If you didn’t know already, using mayonnaise instead of butter on your grilled cheese is the secret to the perfect crust!
From the recipe collection of Al Dente Diva

The Secret to The Best Grilled Cheese
You’d think something like a grilled cheese would be pretty straight forward. Buttered bread and some cheese toasted up in a skillet and you’re done, right? Well yes I guess you would be right if you didn’t know the secret to the best grilled cheese ever. Cause once you learn this little trick, your days of buttering bread are donezo.
What if I told you to ditch the butter and use mayonnaise instead. Yup, mayonnaise. You’ve never had a crispier crust or more flavorful grilled cheese then this.
The mayo browns up the bread so evenly and gives such a nice complimentary flavor to the entire grilled cheese.
I’m sure some people are unwilling to try this because they’re either not mayonnaise fans or the idea of this in general just turns them off. I’d like to ask you to reconsider and give it a try. They’re no strong mayonnaise taste to this. Just perfectly flavored and crusty grilled cheese sandwiches every time.
You’ll Need:
- Mayonnaise of your choice. I’m a huge Hellman’s fan (I’ve heard Dukes is incredible but I’ve yet to try it). Just don’t use Miracle Whip.
- Bread
- American Cheese or whatever cheese you like
How to do it:

First, you’ll need to assemble the grilled cheese. Just like you’ve done 100 times before, I’m sure. Two slices of bread and cheese in the middle.

Next take a little mayonnaise and spread it on both outer sides of the bread. After that add it to a hot pan.


Brown the grilled cheese on both sides until the crust looks perfect to you.
I say that because some people like it more well done then others. My husband, for example, would eat all of his food practically charred to death if he had the choice.

Finally finished! Now you’re ready to try the best grilled cheese that you’ve ever had. Well, that might no necessarily be true. But I can tell you that It will be better then the ones that you’ve made at home with butter.

So thats the secret to grilled cheese. A little mayo goes a long way in terms of adding additional flavor and creating a nice brown crust.
Non stick skillets are just the best for this kind of thing.
Looking for something awesome to dunk this now awesome grilled cheese into? How about some Copycat Big Mac Sauce.
A Grilled cheese Tip:
I have another good, yet simple, tip for making a great grilled cheese at home, Get the cheese to room temperature before you make the sandwich. It will help the cheese melt once it hits the pan.
Thats the best! A nice, even crusted sandwich with super melty cheese. Heaven on a plate if you ask me.
I hope you try this simple little trick if you haven’t already. It’s a nice grilled cheese game booster. I hope you like this one.
💜 Al Dente Diva
The Secret To The BEST Grilled Cheese
Equipment
- Skillet
- Spatula
Ingredients
- 2 Slices Bread
- 2 Slices American Cheese
- 2 Tbs Hellmann's Mayonnaise
Instructions
- Place the cheese in between the bread slices
- Add about a tablespoon to each outer slice of bread
- Brown over medium/ medium high heat until the cheese is melted and the outside is golden brown
- Let it cool slightly before serving
Notes

About Al Dente Diva
Tara Ippolito is a self taught home cook from New Jersey and cookbook author of Fast, Simple, Delicious. Better known as “T” across social media, she makes easy to follow recipes using familiar ingredients. T uses her Tik Tok, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube and Pinterest channels to share recipes and cooking tips for everyday people. Her motivation to share with her followers is simple. To inspire people to cook and become more comfortable in the kitchen.
As a wife and busy mother of two little boys she she’s always cooking fast family friendly meals. Sharing her kitchen with others that want to learn is a true passion of hers. As her social media platforms continue to grow she is committed to delivering consistently delicious content to her followers.
7 Comments
[…] If you liked this little food hack then you might also really like my secret to the best grilled cheese. […]
This is amazing!!! 👊🏽💙
Thank you!!!
I should revisit this. Back when I was a kid like 30 years ago my father tried to tell me that this was the better way to make a grilled cheese but being a kid I went EWWW and preferred Moms. Never touched it if my father made them. I bet it was pretty darn good looking back, ill have to try this out the next time I am in the mood for this comfort food.
Yes definitely give it a try. Your dad was ahead of the game!
Yes yes yes, never use butter. Only mayonnaise and every time comes out perfect.
Yesss absolutely!!