Save I discovered this sandwich by accident on a Tuesday morning when I opened my spice cabinet looking for something to sprinkle on eggs and found a jar of everything bagel seasoning staring back at me. Suddenly, the idea hit: what if I coated the outside of a grilled cheese with it instead of just buttering it plain? My first attempt was messy, with seasoning flying everywhere, but when I bit into that golden, crispy-edged sandwich with the cheese oozing out, I realized I'd stumbled onto something special. Now it's become my go-to lunch when I want something familiar but somehow better.
The first time I made this for someone else was when my roommate came home saying she'd had the worst day and just needed comfort food. I pulled out the bread, cheese, and that jar of seasoning, and the whole kitchen filled with this toasty, savory aroma that made her smile before she even took a bite. She ate it in about four bites and asked me to make it again the next day.
Ingredients
- Sourdough or white sandwich bread: Sourdough gives you a tangier bite and holds up better to the butter and seasoning, but honestly, any bread that can handle a skillet works fine.
- Sharp cheddar cheese: The sharpness cuts through the richness and plays beautifully with the salty, umami punch of the seasoning—mild cheddar gets lost here.
- Unsalted butter, softened: Softened butter spreads like a dream and holds onto the seasoning so it doesn't just fall off when you flip the sandwich.
- Everything bagel seasoning: This is where all the magic happens—the mix of sesame, poppy seeds, garlic, and onion creates a complexity that makes people ask what you did differently.
Instructions
- Butter and season your canvas:
- Lay all four slices of bread on your counter and spread that softened butter on one side of each—not too thick, just enough so the seasoning has something to stick to. Sprinkle the everything bagel seasoning generously on the buttered side of each slice, then press it gently with your fingers so it adheres instead of brushing off later.
- Build your sandwich:
- Place two bread slices seasoned-side down on your work surface, then layer two slices of cheese on each one. Top with the remaining two bread slices, seasoned-side facing outward—this is what gets you that gorgeous, crunchy exterior.
- Heat your skillet:
- Get a large nonstick skillet going over medium heat and let it warm for a minute or two. You want it hot enough that the butter immediately starts sizzling when the sandwich hits the pan.
- Cook the first side:
- Carefully place both sandwiches in the skillet and let them cook undisturbed for 3 to 4 minutes—this is when the bread gets golden and the seasoning turns crispy. Try not to poke or move them around; patience is everything here.
- Flip and finish:
- Using a spatula, gently flip each sandwich and cook for another 3 to 4 minutes on the second side until the bread is equally golden and the cheese has melted all the way through. You can press gently with the back of the spatula if you want extra cheese-to-bread contact.
- Rest and serve:
- Slide the sandwiches onto a plate and let them cool for just a minute—this lets the cheese set slightly so it doesn't squirt everywhere when you bite down. Slice diagonally if you're feeling fancy, then eat while it's still warm.
Save There's something almost meditative about watching the butter melt and the seasoning toast in the pan, filling your kitchen with this savory smell that makes you forget you're eating what's basically a fancy version of lunch. It's the kind of sandwich that tastes like you put in way more effort than you actually did.
Why Everything Bagel Seasoning Changes the Game
The genius of this seasoning mix is that it brings layers to something that would otherwise be pretty one-note. The sesame adds earthiness, the poppy seeds give you visual interest and a subtle crunch, and the garlic and onion bring umami depth that makes people think you've added something savory they can't quite identify. When you toast it in the butter on the bread's surface, those flavors concentrate and intensify instead of getting lost inside the sandwich.
Ways to Make It Your Own
This sandwich is honestly perfect as-is, but if you want to play around, thin slices of tomato add a brightness that cuts through the richness without weighing it down, or caramelized onions bring a deep sweetness that pairs beautifully with the sharp cheese. Swiss cheese melts differently than cheddar and gives you a milder, slightly nuttier flavor—provolone is another nice swap if you want something a bit more robust.
What to Serve It With
Tomato soup is the obvious choice and honestly the right one, because the acidity cuts through all that richness and you get to dunk if you want to. A simple green salad with a vinegary dressing works just as well if you're trying to balance out the heavier elements.
- Make sure your cheese is actually cold from the fridge so it melts evenly instead of sliding around on warm bread.
- If the outside seems like it's getting too dark but the cheese isn't melted yet, lower your heat slightly and cover the skillet with a lid for the last minute.
- Leftover sandwiches can be reheated gently in a toaster oven, but honestly they're best eaten fresh.
Save This is the kind of lunch that reminds you that the simplest ideas often hide the most charm. Serve it warm and watch people light up when they taste the difference.
Recipe FAQs
- → What bread works best for this sandwich?
Sourdough or white sandwich bread provides a sturdy base that crisps up nicely when grilled and holds the filling well.
- → Can I use different cheeses?
Yes, sharp cheddar is traditional but Swiss, provolone, or mozzarella are excellent alternatives for varied flavors and meltiness.
- → How do I get the bread extra crispy?
Spread softened butter evenly on the bread slices and press the everything bagel seasoning firmly before grilling to ensure a flavorful, crunchy crust.
- → Are there any common allergens to consider?
This sandwich contains wheat, milk, and sesame seeds. Be sure to check the seasoning mix for additional allergens or cross-contamination risks.
- → What are good accompaniments for serving?
Serve with warm tomato soup or a simple green salad to balance the rich, savory flavors.