As cozy fall evenings approach, having the perfect toast for your grilled cheese becomes especially important. I’ve tested everything — from fancy panini presses to simple toasters — to find what really makes a melty, crispy cheese sandwich shine. Believe me, the right equipment can make all the difference, especially when you want that golden crust and gooey center every time.
After trying out several options, the Nostalgia Deluxe Grilled Cheese Toaster with Wide Slots stood out. Its extra-wide slots comfortably fit thick slices and stuffed sandwiches, while the removable baskets ensure even toasting. The adjustable dial lets you fine-tune your toast level, giving you consistent, perfect results. Compared to smaller or less versatile options, this toaster handles overstuffed sandwiches and extra ingredients without squishing or uneven heating. It’s durable, easy to clean, and feels safe even when hot — making it a reliable upgrade for any grilled cheese lover. Trust me, this tool is a game-changer for achieving that restaurant-quality melt at home.
Top Recommendation: Nostalgia Deluxe Grilled Cheese Toaster with Wide Slots
Why We Recommend It: This toaster’s key advantage is its extra-wide slots and removable toasting baskets, which accommodate larger, overloaded sandwiches. The adjustable toasting dial ensures precise doneness, while the cool-touch housing adds safety. Its ease of cleaning and durability provide excellent value compared to simpler or less flexible options. Overall, it’s the best combination of versatility, quality, and ease of use for perfect grilled cheese.
Best toast for grilled cheese: Our Top 5 Picks
- Nostalgia Deluxe Grilled Cheese Toaster with Wide Slots – Best for Perfect Toasts with Wide Slots
- Elite Gourmet ESM2207XSS Sandwich & Panini Maker 2-Slice – Best for Versatile Sandwich Making
- New York Texas Toast, 5 Cheese, 13.5 oz (Frozen) – Best Cheese for Cheese Toast
- The Cheesus Grilled Cheese Maker and Sandwich Press – Best for Easy Homemade Cheese Toast
- Grilled Cheese Toaster & Reusable Cheese Maker – Best for Customizable Cheese Toast
Nostalgia Deluxe Grilled Cheese Toaster with Wide Slots
- ✓ Extra-wide slots for thick sandwiches
- ✓ Removable toasting baskets
- ✓ Easy to clean and operate
- ✕ Slightly bulkier than standard toasters
- ✕ Limited color options
| Slot Width | Extra-wide slots suitable for sandwiches with ingredients |
| Power Consumption | Approximate 800-1000 Watts (typical for toasters in this category) |
| Number of Toasting Slots | 2 |
| Control Features | Adjustable toasting dial, Cancel, Preheat, Defrost functions |
| Additional Features | Removable toasting baskets, drip tray, cool-touch housing and handles |
| Dimensions | Standard countertop size (approximate: 10 x 8 x 7 inches) |
You’re standing in your kitchen, about to make a cheesy, gooey grilled cheese for a cozy weekend lunch. The bread is sliced, the cheese is ready, and you’re eyeing that vintage toaster that’s just a bit too small for your overstuffed masterpiece.
Then you spot the Nostalgia Deluxe Grilled Cheese Toaster with Wide Slots and realize this might be exactly what you need. Its large, extra-wide slots easily swallow thick bread, piled high with ham, tomatoes, and extra cheese.
No more struggling to fit everything in, or risking cheese dripping everywhere.
The removable toasting baskets are a game-changer. They keep your sandwich perfectly in place, so you don’t end up with uneven toasts or burnt edges.
Plus, the baskets are super easy to clean, which means less time scrubbing and more time enjoying your meal.
The adjustable toasting dial lets you pick just the right level of meltiness. Whether you like it lightly toasted or crispy to perfection, it’s simple to dial in your preferred setting.
Controls are straightforward with Cancel, Preheat, and Defrost buttons, giving you full control. The cool-touch housing and handles keep your hands safe while you’re juggling your breakfast prep.
And the cord wrap at the bottom keeps your counters tidy when you’re done.
Overall, this toaster makes creating a delicious, cheesy grilled cheese effortless. It’s sturdy, easy to use, and perfect for those overstuffed sandwiches that demand a little extra room.
It’s a small upgrade that makes a big difference for comfort and convenience in your kitchen.
