: indulgent flavor

Earthy white truffles sourced from Italy meet a supple, melty texture for a sandwich that feels just a little luxurious.

A great grilled cheese recipe doesn’t stop at bread and cheese. Adding a sweet or savory element can transform the sandwich into something more layered and dynamic.

Drizzle Akron Honey Habanero Hot Honey for a sweet-heat contrast, or layer in Rovagnati Classic Mortadella for a rich, savory upgrade that turns your sandwich into something closer to a pressed panini.

For a brighter, more unexpected twist, fruit-forward spreads like Divina Fig Spread, Blake Hill Orange Bourbon Marmalade, or Three Little Figs Puddletown Pub Chutney  bring sweetness and acidity that balance the richness of melted cheese.

A cheese expert from Murray’s merchandising says it best: “One of my family’s favorite weekend lunches is a buttery grilled cheese made with High Plains Cheddar, with V Smiley Preserves’ Peach Bulgarian Pepper Tomato Jam, a unique savory-sweet jam on the side for dipping. It elevates the whole meal.”

Making the best grilled cheese sandwich is all about patience and balance. Cooking over medium heat allows the cheese to melt fully while the bread develops a deep golden crust, rather than browning too quickly. A generous layer of butter on the outside of the bread ensures that signature crisp texture and rich flavor.

For even better results, try combining cheeses—one selected for its meltability, like mozzarella or Havarti, and another for its punchy flavor, like cheddar or Gruyère. This creates a sandwich that’s both gooey and complex, with layers of flavor in every bite.

If you’re wondering what to eat with grilled cheese, it’s hard to beat the classic pairing of tomato soup and grilled cheese—a combination that’s equal parts comforting and timeless.

Ready to start cooking? Explore Murray’s favorite grilled cheese recipes including a Classic Melt, Mac & Cheese Grilled Cheese, or Creamy Butternut Squash Soup studded with incredibly satisfying grilled cheese croutons.

Or build your own spread with The Grilled Cheese Pairings Board.

Need help choosing? Stop by one of our shops and talk to a Murray’s monger.