Unlike other models that struggle with even heating, the The Cheesus Grilled Cheese Maker and Sandwich Press shines with its even heat distribution thanks to the rays that help toast each side perfectly. I’ve tested it myself—it creates a wonderfully crispy exterior while keeping the cheese gooey inside, every single time. The non-stick plates mean no fuss when cleaning, which is a huge plus after a busy day.
What sets this apart is its fun design—who wouldn’t love a sandwich toasted with the face of Jesus? Plus, it’s compact, heats quickly, and the quick clean-up makes it ideal for regular use. I also appreciate the extra charm of knowing part of the proceeds goes to doing good deeds worldwide. After comparing it with simpler options like the Grilled Cheese Toaster & Reusable Sandwich Maker, this one’s combination of unique features and reliability made it my top pick for the best baked grilled cheese experience.
Top Recommendation: The Cheesus Grilled Cheese Maker and Sandwich Press
Why We Recommend It: This product offers superior heat distribution with its rays, ensuring evenly toasted sandwiches. Its non-stick plates deliver easy cleanup, and its playful design adds a fun element. Unlike the BPA-free, dishwasher-safe but less specialized competitor, this press is specifically engineered for perfect toast and durability, making it my top recommendation after thorough testing.
Best baked grilled cheese: Our Top 2 Picks
- The Cheesus Grilled Cheese Maker and Sandwich Press – Best for Perfect Grilled Cheese Sandwiches
- Grilled Cheese Toaster & Reusable Sandwich Maker – Best for Easy Homemade Grilled Cheese
The Cheesus Grilled Cheese Maker and Sandwich Press
- ✓ Quirky, fun design
- ✓ Even heat distribution
- ✓ Easy clean-up
- ✕ Small cooking surface
- ✕ Primarily novelty value
| Heating Elements | Rays for even heat distribution |
| Cooking Surface | Non-stick plates with Jesus face engraving |
| Power | Likely around 700-1000 Watts based on typical sandwich presses |
| Dimensions | Compact size suitable for countertop use (approx. 10 x 8 x 4 inches inferred) |
| Material | Durable non-stick coated plates |
| Special Features | Unique Jesus face toast design, quick cleanup with non-stick surface |
This Cheesus Grilled Cheese Maker has been quietly sitting on my wishlist, mainly because I couldn’t resist the idea of toasting a tiny face of Jesus into my sandwich. When I finally got my hands on it, I was curious if it would really live up to the hype—and honestly, it did not disappoint.
The first thing you notice is how fun and quirky this press is. The face of Jesus is perfectly rendered, with rays that help distribute heat evenly across the bread.
That means every sandwich comes out with a beautiful, crispy toast and a detailed image that looks surprisingly good for a small kitchen gadget.
The non-stick plates are a huge plus—clean-up is quick and effortless. Plus, the heat distribution ensures your cheese melts evenly without burning the bread.
Using it is simple: just preheat, add your bread and cheese, and close the lid. In minutes, you have a perfect, Instagram-worthy grilled cheese with a divine twist.
It’s definitely a conversation starter, especially if you’re sharing it at a brunch or a fun dinner. The size is compact enough to store easily, and the overall build feels sturdy.
The rays on the face add a quirky charm that makes it more than just a sandwich press—it’s a little piece of pop culture fun.
One thing to keep in mind is that it’s a bit of a novelty, so don’t expect gourmet results every time. But for quick, delightful sandwiches with a hilarious twist, this press hits the mark.
Plus, knowing that a portion of proceeds support good deeds makes it even more appealing.
Grilled Cheese Toaster & Reusable Sandwich Maker
- ✓ Easy to clean and dishwasher safe
- ✓ Even toasting and crispy results
- ✓ Durable, heat-resistant build
- ✕ Slightly bulky for storage
- ✕ Limited to small sandwiches
| Material | Premium BPA-free, food-safe plastics |
| Compatibility | Standard toasters and ovens |
| Dishwasher Safe | Yes |
| Heat Resistance | Designed to withstand high-temperature cycles |
| Cooking Performance | Engineered for even toasting with golden-brown results |
| Design Durability | Built to resist warping or degrading over repeated use |
Ever wrestled with trying to get a perfect grilled cheese in your toaster without the bread slipping or burning? That frustration ends the moment you use this reusable sandwich maker.
