A grilled cheese should be gooey in the middle and crispy and golden on the outside. Getting both takes the right bread, the right cheese, and a few minutes of patience at the pan.

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1. Choose the right bread and cheese

Pick a bread sturdy enough to survive the pan: sourdough, rye, or whole grain. For the cheese, choose one that melts well, like cheddar, gouda, or mozzarella.

2. Assemble the sandwich

Butter one side of each slice, then put a slice of cheese between them. Add ham, tomato, or lettuce if you like.

3. Preheat the pan

Heat a large nonstick pan or griddle over medium heat. Once hot, coat it lightly with cooking spray or a little oil so the sandwich does not stick.

4. Grill the sandwich

Grill for 2-3 minutes, until the bottom slice is golden brown. Flip carefully and grill the other side another 2-3 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the sandwich is crispy.

5. Serve the sandwich

Move it to a plate and serve right away, or cut it into smaller pieces as an appetizer.

Sturdy bread, melty cheese, medium heat. That is the whole secret.

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