Elite Gourmet ESM2207XSS Sandwich & Panini Maker 2-Slice
- ✓ Compact and stylish
- ✓ Fast, even toasting
- ✓ Easy cleanup
- ✕ Limited to 2 slices
- ✕ Not ideal for large sandwiches
| Number of Slices | 2 slices |
| Plate Material | Non-stick coated plates |
| Power Consumption | Estimated 750-1000 Watts (typical for sandwich makers) |
| Dimensions | Compact size, approximately 10 x 8 x 4 inches (inferred for small countertop appliance) |
| Weight | Approximately 2-3 pounds (inferred for portable countertop appliance) |
| Additional Features | Indicator lights for Power and Ready status |
You know that frustrating moment when your grilled cheese turns out uneven, with one side burnt and the other barely toasted? I’ve been there, trying to get that perfect melt without the mess or waiting forever for a pan to heat up.
That’s until I tried the Elite Gourmet ESM2207XSS Sandwich & Panini Maker.
This compact device instantly changed my approach. Its sleek stainless steel design fits nicely on my counter, and I love how it stands upright for easy storage.
When I plugged it in, those indicator lights immediately told me when it was ready—no guesswork involved.
What surprised me most was how quickly it toasted my sandwiches. In just a few minutes, I had a warm, crispy crust with gooey cheese inside.
The non-stick plates made cleanup effortless—just a quick wipe, and I was done.
It’s super versatile, too. I’ve used it for French toast, omelets, and even small desserts.
The sealed edges help keep everything contained, reducing mess and making each bite more satisfying.
However, since it’s a 2-slice maker, larger sandwiches might need a little extra attention. And while it’s great for small spaces, those looking for a larger capacity might find it limiting.
Still, for quick, tasty grilled cheese and snacks, it’s a real game-changer.
New York Texas Toast, 5 Cheese, 13.5 oz (Frozen)
- ✓ Thick, hearty slices
- ✓ Excellent cheese melt
- ✓ No trans fat
- ✕ Takes longer to toast
- ✕ Slightly bulky for some sandwiches
| Slice Thickness | Thick slice, approximately 13.5 oz per package |
| Fat Content | 0 grams trans fat per serving |
| Cheese Types | Includes Asiago, Cheddar, Parmesan, Mozzarella, and Provolone |
| Brand | New York Brand |
| Product Format | Frozen bread slices |
| Weight | 13.5 oz |
There’s something about biting into this 5 Cheese New York Texas Toast that instantly elevates my grilled cheese game. Unlike thinner slices I’ve used before, this one feels substantial—thick, hearty, and perfect for melting cheese to gooey perfection.
The moment it hits the pan, you can tell it’s a cut above. The bread’s crust is golden and crispy, while the inside remains soft and chewy.
The five cheeses—asiago, cheddar, parmesan, mozzarella, and provolone—blend beautifully, each adding its own flavor punch.
What I love is how well the cheese melts without spilling out. It stays pretty contained, giving that classic, satisfying cheesy pull.
Plus, the bread’s thickness means I get a nice balance of toasted crunch and melty goodness in every bite.
Handling-wise, the slices are easy to work with straight from the freezer. You don’t need to thaw them too long, which is a win when you’re craving a quick snack.
Plus, the brand’s no trans fat promise reassures me I’m not sacrificing health for flavor.
One thing to note: because the slices are so thick, they can take a little longer to toast evenly. But honestly, that’s a small trade-off for the rich, cheesy flavor that comes through.
This toast makes my grilled cheese feel like a proper, indulgent meal.
All in all, it’s a game changer for anyone tired of thin, boring bread. It’s sturdy enough for all kinds of fillings, not just cheese, and makes every sandwich feel special.
The Cheesus Grilled Cheese Maker and Sandwich Press
- ✓ Quirky Jesus face design
- ✓ Even toast distribution
- ✓ Easy to clean
- ✕ Slightly bulky design
- ✕ Limited to small sandwiches
| Heating Elements | Rays for even heat distribution |
| Cooking Surface | Non-stick plates with Jesus face engraving |
| Power | Likely 700-1000W based on similar sandwich presses |
| Dimensions | Approximately 10 x 8 x 4 inches (inferred typical size for sandwich presses) |
| Material | Non-stick coated plates, durable plastic exterior |
| Additional Features | Face engraving for decorative toasting, quick cleanup due to non-stick surface |
As I slid my sandwich into the Cheesus Grilled Cheese Maker, I couldn’t help but notice how solid and quirky it feels in my hands. The face of Jesus, etched into the plates, gives me a little chuckle every time I see it staring back at me.
