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Grilled Cheese In The Oven (SO EASY!!!)

This simple grilled cheese in the oven method makes six classic grilled cheese sandwiches per half sheet pan, hot and fresh, in just about 10 minutes… SO EASY!!!

oven baked grilled cheese sliced on crinkled parchment paper

Grilled Cheese In The Oven

I have to confess that fall is not one of my favorite seasons. Despite having grown up in Ohio, I am just NOT a cold weather girl. My fingers and toes are perpetually like ice, and the gray sky days totally make me want to hibernate in my nice, warm bed until spring rolls around.

On the other hand, I do love me some fall comfort food! Soups and chilis reign, and this early on, all of our old favorites feel new again — even the classic tomato basil soup with grilled cheese sandwiches.

This pairing is in heavy rotation because they’re both quick and easy to prepare, with special thanks to this trick I learned for making grilled cheese in the oven…

Oh yes, if you were in the dark on this technique (as I obviously was), you are in for SUCH a treat! This has been a huge lifesaver for my larger than average family.

Previously, I’d have two skillets going on the stovetop, along with the panini press, just to make sure everyone got a hot and fresh grilled cheese sandwich with their bowl of soup. Surely there’s a better way to make grilled cheese for a crowd, right?

I’m not sure if I googled for a solution or searched Pinterest. But when I stumbled on this sheet pan grilled cheese in the oven method, I couldn’t believe how EASY it was…

This simple method makes six classic grilled cheese sandwiches per half sheet pan, hot and fresh from the oven, in just about 10 minutes. I’M SOLD!!!

sliced cheese for grilled cheese in oven

Baked Grilled Cheese In Oven Ingredients

Using the very best ingredients is important when making any type of grilled cheese. My family prefers wheat bread, and I like to use salted butter for extra flavor.

Also, none of those plastic-y American singles around here! Yeah, I used them back in the day, too — until I found out that they’re only required to contain a minimum of 51% real cheese and may contain as many as 15 different added ingredients. Um, gross (!!!) and NO THANKS…

Sargento Sliced Cheese is 100% real, natural cheese, and in my opinion, it’s the best thing since sliced bread. See what I did there?!

I know, ha-ha — but really, this stuff is full of flavor and perfect for your favorite sandwiches, wraps, burgers, etc. With 23 delicious varieties, you’re sure to find one to satisfy every member of your household.

I’m partial to a grilled pepper jack cheese sandwich, but most of my family prefers a classic medium cheddar.

preparing oven baked grilled cheese sandwiches

How To Make Grilled Cheese In The Oven

There are actually a few different ways to make grilled cheese in the oven using a sheet pan.

One common method uses two half sheet pans. One baking sheet holds the sandwiches, and the second sheet pan gets set on top of the sandwiches to supposedly speed up the cooking time. Give it a try if you like, but I DID NOT find this method to be very effective.

The grilled cheese sandwiches I made using this technique were unevenly browned and took about the same amount of time to cook. Plus, I was left with additional equipment to clean up — and you know how much I HATE doing dishes!

NOTE: If you’re wondering, my preferred baking sheets are these natural aluminum sheet pans.

The oven-baked grilled cheese method I use only dirties a single half sheet pan for 6 sandwiches.

For each sandwich, simply spread the outsides of two pieces of bread with softened butter, layer with the desired number of slices of cheese on the inside, and place them on the baking sheet. Bake your grilled cheese in oven at 450 degrees for about 10 minutes, flipping the sandwiches halfway through cooking.

Voila! Pull out your big batch of hot and melty grilled cheese sandwiches and serve with your favorite soup.

PRO TIP: Are you ready for me to really blow your mind? Pick up one of these XL baking sheets, and you can actually make TWELVE sandwiches at once!!!

grilled cheese in the oven 6 grilled cheese sandwiches on a baking sheet

Baking Time For Oven Baked Grilled Cheese Recipe

The time it takes to make grilled cheese in the oven depends on several factors, including:

  • the bread type (wheat, white, etc.)
  • the thickness of the bread slices
  • the temperature of the cheese
  • and the general quirks of your oven

Keep a close eye on the sandwiches the first few times you try this method. You also may want to also pick up an inexpensive oven thermometer to check your oven. It’s surprising how many ovens run quite a bit hotter or cooler than the set temperature.

