Ultimate Oven-Baked Grilled Cheese for a Crowd
Elevate your lunchtime gatherings with this delicious recipe for Ultimate Oven-Baked Grilled Cheese for a Crowd. Designed to satisfy a whole group, this recipe features perfectly toasted bread slathered in melted butter, enveloping generous portions of gooey cheese. Whether for a family reunion, a casual get-together, or a cozy game day, this platter of goodness will leave everyone craving more. Easy to prepare and even easier to share, enjoy the nostalgia of this classic dish with minimal effort and maximum flavor!
8
Servings
320
Calories
3
Ingredients
Ingredients
High-quality white bread
16 slices (Fresh, sliced)
Unsalted butter
8 tablespoons (Melted)
Mild cheddar cheese
1 lb (Shredded (sharp cheddar can also be used))
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven by positioning the racks in the upper-middle and lower-middle positions, then set the temperature to 475°F (245°C).
2
In a small bowl, melt the unsalted butter. Brush each side of the bread slices lightly with the melted butter, then arrange them in a single layer across two or more baking sheets.
3
Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and toast the bread until it's a light golden brown, roughly 10-15 minutes. Remember to rotate the baking sheets halfway through to ensure even toasting.
4
After the bread is toasted, take it out and assemble the sandwiches by adding 1/2 cup of shredded cheese between two slices of bread, making sure to place the more toasted sides facing out.
5
Arrange the assembled sandwiches on a baking sheet and press gently on each sandwich to compact them slightly.
6
Cover the baking sheet tightly with aluminum foil to trap the heat and moisture and bake in the oven until the cheese is fully melted, about 5-10 minutes.
7
For a make-ahead option, toast the bread as directed, wrap it tightly with plastic wrap, and store it at room temperature for up to 24 hours before assembling your sandwiches.
Nutrition Information
22g
Fat
24g
Carbs
14g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main benefit of making grilled cheese in the oven?
The main benefit of this oven-baked method is the ability to prepare a large quantity of sandwiches simultaneously, making it ideal for serving a crowd with minimal effort compared to stovetop cooking.
What temperature should the oven be set to for these sandwiches?
The oven should be preheated to 475°F (245°C) to ensure the bread toasts properly and the cheese melts quickly.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe is designed to yield 8 servings, which equals 8 full sandwiches.
What type of bread works best for this recipe?
The recipe recommends using 16 slices of high-quality white bread for the best flavor and texture.
Can I use a different type of cheese than mild cheddar?
Yes, while the recipe calls for mild cheddar, you can easily substitute it with sharp cheddar or other melting cheeses based on your preference.
How much cheese should I put in each sandwich?
You should use approximately 1/2 cup of shredded cheese per sandwich to ensure they are sufficiently gooey.
What is the purpose of rotating the baking sheets?
Rotating the baking sheets halfway through the toasting process ensures that all bread slices are browned evenly.
Should the butter be salted or unsalted?
The recipe specifies using 8 tablespoons of unsalted butter, which is melted before being brushed onto the bread.
How long does the bread need to toast in the oven?
The bread slices should be toasted for roughly 10-15 minutes until they are a light golden brown.
Why do you use aluminum foil when baking the assembled sandwiches?
Aluminum foil is used to cover the baking sheet tightly to trap heat and moisture, which helps the cheese melt perfectly without over-browning the bread.
Can I prepare these grilled cheese sandwiches in advance?
Yes, you can toast the bread up to 24 hours in advance. Simply wrap the toasted slices tightly in plastic wrap and store them at room temperature until you are ready to assemble.
What are the nutritional facts for one serving?
One serving contains approximately 320 calories, 22g of fat, 24g of carbohydrates, and 14g of protein.
Where should I position the oven racks?
Position the racks in the upper-middle and lower-middle positions for the best air circulation and even cooking.
How do I assemble the sandwiches after toasting the bread?
Place the shredded cheese between two slices of bread, ensuring that the more toasted sides of the bread are facing outward.
How long do the assembled sandwiches stay in the oven?
Once assembled and covered with foil, the sandwiches bake for an additional 5-10 minutes until the cheese is fully melted.
Do I need to press the sandwiches?
Yes, after assembling the sandwiches on the baking sheet, you should press gently on each one to compact them slightly before the final bake.
Is this recipe suitable for game day or parties?
Absolutely! It is specifically designed as a crowd-pleaser for casual get-togethers, family reunions, or game day events.
Is the cheese shredded or sliced in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 lb of shredded cheese, which helps it melt more evenly and quickly in the oven.
What makes this 'Ultimate' compared to regular grilled cheese?
The combination of high-quality ingredients, the specific toasting method that ensures double-sided crispiness, and the ability to serve many people at once makes it the ultimate version.
Does this recipe contain any fiber or sugar?
Based on the nutritional data provided, the fiber and sugar content are negligible or not listed.
Can I use more than two baking sheets?
Yes, if your oven allows, you can use as many baking sheets as needed to arrange the 16 slices of bread in a single layer.
Is the bread brushed with butter on both sides?
Yes, you should brush each side of every bread slice lightly with the melted butter for maximum flavor and crunch.
What is the preparation time for the butter?
The butter just needs to be melted in a small bowl, which takes only a minute or two.
Can I use pre-shredded cheese?
While the recipe calls for shredded cheese, using freshly shredded cheese from a block often results in a better melt than pre-shredded varieties.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Common tags include grilled cheese, oven baked, easy recipe, crowd-pleaser, lunch, snack, comfort food, and make ahead.
How much protein is in each sandwich?
There are 14 grams of protein in each serving of this oven-baked grilled cheese.
Is there a specific way to arrange the bread for toasting?
The slices should be arranged in a single layer across the baking sheets to ensure they all toast evenly.
How much total cheese is required?
The recipe requires 1 pound (16 ounces) of shredded mild cheddar cheese.
Can I use this for a quick lunch?
Yes, it is tagged as a lunch and snack recipe, and because it is made in bulk, it saves time for families.
What texture should I look for in the finished sandwich?
The finished sandwich should have perfectly toasted, golden-brown bread on the outside and gooey, melted cheese on the inside.