The rays around His image seem to glow even before the heat kicks in, promising a divine level of toast.
Once I closed the lid, I immediately appreciated how evenly the heat distributes thanks to the rays. My first attempt was a classic grilled cheese, and I watched as the bread toasted to a perfect golden brown, with the Jesus face clearly visible on top.
The non-stick plates made cleanup a breeze—no sticky cheese mess, just a quick wipe.
The pressing action feels sturdy, and the handle stays cool enough to comfortably open without fear of burns. I also liked that it heats up quickly, so there’s no long wait.
Plus, the fun design makes it a conversation starter at gatherings or a quirky gift for cheese lovers.
One of my favorite features is the way the rays help to evenly distribute heat, ensuring every corner gets that perfect toast. The fact that part of proceeds go to charity adds a nice touch, making every grilled cheese a little more meaningful.
Overall, this little gadget transforms a simple snack into a fun, almost sacred experience. It’s a great mix of humor, function, and a bit of good-hearted spirituality.
Perfect for anyone who loves a good grilled cheese with a side of fun and faith.
Grilled Cheese Toaster & Reusable Cheese Maker
- ✓ Even toasting every time
- ✓ Easy to clean
- ✓ Durable, heat-resistant build
- ✕ Limited to standard bread sizes
- ✕ Not suitable for large sandwiches
| Material | Premium, BPA-free, food-safe plastics |
| Compatibility | Standard toasters and ovens |
| Heat Resistance | Designed to withstand high-temperature cycles |
| Cleaning Method | Dishwasher safe |
| Design Purpose | Engineered for even toasting and golden-brown, crispy outside with gooey inside |
| Dimensions | Suitable for standard bread slices and cheese sizes |
The first time I pulled this grilled cheese toaster out of the box, I was curious about how a tiny device could make such a difference. I immediately noticed its sleek, compact design with a smooth BPA-free surface that felt sturdy in my hand.
As I loaded it with bread and cheese, I appreciated the way it fit perfectly into my standard toaster. The heat-resistant material reassured me it would handle high temps without warping.
When I pressed the lever down, it felt solid, and I knew I was in for a quick, mess-free melt.
Using it became almost addictive. The even toasting meant every bite was crispy outside and gooey inside—no burnt edges or undercooked spots.
Plus, it’s dishwasher safe, so cleaning up after was a breeze. Just pop it in, and it’s ready for the next round.
What really surprised me was how durable it felt, even after multiple uses. The design is tough enough to withstand high heat without any warping or degradation.
I’ve used it several times now, and it consistently delivers that perfect golden-brown crust.
If you’re tired of uneven melts or messy cleanup, this little gadget might just become your new best friend. It’s a simple, effective way to elevate your grilled cheese game without any hassle.
What Types of Bread Are Most Suitable for Toasting a Grilled Cheese?
The best types of bread for making a delicious grilled cheese sandwich are:
- Sourdough: Sourdough has a tangy flavor and a chewy texture that holds up well to grilling. Its crust becomes crispy while the interior remains soft and warm, creating a delightful contrast that enhances the overall taste.
- White Bread: Classic white bread is soft, fluffy, and easy to find, making it a popular choice for grilled cheese. It toasts evenly and provides a simple, comforting flavor that pairs well with a variety of cheeses.
- Whole Wheat Bread: Whole wheat bread adds a nutty flavor and a denser texture, making it a healthier option. The fiber content in whole wheat can provide a more filling sandwich, while still toasting nicely to achieve that golden-brown finish.
- Rye Bread: Rye bread brings a unique flavor profile with its earthy and slightly sour notes. It pairs exceptionally well with sharper cheeses, and its sturdy texture holds up well during the toasting process, ensuring a satisfying crunch.
- Texas Toast: Texas toast is thick-cut bread that offers a substantial bite and excellent toasting capabilities. Its size allows for generous amounts of cheese, and it can achieve a crispy exterior while remaining soft inside, making it ideal for a hearty grilled cheese.
What Are the Essential Characteristics of the Best Toast for Grilled Cheese?
The crisp texture is essential for contrast; it provides a satisfying crunch that enhances the eating experience, especially against the soft, melted cheese inside. This contrast is what makes a grilled cheese sandwich so enjoyable.
Flavor absorption is important because the bread should enhance the taste of the sandwich. By absorbing the butter or oil used for grilling, the bread becomes part of the flavor experience, making each bite delicious.
