Waffle Grilled Cheese Twist (Printable Page)

Crispy, cheesy sandwich pressed in a waffle maker with golden ridges and melted cheddar cheese.

# What You Need:

→ Bread

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

→ Cheese

02 - 4 slices cheddar cheese or any good melting cheese such as Gruyère, mozzarella, or 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

# Steps:

01 - Preheat the waffle maker according to the manufacturer's instructions.
02 - Spread a thin layer of softened unsalted butter on one side of each bread slice.
03 - Place two bread slices buttered side down on a clean surface. Layer two slices of cheese on each, adding optional ingredients if desired. Top with the remaining bread slices, buttered side up, to form two sandwiches.
04 - Place one sandwich in the preheated waffle maker and close the lid gently, pressing lightly. Cook for 3 to 5 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and crispy and the cheese is fully melted.
05 - Remove the cooked sandwich, then repeat the cooking process with the second sandwich.
06 - Allow the sandwiches to cool for 1 minute, then slice and serve hot.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The waffle maker creates crispy ridges that trap butter and amplify the crunch in ways a regular pan simply cannot.
  • It's done in under 10 minutes and feels like a clever kitchen hack rather than actual cooking.
  • Every bite has a perfect ratio of melted cheese to golden bread—no sad cold spots.
02 -
  • If your bread tears while spreading butter, the bread was probably not soft enough; leave it at room temperature for a few minutes before starting.
  • Every waffle maker heats differently, so your first attempt might need 3 minutes or closer to 5—watch for that golden-brown color rather than the clock.
  • Pressing too hard on the lid can squeeze all the melted cheese straight out the sides, so resist the temptation to apply force.
03 -
  • Lightly spray your waffle maker with cooking spray before the first sandwich to prevent any sticking, even though butter usually handles it.
  • If you're making these for a group, set up an assembly line on your counter so you can keep a sandwich cooking while building the next one, keeping everything warm and ready.
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