9 Best Cheeses for Grilled Cheese

A perfect grilled cheese sandwich is all about the right cheese—it needs to be melty, flavorful, and creamy, creating that irresistible gooey texture with every bite.

While almost any cheese can technically be used, some varieties melt better than others, and the right choice can elevate your sandwich from simple to spectacular.

Whether you prefer a classic diner-style grilled cheese or a gourmet twist with bold flavors, here are nine of the best cheeses to use for the ultimate grilled cheese experience.

The best grilled cheese sandwiches are all about cheese blending. Some cheeses have better meltability (American, Monterey Jack, Fontina), while others add bolder flavors (Cheddar, Gruyère, Brie).

The trick is to combine a melty cheese with a flavorful cheese for the ultimate texture and taste.

Pro Tips for the Best Grilled Cheese:

Use a blend of at least two cheeses (e.g., mild + bold).
Butter or mayo the outside of the bread for a crispy, golden crust.
Cook low and slow to allow the cheese to melt evenly.
Experiment with toppings like caramelized onions, honey, or spicy elements for added depth.

What’s your go-to grilled cheese combo?

1. American Cheese

American cheese might not be the most artisanal choice, but it’s iconic for a reason. This processed cheese is specifically designed for meltability, giving you that ooey-gooey, stretchy texture that makes a grilled cheese sandwich irresistible.

Its mild, slightly salty flavor allows it to blend seamlessly with any type of bread and add-ins. Because it contains emulsifiers, it melts smoothly and evenly, avoiding any oil separation. If you’re looking for the classic diner-style grilled cheese, this is the cheese to use.

Best Use: White bread with butter for the ultimate childhood comfort sandwich.

2. Cheddar

Cheddar is a grilled cheese staple because it strikes a perfect balance between flavor and meltability. The sharper the cheddar, the more bold and tangy the flavor, but keep in mind that aged cheddar doesn’t melt as well as younger varieties.

Mild or medium cheddar is ideal because it still has that rich, buttery mouthfeel while maintaining its smooth melt. You can also mix cheddar with a more meltable cheese like Monterey Jack to enhance both texture and flavor.

Best Use: Sourdough bread with caramelized onions or a hint of Dijon mustard for extra depth.

3. Gouda

Gouda, especially young or smoked varieties, adds a luxurious creaminess to grilled cheese. Young Gouda is soft, buttery, and mild, which makes it a fantastic melter.

Smoked Gouda, on the other hand, brings a slightly nutty, bacon-like smokiness, making it a great complement to meats or sweet add-ins like caramelized onions or apple slices. It’s a versatile cheese that adds a more gourmet twist to your grilled cheese.

Best Use: Rye or multigrain bread with crispy bacon or thinly sliced apples.

4. Gruyère

Gruyère is the cheese of choice for French onion soup, and it works just as beautifully in grilled cheese.

This Swiss cheese is nutty, slightly sweet, and deeply savory, with a more complex flavor than mild cheeses. When melted, it turns into a smooth, stretchy, and slightly elastic texture—perfect for those long cheese pulls.

Gruyère also has a buttery finish that pairs well with sweet and salty flavors, making it an excellent option for sophisticated, adult-friendly grilled cheese.

Best Use: French bread with caramelized onions for a French onion soup-inspired grilled cheese.

5. Fontina

Fontina is one of the best melting cheeses, thanks to its soft, supple texture and buttery, earthy flavor. It’s an Italian cheese with just a hint of funk, which adds depth without overpowering other ingredients.

It melts incredibly smoothly, making it a fantastic choice for a super creamy, gooey grilled cheese. It’s great on its own or blended with stronger cheeses like Gruyère or cheddar for added complexity.

Best Use: Ciabatta with fresh herbs or a drizzle of honey for a balanced, rich bite.

6. Monterey Jack

Monterey Jack is smooth, ultra-melty, and mild, making it an excellent base cheese. Because it lacks a strong tang, it takes on the flavors of whatever you pair it with, making it great for spicy, smoky, or tangy ingredients.

It melts quickly and evenly, ensuring a super creamy consistency with every bite. If you love a Southwestern twist, Monterey Jack is the best cheese to use with jalapeños, green chilies, or salsa.

Best Use: Rustic white bread with roasted green chilies or a hint of salsa for a Tex-Mex-style grilled cheese.

7. Provolone

Provolone brings a mildly tangy, slightly smoky flavor to the table, with a smooth, stretchy melt that makes it ideal for grilled cheese. Unlike mozzarella, which can be stringy, Provolone melts into a more cohesive, creamy texture.

It works well on its own but is even better blended with other cheeses like cheddar or fontina to add a little more complexity. Because it has a subtle flavor, Provolone is perfect for adding in Italian ingredients like basil, tomato, or balsamic glaze.

Best Use: Italian bread with fresh tomatoes and basil for a Caprese-style grilled cheese.

8. Brie

Brie is decadent, rich, and ultra-creamy, making it one of the most indulgent choices for a grilled cheese sandwich. Because it has such a soft, buttery texture, it melts effortlessly, creating a sandwich that’s almost like a cheese fondue on bread.

Brie has a mild, slightly earthy flavor, and when paired with something sweet—like fruit preserves or honey—it becomes a gourmet-level experience.

Best Use: Brioche bread with fig jam or thinly sliced pears for a sweet-savory contrast.

9. Havarti

Havarti is a hidden gem when it comes to grilled cheese. It’s buttery, slightly tangy, and incredibly smooth, with a creamy texture that melts beautifully. Havarti also has a subtle hint of sweetness, making it a great choice for balancing out savory ingredients.

Its mild but flavorful profile makes it a great cheese to mix with stronger cheeses like cheddar or Gruyère. Plus, it pairs well with ingredients like spicy mustard or pickles for a contrast of flavors.

Best Use: Whole wheat bread with spicy mustard or pickles for a tangy, bold bite.