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    Home » Lunch » Keto Grilled Cheese

    Keto Grilled Cheese

    Published: Jan 31, 2023 by Wendy Polisi Modified: Jan 30, 2023 · 1053 words. · About 6 minutes to read this article.

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    Looking for a keto-friendly version of your favorite classic sandwich? If so, you are going to love this Keto Grilled Cheese. It is the perfect way to satisfy your cravings for melt-in-your-mouth comfort food and stay on track with a low-carb lifestyle. In this post I'll show you how to make a super-cheesy low-carb grill cheese using keto-friendly ingredients.

    Side close up photo of a keto grilled cheese garnished with parsley, crushed red pepper flakes, and flakey salt.

    Nothing beats a hot and melty grilled cheese sandwich.

    But, if you’re on the keto diet, you want that cheesy sandwich to be low in carbs but still full of flavor.

    Today, we have just the thing: a low-carb version of classic grilled cheese! This quick and easy recipe offers all the comfort of your favorite childhood meal - without all the extra carbs.

    With melted gooey cheese, this truly is an ideal keto-friendly dish for lunch or dinner. Read on for our special tips and tricks for creating this tasty main course!

    Ingredients for Making 

    Overhead photo of keto bread, sliced cheese, and butter in prep bowls.
    • Butter:  I like the full flavor of salted butter in this keto grille cheese recipe, but feel free to use unsalted if that is what you have on hand. If you are using unsalted butter, you may want to add a little sea salt to the sandwich.  Make sure to take the butter out about an hour before using it. 
    • Bread:  Use your favorite low carb bread or make your favorite keto bread recipe. For strict keto, make sure you read the label and the bread you choose is gluten-free.  For purchased bread, I like carbo-naut gluten free. Many that are labeled keto have vital wheat gluten in them. (No judgment here if they work for you!)
    • Cheese: Cheddar cheese is classic, but you and use whatever kind of cheese you like.   Swiss, gouda, and mozzarella cheese are all good options.

    Tips & Tricks

    • If you live in an area with plenty of keto-friendly bread options, look for one that has a dense crumb with some chewiness - this will hold up better for buttering and toasting.
    • I like the flavor of sweet cream butter, but you could also use olive oil or mayonnaise if you prefer.
    • If you forget to soften the butter, you can warm it in the microwave in 5-second intervals until it is soft but not melted.
    • All burners are different, and it may take some practice to figure out the best settings for a perfect grill cheese on your burner. Start on medium-low and adjust your temperature up from there if you need to.
    • Avoid overheating your skillet during preheating - this can make your sandwich burn quickly. If your pan is smoking when you are ready to begin cooking your sandwich, cool it off with a splash of cold water and begin cooking when the water has evaporated.
    • If you are making multiple sandwiches, keep the sandwiches you have prepared in the oven at 250° F until you are ready to serve them.
    • Try adding bacon, ham, or avocado to add more fat and mix the flavors up!  Craving veggies?  Roasted red pepper, sauteed spinach, and onions make nice additions.

    Serving Suggestions

    This recipe makes an easy lunch on its own, served with a salad.

    Some of my favorites are keto Greek salad, keto spinach salad, or keto caesar salad.

    This recipe is also fabulous, with a bowl of keto-friendly tomato soup.

    Frequently Asked Questions 

    How many carbs does grilled cheese have?

    It depends on the ingredients you use. The traditional version has around 35 grams of carbs or more per sandwich, while a keto-friendly grilled cheese with low-carb bread and cheese will be much lower in carbohydrates.

    Which cheese is allowed in keto?

    Most hard cheeses like cheddar, mozzarella, gouda, and Swiss are allowed on a ketogenic diet. Soft cheese like Brie and blue cheese can also be enjoyed in moderation. Be sure to check the label to make sure the cheese is low in carbs.

    Tools Needed to Make 

    As an amazon associate, I earn from qualifying sales.

    • Cast iron skillet with a lid or other heavy skillet
    • Spatula

    Storage

    This sandwich is best made fresh, but leftovers will keep in the refrigerator for up to three days.  

    I like to dice leftovers and use them for croutons on salads.

    Step by Step Instructions

    First, start by heating your skillet over medium-low heat.  I like to use a cast iron skillet, but you can use your favorite skillet.  For best results, make sure it is heavy.

    Two sliced of buttered bread.
    Buttered bread with cheese layered on it.
    A low carb grilled cheese ready to cook.

    Next, spread your softened butter on one side of each of the slices of bread.

