How to Make a Grilled Cheese Sandwich Using a Microwave

PDF download Download Article
PDF download Download Article

If your kitchen isn't equipped with a stove (or if you're just not comfortable using one), but you're craving the gooey, crunchy comfort of a grilled cheese sandwich, don't despair! Unfortunately, you can't just pop bread and cheese in the microwave without creating a soggy mess, but if you have a toaster oven or crisper pan, you can make a tasty grilled cheese in minutes.

Ingredients

  • 2 slices of bread
  • Cheese
  • Butter, margarine, or mayonnaise
Method 1
Method 1 of 3:

Preparing Your Ingredients

PDF download Download Article
  1. The classic choice for a grilled cheese is a fluffy, white bread, but if you're a little more health-conscious, go for a whole grain or flax bread. Otherwise, just follow your taste buds—from pumpernickel to sourdough, there is no wrong answer.
    • Avoid bread with large air bubbles or holes, as your cheese may melt right through and drip out. [1]
  2. Since the moisture in fresh bread makes it soggy (unlike a hot oven, a microwave won't evaporate the moisture, which would allow it to get crispy), a dry piece of bread will fare much better in a microwave. [2]
    • Always check old bread for mold, just to be safe.
    Advertisement
  3. Each slice of pre-sliced bread will have the same thickness, which means they will toast evenly. If you are buying an unsliced loaf from a bakery, ask if they can slice it for you. Most bakeries, and bakery departments at grocery stores, have a bread slicer.
    • If you slice the bread by hand, use a serrated bread knife and try to cut the slices about 3/4 of an inch thick. Bread at this thickness will fit in a standard toaster and be thin enough for the microwave heat to penetrate. [3]
  4. American and Cheddar are the go-to cheeses for a grilled cheese, but you can branch out with cheeses like Monterey Jack, Gruyere, Munster, Gouda, or Brie, as they all melt smoothly.
    • Avoid fresh, crumbly or very hard, aged cheeses, including fresh goat cheese, Feta, and aged Parmesan. These cheeses just don't melt well when they are the main cheese in a sandwich.
    • A very hard cheese like Parmesan will melt smoothly if you grate it and pair it with a melter, like Cheddar. The moisture in the Cheddar will help the Parmesan melt better.
    • If you can't resist those hard-to-melt cheeses, you can still add them to your sandwich for the taste (like you would add pickles or a tomato). Just make sure you also have plenty of cheese that melts easily, like Havarti or American. [4]
  5. Butter is the classic choice, but margarine or mayonnaise will also infuse your bread with a richer flavor and help crisp the outside. [5]
  6. Pickles, tomatoes, jalapenos, avocado, even potato chips—get creative with additional fillings if you want to branch out from the classic cheese-and-bread-only sandwich. [6]
    • Up your protein intake with a few slices of ham, turkey, or other deli meat. Just wipe off extra moisture before putting it on your sandwich. [7]
    • Remember that ingredients with additional moisture—like tomatoes—might make your sandwich a little soggy.
    • Enjoy your sandwich with a side of mustard, ketchup, sriracha, or tomato soup.
    7. Advertisement
Method 2
Method 2 of 3:

