Trader Joes Grilled Cheese Recipe

This crispy, gooey Trader Joes Grilled Cheese Recipe is made with sourdough bread and Unexpected Cheddar and ready in 15 minutes. Slicing into the sandwich reveals a thick, melted cheese pull stretching from the golden toasted crust. I always rely on this simple combination for a quick afternoon meal.

Why This Classic Works

I used to struggle to get the cheese fully melted before the bread burned. The trick I learned is grating the cheese yourself instead of using thick slices directly from the block.

Mixing the sharp Unexpected Cheddar with creamy Gruyere creates the ideal balance of flavor and melt. Keeping the heat medium-low ensures a perfectly toasted exterior every single time.

Trader Joes Grilled Cheese Recipe Ingredients

• 2 slices Trader Joe’s San Francisco Style Sourdough Bread
• 1 tablespoon Trader Joe’s Cultured Salted Butter, softened
• 1 teaspoon mayonnaise
• 1/2 cup Trader Joe’s Unexpected Cheddar Cheese, freshly grated
• 1/4 cup Trader Joe’s Cave Aged Gruyere Cheese, freshly grated

How To Make Trader Joes Grilled Cheese Recipe

1. Prep the bread: Spread a thin, even layer of softened butter and mayonnaise on one side of each sourdough bread slice.
2. Add the cheese: Place one slice of bread, spread-side down, in a cold skillet. Pile the grated Unexpected Cheddar and Gruyere evenly in the center.
3. Cook the sandwich: Top with the second slice of bread, spread-side up. Turn the heat to medium-low and cook for 4 to 5 minutes until the bottom is golden brown.
4. Flip and finish: Carefully flip the sandwich with a spatula. Cook for another 3 to 4 minutes until the cheese is completely melted and the bread is crispy.

Recipe Tips

• Grate your own cheese: Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that prevent a smooth, creamy melt in the center.
• Use a cold pan: Starting the sandwich in a cold skillet helps the cheese melt slowly while the bread toasts evenly.
• Add mayonnaise: A thin layer of mayo mixed with the butter creates an extra crispy crust that resists burning.

What To Serve With Grilled Cheese

Serve this hearty sandwich with a warm bowl of creamy tomato basil soup for dipping. A crisp green salad with a sharp lemon vinaigrette also cuts through the richness of the cheese.

How To Store

Grilled cheese is best enjoyed fresh from the pan while the crust is crisp. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in a dry skillet over low heat until warmed through and crispy again.

FAQs

Can I use different Trader Joe’s cheeses?

Yes, you can substitute the Gruyere with their Havarti or sharp provolone for a slightly different flavor profile. The Unexpected Cheddar is highly recommended as the base.

Why did my bread burn before the cheese melted?

Your heat was likely too high. Always cook on medium-low to give the grated cheese plenty of time to melt safely without scorching the bread.

Can I make this in an air fryer?

You can air fry it at 350F for 8 minutes, flipping halfway through. However, the traditional skillet method yields a better butter crust.

Nutrition

• Calories: 480 kcal
• Total Fat: 32 g
• Saturated Fat: 18 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg
• Sodium: 820 mg
• Total Carbohydrate: 28 g
• Protein: 20 g

Try More Recipes:

• Trader Joe’s Diner Mac and Cheese Recipe
• Trader Joe’s Butternut Squash Mac & Cheese
• Trader Joe’s Fall Zucchette Pasta Recipe

Trader Joes Grilled Cheese Recipe

Recipe by Nate Collins

Servings

1

servings

Prep time

5

minutes

Cooking time

10

minutes

Total time

15

minutes

This crispy Trader Joes Grilled Cheese Recipe features gooey Unexpected Cheddar and sourdough bread, ready in 15 minutes. It uses simple ingredients for a quick weekday lunch. Grating the cheese ensures a smooth, even melt every time.

Ingredients

• 2 slices Trader Joe’s San Francisco Style Sourdough Bread

• 1 tablespoon Trader Joe’s Cultured Salted Butter, softened

• 1 teaspoon mayonnaise

• 1/2 cup Trader Joe’s Unexpected Cheddar Cheese, freshly grated

• 1/4 cup Trader Joe’s Cave Aged Gruyere Cheese, freshly grated

Directions

• 1. Prep the bread: Spread a thin, even layer of softened butter and mayonnaise on one side of each sourdough bread slice.
• 2. Add the cheese: Place one slice of bread, spread-side down, in a cold skillet. Pile the grated Unexpected Cheddar and Gruyere evenly in the center.
• 3. Cook the sandwich: Top with the second slice of bread, spread-side up. Turn the heat to medium-low and cook for 4 to 5 minutes until the bottom is golden brown.
• 4. Flip and finish: Carefully flip the sandwich with a spatula. Cook for another 3 to 4 minutes until the cheese is completely melted and the bread is crispy.