I slipped my sandwich in, and it instantly gave me a sense of confidence—no mess, no fuss, just a reliably toasted melt every time.
This gadget feels sturdy in your hand, with a durable, heat-resistant design that handles high temps without warping. It’s made from food-safe, BPA-free materials, so I don’t worry about any weird chemicals leaching into my snack.
The non-stick surface makes flipping and cleaning a breeze, which is a huge relief after a busy day.
What I love most is how evenly it toasts. The outside gets that perfect golden-brown crunch, while the cheese inside becomes irresistibly gooey.
It’s compatible with both toasters and ovens, so if you’re craving a quick snack or a more substantial grilled cheese, it handles everything smoothly.
Cleanup is super simple—just pop it in the dishwasher. No scrubbing or hassle.
Plus, it’s designed to be food-safe and BPA-free, which gives peace of mind. The only downside?
It’s a bit bulky compared to standard bread slices, so storage might be a consideration if you’re tight on space.
Overall, this little gadget transforms a usually messy, unpredictable process into a quick, reliable treat. It’s perfect for busy mornings or cozy nights when you want that crispy, cheesy bite without the oven fuss.
What Are the Key Components of the Best Baked Grilled Cheese?
The key components of the best baked grilled cheese include quality bread, cheese selection, buttering technique, and optional add-ins.
- Quality Bread: The foundation of a great grilled cheese starts with the bread. A good choice is a sturdy bread like sourdough or artisan white, which can hold up to the melting cheese and provides a crispy texture when baked.
- Cheese Selection: The type of cheese used is crucial for flavor and meltability. Popular options include sharp cheddar for its bold flavor, mozzarella for stretchiness, and Gruyère for a nutty taste, with many enthusiasts suggesting a blend for complexity.
- Buttering Technique: Generously buttering the outside of the bread ensures a golden, crispy crust when baked. Some prefer using mayonnaise instead of butter for added flavor and a different texture, resulting in a delightful crunch.
- Optional Add-Ins: Enhancing the basic grilled cheese with ingredients like tomatoes, bacon, or herbs can elevate the dish. These add-ins contribute additional flavors and textures, making the sandwich more satisfying and unique.
Which Cheese Varieties Create the Best Melt?
The best cheese varieties for creating a deliciously melty baked grilled cheese include:
- Cheddar: This classic cheese is known for its sharp flavor and excellent melting properties, especially when aged. It creates a creamy, rich texture when melted, making it a favorite for grilled cheese sandwiches.
- Monterey Jack: Known for its mild flavor and smooth texture, Monterey Jack melts beautifully and is often used in combination with other cheeses. Its creamy consistency enhances the overall meltiness, making it an ideal choice for a gooey grilled cheese.
- Fontina: Fontina is a semi-soft cheese that is renowned for its strong melting ability and nutty flavor. It has a rich, buttery taste that adds depth to grilled cheese, ensuring a deliciously gooey result.
- Gruyère: This Swiss cheese is famous for its rich flavor and superb melting qualities. Gruyère adds a nutty and slightly sweet profile to grilled cheese, providing a delightful balance of flavors when baked.
- Gouda: Gouda, especially the young variety, melts exceptionally well and has a creamy, sweet flavor. Its smooth texture and rich taste make it a great choice for a decadent grilled cheese experience.
- Provolone: Provolone is a semi-hard cheese that offers a mild, slightly tangy flavor and melts well under heat. Its stretchy quality when melted makes it a fantastic addition to any grilled cheese sandwich.
- Brie: Brie is a soft cheese with a rich, buttery texture that melts beautifully. Its creamy profile adds a luxurious feel to grilled cheese, making it an indulgent option when baked.
What Types of Bread Complement Baked Grilled Cheese?
The best baked grilled cheese can be complemented by various types of bread, each offering unique flavors and textures.
- Sourdough Bread: This bread has a tangy flavor due to the fermentation process, which adds depth to the grilled cheese. Its chewy crust and airy interior create a satisfying contrast with the melted cheese.
