Waffle Grilled Cheese Crunch (Printable)

Golden, crispy sandwich with melty cheese, pressed in a waffle maker for extra crunch and flavor.

# What You'll Need:

→ Bread

01 - 4 slices sandwich bread (white, whole wheat, or sourdough)

→ Cheese

02 - 4 slices cheddar cheese (or any good melting cheese: Gruyère, mozzarella, Swiss)

→ Butter

03 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened

→ Optional Add-ins

04 - 2 slices tomato
05 - 2 slices cooked bacon
06 - 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

# Method:

01 - Preheat the waffle maker according to the manufacturer's instructions.
02 - Spread a thin layer of softened butter on one side of each bread slice.
03 - Place two slices of bread, buttered side down, on a clean surface. Add two slices of cheese to each bread slice and include any optional add-ins if desired.
04 - Cover with the remaining bread slices, buttered side up, forming two sandwiches.
05 - Place one sandwich into the preheated waffle maker and close the lid gently, pressing lightly. Cook for 3 to 5 minutes or until the bread is golden brown, crispy, and the cheese is melted.
06 - Remove the cooked sandwich and repeat the process with the second sandwich.
07 - Let the sandwiches cool for 1 minute, then slice and serve immediately while hot.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The waffle maker creates ridges that trap butter and crisp up the edges while the inside stays gooey—it's the contrast that makes it irresistible.
  • You can have a hot, melty sandwich ready before most people finish making their morning coffee.
  • One appliance, two ingredients you likely have on hand, and dinner is solved.
02 -
  • The butter goes on the outside of the bread, not between the slices—it's the only thing that touches the waffle maker's surface and creates that crispiness.
  • Don't press down on the lid while cooking; the waffle maker does the work, and too much pressure can squeeze out the cheese or create uneven cooking.
03 -
  • If your waffle maker sticks, give it another few seconds—the cheese needs time to set enough to release cleanly.
  • Keep a butter knife handy to gently coax the sandwich out if it's being stubborn, and always let it cool for just a minute so the cheese firms up slightly.
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