Classic Grilled Cheese Sandwich

Ingredients

• 4 slices white or brown sandwich bread
• 3 tbsp butter, softened
• 80 g cheddar cheese, coarsely grated
• 60 g mozzarella cheese, grated
• ½ tsp mustard paste (optional)
• 1 pinch black pepper

Instructions

1. Mix the grated cheddar and mozzarella in a bowl with the black pepper. If using mustard, spread a thin layer on two slices of bread.
2. Spread the softened butter evenly over one side of each slice, right to the edges. This side will face outward and turn golden.
3. Place two slices on a board, buttered side down. Pile half the cheese on each, keeping it about 1 cm from the edges. Top with the remaining slices, buttered side up.
4. Heat a non-stick pan over low-medium heat for 1 minute. Add the sandwiches and cook, pressing gently with a spatula, until the underside is deep golden, 3 to 4 minutes.
5. Flip carefully and cover the pan with a lid. Cook until the second side is golden and the cheese is melted and oozing at the edges, 3 to 4 minutes.
6. Rest the sandwiches on a board for 1 minute so the cheese settles, then cut in half diagonally and serve hot.

Tips

• Keep the heat low to medium. High heat browns the bread before the cheese melts.
• Grate the cheese yourself rather than using slices, as it melts more evenly and gives a better pull.
• Spreading butter on the bread instead of the pan gives an even, crisp crust.
• Use sturdy bread; very thin bread can turn soggy or tear when pressed.