The Best Cheeses for Grilled Cheese Sandwiches – Ranked!

A perfect grilled cheese sandwich is crispy on the outside, gooey on the inside, and packed with melty, flavorful cheese. But which cheeses melt the best and give you that ultimate cheese-pull?

We’ve ranked the best cheeses for grilled cheese sandwiches, from classic choices to gourmet picks. Plus, we’ve included pro tips to make your grilled cheese next-level delicious!

1. American Cheese – The Classic Choice

• Best for: The ultimate diner-style grilled cheese
• Why It Works: Melts perfectly, ultra-creamy texture
• Pro Tip: Double up on slices for extra gooeyness

American cheese is the king of melty sandwiches. It’s buttery, smooth, and nostalgic—exactly what you want for a classic grilled cheese.

Perfect Pairing: White bread + butter

2. Cheddar – Sharp & Flavorful

• Best for: A bolder, more flavorful grilled cheese
• Why It Works: Aged Cheddar brings a nutty, tangy bite while still melting well
• Pro Tip: Use medium or mild Cheddar for better meltability

Cheddar adds rich flavor and a satisfying sharpness to your grilled cheese. Mild or medium Cheddar melts best, while sharp Cheddar adds extra boldness.

Perfect Pairing: Sourdough bread + crispy bacon

3. Gouda – Creamy & Buttery

• Best for: A smooth, slightly sweet melt
• Why It Works: Creamy, buttery texture with a hint of caramelized flavor
• Pro Tip: Try smoked Gouda for extra depth

Gouda is super smooth and rich, making it a great upgrade from traditional cheeses. If you want something indulgent, this is it.

Perfect Pairing: Rye bread + caramelized onions

4. Swiss – Nutty & Creamy

• Best for: A mild but super-stretchy grilled cheese
• Why It Works: Melts into a gooey, creamy texture
• Pro Tip: Mix Swiss with Cheddar or Gouda for extra richness

Swiss cheese (like Emmental or Gruyère) gives your sandwich a hint of nuttiness and a stretchy, gooey texture. It’s mild but oh-so-melty.

Perfect Pairing: Whole wheat bread + ham

5. Colby – The Perfect Balance of Flavor & Melt

• Best for: A smoother, creamier version of Cheddar
• Why It Works: Milder than Cheddar but still full of flavor
• Pro Tip: Combine Colby & Cheddar together for the perfect grilled cheese

Colby is one of the best all-around cheeses for grilled cheese. It has a rich, buttery flavor with better meltability than sharp Cheddar. If you want a creamy, mild, and flavorful grilled cheese, Colby is a winner!

Perfect Pairing: Sourdough bread + Cheddar for the ultimate blend

6. Monterey Jack – Ultra Gooey & Mild

• Best for: A super smooth and mild grilled cheese
• Why It Works: Creamy, stretchy, and ultra-melty
• Pro Tip: Combine with Cheddar for more depth

Monterey Jack is smooth and buttery, melting like a dream. If you love the texture of American cheese but want a more natural option, this is your go-to.

Perfect Pairing: White bread + sliced jalapeños

7. Provolone – Italian-Style Meltiness

• Best for: A mild yet stretchy grilled cheese
• Why It Works: Soft melt, slightly smoky flavor
• Pro Tip: Use aged Provolone for more depth

Provolone is smooth, stretchy, and a little nutty, making it a great choice for Italian-inspired grilled cheese sandwiches.

Perfect Pairing: Italian bread + sun-dried tomatoes

8. Mozzarella – Stretchy & Mild

• Best for: A super stretchy grilled cheese
• Why It Works: Melts smoothly but has a mild flavor
• Pro Tip: Mix with Cheddar or Gouda for more taste

Mozzarella is the best cheese for epic cheese-pulls! While mild in flavor, it’s super gooey and fun to eat.

Perfect Pairing: Ciabatta bread + pesto

Pro Tips for the Perfect Grilled Cheese

1. Butter vs. Mayo – Which Is Better?

• Butter = Classic, rich flavor
• Mayo = Crispier, more even browning
• Pro tip: Mix both for the best of both worlds!

2. Low & Slow is the Secret

• Cook your sandwich on medium-low heat for 3-4 minutes per side.
• This prevents burning while fully melting the cheese.

3. Press It Down for a Crispy Crust

• Use a spatula or a cast-iron pan to gently press the sandwich down while cooking.

4. Add Fun Extras

• Caramelized onions - Deep flavor
• Bacon - Salty crunch
• Honey or jam - Sweet & savory contrast
• Jalapeños or hot sauce - Spice it up!

The Final Cheese Ranking for Grilled Cheese

Final Thoughts

Whether you love a classic, buttery American grilled cheese, a sharp Cheddar melt, or a creamy, mild Colby sandwich, the right cheese makes all the difference!

What’s YOUR favorite cheese for grilled cheese? Let us know in the comments! ??