Back-to-School Grilled Cheese

Photo Credit: Sina Mizrahi

A grilled cheese sandwich seems like a straight-up, easy endeavor, and it is. But I found out that some belong to Team Butter and others belong to Team Mayo. Um, mayo? I was intrigued.

Perhaps you’re Team “Seriously? It’s grilled cheese. Chill,” and that’s perfectly rational. But I had to try them side by side to determine the best course of smearing the sandwich.

Important note: I believe that a good grilled cheese is made with rye bread and over-processed, bright-orange American cheese. It’s classic.

Authentic Grilled Cheese

YIELDS 1 SANDWICH

• 2 slices rye bread
• 2 slices American cheese
• 1–2 tsp softened butter (preferably salted) or mayonnaise

Method

(Same for Both Versions)

Layer cheese in between bread slices. Smear the outer sides of the bread generously with butter or mayonnaise. Heat a skillet over medium heat for 2–3 minutes.