    Place one piece butter side down, and then layer on your cheeses.  Top with the remaining bread slice, butter side up.

    Photo of a keto grilled cheese that has just been placed in a skillet to cook.
    Photo of a keto grilled cheese cooking in a skillet.
    Photo of a keto grilled cheese that has been cooked on one side in a skillet.

    Use a spatula to place the sandwich in the preheated pan.  Cover and cook for 3 to 5 minutes, until the bottom is browned.

    Flip and cook for another 2 to 4 minutes,until the cheese is melted and the other side is brown.

    More Keto Sandwiches to Try

    • For a flavor thrill, don’t miss this Keto Reuben Sandwich.  It has all of the flavors you love in a deliciously low-carb meal.
    • French dips have always been a favorite of mine, and I can’t gett enough of this Keto French Dip.
    • Keto Meatball Subs are so satisfying!
    Side close up photo of a keto grilled cheese garnished with parsley, crushed red pepper flakes, and flakey salt.
    Photo of a keto quickstart guide with the description of the guide on the right.
    If you like this recipe don't forget to leave a 5 star rating and let me know how it went in the below comments, I love hearing from you! You can also FOLLOW ME on FACEBOOK, INSTAGRAM, and PINTEREST to see all my delicious recipes.
    Square side photo of a keto grilled cheese on a white cutting board.
    Print Recipe
    5 from 5 votes

    Keto Grilled Cheese

    If you’re a fan of rich, melted cheese sandwiched between two slices of crunchy and buttery golden-brown bread, then you’ll be thrilled to know that the classic grilled cheese sandwich can fit into your keto lifestyle too! This keto grilled cheese is the ultimate comfort food!
    Prep Time5 mins
    Cook Time9 mins
    Total Time14 mins
    Course: Lunch
    Cuisine: American
    Keyword: sandwich
    Servings: 1
    Calories: 502.09kcal
    Author: Wendy Polisi
    As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualified sales.

    Ingredients

    • 2 tablespoons salted butter at room temperature
    • 2 slices keto bread
    • 2 ounces sliced cheese cheddar, Monterey Jack, swiss or a blend

    Instructions

    • Heat a cast iron skillet over medium-low heat.
    • Spread the butter on one side of each bread slice.
    • Place 1 slice of the bread, butter side down, on a plate or cutting board.
    • Layer the cheeses on the bread and top with the remaining bread slice, butter side up.
    • Place the sandwich in the pan and cover. Cook until the bottom is browned, about 3 to 5 minutes.
    • Flip and cook until the second side is brown and the cheese is melted, about 2 to 4 minutes longer.

    Notes

    Nutrition based on zero NET CARB bread.  (21.4 carbs - 20 g fiber = 1.4 net carbs per serving.). Nutritional information is estimated but believed to be accurate.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 502.09kcal | Carbohydrates: 21.4g | Protein: 21.45g | Fat: 43.99g | Saturated Fat: 25.28g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1.52g | Monounsaturated Fat: 10.1g | Trans Fat: 0.92g | Cholesterol: 116.9mg | Sodium: 550.85mg | Potassium: 50.38mg | Fiber: 20g | Sugar: 0.21g | Vitamin A: 1267.84IU | Calcium: 407.58mg | Iron: 0.1mg
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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Cam

      February 07, 2023 at 1:11 am

      5 stars
      This tasted so delicious and was easy to make! So gooood!

      Reply
    2. Donna

      February 07, 2023 at 2:57 am

      5 stars
      So delicious, mine didn't look quite as pretty as yours, but it certainly tasted amazing!

      Reply
    3. Glenda

      February 07, 2023 at 6:38 am

      5 stars
      A delicious lunch! Ooey, gooey cheesy perfection! We ate it with cucumber salad and it was scrumptious!

      Reply
    4. Journa Liz Ramirez

      February 07, 2023 at 2:16 pm

      5 stars
      I'm on a keto diet, this grilled cheese recipe works best for me! Tried this yesterday and it was so good and enjoyable so I added this recipe to my list, thanks Wendy!

      Reply
    5. Roxie

      February 08, 2023 at 9:54 am

      5 stars
      Eating this without feeling guilty. So yummy.

      Reply

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    Welcome

    I'm Wendy and I'm here to show you just how delicious a low carb, gluten free and keto diet can be! You are just as likely to find me obsessing over all things cheesy as you are getting excited by a full produce drawer. I'm a mom to three, obsessive planner and roller coasters are my happy place. Let's dig deeper →

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