Looking to transform your midday munchies into a cheesy, dreamy reality? I’m gonna show you how to make a killer grilled cheese sandwich using nothing but your trusty microwave. (This one goes out to all of us who worship at the altar of melted cheese and toasty bread. Amen to that.) Let’s ditch the stove top and put our faith in the power of the microwave to deliver this heavenly treat of a sandwich.

Stack f 4 grilled cheese sanwiches with orange cheddar cheese oozing out of the middle.

Grilled cheese sandwiches are like the Swiss Army knife of the food world. They’re versatile, reliable, and always ready to save you in a pinch. Got slices of cheddar cheese waiting to be melted? How about a single square of American cheese longing for its bread companion? This recipe is for you. And you can use just about any bread, from your everyday white bread to the fancier specialty breads. It’s literally about using what you’ve got and turning it into a warm, comforting lunch. If you’re anything like me, patience probably isn’t your strong suit when hunger strikes. That’s where the toaster and microwave come into play. What’s even better than a grilled cheese sandwich? A faster, low effort grilled cheese sandwich. It just tastes better that way.

Why This Microwaved Grilled Cheese Recipe Works 

  1. Simplify Your Dish Duty: Say goodbye to that sink full of pots and pans. This microwave cheese sandwich recipe only requires a trusty microwave-safe plate. Less cleaning, more eating, I always say.
  2. Energy Efficient: Who needs a skillet when you’ve got the power of a microwave? Ditching the stove top to make a tasty grilled cheese in the microwave oven makes you a planet-saving hero. It might be a small step for you, but it’s a giant leap for energy conservation.
  3. Quick and Easy: If you’re in a race against time or just plain starving, this recipe is your new best friend. With minimal prep time and cooking time, you can have a hassle-free cheese sandwich ready in a flash.

Ingredients for grilled cheese.

Ingredients For Easy Microwave Grilled Cheese Recipe

  • Butter 
  • Bread, of choice 
  • Pepper Jack Cheese, or any sliced cheese you love! 

How to Cook a Grilled Cheese in the Microwave

  1. Pop two slices of sandwich bread in the toaster oven and toast for about 1 minute or until golden brown. 
  2. Remove from the toaster and place onto a microwave safe plate. 
  3. Place cheese slices in between the pieces of bread, and then spread butter on the outside of the slices and put the two halves together. 
  4. Wrap the grilled cheese in a paper towel and place back on the plate, and microwave on high for 20 seconds, or until the cheese is melted.

Grilled cheese halves being pulled apart on a black plate.
Tips for Making a Perfect Grilled Cheese in the Microwave 

If you store your bread in the fridge, you should toast it for about two minutes. However, if you keep your bread out on the counter, toast for 1 minute. 

We highly recommend serving this microwave grilled cheese with a side of Roasted Tomato Soup for the ultimate grilled cheese and tomato soup combination. If tomato soup isn’t you favorite, a bowl of chicken noodle soup is another great alternative! 

Buttering the outside of the already toasted bread enhances the flavor of the bread, but also adds an extra bite of richness to your grilled cheese sandwich. Oftentimes mayo is used on the outside of a grilled cheese, but since this is going into the microwave, butter doesn’t get funky as mayo would. 

If you are not using pepper jack cheese but are still looking for a spicy kick, I love adding chopped, fresh jalapeños to the middle of my sandwich before microwaving. Not only does it add a really nice spice, but it adds incredible texture as well. 

grilled cheese stacked on a white plate.

FAQs About Microwaved Grilled Cheese Sandwiches

  • Can any type of bread be used for a microwaved grilled cheese sandwich? Of course! Feel free to experiment with your favorite breads, from classic white Wonder bread to whole grain or even low calorie breads, the choice is yours. The key is to ensure the bread toasts well and can support the melted cheese.
  • What are the best cheese options for a microwaved grilled cheese? While cheddar cheese and Kraft Singles are popular choices, we encourage you to experiment with your favorite cheese. Block cheeses like Mozzarella, Pepper Jack, and even blends of different cheeses can create a delicious, gooey cheese experience. Just make sure the cheese you choose melts well, but otherwise, it’s all about personal preference. 
  • Is it necessary to wrap the sandwich in a paper towel before microwaving? Yes, wrapping your sandwich in a paper towel will help to absorb moisture and prevents the bread from getting too soggy. It also helps trap steam to evenly melt the slices of cheese.
  • How long should I microwave the sandwich for the best results? Typically, 20 seconds on high power in the microwave should be sufficient. However, this could vary slightly based on the microwave’s wattage and the thickness of the bread and cheese. Keep an eye on it to avoid overheating.
  • Can I use plastic wrap instead of a paper towel when microwaving? It’s not recommended. Plastic wrap can melt and potentially leach chemicals into your food. Stick with paper towels for safety and best results.
  • How does a microwaved grilled cheese compare to one made on the stove? A microwaved grilled cheese will have a softer texture compared to the crispy exterior of a stove-top version. However, it’s a quick, low effort method that still delivers a delicious sandwich.
  • Can I store and reheat a microwaved grilled cheese sandwich? While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can store it in the refrigerator and reheat it in the microwave. Just be aware that the texture might change slightly upon reheating.

​We need to know: How do you cut the cheese (sandwiches, that is.) Are you team diagonal? Vertical? Or do you eat your grilled cheese whole? Let us know in the comments!

Stack f 4 grilled cheese sanwiches with orange cheddar cheese oozing out of the middle.

Grilled Cheese in the Microwave

Grilled cheese recipes are versatile and you are able to use up any bread and cheese you already have in your kitchen. Whip up a warm lunch in no time, something for even the pickiest of eaters! If you are impatient like me, then using the toaster and microwave to make a grilled cheese is much faster and immediately satisfying. 
Prep Time 2 minutes
Cook Time 2 minutes
Total Time 4 minutes
Course dinner, lunch, Snack
Cuisine American
Servings 1
Calories 408 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 tbsp Butter
  • 2 slices Bread of choice
  • 2 slices Pepper Jack Cheese or any sliced cheese you love!

Instructions
 

  • Pop two slices of bread in the toaster oven and toast for about 1 minute or until golden brown.
  • Remove from the toaster and place onto a microwave safe plate.
  • Place cheese slices in between the bread, and then spread butter on the outside of the slices and put the two halves together.
  • Wrap the grilled cheese in a paper towel and place back on the plate, and microwave on high for 20 seconds, or until the cheese is melted.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 408kcalCarbohydrates: 28gProtein: 16gFat: 26gSaturated Fat: 16gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 67mgSodium: 616mgPotassium: 139mgFiber: 2gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 674IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 394mgIron: 2mg
Keyword Easy Recipe, grilled cheese, microwave, Microwave Recipes, microwave sandwiches
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!