Triple Cheese Sourdough Grilled Cheese

My roommate Sarah taught me the mayonnaise trick during our third consecutive snow day in college. We were snowed in with nothing but stale bread, random cheese ends, and a jar of mayo. That first bite completely changed how I thought about grilled cheese forever.

Last winter my kids had friends over after hockey practice and I made eight of these sandwiches. The kitchen went completely silent for ten minutes straight. That is when I knew this wasnt just lunch anymore.

Ingredients

• Thick sourdough bread: The sturdy texture holds up to all that melting cheese without getting soggy in the middle
• Sharp cheddar cheese: Brings that punchy flavor that cuts through the richness of the other cheeses
• Provolone cheese: Melts into this creamy layer that binds everything together beautifully
• Shredded mozzarella cheese: Creates those amazing cheese pulls everyone loves in a grilled cheese
• Unsalted butter: Gives you that classic buttery flavor and helps achieve golden browning
• Mayonnaise: The secret ingredient restaurant kitchens use for extra crispy exterior

Instructions

Prep your bread:

Spread softened butter on one side of each sourdough slice then add a thin layer of mayo to the opposite side for maximum crunch potential

Build the layers:

Place two slices butter side down and layer with cheddar provolone and half the mozzarella on each piece

Close it up:

Top with remaining bread slices making sure buttered sides face outward to contact the pan

Start cooking:

Place sandwiches in a heated skillet over medium low heat and let them develop that golden crust slowly

Flip carefully:

Cook 3 to 5 minutes per side pressing gently until cheese melts completely and bread turns deep golden brown

Rest and serve:

Let sandwiches sit for one full minute before cutting so the cheese sets slightly and does not ooze out immediately

Save Pin

My dad makes these every Sunday night during football season and has perfected the timing down to the second. The whole house smells like buttery toast and happy memories.

Making It Your Own

Try spreading Dijon mustard on the inside layers for a tangy kick that cuts through all the richness. A few tomato slices add moisture and freshness while still keeping the classic vibe intact.

Pairing Ideas

Tomato soup is the obvious choice but a crisp arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette cuts through the heaviness beautifully. I also love serving these with pickled vegetables for that acid contrast.

Common Questions

Can I make these ahead of time and reheat them honestly they lose that magical crunch but you can assemble them and cook just before serving. The cheese blend can be swapped based on what you have in your fridge.

• Use gluten free sourdough if needed it still crisps up beautifully
• A cast iron skillet gives the best browning but any pan works
• Leftovers can be reheated in a 350 degree oven for 5 minutes

Save Pin

There is something so simple and perfect about a well made grilled cheese sandwich. Hope this becomes your go to comfort food too.

Recipe Questions

→ What makes this grilled cheese special?

Three distinct cheeses create layers of flavor—sharp cheddar brings bite, provolone adds creaminess, and mozzarella delivers that perfect stretch. The sourdough foundation provides exceptional crunch and tangy depth.

→ Why use mayonnaise on the bread?

Mayonnaise contains oil and egg yolks which promote even browning and create an extra-crisp exterior. This restaurant technique ensures every bite has satisfying crunch.

→ What temperature should I cook at?

Medium-low heat allows the bread to toast gradually while giving the cheese time to melt completely. High heat burns the bread before the center reaches optimal gooeyness.

→ Can I prepare these ahead?

Assemble sandwiches up to 4 hours in advance, refrigerating tightly wrapped. Cook fresh when ready to serve for the crispest results. Previously assembled ones may become slightly soggy.

→ What are good cheese substitutions?

Swiss offers nutty notes, Gruyère adds sophisticated depth, fontina provides creaminess, and pepper jack brings mild heat. Mix and match based on what melts beautifully in your kitchen.

→ How do I prevent cheese from spilling?

Use shredded mozzarella as the middle layer—it melts more evenly than slices. Flip carefully with a wide spatula, and avoid pressing too hard while cooking.