15 Best Breads For Grilled Cheese (The Definitive Guide)

When it comes to a classic sandwich with just two ingredients, both of those ingredients need to be the best they can be. Here’s our definitive guide to the best breads for grilled cheese sandwiches!

Alright, folks, let me drop some wisdom on you about the crucial matter of bread choice when it comes to making a grilled cheese sandwich.

See, the bread you pick is like the foundation of your sandwich. Choose a wimpy, flimsy bread, and your cheesy creation will collapse faster than my hopes of winning the lottery. But if you go for a sturdy, dependable bread, you’ve got yourself a rock-solid foundation that can handle the gooey goodness of melted cheese without turning into a soggy mess.

So, my friends, next time you’re grilling up a cheese masterpiece, don’t just settle for any old bread. Pick wisely, because it’s the bread that’ll hold your dreams together (literally).

(👉 see also best cheese for grilled cheese)

There are no absolutes with grilled cheese and everyone likes something different, so we aren’t going to rank order our recommendations. We will start with some of the clearly most common and popular types of bread then suggest a few we have experimented with here at Live Eat Learn that you might not have thought of, but we think work great.

10 Popular Types of Bread in Grilled Cheese

When it comes to grilled cheese, the reigning champions of bread choices are the classic white, hearty sourdough, and the rebellious rye. But here are 10 popular bread choices for making a slam dunk grilled cheese.

White Bread

This is the simple go to bread particularly for making quick sandwiches you know the kids will like.  Slap some butter, margarine, or mayo on the two outer pieces, add your favorite cheese, and cook on low to medium heat for a good golden brown crust we all love. And if you want a thicker sandwich use white Texas Toast bread.

Sourdough Bread

Sourdough bread is a popular choice for grilled cheese sandwiches because of its tangy flavor and sturdy texture. Sourdough’s chewy texture holds up well when grilled, and the tangy flavor goes well with most types of cheese. We really like it with goat cheese. Give this Blueberry Balsamic Grilled Cheese Recipe a try.

Brioche Bread

Brioche bread is a rich, buttery bread that’s perfect for grilled cheese sandwiches. The bread’s light and fluffy texture makes for a deliciously crispy sandwich. Its buttery flavor adds a decadent touch to the classic grilled cheese sandwich. We like Brioche with a mild cheddar cheese.

Italian Bread

Italian bread is another great option for grilled cheese sandwiches. Its sturdy texture will hold up to the heat of the grill, and its light flavor won’t overpower the cheese. Italian bread can also be sliced thick, which makes it great for holding lots of gooey cheese.

Whole Wheat Bread

Whole wheat bread is a healthier option for grilled cheese sandwiches. Its nutty flavor adds depth to the sandwich, and the fiber in the bread will help keep you full. Whole wheat bread is also sturdier than white bread, which makes it great for grilled cheese sandwiches. Whole wheat bread will go with about any cheese. Get out your mozzarella and try this decadent Strawberry Avocado Grilled Cheese.

Rye Bread

Rye bread is a flavorful option for grilled cheese sandwiches. The bread’s hearty texture holds up well when grilled, and its rich flavor pairs well with cheese. Rye bread can also be sliced thick, which makes it perfect for holding lots of cheese. Try it with swiss or provolone.

French Bread

French bread has a crisp crust and soft interior that makes it perfect for grilled cheese sandwiches. We find that if you toast the bread lightly before adding the cheese, it will give it some extra crunch.

Ciabatta Bread

Ciabatta bread has a chewy texture and porous interior that absorbs the cheese well. Add some sliced tomatoes or prosciutto to the sandwich for an Italian-inspired twist. Try using ciabatta rolls. They are pretty thick, so they will have to cook a bit longer, and you will want to put in extra cheese to balance the cheese volume with the larger amount of bread.

Multigrain Bread

Multigrain bread is a healthy option for grilled cheese sandwiches. Its nutty flavor pairs well with sharp cheeses like cheddar or Swiss. Try it with gouda cheese in this Roasted Pepper Gouda Grilled Cheese Recipe.

Pumpernickel Bread

Pumpernickel bread has a dark, dense texture and a slightly sweet flavor that pairs well with smoky or spicy cheeses. We like it with Pepper Jack or Provolone. Try adding some sliced ham or pastrami to the sandwich for a classic deli-style grilled cheese.

5 Unique Types of Bread for Grilled Cheese

Prepare to embark on a tantalizing grilled cheese adventure with unconventional bread options like English muffins and naan!

Cinnamon Raisin Bread

This sweet bread may seem like an odd choice for a savory sandwich, but the combination of the sweet bread and gooey melted cheese is surprisingly tasty. Add some sliced apples or pears to the sandwich for an extra burst of sweetness.

English Muffins

Split an English muffin in half and toast it before adding the cheese and grilling to create a crispy and chewy grilled cheese sandwich.

Cornbread

Okay, now we are really getting non-standard. The sweet taste of cornbread goes well with sharp cheeses like cheddar. The crumbly texture can be tricky to work with, so we like this bread in a sandwich press so you don’t risk the bread breaking as it may when you flip it when cooked in a pan.  Add some diced jalapenos or green chilies to the sandwich for a spicy twist.

Naan Bread

Naan bread is a type of Indian flatbread that’s soft and chewy. Spread some garlic butter on the naan before adding the cheese for a flavorful grilled cheese sandwich.

Pretzel Bread

Pretzel rolls are great for burgers, but also with grilled cheese. The salty bread’s  chewy texture pairs well with creamy cheeses like brie or camembert. Add some sliced ham or turkey to the sandwich for a classic deli-style grilled cheese.

So what is the best bread for grilled cheese?

Sourdough is the best bread for grilled cheese, in our experience. But the most commonly used type is white bread, probably because it is the most commonly stocked bread in our pantries.

We know these 15 recommendations aren’t the only types of bread that work well with grilled cheese, and here at Live Eat Learn we are always experimenting to find combinations that work. We hope you found something you can use, and as always Happy Cooking!