Skip to main content

Ultimate Grilled Cheese Sandwich

This ultimate grilled cheese sandwich takes a humble lunchtime staple and transforms it into a gourmet vegetarian-friendly treat. By using thick slices of crusty sourdough and a combination of creamy mozzarella or young Asiago, you achieve the perfect balance of a golden, crunchy exterior and a beautifully melted centre. The addition of fresh basil and a hint of dried chilli adds a sophisticated depth of flavour that pairs perfectly with the salty notes of the prosciutto.

Ideal for a comforting weekend brunch or a quick but luxurious midweek dinner, this toasted sandwich is finished with thick slices of juicy heirloom tomatoes added at the very last moment. This technique preserves the freshness of the garnish while ensuring the bread stays perfectly crisp. For a complete meal, serve alongside a light green salad or a bowl of warming tomato soup.

Continue reading below

Ingredients for Ultimate Grilled Cheese Sandwich

  • Butter

  • 4 slices country white sourdough bread, cut on deep diagonal into 1/3-inch-thick slices (each about 7x3 1/2 inches)

  • 4 thin slices prosciutto

  • 8 large fresh basil leaves

  • 8 (1/4-inch-thick) slices young Asiago cheese or drained fresh mozzarella cheese

  • 1/4 teaspoons dried crushed red pepper

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

  • 6 (1/3-inch-thick) slices heirloom tomato (from about 1 large)

How to make Ultimate Grilled Cheese Sandwich

Preheat oven to 204°C. Lightly butter 1 side of each bread slice. Place 2 bread slices, buttered side down, on work surface. Top each with 2 prosciutto slices, then 4 basil leaves, then 4 cheese slices. Sprinkle with salt and crushed red pepper. Top with remaining 2 bread slices, buttered side up. Heat olive oil in heavy large ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat. Add sandwiches to skillet and cook until golden on bottom, about 4 minutes. Turn sandwiches over; transfer skillet to oven and bake until golden and cheese melts, about 5 minutes. Remove from oven. Carefully lift off top bread slices from sandwiches and insert 3 tomato slices into each, then cover with bread tops and serve.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.

Article history

The information on this page is peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.

  • 17 Jan 2026 | Originally published

    Authored by:

    UK recipe editors

    Peer reviewed by

    UK recipe editors
flu eligibility checker

Ask, share, connect.

Browse discussions, ask questions, and share experiences across hundreds of health topics.

symptom checker

Feeling unwell?

Assess your symptoms online for free

Sign up to the Patient newsletter

Your weekly dose of clear, trustworthy health advice - written to help you feel informed, confident and in control.

Please enter a valid email address

By subscribing you accept our Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe at any time. We never sell your data.