Save It I discovered this sandwich by accident one Tuesday morning when I was tired of my plain grilled cheese routine. A shaker of everything bagel seasoning sat on my counter, left over from a weekend bagel experiment, and I thought: why not? The first bite was electric—crispy, garlicky, slightly sweet from the onion, with that unmistakable sesame crunch. My kitchen suddenly smelled like a New York deli, and I knew this wasn't going back to being just butter and cheese.
I made this for my partner during a lazy Sunday afternoon, and they ate two before I could even plate mine. We sat on the kitchen counter with tomato soup below and these crispy golden squares melting in our hands, talking about nothing important. That's when I realized this wasn't a fancy recipe—it was just the right amount of "why didn't I think of this sooner?"
Ingredients
- Sourdough or white sandwich bread: The bread is your foundation—use something sturdy enough to hold the seasoning and cheese without falling apart. Sourdough adds tang and structure, while white bread keeps things classic and soft inside.
- Sharp cheddar cheese: Sharp cheddar melts beautifully and has enough personality to stand up to the bold seasoning. If you prefer milder flavor, reach for Swiss or provolone instead.
- Unsalted butter, softened: Softened butter spreads evenly and helps the seasoning stick without burning. Cold butter tears the bread, so pull it out while you prep everything else.
- Everything bagel seasoning: This is the star—poppy seeds, sesame, garlic, onion, and sea salt all working together. Use it generously; it's what makes this sandwich unmistakably yours.
Instructions
- Butter and season your bread:
- Lay out all four slices and spread a thin, even layer of softened butter on one side of each. The butter should be just thick enough to make the seasoning stick, not so thick it overwhelms the bread.
- Apply the bagel magic:
- Sprinkle the buttered side of each slice generously with everything bagel seasoning, pressing gently so the seeds and spices adhere. You'll see the poppy seeds and sesame catch the light—that's how you know you've done it right.
- Build your sandwiches:
- Flip two slices buttered-side down on your work surface. Layer two cheese slices on each, then top with the remaining bread, seasoned-side facing outward.
- Get your skillet ready:
- Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium heat for about a minute. You want it hot enough that a drop of water sizzles, but not smoking.
- Cook until golden:
- Place the sandwiches in the skillet and cook for 3 to 4 minutes per side, pressing gently with your spatula. The bread should turn a deep golden brown and sound crispy when you press it, and the cheese should start oozing out slightly at the edges.
- Rest and serve:
- Transfer to a cutting board and let cool for just a minute—this lets the cheese set slightly so it doesn't run everywhere when you slice. Slice diagonally and serve immediately.
Save It There was a moment when my roommate smelled this sandwich cooking and came running to the kitchen, skeptical at first about the "weird golden stuff" on the bread. One bite later, she asked for her own. That's when I knew this recipe had staying power.
Why Everything Bagel Seasoning Works
Everything bagel seasoning is a masterpiece of balance—garlic and onion for savory depth, sesame and poppy seeds for texture and visual appeal, and just enough salt to make the cheese taste sharper and more interesting. Unlike a plain grilled cheese, this sandwich has personality. The flavors don't compete; they layer beautifully, so each bite feels complete.
Variations and Swaps
This sandwich is forgiving and fun to experiment with. Some mornings I add thinly sliced tomatoes or crispy bacon between the cheese layers. Other times, I swap the cheddar for creamy brie or nutty Swiss cheese. You could even try caramelized onions for something sweeter and deeper, though I'd go a little lighter on the seasoning to let the onions shine through.
Serving and Storage
This sandwich is best eaten hot, right off the skillet, when the cheese is still flowing and the bread is crackling. If you have leftovers (rare in my house), wrap them in foil and reheat gently in a skillet over low heat rather than the microwave, which will make the bread rubbery.
- Serve alongside tomato soup or a simple green salad for a complete lunch.
- You can prep the butter-and-seasoning step a few hours ahead; just keep the slices separate until you're ready to cook.
- Everything bagel seasoning keeps for months in a cool, dry place, so stock up and use it on scrambled eggs, roasted vegetables, or avocado toast too.
Save It This sandwich proves that sometimes the best kitchen ideas come from curiosity and what you have on hand. It's comforting and exciting at the same time, which is exactly what a good recipe should be.
Recipe FAQs
- → What type of bread works best?
Sourdough or white sandwich bread provides the ideal texture and crispness for this sandwich.
- → Can I use other cheeses?
Yes, Swiss, provolone, or mozzarella can be substituted for sharp cheddar depending on your preference.
- → How should I cook the sandwich?
Cook in a nonstick skillet over medium heat for 3-4 minutes per side until bread is golden and cheese is melted.
- → What is the role of everything bagel seasoning?
It adds a crunchy texture and a mix of savory flavors that enhance the sandwich’s taste.
- → Can I add extra ingredients?
Thinly sliced tomatoes or caramelized onions work well layered inside for additional flavor.