Ingredients:

  • 8 slices of good-quality sandwich bread (white, sourdough, or whole wheat)
  • 8 oz (225 g) cheddar cheese, sliced or shredded (sharp or mild to taste)
  • 4 tbsp (60 g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 tsp Dijon mustard (optional)
  • 1 tsp garlic powder (optional)
  • Pinch of salt (if using unsalted bread or cheese)

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
  2. Spread a thin, even layer of softened butter on one side of each bread slice; this side will become the crispy exterior.
  3. Lightly spread Dijon mustard on the unbuttered side of 4 bread slices. Sprinkle garlic powder evenly over the buttered sides if using.
  4. Place 2-3 oz (60-85 g) of cheese on the unbuttered, mustard-spread sides of the 4 bread slices. Top with the remaining 4 slices, buttered side facing out.
  5. Arrange assembled sandwiches spaced apart on the prepared baking sheet.
  6. Bake in the preheated oven for 6-7 minutes. Carefully flip each sandwich and bake for an additional 6-8 minutes, or until both sides are golden brown and cheese is melted.
  7. Remove sandwiches when bread is crisp and golden and cheese is gooey.
  8. Let sandwiches cool 1-2 minutes before slicing and serving.