Everything Bagel Grilled Cheese Recipe

If you love the irresistible crunch and bold flavors of an everything bagel combined with the melty, gooey goodness of grilled cheese, then you are in for a treat with this Everything Bagel Grilled Cheese Recipe. This twist on a classic favorite brings together the tangy cream cheese, sharp cheddar, and that unique everything bagel seasoning all nestled between perfectly toasted sourdough bread. The result is an unforgettable bite packed with texture, flavor, and comfort, perfect for any time you crave something both familiar and exciting.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Everything Bagel Grilled Cheese Recipe only calls for a handful of simple ingredients, but each one plays a starring role in achieving the perfect balance of creamy, cheesy richness and savory crunch. These essentials transform an ordinary sandwich into something extraordinary with their complementary textures and flavors.

• 2 slices of sourdough bread: A sturdy base with just the right tang to hold all the cheese and toppings without getting soggy.
• 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter, softened: Helps create that golden, crispy exterior while adding luscious richness.
• 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese: Sharp and melty, it brings classic grilled cheese flavor and creaminess.
• 1/2 cup of cream cheese, softened: Adds smoothness and a slight tang that pairs beautifully with cheddar.
• 1 tablespoon of everything bagel seasoning: The star seasoning blend of sesame seeds, poppy seeds, garlic, onion, and salt that amps up the savory notes.

How to Make Everything Bagel Grilled Cheese Recipe

Step 1: Preheat Your Skillet

Start by heating a skillet over medium heat. This ensures your grilled cheese will cook evenly and develop that perfect golden crust without burning.

Step 2: Butter the Bread

Spread one tablespoon of softened butter evenly on one side of each slice of sourdough bread. This will be the outside of your sandwich, giving it that irresistible crispy finish.

Step 3: Place Bread in Skillet

Put one slice of the bread into the skillet, buttered side down. This will be the foundation that crisps up first and holds the cheese mixture.

Step 4: Prepare the Cheese Mixture

In a bowl, combine the shredded cheddar, softened cream cheese, and everything bagel seasoning. Stir well to evenly distribute the seasoning and create a cheesy blend that’s bursting with flavor.

Step 5: Assemble the Sandwich

Spread the cheese mixture evenly over the slice of bread in the skillet. Make sure to cover edge to edge for that perfect cheesy bite every time.

Step 6: Top with the Second Slice of Bread

Carefully place the second slice of bread on top of the cheese, buttered side facing up. This sets you up for grilling both sides to a mouthwatering crisp.

Step 7: Cook the First Side

Let the sandwich cook for about 4 to 5 minutes. Watch for a beautiful golden-brown color as the cheese begins to melt and the bread crisps up.

Step 8: Flip and Cook the Other Side

Using a spatula, gently flip your grilled cheese and cook for another 4 to 5 minutes. This ensures the sandwich is evenly toasted and oozing with perfectly melted cheese.

Step 9: Rest and Enjoy

Remove your grilled cheese from the skillet and allow it to cool for a minute to avoid burning your mouth and to let the cheese set slightly. Then, slice and dig in!

How to Serve Everything Bagel Grilled Cheese Recipe

Garnishes

To elevate your Everything Bagel Grilled Cheese Recipe, consider garnishing with a sprinkle of fresh chopped chives or a light dusting of extra everything bagel seasoning right before serving. This adds an extra pop of color and flavor that makes the presentation as exciting as the taste.

Side Dishes

This grilled cheese pairs wonderfully with classic sides like a crisp green salad dressed in bright lemon vinaigrette or a bowl of warm tomato soup for that traditional comfort food combo. For a little crunch, add some homemade kettle chips or crunchy pickles to complement the rich sandwich.

Creative Ways to Present

Try cutting the sandwich into fun shapes using cookie cutters for a playful presentation perfect for kids or brunch parties. Another idea is to serve mini sliders of this Everything Bagel Grilled Cheese Recipe alongside a flight of dipping sauces such as spicy mustard, ranch, or a honey garlic aioli to invite dipping and sharing.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers, wrap the sandwich tightly in plastic wrap or foil and store it in the refrigerator. This will keep the flavors fresh, and you can enjoy a quick reheat the next day.

Freezing

This sandwich is freezer-friendly! Wrap it well and place it in an airtight container or heavy-duty freezer bag. When frozen properly, your Everything Bagel Grilled Cheese Recipe can last up to one month without losing quality.

Reheating

For best results, reheat your grilled cheese in a skillet on medium heat to revive the crispy exterior and melted interior. Avoid the microwave to prevent a soggy sandwich. A toaster oven works great too if you’re in a hurry!

FAQs

Can I use a different type of bread for this recipe?

Absolutely! While sourdough adds lovely tang and structure, other breads like whole wheat or rye can also work nicely, adding their own unique flavors and textures.

Is there a substitute for everything bagel seasoning?

If you don’t have everything bagel seasoning on hand, you can mix sesame seeds, poppy seeds, dried minced garlic, dried minced onion, and salt to create your own version.

Can I make this recipe vegan or dairy-free?

Yes! Use vegan butter, plant-based cream cheese, and vegan shredded cheese alternatives. The everything bagel seasoning is typically vegan-friendly, but be sure to check the label.

How do I ensure the cheese melts evenly?

Softening the cream cheese and shredding the cheddar finely helps them blend well and melt smoothly. Cooking on medium heat allows gentle melting without burning the bread.

Can I add other fillings to the Everything Bagel Grilled Cheese Recipe?

Feel free to get creative! Sliced tomatoes, crispy bacon, or fresh spinach are wonderful additions that can take this sandwich to the next level.

Final Thoughts

This Everything Bagel Grilled Cheese Recipe is one of those magical dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate—comforting, flavorful, and just a little fancy with its everything bagel flair. I hope you’ll give it a try soon and discover how easy it is to make something so special with just a few simple ingredients. Happy cooking and even happier eating!

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