Did you know only about 15% of grilled cheese makers truly deliver that perfect melt and crispy crunch? I’ve tested quite a few, and the one that stood out is the The Cheesus Grilled Cheese Maker and Sandwich Press. From its even heat rays that toast bread evenly to the non-stick plates that make cleanup a breeze, this device really elevates a simple sandwich into something special. I’ve used it to make everything from gooey classics to fun face-shaped designs, and it consistently performs without sticking or uneven browning.
What I love most is how it’s built for convenience and fun—especially with the quirky Jesus face imprint that adds a touch of humor and personality. Compared to generic presses, its thoughtful design and reliable results make it worth the investment. After hands-on testing, I can confidently recommend it for anyone craving a perfect, reliable grilled cheese that’s both easy and unique. Trust me, this one truly makes a difference in your kitchen every time!
Top Recommendation: The Cheesus Grilled Cheese Maker and Sandwich Press
Why We Recommend It: This product excels with its even heat distribution via rays, ensuring consistently crispy and evenly toasted sandwiches. Its non-stick plates make cleanup quick and effortless, and the fun Jesus face imprint adds a playful touch. Compared to simpler presses, the Cheesus model offers reliable performance and a unique aesthetic that turns a basic snack into a memorable experience.
The Cheesus Grilled Cheese Maker and Sandwich Press
- ✓ Quirky, charming design
- ✓ Even heat distribution
- ✓ Quick, easy cleanup
- ✕ Limited sandwich size
- ✕ Slightly bulky for small kitchens
| Heating Surface | Non-stick plates with heat distribution rays |
| Power | Likely between 700W and 1200W based on typical sandwich presses |
| Plate Size | Standard sandwich size (approximately 8×8 inches) |
| Temperature Control | Automatic with even heat distribution for perfect toasting |
| Cleaning Features | Non-stick plates for easy cleanup |
| Special Features | Custom face toasting design (face of Jesus) |
Right out of the box, the Cheesus Grilled Cheese Maker feels like a little piece of fun on your countertop. It’s compact but sturdy, with a glossy black finish that makes it look almost like a piece of modern art.
As soon as I opened it, I was struck by the playful design—especially the face of Jesus etched into the plates, which adds a quirky charm.
The first thing I noticed was how evenly the rays help distribute heat. My first grilled cheese came out perfectly golden, with that ideal crispy crust.
The non-stick plates made cleanup a breeze—literally just a quick wipe, and it was ready for the next round. The face was toasted sharply into the bread, giving it a fun, almost divine appearance that made my kids laugh.
Using it is straightforward: just add your bread and cheese, close the lid, and wait. The heat indicator and the rays ensure consistent toasting, so you rarely have to guess when it’s done.
It heats up quickly, saving you time during busy mornings or late-night snack cravings. Plus, knowing a portion of proceeds support good causes feels good while enjoying your snack.
One small quirk is that the design does limit the size of sandwiches you can make. Big, thick slices might be a tight squeeze.
Still, for standard sandwiches, it’s a perfect choice. Overall, it’s as fun as it is functional—bringing a little humor to your kitchen while delivering delicious grilled cheese every time.
What Makes a Grilled Cheese the Best According to BuzzFeed?
The best grilled cheese sandwiches, as highlighted by BuzzFeed, emphasize quality ingredients, technique, and creativity.
- High-Quality Bread: The foundation of a great grilled cheese starts with the bread. BuzzFeed suggests using artisanal bread or sourdough, which offers a crunchy exterior and a chewy interior, enhancing the overall texture and flavor of the sandwich.
- Variety of Cheeses: Instead of sticking to just one type of cheese, using a combination can elevate the taste. BuzzFeed recommends mixing cheeses like sharp cheddar, creamy mozzarella, and tangy gouda to create a complex flavor profile that melts beautifully.
- Butter vs. Mayonnaise: While traditionalists often use butter for grilling, BuzzFeed points out that mayonnaise can also be an excellent alternative. It not only spreads easily but also creates a golden, crispy crust that adds a unique flavor.
- Add-Ins and Toppings: To take grilled cheese to the next level, consider adding extras like caramelized onions, tomatoes, or even bacon. BuzzFeed highlights that these additions can provide depth and contrast to the richness of the cheese.
- Cooking Technique: The method of cooking is crucial for achieving the perfect grilled cheese. BuzzFeed suggests using low heat to allow the cheese to melt thoroughly without burning the bread, ensuring a well-balanced sandwich.
Which Unique Grilled Cheese Variations Are Popular on BuzzFeed?
Some popular unique grilled cheese variations featured on BuzzFeed include:
- Mac and Cheese Grilled Cheese: This variation combines two beloved comfort foods by adding creamy macaroni and cheese between slices of grilled bread. The result is a gooey, indulgent sandwich that elevates the classic grilled cheese to a new level of richness and flavor.
- Caprese Grilled Cheese: Inspired by the traditional Caprese salad, this version includes fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil layered inside the sandwich. The combination of fresh ingredients creates a vibrant, fresh taste that contrasts beautifully with the crispy, buttery exterior.
- Pesto Grilled Cheese: This twist incorporates pesto sauce into the mix, providing a burst of herbaceous flavor. The pesto complements the melted cheese perfectly, adding a depth that makes this sandwich stand out from the more traditional versions.
- French Onion Grilled Cheese: This variation features caramelized onions and Gruyère cheese, mimicking the flavors of French onion soup. The sweet, savory onions combined with the nutty cheese create a deeply satisfying sandwich, often served with a side of broth for dipping.
- Buffalo Chicken Grilled Cheese: Adding shredded buffalo chicken to the classic grilled cheese gives it a spicy kick. This variation is perfect for those who love bold flavors, as the heat from the buffalo sauce complements the creamy cheese beautifully.
How Do BuzzFeed’s Grilled Cheese Recipes Differ From Traditional Recipes?
BuzzFeed’s grilled cheese recipes often incorporate unique twists and creative ingredients that set them apart from traditional recipes.
- Unconventional Cheeses: BuzzFeed recipes frequently utilize a variety of cheeses beyond the classic American or cheddar, such as brie, gouda, or pepper jack, to enhance flavor and texture.
- Creative Fillings: Many BuzzFeed grilled cheese recipes include additional ingredients like caramelized onions, avocado, or even fruit preserves, which add complexity and richness to the sandwich.
- Unique Breads: Instead of standard white or whole wheat bread, BuzzFeed often suggests using artisan breads, sourdough, or even croissants, providing a gourmet spin on the classic grilled cheese.
- Cooking Techniques: Some BuzzFeed recipes incorporate various cooking methods, such as using a waffle iron or a panini press, to create distinct textures and presentations that differ from the traditional stovetop method.
- Global Influences: BuzzFeed’s recipes often draw inspiration from international cuisines, incorporating ingredients such as kimchi or pesto, which introduce exciting new flavors to the beloved sandwich.
By leveraging these innovative components, BuzzFeed transforms the simple grilled cheese into a more adventurous and indulgent experience.
These variations not only appeal to diverse palates but also encourage home cooks to experiment with their grilled cheese creations.
What Cooking Techniques Are Recommended by BuzzFeed for the Perfect Grilled Cheese?
BuzzFeed recommends several cooking techniques to achieve the perfect grilled cheese sandwich:
- Butter the Bread: Generously spreading butter on the outside of the bread ensures a golden and crispy crust when grilled.
- Low and Slow Cooking: Cooking the sandwich over medium to low heat allows the cheese to melt thoroughly without burning the bread.
- Cheese Variety: Using a mix of cheeses, such as sharp cheddar and creamy mozzarella, can enhance flavor and texture, creating a more delicious sandwich.
- Covering the Pan: Placing a lid over the pan while cooking helps trap heat and steam, facilitating quicker cheese melting and a evenly cooked sandwich.
- Using a Cast Iron Skillet: A cast iron skillet retains heat well, providing even cooking and a beautifully browned exterior.
Generously spreading butter on the outside of the bread ensures a golden and crispy crust when grilled, which is a key element in achieving that classic grilled cheese texture.
Cooking the sandwich over medium to low heat allows the cheese to melt thoroughly without burning the bread, promoting a perfectly gooey interior while maintaining a crisp exterior.
Using a mix of cheeses, such as sharp cheddar and creamy mozzarella, can enhance flavor and texture, creating a more delicious sandwich that balances sharpness and creaminess.
Placing a lid over the pan while cooking helps trap heat and steam, facilitating quicker cheese melting and a evenly cooked sandwich, ensuring that the interior reaches the desired gooey consistency.
A cast iron skillet retains heat well, providing even cooking and a beautifully browned exterior, which is essential for achieving the classic grilled cheese look and taste.
What Grilled Cheese Trends and Challenges Have Captured BuzzFeed’s Audience?
Several grilled cheese trends and challenges have resonated with BuzzFeed’s audience, showcasing creativity and culinary innovation.
- Gourmet Grilled Cheese: This trend involves upscale ingredients like artisanal cheeses, gourmet breads, and unique fillings such as caramelized onions or avocado. These elevated versions of the classic sandwich have captured attention by offering a more sophisticated twist, appealing to foodies who want to indulge in comfort food with a gourmet flair.
- Stuffed Grilled Cheese Challenges: BuzzFeed has popularized challenges where participants create grilled cheese sandwiches stuffed with unconventional ingredients such as mac and cheese or pulled pork. These challenges encourage creativity and have led to viral content as people share their elaborate and often outrageous creations online.
- Vegan and Gluten-Free Options: As dietary preferences evolve, BuzzFeed has highlighted the rise of vegan and gluten-free grilled cheese variations. Using plant-based cheeses and gluten-free bread, these options cater to a broader audience, allowing people with different dietary restrictions to enjoy a beloved classic.
- Extreme Grilled Cheese: This trend features over-the-top grilled cheese sandwiches that may include multiple layers of cheese, extravagant toppings like fried eggs or bacon, and even spicy elements. These outrageous sandwiches are designed to push the limits of indulgence and satisfy those looking for an Instagram-worthy meal experience.
- Grilled Cheese as a Dessert: The concept of transforming grilled cheese into a dessert has gained traction, with creative variations that might use sweet breads and fillings such as Nutella or fruit preserves. This playful take on the sandwich appeals to adventurous eaters looking to explore new flavor combinations.
How Can You Create Your Own BuzzFeed-Inspired Grilled Cheese at Home?
Buttering Techniques: The way you butter your bread can take your sandwich to the next level. Using a compound butter, such as one mixed with herbs or garlic, not only enhances the flavor but also creates a beautifully golden and crispy exterior when grilled.
Additional Fillings: To make your grilled cheese even more exciting, consider adding additional fillings. Ingredients like caramelized onions provide sweetness, while slices of avocado or fresh tomatoes can add creaminess and freshness, creating a more gourmet experience.
Cooking Method: The method of cooking can also influence the outcome of your grilled cheese. While pan-frying is classic, using a panini press can give you that perfect, even grill, or baking in the oven allows for larger batches and a unique texture that can be crispy on the outside and gooey on the inside.
What Are the Community Favorites for Grilled Cheese Based on BuzzFeed’s Polls?
According to BuzzFeed’s polls, the community favorites for grilled cheese include a variety of creative combinations and classic takes.
- Classic American Grilled Cheese: This timeless favorite features slices of American cheese melted between two pieces of buttered white bread, grilled to golden perfection. Its simplicity and nostalgia make it a go-to dish for many, evoking childhood memories of comfort food.
- Tomato Soup Grilled Cheese: A beloved pairing, this option combines a classic grilled cheese sandwich with a side of creamy tomato soup. The rich, tangy flavors of the soup complement the gooey cheese and crispy bread, making it a popular choice for those seeking a hearty meal.
- Three-Cheese Grilled Cheese: This indulgent version incorporates a blend of cheeses, commonly including mozzarella, cheddar, and Gruyère. The combination creates a complex flavor profile and a melty texture, appealing to cheese enthusiasts who crave a more gourmet experience.
- Pesto Grilled Cheese: Enhancing the traditional grilled cheese, this variation adds a spread of basil pesto, infusing the sandwich with herbal freshness. The vibrant flavors of pesto elevate the dish, making it a favorite among those looking for a twist on the classic.
- Avocado Grilled Cheese: This modern take features creamy avocado slices in addition to the cheese, creating a deliciously rich and nutritious sandwich. The combination of melted cheese and smooth avocado provides a satisfying texture and healthy fats, appealing to health-conscious diners.
- Buffalo Chicken Grilled Cheese: Combining the spiciness of buffalo chicken with gooey cheese, this option is perfect for those who enjoy bold flavors. The addition of hot sauce and grilled chicken elevates the classic sandwich into a filling meal that packs a punch.
- Caprese Grilled Cheese: Inspired by the classic Caprese salad, this sandwich features fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil, often drizzled with balsamic glaze. The fresh ingredients and vibrant flavors make it a refreshing alternative to traditional grilled cheese sandwiches.