Mini Grilled Cheese Dippers with Tomato Soup Recipe
These Mini Grilled Cheese Dippers are the perfect crispy, gooey snack made from sturdy bread layered with sharp cheddar and melty provolone or Monterey Jack cheese, pan-grilled to golden perfection. Served with warm, creamy tomato soup, they create a comforting and irresistible combination perfect for any time of day.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 sandwiches (18-24 dippers) 1x
- Category: Snack
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Bread
- 12 slices of sturdy white or sourdough bread
Cheese
- 12 slices of sharp cheddar cheese
- 4 slices of provolone or Monterey Jack cheese
Butter
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
Soup for Serving (Optional)
- 1 quart creamy tomato soup, warmed
Instructions
- Prepare the Bread: Lay out 12 slices of bread on a clean surface. Spread softened unsalted butter generously on one side of each slice, ensuring the entire surface is covered to achieve an even golden-brown crust during grilling.
- Assemble the Sandwiches: Flip over 6 buttered slices, so the unbuttered side faces up. On each, place two slices of sharp cheddar cheese followed by one slice of provolone or Monterey Jack. Fold or trim cheese if it hangs over the bread.
- Top the Sandwiches: Place the remaining 6 slices of bread on top of the cheese-layered slices, buttered side facing out, forming 6 full sandwiches.
- Grill the Sandwiches: Heat a large non-stick skillet or griddle over medium-low heat. Place 2 to 3 sandwiches at a time without overcrowding.
- Cook to Golden Perfection: Grill the sandwiches for 3-5 minutes on the first side, until bread is deep golden brown and cheese starts melting. Press gently with a spatula for even cooking.
- Flip and Finish: Carefully flip the sandwiches and cook for another 3-5 minutes to achieve an equally golden crust and completely melted, gooey cheese oozing from the sides.
- Rest and Slice: Remove sandwiches from skillet and let rest for 1-2 minutes to allow cheese to set for neater slicing.
- Create the Dippers: Trim crusts off all sides if desired for tenderness. Slice each sandwich vertically into 3 or 4 equal-sized sticks to create dippers.
- Serve Immediately: Arrange mini grilled cheese dippers on a platter alongside warm creamy tomato soup for dipping. Serve while hot and crispy for best enjoyment.
Notes
- Use sturdy bread like sourdough or brioche to prevent sogginess during dipping.
- Butter must be softened to spread evenly without tearing the bread.
- Cook on medium-low heat to avoid burning the bread before cheese melts.
- Resting the sandwiches before slicing helps keep cheese from oozing excessively and allows cleaner cuts.
- Serving with warm tomato soup enhances the flavor and turns the snack into a comforting meal.
- Crust trimming is optional but creates more tender, easier-to-dip sticks.
Keywords: mini grilled cheese, grilled cheese dippers, cheese sticks, crispy grilled cheese, tomato soup dipper, snack recipe, comfort food
