Pin It The first time I made everything bagel grilled cheese was actually by accident. I had intended to make regular grilled cheese but grabbed the wrong container from my spice cabinet and ended up shaking everything bagel seasoning all over the buttered bread. Instead of scraping it off I decided to lean into it and the result was so good I could not believe I had not thought of it sooner. The seasoning gets crispy and intense in the butter almost like the crust of an actual everything bagel but with the comfort of melted cheese inside.
My roommate walked into the kitchen while I was flipping these sandwiches and asked what smelled so good. The toasted garlic and onion from the seasoning were filling the whole apartment and she ended up making one for herself immediately after. Now whenever either of us is having a rough day or just needs something quick and comforting this is our go to. It has become one of those recipes that feels like a hug in food form.
Ingredients
- Sourdough or white sandwich bread: Sourdough gives you a nice tangy chew and holds up really well to the pressing but any sturdy bread you have works perfectly fine
- Sharp cheddar cheese: The sharpness cuts through the rich butter and seasoned crust while still melting beautifully into that gooey texture we all want in a grilled cheese
- Unsalted butter softened: Softened butter spreads evenly without tearing the bread and using unsalted lets you control the salt level since the seasoning is already salty
- Everything bagel seasoning: This is the whole point of the recipe so be generous with it because it creates that savory crunchy crust that makes this sandwich special
Instructions
- Butter and season the bread:
- Spread a thin layer of softened butter on one side of each bread slice then sprinkle generously with everything bagel seasoning pressing it gently into the butter so it sticks
- Assemble the sandwiches:
- Flip two seasoned slices over place two slices of cheese on each and top with the remaining bread slices keeping the seasoned sides facing out
- Get the skillet ready:
- Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium heat until a drop of water sizzles when it hits the surface
- Grill the first side:
- Place sandwiches in the skillet and cook for three to four minutes pressing gently with your spatula until golden and crisp
- Flip and finish:
- Carefully flip the sandwiches and cook another three to four minutes until the cheese is completely melted and both sides are deeply golden
- Serve immediately:
- Let the sandwiches rest for about one minute then slice diagonally and serve while still warm and gooey
Pin It Last winter my sister came over during a snowstorm and we made these while watching bad movies all afternoon. Something about the warmth and crunch made the cold weather feel cozy instead of miserable and we ended up making three batches because we could not stop eating them. Now whenever it snows she texts me asking if I have everything bagel seasoning at my place.
Cheese Options That Actually Work
While sharp cheddar is classic you can really play around with the cheese here. Provolone melts beautifully and has a mild flavor that lets the seasoning shine. Gruyère adds a nutty sophistication that feels fancy but still comforting. For something extra creamy try mixing cheddar with a little mozzarella because the mozzarella creates those amazing cheese pulls when you take a bite.
Make It A Meal
This sandwich pairs incredibly well with tomato soup because the acidity cuts through all the rich butter and cheese. A simple green salad with vinaigrette adds freshness that balances the heaviness. If you want to go all out serve it alongside some pickles or potato chips for that classic diner feel.
Timing And Temperature
The key to getting everything right at the same time is managing your heat carefully. If your pan is too hot the crust will burn before the cheese melts. If it is too low you will be waiting forever and the bread will dry out. Medium heat and a little patience gives you that perfect golden exterior with fully melted cheese inside.
- Have your ingredients ready before you start because the cooking goes fast once the pan is hot
- Cut the cheese to fit the bread if needed so it does not hang out and get too crispy on the edges
- Let the sandwich rest for a minute after cooking so the cheese sets slightly instead of running everywhere when you slice it
Pin It Everything bagel grilled cheese has become one of those recipes I make when I need something fast but still special. The crunch the savory seasoning the melty cheese it hits every single time.
Recipe FAQs
- → What bread works best for this dish?
Sourdough or white sandwich bread provides a sturdy base and crisps nicely when cooked. Both absorb the seasoning well without becoming soggy.
- → Can I use other cheeses?
Yes, Swiss, provolone, or mozzarella are excellent alternatives that melt smoothly and complement the seasoning.
- → How should everything bagel seasoning be applied?
Spread softened butter on the bread first, then sprinkle the seasoning evenly onto the buttered side so it adheres before cooking.
- → What cooking method ensures a crispy crust?
Cooking on medium heat in a nonstick skillet while pressing gently helps create a golden, crunchy crust and melts the cheese perfectly.
- → Are there good additions to enhance flavor?
Thinly sliced tomatoes or caramelized onions added between the cheese slices add depth and sweetness, balancing the savory seasoning.