Using a Toaster

PDF download Download Article
  1. If you are unsure of the settings on your toaster, try turning the dial to the medium, or middle setting. That way if your bread is a little under-toasted, you can pop it back in at the lowest setting to crisp it up. [8]
    • The drier the toast, the better. You will be adding moisture back into the bread when you microwave it with the the cheese and butter. Too much moisture can make your sandwich soggy. [9]
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Make a Grilled Cheese Sandwich Using a Microwave
    You can butter both sides, but you run the risk of adding too much moisture and ending up with a steamed, soft sandwich. [10]
  3. Watermark wikiHow to Make a Grilled Cheese Sandwich Using a Microwave
    The dry, unbuttered side of the bread should be touching the cheese, with the buttered side on the outside. Two slices of cheese at about 3/4oz (or about 1.5oz total) is usually plenty of cheese.
    • Make sure the cheese is evenly distributed across the bread so it melts evenly. You can tear slices into smaller pieces to make them fit.
    • Don't pile your sandwich too high with extras. Microwave heat can't penetrate very deep--only about 1-1 1/2 inches--so a fat sandwich may not heat all the way through and your cheese might not melt. [11]
  4. Watermark wikiHow to Make a Grilled Cheese Sandwich Using a Microwave
    The paper towel will absorb the excess moisture, keeping your bread from getting too soggy. [12]
    • Don't wrap the sandwich in plastic wrap, as this traps moisture instead of absorbing it. [13]
  5. [14] The time it takes to melt will vary depending on the microwave. If you see the cheese begin to drip out of the sides, the sandwich should be done.
    • You can also see if the cheese is melted by trying to lift the top slice of bread. If the cheese is fully melted, the bread will stick together and be difficult to separate.
  6. This gives the bread time to cool to a crust, plus it makes it safer for you to eat. [15]
    7. Advertisement
Method 3
Method 3 of 3:

Using a Crisper Pan

PDF download Download Article
  1. Watermark wikiHow to Make a Grilled Cheese Sandwich Using a Microwave
    Make sure the butter is softened so it spreads easily on the bread, otherwise it might tear. Place the bread on a clean surface, butter-side down.
    • You can soften or melt the butter by placing about 1 tablespoon in a microwave-safe bowl for 5-10 seconds. [16]
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Make a Grilled Cheese Sandwich Using a Microwave
    Most recipes call for 2 slices of cheese, or about 1.5 oz. Go ahead and add more if you want a super-cheesy sandwich.
    • Distribute your cheese evenly over the bread so all melts at the same rate.
  3. Watermark wikiHow to Make a Grilled Cheese Sandwich Using a Microwave
    Don't build a sandwich any taller than 1-1 1/2 inches or the microwaves may not cook it all the way through. [17]
  4. A crisper pan is made from microwave-safe metal that becomes extremely hot and works the same as a griddle or pan you would heat up on the stove. It will brown and crisp your bread, just like if you made your sandwich in a frying pan. [18]
    • To get the griddle-effect, a crisper pan must become extremely hot during the preheating process. Only use it with adult supervision and never, ever touch it with your bare hands. Use heat-proof oven mitts to handle the crisper. [19]
    • Follow the manufacturers directions about where to place the pan. It may have to sit on the floor of the microwave or may have built-in legs that lift it closer to the grill on the ceiling of the machine.
    • Do not put anything on the crisper pan until it has pre-heated.
  5. [20] If the crisper pan comes with a lid, don't cover the sandwich.
    • If your bread doesn't appear to be browning, try adding more time in 5-second increments. Remember, the bread that is touching the pan is the side that will be getting crisp, so you may not be able to tell until you flip it over. [21]
  6. This will ensure that both sides of your bread are browned and toasted and that the inside of your grilled cheese is cooked through evenly. Press the sandwich with the spatula on either side to add crispiness. [22]
    • Be very careful no part of your skin comes in contact with the pan. If it is easier, first remove the pan with oven mitts, then flip the sandwich and return the pan to the microwave.
  7. Allow the sandwich to cool for 2-3 minutes before cutting in half and serving warm. The bread may continue to crust over a little as it cools.
    8. Advertisement

Community Q&A

Search
Add New Question
  • Question
    How do I make chicken sandwiches?
    Community Answer
    Place the chicken in a bowl with the celery, chives, shallots and mayonnaise and mix until well combined. Season well with salt and pepper. Spread 5 slices of bread with the chicken filling, top with the remaining bread, then cut each sandwich into 3 fingers.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 20 Helpful 4
  • Question
    The directions are the opposite of the video in #3 above. Which is it?
    Ezzy989
    Community Answer
    When making a grilled cheese sandwich, put the buttered side facing out, like in the instructions.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 2 Helpful 1
  • Question
    Is this really simple?
    Ezzy989
    Community Answer
    Making a grilled cheese sandwich in your microwave is very simple. It's perfect for when you don't want to spend time making grilled cheese on the stove.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 2 Helpful 2
Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Video

