Kids’ Grilled Cheese Sandwiches — Made the Way They Love Them

It's Saturday. A lazy family day with the kids.

What do kids like? I know that kids like cheese sandwiches. Restaurants serve them, and moms order them. They seem to make kids happy.

But I'm a dad. If a dad wants to make a kid happy with a cheese sandwich, he'd better talk to a mom. I learned that I knew nothing about making kids’ grilled cheese sandwiches. So I did some research and made a list. It's an amazing list. 

What I Learned

1. Use American cheese or a mild cheddar blend that melts super creamy. Use a mix of cheeses so it pulls into those long, gooey strings kids love.
2. Add a pinch of sugar to the butter before spreading it on the outsides. That helps it caramelize and turn golden without burning. The little sweetness balances the cheese flavor.
3. Butter the bread generously on the outside. Then cook low and slow so the cheese melts before the bread burns.
4. Let the sandwich rest for a minute after cooking and before cutting. Still soft enough for kids but less gooey and messy.
5. Cut into shapes or strips. Three-bite sizes are just right for kids. Use a cookie cutter for hearts, or just cut into triangles. Plain sandwiches are boring — shapes are exciting.

The Bread Matters

Homemade bread makes all the difference here — it's softer, fresher, and holds together better than store-bought. A simple white or potato bread works beautifully. The kids won't know why it tastes better. They'll just ask for another one.

See all seven things you can make this week →