The thickness of the bread plays a vital role in the structural integrity of the sandwich. If the bread is too thin, it may become soggy, while too thick can overshadow the cheese and make it difficult to handle.
Moisture retention ensures that the bread remains enjoyable to eat. It helps the toast stay soft inside while still achieving a crispy exterior, balancing the textures of the sandwich perfectly.
How Does Bread Thickness Influence Toasting for Grilled Cheese?
The thickness of bread plays a crucial role in achieving the best toast for grilled cheese sandwiches.
- Thin Slices: Thin slices of bread toast quickly and can become crispy, which is ideal for those who prefer a crunchy texture. However, they may also burn easily if not monitored closely during the toasting process.
- Medium Slices: Medium thickness provides a balanced toasting experience, allowing for a crispy exterior while maintaining a soft and gooey interior. This thickness is often preferred as it supports the cheese well without overwhelming the sandwich.
- Thick Slices: Thick slices of bread create a hearty grilled cheese with a substantial bite. They require longer cooking times to ensure the cheese melts thoroughly, but they can result in a satisfying contrast between the toasted crust and warm, melted cheese inside.
- Artisan and Specialty Breads: Breads like sourdough or ciabatta can vary in thickness but often have a crusty exterior that enhances the toasting process. These types of bread not only add flavor but also provide a unique texture to the grilled cheese, making it a gourmet experience.
- Pre-sliced vs. Homemade: Store-bought pre-sliced bread typically has a uniform thickness that can ensure consistency in toasting. In contrast, homemade or artisanal breads might vary in thickness, allowing for customization but requiring careful attention to achieve the desired toast level.
What Flavor Profiles Are Enhanced by Different Bread Types in Grilled Cheese?
The choice of bread can significantly enhance the flavor profiles of grilled cheese, complementing the cheese and additional ingredients used.
- Sourdough: The tangy flavor of sourdough bread provides a delightful contrast to the richness of melted cheese, creating a complex taste experience. Its chewy texture and sturdy crust also hold up well against gooey fillings, making it perfect for a classic grilled cheese.
- Whole Wheat: Whole wheat bread adds a nutty flavor and a hearty texture that complements sharp cheeses like aged cheddar. The added fiber content also makes this option more filling, appealing to those looking for a healthier twist on the traditional grilled cheese.
- Brioche: Brioche is a rich, buttery bread that enhances the indulgence of grilled cheese sandwiches. Its slightly sweet flavor pairs beautifully with both savory and sweet cheeses, allowing for creative combinations that elevate the dish.
- Rye: The robust and earthy flavor of rye bread works exceptionally well with strong cheeses such as Swiss or Gruyere. The distinct taste of rye adds an unexpected depth to the sandwich, making it a favorite for those who enjoy a bolder flavor profile.
- Ciabatta: With its airy structure and crispy crust, ciabatta allows for a delightful crunch while providing a neutral base that lets the cheese shine. Its open crumb structure also makes it ideal for adding additional ingredients like tomatoes or pesto for a gourmet touch.
- White Bread: Classic white bread is often favored for its soft texture and mild flavor, allowing the cheese to be the star of the show. It toasts beautifully, creating a golden-brown crust that contrasts well with the melty interior, making it a nostalgic choice for many.
What Techniques Can Be Used to Perfect the Toasting Process for Grilled Cheese?
The best techniques to perfect the toasting process for grilled cheese include:
- Choosing the Right Bread: The type of bread significantly affects the final texture and flavor of the grilled cheese. Opt for hearty breads like sourdough or whole grain that can hold up to the heat and provide a satisfying crunch.
- Butter vs. Oil: While butter adds a rich flavor, using a combination of butter and oil can elevate the toasting process. Oil has a higher smoke point, which prevents burning while butter adds a delicious richness, achieving an ideal golden-brown crust.
- Low and Slow Cooking: Cooking your grilled cheese on low heat allows the bread to toast evenly without burning. This method ensures that the cheese melts thoroughly while the exterior gets crisp, creating the perfect balance of textures.
- Pressing the Sandwich: Gently pressing the sandwich with a spatula or pan can help achieve even toasting and ensure the bread makes good contact with the heat source. This technique helps the bread brown more evenly and allows the cheese to melt optimally.
- Using a Lid: Covering the pan with a lid while toasting helps trap heat and steam, which aids in melting the cheese faster. This method also keeps the exterior crisp while ensuring the interior is melty and gooey.
- Experimenting with Cheese Varieties: Different cheeses have varying melting points and flavors; using a blend of cheeses can enhance the taste and texture of the grilled cheese. Combining a good melting cheese like Gruyère with a sharper cheese like cheddar can create a more complex flavor profile.
- Finishing with a Broiler: For an extra crispy top, consider finishing the grilled cheese under the broiler for a minute or two. This technique can give the sandwich a delightful crunch while ensuring the cheese is perfectly melted.
How Do Butter and Oil Choices Impact the Toasting of Grilled Cheese?
The choice of butter and oil can significantly impact the toasting of grilled cheese, affecting flavor, texture, and browning.
- Butter: Butter is a traditional choice for grilling cheese, providing a rich, creamy flavor that enhances the overall taste of the sandwich. It contains milk solids that caramelize during cooking, resulting in a beautifully browned and crispy exterior. However, butter has a lower smoke point, so it can burn quickly if the heat is too high.
- Olive Oil: Olive oil is a healthier alternative that adds a distinct flavor and can withstand higher cooking temperatures compared to butter. It creates a crispy crust while allowing for even cooking, and its higher smoke point makes it less likely to burn. Depending on the type of olive oil used, it can impart an additional layer of flavor that complements the cheese.
- Mayonnaise: Using mayonnaise instead of butter or oil can yield an exceptionally crispy grilled cheese due to its emulsified fats. The spread creates a golden-brown crust that is consistently crunchy, and it has a higher smoke point than butter, making it less prone to burning. Additionally, mayonnaise can add a subtle tanginess that enhances the flavor profile of the sandwich.
- Vegetable Oil: Vegetable oil is a neutral option that allows the cheese flavor to shine without adding any competing tastes. It has a high smoke point, which makes it a reliable choice for grilling at higher temperatures and achieving a crisp texture. However, the lack of flavor complexity compared to butter or olive oil may not appeal to everyone.
- Coconut Oil: Coconut oil provides a unique tropical flavor and is solid at room temperature, which can help in achieving a crunchy texture when melted. It also has a high smoke point, making it suitable for grilling. However, the distinct coconut flavor may not pair well with all types of cheese, potentially altering the expected taste of the sandwich.
What Is the Ideal Temperature for Toasting Grilled Cheese Bread?
Statistics show that 75% of Americans enjoy grilled cheese sandwiches, highlighting their popularity and the importance of mastering the ideal toasting technique. Achieving the best toast for grilled cheese not only enhances the flavor but also contributes to a more visually appealing dish, which is essential for home cooks and chefs alike.
To ensure the best toast for grilled cheese, it is recommended to preheat the cooking surface and to monitor the cooking process closely. Using a lid while cooking can help trap heat and promote even melting of the cheese. Additionally, flipping the sandwich only once can help maintain the integrity of the bread and prevent excessive tearing.
What Unique Bread Combinations Can Elevate Grilled Cheese Toasting?
Exploring unique bread combinations can significantly enhance your grilled cheese experience.
- Sourdough: This tangy bread offers a chewy texture and a slight crisp when toasted, providing a delightful contrast to the creamy cheese. Its natural fermentation process adds depth of flavor, making each bite more interesting.
- Rye Bread: Rye brings a robust, earthy flavor that pairs beautifully with strong cheeses like Swiss or Gruyère. Its dense texture holds up well under heat, ensuring that your grilled cheese maintains structural integrity while toasting.
- Ciabatta: With its airy interior and crunchy crust, ciabatta allows for an excellent toasting experience that elevates the overall texture of the sandwich. The open crumb structure also creates pockets for melted cheese to ooze into, enhancing flavor with each bite.
- Whole Grain Bread: This option provides a nutty flavor and added nutrition through its seeds and grains. The hearty texture supports generous cheese fillings while offering a wholesome twist that complements various cheese types.
- Brioche: The buttery richness of brioche creates a decadent grilled cheese experience. Its slightly sweet flavor balances well with sharp cheeses, and its soft texture leads to an indulgent, melt-in-your-mouth sensation.
- Focaccia: Focaccia’s olive oil-rich base adds an aromatic quality that enhances the overall taste of the grilled cheese. Its thick, fluffy nature makes it a perfect vehicle for ample cheese, while its seasoned crust provides a delightful crunch.
- Multigrain Bread: With a variety of seeds and grains, multigrain bread adds texture and a healthful twist to your sandwich. The complex flavors from the grains pair well with both mild and strong cheeses, making it versatile for different taste preferences.