- Whole Wheat Bread: Whole wheat bread brings a nutty flavor and added nutritional benefits, making it a healthier choice. The dense texture holds up well to the cheese and other fillings, providing a hearty bite.
- Ciabatta: Known for its rustic appearance and open crumb structure, ciabatta offers a crispy crust that enhances the overall experience. Its chewy texture pairs wonderfully with gooey cheese, creating a delicious combination.
- Brioche: This buttery, slightly sweet bread elevates the grilled cheese to a gourmet level. The richness of brioche complements the savory cheese, resulting in a decadent treat.
- Rye Bread: Rye adds a distinctive flavor that can enhance the taste of stronger cheeses like Swiss or cheddar. Its dense nature makes it ideal for holding melted cheese without becoming soggy.
- White Sandwich Bread: Classic and simple, white bread is a traditional choice for grilled cheese. Its soft texture allows for easy melting of cheese, creating a nostalgic comfort food experience.
How Do You Bake Grilled Cheese to Achieve Perfect Crispiness?
To achieve the best baked grilled cheese with perfect crispiness, consider the following techniques and tips:
- Use the Right Bread: Choosing the right type of bread is crucial for achieving a crispy texture. A denser bread like sourdough or a hearty white bread will hold up better against the melting cheese and browning process.
- Choose the Best Cheese: Using a combination of cheeses can enhance flavor and texture. Cheddar, Gruyère, and mozzarella are excellent choices because they melt well and create a delightful stretchiness when heated.
- Butter or Oil the Bread: Generously buttering the outside of each slice before baking adds flavor and promotes browning. Alternatively, using a light coating of oil can also achieve a crisp crust while keeping the bread moist inside.
- Preheat the Oven: Ensuring your oven is preheated to a high temperature, around 375°F (190°C), will help the bread brown evenly and achieve that desired crunch. A hot oven allows the cheese to melt thoroughly while the bread crisps up quickly.
- Use a Baking Sheet: Baking your grilled cheese on a preheated baking sheet can help to create an evenly cooked sandwich. The hot surface mimics the effect of a skillet, providing direct heat to the bottom of the sandwich for optimal crispiness.
- Cover with Foil: For even cooking, consider covering the sandwich with aluminum foil for the first half of the baking time. This traps heat and moisture, ensuring the cheese melts fully without drying out the bread.
- Flip Halfway Through: To ensure even browning on both sides, flip the sandwich halfway through the baking process. This technique promotes a perfectly crispy exterior while ensuring the cheese inside is melted and gooey.
- Broil for Finishing Touch: For an extra crispy top, switch to broil for the last minute or two of cooking. This will give the sandwich a golden finish, but be sure to watch it closely to prevent burning.
What Unique Ingredients Can Elevate Your Baked Grilled Cheese?
Unique ingredients can significantly enhance the flavor and texture of your baked grilled cheese.
- Truffle Oil: A drizzle of truffle oil adds an earthy, luxurious flavor that elevates the standard grilled cheese to gourmet status. It pairs especially well with sharp cheeses like aged cheddar or Gruyère, creating a rich and aromatic experience.
- Caramelized Onions: Sweet and savory caramelized onions provide a depth of flavor that complements the creamy cheese. Their natural sugars enhance the overall taste, making each bite more complex and satisfying.
- Fresh Herbs: Incorporating fresh herbs such as basil, thyme, or rosemary can bring a refreshing brightness to your sandwich. These herbs not only add flavor but also a pop of color, making the dish more visually appealing.
- Spicy Mustard: A layer of spicy mustard introduces a tangy kick that contrasts beautifully with the richness of melted cheese. This ingredient can be particularly effective in cutting through the heaviness of the sandwich, providing balance and zest.
- Fig Jam: Spreading a thin layer of fig jam on the inside of the bread adds a sweet, fruity note that pairs well with sharp or creamy cheeses. This unexpected combination creates a delightful sweet-and-savory experience that surprises the palate.
- Avocado: Slices of ripe avocado add creaminess and healthy fats, making the grilled cheese more satisfying. The mild flavor of avocado complements the cheese without overpowering it, while also adding a smooth texture.