      Read Video Transcript

      Tips

      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

      Warnings

      • Don't put your cheese in the toaster, as this will most likely lead to it short circuiting
        Thanks
        Helpful 6 Not Helpful 1
      • The crisper pan should only be used with adult supervision as it becomes extremely hot when used in the microwave.
        Thanks
        Helpful 7 Not Helpful 2
      • Make sure your sandwich is allowed to sit for a time to prevent burns from the melted cheese.
        Thanks
        Helpful 4 Not Helpful 1
      Advertisement

      You Might Also Like

      How to
      Make a Grilled Cheese Sandwich
      How to
      Make a Grilled Cheese Sandwich in a George Foreman Grill
      How to
      Make a Quesadilla
      How to
      Make a Grilled Cheese Sandwich on a Griddle
      How to
      Make a Cheese Sandwich
      How to
      Make Cheese Toast With a Toaster and Microwave
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ http://www.seriouseats.com/2015/02/best-grilled-cheese-sandwich-recipe-variations.html
      2. ↑ https://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/fl-xpm-1986-08-06-8602160064-story.html
      3. ↑ http://www.ebay.com/gds/The-Complete-Toaster-Buying-Guide-/10000000177632704/g.html
      4. ↑ http://www.seriouseats.com/2015/02/best-grilled-cheese-sandwich-recipe-variations.html
      5. ↑ http://www.seriouseats.com/2015/02/best-grilled-cheese-sandwich-recipe-variations.html
      6. ↑ http://www.seriouseats.com/2015/02/best-grilled-cheese-sandwich-recipe-variations.html
      7. ↑ http://www.seriouseats.com/2015/02/best-grilled-cheese-sandwich-recipe-variations.html
      8. ↑ https://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/fl-xpm-1986-08-06-8602160064-story.html
      9. ↑ https://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/fl-xpm-1986-08-06-8602160064-story.html
      1. ↑ https://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/fl-xpm-1986-08-06-8602160064-story.html
      2. ↑ http://www.physlink.com/Education/AskExperts/ae379.cfm
      3. ↑ https://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/fl-xpm-1986-08-06-8602160064-story.html
      4. ↑ https://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/fl-xpm-1986-08-06-8602160064-story.html
      5. ↑ https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/52630/bachelor-grilled-cheese/
      6. ↑ https://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/fl-xpm-1986-08-06-8602160064-story.html
      7. ↑ http://www.noobcook.com/how-to-melt-butter-using-a-microwave-oven-step-by-step-photos/
      8. ↑ http://www.physlink.com/Education/AskExperts/ae379.cfm
      9. ↑ http://www.geappliances.com/search/fast/infobase/10001112.htm
      10. ↑ http://www.geappliances.com/search/fast/infobase/10001112.htm
      11. ↑ https://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/fl-xpm-1986-08-06-8602160064-story.html
      12. ↑ http://www.geappliances.com/search/fast/infobase/10001112.htm
      13. ↑ http://www.geappliances.com/search/fast/infobase/10001112.htm

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      To make grilled cheese in a microwave, start by spreading butter on 2 slices of bread and putting some cheese in between the slices. Then, wrap your sandwich in a paper towel, which will absorb excess moisture so your grilled cheese doesn't turn out soggy. Finally, put your sandwich on a microwave-safe plate and microwave it for 15-20 seconds, or until the cheese is melted. To learn how to make grilled cheese in the microwave using a crisper pan, scroll down!

      Did this summary help you?
      In other languages
      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 448,248 times.

      Reader Success Stories

      • Jordan Smith

        Dec 6, 2018

        "I wanted a grilled cheese sandwich, but I can't use the stove; I'm only allowed to use the microwave. I ..." more
        Rated this article:
      More reader stories Hide reader stories
      Share your story

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement