(BPT) – In celebration of National Grilled Cheese Day, Borden® Cheese surveyed over 2,000 Americans on their grilled cheese preferences. The results are in! Turns out that what makes a grilled cheese perfect is very personal! From bread and cheese to everything in between, America is split on grilled cheese preferences. Here are the five most important factors to help you make the perfect grilled cheese sandwich.
1. Consider your base
The type of bread you pick for your sandwich says a lot about you. Are you a traditionalist who uses white bread or a health-conscious eater who prefers whole wheat or rye bread? No matter which bread you use, your base should complement how much cheese you plan to use.
According to the survey, 57% of grilled cheese makers use two slices of cheese, so an average slice of bread should be plenty. However, if you’re part of the 17% that use 3 slices, consider choosing a thicker base to avoid a soggy sandwich.
2. Spread butter or mayo to the edges of the bread
To ensure that your family enjoys every bite of their cheesy dish, make sure to spread butter or mayo to the very edges of the bread. This easy trick ensures there are no dry bites, elevating the taste and texture of your grilled cheese.
3. Don’t rush perfection
How do you like your bread toasted? What’s right for one person isn’t right for all.
According to new data from Borden, one in 10 grilled cheese enthusiasts swear by a deep, burnt toast char for their bread. However, the majority (seven in 10) insist on a golden-brown crisp. If you’re in the latter camp, remember that low and slow is the key to a truly chef-worthy grilled cheese.
Keeping an eye on toast levels is especially important if you’re making this lunchtime classic for your kids. According to Borden’s report, nearly one out of every three parents have remade a grilled cheese because the toast level wasn’t quite right.
4. Pick the right cheese
Now it’s time for the star of the show! The type of cheese you pick can make or break your sandwich. When it comes to the type of cheese, the survey found that American (49%) and Cheddar (46%) dominated the rankings, proving that the most iconic melts are built on tradition. However, the more experimental grilled cheese connoisseur may opt for underdogs like Mozzarella (27%), Swiss (22%), Pepperjack (21%) and Colby Jack (20%).
No matter which type of cheese you choose, remember, grilled cheese is better with Borden. Borden offers many varieties of cheese to make your sandwich truly your own. Best of all, Borden Cheese is made with real dairy from American dairy families and delivers the rich, creamy melt that turns a simple sandwich into a crave-worthy classic.
5. Don’t forget to consider toppings
Nearly half of grilled cheese eaters surveyed were purists, sticking to the basics of cheese and bread to achieve an ooey-gooey sandwich. However, you can get creative by adding your favorite meats, veggies and spreads. The important part is that you make your grilled cheese your way.
Using these five tips, you can make the best grilled cheese that’s perfect just for you. To find more cheese tips and cheese products that suit any taste, visit BordenCheese.com.
Hungry? Here’s how to win free cheese for a year
Starting on Grilled Cheese Day, April 12, and running all month long, Borden is celebrating all things cheese, and you can be part of the fun. You can win a variety of delicious prizes, from 100 instant-win swag packs featuring Borden coupons and fun branded merchandise to cheese for a year.
One grand prize recipient will receive everything needed to create the ultimate grilled cheese experience: a year’s supply of personalized cheese selections and a gourmet panini press to perfect their melt at home. Visit WinFreeBordenCheese.com for your chance to win.
Survey Methodology. All figures, unless otherwise stated, are from YouGov Plc. Total sample size was 2,515 adults, of which 2,330 make grilled cheese sandwiches. Fieldwork was undertaken between March 17th – March 19th 2025. The survey was carried out online. The figures have been weighted and are representative of all US adults (aged 18+).