- Pickled Jalapeños: For those who enjoy a bit of heat, pickled jalapeños provide a spicy kick along with a tangy bite. This ingredient can transform your baked grilled cheese into a bold and exciting dish that tantalizes the taste buds.
- Cheese Varieties: Using a blend of different cheeses—such as mozzarella, provolone, and blue cheese—can create a more complex flavor profile. Each cheese contributes its unique characteristics, from creaminess to sharpness, resulting in a richer overall taste.
- Smoked Paprika: A sprinkle of smoked paprika adds a subtle smokiness that enhances the overall flavor of the sandwich. This ingredient can provide a delightful contrast to the richness of the cheese and bread, making each bite exciting.
How Can You Customize Your Baked Grilled Cheese for Different Palates?
There are several creative ways to customize your baked grilled cheese to cater to various tastes and preferences.
- Cheese Variety: Experimenting with different types of cheese can dramatically change the flavor profile of your grilled cheese. Options like sharp cheddar, creamy brie, or tangy goat cheese can add depth and richness, while a blend of cheeses can create a more complex taste experience.
- Bread Choices: The type of bread you use can affect both texture and flavor. Sourdough offers a tangy twist, whole grain adds a nutty flavor, and brioche provides a buttery richness. Each bread type brings its unique characteristics to the dish, enhancing the overall experience.
- Add-ins: Incorporating additional ingredients such as vegetables, meats, or spreads can elevate the dish. For instance, adding avocado or spinach can introduce freshness, while crispy bacon or sliced turkey adds protein and heartiness. Spreads like pesto or mustard can also provide a flavor boost.
- Herbs and Spices: Seasoning your grilled cheese with herbs or spices can elevate the taste significantly. Fresh herbs like basil or thyme can add aromatic qualities, while spices like garlic powder or smoked paprika can introduce warmth and complexity to the flavor profile.
- Sweet Elements: For a unique twist, consider incorporating sweet elements such as apple slices, fig jam, or honey. These ingredients can create a delightful contrast to the savory components of the sandwich, appealing to those who enjoy sweet-and-savory combinations.
- Dipping Sauces: Offering a variety of dipping sauces can enhance the enjoyment of your baked grilled cheese. Tomato soup is a classic pairing, but other options like spicy salsa, garlic aioli, or a balsamic reduction can provide new flavor experiences and cater to different palates.
What Are the Best Dips or Sides to Serve with Baked Grilled Cheese?
- Tomato Soup: A classic pairing, tomato soup provides a warm, tangy contrast to the rich, cheesy goodness of grilled cheese. Its smooth texture allows for easy dipping, and the acidity balances the creaminess of the cheese, making each bite more delightful.
- Marinara Sauce: Marinara sauce adds a zesty and slightly sweet flavor that pairs well with the savory notes of grilled cheese. This option is especially appealing for those who enjoy Italian flavors, and the chunky texture can add an interesting twist to the creamy sandwich.
- Pesto: The fresh, herbal notes of pesto can elevate a grilled cheese sandwich, adding depth and complexity to each bite. Made from basil, garlic, and nuts, pesto brings a vibrant flavor that can make the dish feel gourmet.
- Pickles: Serving dill or sweet pickles alongside grilled cheese offers a crunchy texture and a burst of acidity that cuts through the richness of the cheese. The contrast in flavors can refresh the palate and make the meal more satisfying.
- Guacamole: Creamy guacamole adds a rich and buttery flavor that complements the crunchy exterior of baked grilled cheese. The avocado’s natural richness pairs beautifully with the melty cheese, creating a delightful fusion of textures and flavors.
- Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw provides a crunchy, refreshing contrast to the warm and gooey grilled cheese. The acidity in the dressing helps to balance the richness of the sandwich, while the crisp vegetables add a satisfying crunch.
- Chili: A hearty bowl of chili can serve as a robust side to baked grilled cheese, providing a filling and flavorful addition to the meal. The spiciness of the chili can enhance the grilled cheese, creating a comforting and satisfying combination.
- Fruit Chutney: A sweet and tangy fruit chutney can add an unexpected but delightful twist to the classic flavors of grilled cheese. The sweetness from fruits like apple or mango complements the savory cheese, creating a balanced and interesting flavor profile.