Mini Grilled Cheese Dippers with Crispy Bread and Melty Cheddar Recipe
These Mini Grilled Cheese Dippers are the ultimate comfort snack with a crispy golden crust and a gooey, melty cheese center. Using sturdy bread and a blend of sharp cheddar with provolone or Monterey Jack cheese, these dippers are perfect for dunking in creamy tomato soup, turning a classic sandwich into a fun, shareable delight.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 sandwiches, approximately 18-24 dippers 1x
- Category: Snack
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Bread and Cheese
- 12 slices sturdy white or sourdough bread
- 12 slices sharp cheddar cheese
- 4 slices provolone or Monterey Jack cheese
Butter
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
Serving
- 1 quart creamy tomato soup (optional, for serving)
Instructions
- Prepare the Bread: Lay out all 12 slices of bread on a clean surface. Generously spread softened unsalted butter evenly on one side of each slice, covering edge to edge to ensure a golden, crispy crust during cooking.
- Assemble the Sandwiches: Flip over 6 buttered slices so the unbuttered side faces up. Place two slices of sharp cheddar cheese followed by one slice of provolone or Monterey Jack on each. Trim cheese edges if they hang over the bread.
- Top the Sandwiches: Place the remaining 6 slices of bread on top of the cheese layers with the buttered sides facing out to create 6 full sandwiches ready for grilling.
- Grill the Sandwiches: Preheat a large non-stick skillet or griddle over medium-low heat. Place 2-3 sandwiches in the skillet without overcrowding to allow even cooking.
- Cook to Golden Perfection: Grill the sandwiches for 3-5 minutes on the first side until deep golden brown and crispy. Use a spatula to gently press the sandwiches, aiding even browning and cheese melting.
- Flip and Finish: Carefully flip each sandwich and cook for another 3-5 minutes until the second side is golden brown and the cheese is fully melted and gooey.
- Rest and Slice: Remove sandwiches from the skillet and rest on a cutting board for 1-2 minutes to let the cheese set slightly, which helps in slicing cleanly.
- Create the Dippers: Using a sharp serrated knife, optionally trim off all crusts to create tender dippers. Then slice each sandwich vertically into 3 or 4 equal-sized sticks for easy dipping.
- Serve Immediately: Arrange the dippers on a platter with small bowls of warm creamy tomato soup for dipping. Best enjoyed hot and crispy.
Notes
- Use sturdy bread like sourdough or brioche for the best texture that holds up to dipping.
- Softened butter spreads easily and prevents burning while creating a golden crust.
- Work in batches to avoid overcrowding the skillet, which ensures even cooking and melting.
- Resting sandwiches briefly before slicing helps prevent cheese from oozing out too much.
- Serve these dippers immediately to enjoy the crispy texture and melty cheese at their best.
Keywords: grilled cheese, mini grilled cheese, cheese dippers, comfort food, snack recipe, tomato soup dipper, easy appetizer