You’ll quickly learn the best timing for your oven and choice of bread, and then you won’t need to check as often…

Hope this grilled cheese hack becomes one of your favorites, too!!

grilled cheese sandwich baked on a baking sheet in the oven

Grilled Cheese In The Oven

Yield: 6 sandwiches
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes

This simple grilled cheese in the oven method makes six classic grilled cheese sandwiches per half sheet pan, hot and fresh, in just about 10 minutes... SO EASY!!!

Ingredients

  • 12 slices of sandwich bread
  • 6-12 cheese slices
  • 8 tablespoons salted butter, softened

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 450 degrees.
  2. Butter one side of 6 slices of bread and place each butter-side down on a half sheet pan. Layer 1-2 slices of cheese on each slice of bread. Spread butter on 6 remaining slices of bread and place them buttered-side up on top of the cheese.
  3. Bake for 5-6 minutes, flip the sandwiches over, and bake for an additional 5-6 minutes, until golden brown. Baking time may vary slightly depending on the type of bread used.

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Nutrition Information:
Yield: 6 Serving Size: 1 sandwich
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 396Total Fat: 26.3gSaturated Fat: 15.7gCholesterol: 71.3mgSodium: 519.1mgCarbohydrates: 28gFiber: 2gSugar: 4gProtein: 13.6g

Have you tried this recipe?

Leave a comment below and share a photo on Instagram. Tag it @unsophisticook and hashtag it #unsophisticook!

homemade creamy tomato basil soup in a blue and white bowl with a grilled cheese in the oven sandwich

Creamy Homemade Tomato Soup

Looking for the perfect soup to pair with these easy grilled cheese in the oven sandwiches? This creamy homemade tomato soup recipe is a total copycat of my favorite tomato basil soup at First Watch!

I’d love to see how your oven baked grilled cheese sandwiches turn out… Tag me @Unsophisticook on Instagram or use the hashtag #Unsophisticook so I can check it out. Enjoy!

This is a sponsored conversation on behalf of Sargento Cheese; all opinions and text are my own. Thanks for supporting me and the brands I love! For more delicious cheese recipes using 100% real, natural Sargento Sliced Cheese!

Junell

Monday 30th of January 2023

Do you preheat the pan? THX!

Tara Kuczykowski

Monday 30th of January 2023

Hi June’s! I do not, because I find it easier and less messy to butter and build the sandwiches right on the sheet pan. But you absolutely could if you want to, and it would cut down the cook time slightly on the first side.

Angie

Wednesday 25th of January 2023

Easy and simple! Thank you!

C Stevens

Sunday 25th of September 2022

While reading your directions you mentioned that some ovens run cold or hot, and suggested investing in an oven thermometer. A quick, easy and cheap way to tell if your oven is correct is to melt sugar in your oven in a safe clear container, or on piece of foil, set oven at 375. When it melts your oven is at 366. From there you can gauge if it’s running hot or cold.

Tara Kuczykowski

Monday 26th of September 2022

Wow, I've never heard of this test. Great tip -- thanks for sharing!

Donna

Friday 10th of June 2022

Tried the grilled cheese baked method. Five minutes on each side was definitely not long enough for baking. I did six minute and still finished off on the stovetop.

Tara Kuczykowski

Saturday 11th of June 2022

Hi Donna! As mentioned, you may need to adjust the time based on the bread you use and your oven. Just give them a little more time and it should work.

Christine Rivera

Tuesday 5th of April 2022

Hi! I'm actually making this for Church. Im making about 25 -30 of them. How can I keep the Grillef cheese sandwich crispy. I noticed when they are put into an aluminum tray and covered, the bread gets soggy. Any ideas ? Thanks! :)

Tara Kuczykowski

Tuesday 5th of April 2022

Great question, Christine! I think in this case you need to either prioritize keeping them warm or keeping them crispy. If you want them to stay crispy, I'd suggest cooling them on a wire rack before covering them in an aluminum tray. If you want them to stay warm but are okay with them being less crispy, I'd try wrapping them individually in foil.

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