Ree Drummond’s grilled cheese trick makes the sandwich in seconds

Ree Drummond’s grilled cheese technique using an air fryer

Ree Drummond has a new trick for grilled cheese that makes it faster and easier than ever. Using an air fryer rather than a pan lets you get perfectly toasted, melty sandwiches with less mess.

This slideshow breaks down her method and recipe, showing how precision heat and clever ingredients create an unbeatable grilled cheese experience at home.

Why choose an air fryer for grilled cheese?

Air fryers cook grilled cheese sandwiches by circulating hot air around the entire sandwich. Unlike pans that cook one side at a time, an air fryer wraps the sandwich in even heat, toasting the bread perfectly and melting the cheese inside efficiently.

This method avoids moisture buildup, keeping the bread crispy and the inside gooey without constant flipping or watching.

Simple air fryer settings for perfect grilled cheese

Preheat your air fryer to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Place your sandwich inside and air-fry for 6 to 14 minutes total at the same temperature, flipping halfway, until the bread is golden and the cheese is melted. This timing and temperature combination cooks thoroughly without burning.

The steady heat control of the air fryer means you don’t have to guess pan temperature, which can vary widely, making grilled cheese foolproof and freeing you from constant babysitting at the stove.

Convenience and consistency of air fryer grilling

The air fryer maintains a constant temperature without manual adjustment. It adapts easily to different breads, cheese types, and condiments for customized sandwiches.

This consistency eliminates guesswork and makes reheating or multitasking easy. Ree recommends pairing her simple recipe with this cooking tech for quick, no-fuss meals, so you don’t need to stand by the stove watching toasting bread or flipping sandwiches constantly.

Ree Drummond’s perfect grilled cheese bread choice

Ree prefers sourdough for her grilled cheese sandwiches. The sturdy crust holds up well during cooking, reducing tearing and seepage. It’s fluffy inside, crisps beautifully with the right amount of fat and heat, balancing crunch and softness.

This choice is key to her crispy, flavorful exterior without sacrificing structural integrity. Quality bread makes a huge difference for an excellent grilled cheese experience.

The magic of combining mayo and butter

Ree uses a blend of mayonnaise and butter on the bread exterior. Mayonnaise has a high smoke point, allowing crisping without burning. Butter adds rich heartiness to the flavor.

Together, this combo creates a texture far superior to butter alone, giving the crust an irresistible golden crunch while keeping it tender inside.

The role of dijon mustard in elevating flavor

Dijon mustard is the condiment Ree swears by for her sandwiches. It adds a subtle tang and complexity that complements the cheese’s richness.

Spread lightly on the inside of the bread, it balances sharp, smoky, and creamy flavors. This small addition elevates a simple grilled cheese to an experience with layers of flavor that keep you coming back for more.

The perfect cheese combination for melt and flavor

Ree uses multiple cheeses for balanced meltiness and taste. Provolone melts beautifully, providing a smooth, stretchy texture. White cheddar adds a sharp bite and depth.

Smoked Gouda brings a smoky aroma and heartiness. Grating some cheese and layering sliced cheese creates an ultra-melted sandwich with bold flavor notes that all harmonize perfectly in every bite.

How to assemble Ree Drummond’s grilled cheese sandwich

Start by spreading a thin layer of Dijon mustard on each sourdough slice. Layer grated white cheddar, sliced provolone, and pieces of smoked Gouda.

Spread the mayo-butter mixture on the outside of each slice. Press the sandwich lightly together to seal the cheese inside tightly. Proper layering ensures even melt, flavor distribution, and the iconic crispy outside with gooey center you expect.

Air frying your Ree Drummond grilled cheese sandwich

Place the assembled sandwich in the preheated air fryer basket. Cook at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for five to seven minutes on one side. Flip carefully and cook the other side for the same time.

Keep an eye on the golden color, but avoid opening it too often to maintain air circulation. The result is a perfectly crisp sandwich with melted cheese inside every time.

Tips for handling different breads and cheeses

If using bread other than sourdough, consider density and crust moisture. Thicker breads may need extra cooking time; thinner breads less. Different cheeses melt at different rates; softer cheeses require less heat.

Adjust the air fryer time accordingly and check halfway. Ree’s method allows flexibility, so don’t hesitate to experiment with your favorites while keeping the temperature steady for ideal texture.

Why this grilled cheese trick saves time in the kitchen

Using an air fryer removes the need to constantly flip the sandwich or adjust the pan temperature. It cooks both sides evenly, cutting active cooking time almost in half.

No oil splatter or pan fuss means less cleanup, too. This time-saving trick lets you multitask easily while still delivering the nostalgic comfort of a homemade grilled cheese sandwich faster than ever.

Pairing Ree’s grilled cheese with easy sides

Serve with a simple tomato soup for the ultimate classic combo. Add a side salad or pickles for freshness and acidity to balance the richness.

Roasted vegetables or a quick fruit salad round out the meal with nutrients. These fast but flavorful sides complement the sandwich perfectly, making it a balanced comfort meal that’s quick to prepare any day of the week.

Reheating leftover grilled cheese sandwiches

To reheat, place leftovers back in the air fryer at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about three to four minutes. This restores the crispness of the bread and remelts the cheese without making it soggy, unlike when reheated in a microwave.

Ree’s air fryer trick works great to nail the perfect grilled cheese sandwich, not only fresh but also for enjoying leftover sandwiches with almost original texture and flavor in seconds.

Experimenting with your own grilled cheese variations

Ree’s base recipe is flexible. Try adding sliced tomatoes, bacon, or caramelized onions inside for new flavors. Swap cheeses to explore different melt profiles and tastes.

Use garlic butter instead of mayo-butter for a savory kick. The constant temperature and quick cooking make it easy to test combinations and refine your perfect grilled cheese sandwich recipe quickly and conveniently. It is undoubtedly one of the best air fryer recipes for quick weeknight meals.

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This slideshow was made with AI assistance and human editing.