Grilled Cheese in the Oven

Grilled cheese in the oven is the easiest way to make a batch of sandwiches at once, with no skillet babysitting required. Bake them up on a sheet pan until melty and golden brown!

Here’s a hack for how to cook up many grilled cheese sandwiches at once: my method for grilled cheese in the oven! It’s never fun to babysit a skillet while you make grilled cheese to order: especially if you’re entertaining a bunch of people.

Want to serve tomato soup and grilled cheese for a crowd? Fire up your oven! Baked grilled cheese comes out melty and golden brown. To me, it also feels more like a fun “meal” than the standard method. Here’s how it’s done!

5 Star Reader Review

“Works great! Highly adaptable for types of cheeses and additions. So much better then using a skillet. I will use this method from now on even if making one or two sandwiches. They reheat well in the oven too!” -Francis

How to Make Grilled Cheese in the Oven

This grilled cheese in the oven method lets you make as many grilled cheese sandwiches at once. In fact, you can cook as many sandwiches as fit in your oven. The exact amount depends on the bread size and your oven. (Our oven is a non-standard size, and we can fit about 8 sandwiches at once.) Here’s the basic idea:

Preheat the oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. High heat toasts the bread until it’s golden brown.
Assemble the sandwiches on a sheet pan. Buttered sides go out, then place shredded cheese inside. Shredded cheese makes the best melty sandwiches (vs slices)!
Bake 6 minutes on one side, then 6 minutes on the other. Check to see how browned the bread is.
Cook a few more minutes if not yet golden brown. Is the bread browned yet? If not, toast about 1 minute per side until browned.

The Best Cheeses for Melting

Here I’ve used a combination of sharp cheddar and mozzarella. Cheddar brings in a savory flavor and mozzarella adds the nice cheese pull. Some people use American cheese for even meltier cheese, but I don’t usually buy this ingredient.

If you want to step it up, something like fontina and smoked gouda are really delicious; see my Gourmet Grilled Cheese.

Ways to Change Up the Flavor

You can use the grilled cheese in oven recipe below for a basic grilled cheese. But feel free to substitute your favorite fancy sandwich idea in place of the basic. In fact, the baked grilled cheese method is perfect for making a grilled cheese idea as a quick dinner. Here are some ideas we love:

Gourmet Grilled Cheese: This Gourmet Grilled Cheese features smoked gouda cheese and fig jam for an upscale spin.
Spinach Artichoke Grilled Cheese: Try this Spinach Artichoke Grilled Cheese that uses the popular dip as inspiration for the filling
Brie Grilled Cheese: Use brie cheese and some thinly-sliced apples for another fancy spin
Avocado Grilled Cheese: Layer avocado and tomato slices for an Avocado Grilled Cheese Sandwich

What’s your favorite ingredient to add to grilled cheese to take it up a few notches? Let us know in the comments below.

What to Serve With Baked Sheet Pan Grilled Cheese

Want to make grilled cheese into a healthy meal? Add a salad, fresh veggies or a bowl of soup to contrast the melty, toasted goodness of this baked grilled cheese in the oven. Here are a few side dish ideas:

Simple green salad like Arugula Salad, Simple Spring Mix Salad, Kale Salad, or Spinach Salad
Green salad with fruit like Pear Salad, Pomegranate Salad or Strawberry Salad
Soup like this Classic Tomato Soup, Tomato Artichoke Soup, White Bean Soup or Red Lentil Soup
Veggies and dip like crudites with Ranch Dip or Hummus

Make Ahead and Reheating Instructions

On keeping warm: You can keep baked sandwiches in a 200°F oven for a few minutes before waiting to eat.
Make ahead: You can make the sandwiches, over the sheet pan and refrigerate a few hours before baking; add a few minutes to the bake time since you’re baking from cold.
Leftovers: Reheat leftover sandwiches in a 350°F oven for about 5 minutes, flipping halfway, until warmed through.

Dietary Notes

This baked grilled cheese in oven recipe is vegetarian. For dairy-free, use olive oil and plant-based cheese shreds. For gluten-free, use gluten-free bread.

Frequently Asked Questions

What temperature do you cook grilled cheese at in the oven?

I use 425°F. It crisps the bread and melts the cheese in just over 10 minutes.

How long does grilled cheese take in the oven?

About 12 minutes: 6 minutes per side at 425°F. Watch the color of the bread.

How do you make a lot of grilled cheese at once?

Use a sheet pan that fits in your oven and bake the sandwiches all on one tray.

Do you need to flip grilled cheese in the oven?

Yes, flip halfway through so both sides get browned.

Can you make grilled cheese in the oven without butter?

Yes, olive oil works well and gives a nice crispy crust.