Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- A great way to make grilled cheese more fun and kid-friendly.
- Perfect for meal prep—store them in the freezer for later.
- No tough crusts, making them easier for kids to eat.
- Quick and simple, with only a few ingredients.
- Can be cooked in an air fryer, making it even easier to prepare.
ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 8 slices white sandwich bread
- 4 slices Cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons softened butter (or as needed)
directions
- Spread a thin layer of butter on one side of each slice of bread.
- Using a round cookie cutter (slightly smaller than the sandwich sealer), press out round slices of cheese.
- Lay 4 slices of bread on a flat surface, buttered side down. Place a cheese round in the center of each slice. Top with the remaining 4 slices of bread, buttered side up.
- Center a sandwich sealer over the sandwich, press down, and hold for 15 to 30 seconds to seal the edges. Remove the crusts from the sealer and discard. Repeat with the remaining sandwiches.
- Place the sandwich discs on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze for 2 hours. After freezing, transfer the sandwiches to a freezer bag for storage.
- Preheat the air fryer to 380°F (193°C). Cook the frozen sandwiches for about 5 minutes until golden brown. If sandwiches are thawed, cook at 370°F (188°C) for 3 minutes.
Servings and timing
- Yields: 4 servings
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 5 minutes
- Freeze time: 2 hours
- Total time: 2 hours 15 minutes
Variations
- Cheese options: Swap Cheddar for mozzarella, American, or any cheese your kids prefer.
- Add-ins: Try adding a slice of ham, turkey, or bacon inside for an extra protein boost.
- Spicy twist: Add a dash of hot sauce or pepper jack cheese for a mild kick.
- Whole grain bread: Use whole wheat or multigrain bread for a healthier version.
storage/reheating
- Fridge: Store leftover sandwiches in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: These sandwiches freeze well for up to 2 months. Just freeze before cooking, then air fry when ready to serve.
- Reheat: Reheat in the air fryer at 370°F (188°C) for 3 minutes if thawed or 5 minutes if frozen.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of bread?
Yes, you can use whole wheat, gluten-free, or any type of bread your family enjoys. Just make sure it’s sliced thin enough to cook evenly.
Can I make these without a sandwich sealer?
Yes, you can use a round cookie cutter to remove the crusts, but the sandwich sealer helps create a nice seal that keeps the cheese inside while cooking.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Absolutely! These sandwiches are great for meal prep. After sealing and freezing, you can pull them out whenever you need a quick snack.
Do I need to use butter on both sides of the bread?
No, buttering one side is sufficient for the crispy, golden texture.
Can I bake these in the oven instead of using an air fryer?
Yes, you can bake them at 375°F (190°C) for about 8 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure both sides get crispy.
How long can I store these in the freezer?
These sandwiches will keep for up to 2 months in the freezer.
Can I use dairy-free cheese?
Yes, feel free to use dairy-free cheese for a dairy-free option.
Can I add vegetables to these sandwiches?
Yes! Try adding thin slices of tomato or spinach inside the sandwich before sealing it for an added veggie boost.
Can I cook these in a regular frying pan?
Yes, but cooking them in a frying pan may not be as convenient or as crispy as the air fryer method. You can fry them on medium heat for about 2-3 minutes on each side.
Can I make these sandwiches without freezing them?
Yes, you can cook them immediately after sealing, but freezing them helps the cheese stay inside and makes them easier to handle during cooking.
Conclusion
Crustless Grilled Cheese sandwiches are a fun and practical snack, especially for little ones. With no crusts to deal with and a delicious, melty center, they’re the perfect finger food for kids. These sandwiches are also freezer-friendly, so you can keep a batch ready for when hunger strikes!
Crustless Grilled Cheese
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Snack
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Crustless Grilled Cheese sandwiches are a fun, kid-friendly twist on the classic grilled cheese. With no crusts and melted cheese sealed inside soft bread, these sandwiches are easy to prepare and perfect for little hands.
Ingredients
8 slices white sandwich bread
4 slices Cheddar cheese
2 tablespoons softened butter (or as needed)
Instructions
- Spread a thin layer of butter on one side of each slice of bread.
- Using a round cookie cutter (slightly smaller than the sandwich sealer), press out round slices of cheese.
- Lay 4 slices of bread on a flat surface, buttered side down. Place a cheese round in the center of each slice. Top with the remaining 4 slices of bread, buttered side up.
- Center a sandwich sealer over the sandwich, press down, and hold for 15 to 30 seconds to seal the edges. Remove the crusts from the sealer and discard. Repeat with the remaining sandwiches.
- Place the sandwich discs on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze for 2 hours. After freezing, transfer the sandwiches to a freezer bag for storage.
- Preheat the air fryer to 380°F (193°C). Cook the frozen sandwiches for about 5 minutes until golden brown. If sandwiches are thawed, cook at 370°F (188°C) for 3 minutes.
Notes
For variety, try using mozzarella, American, or any cheese your kids prefer.
Consider adding a slice of ham, turkey, or bacon for a protein boost.
Whole wheat or multigrain bread can be used for a healthier alternative.
Feel free to add a bit of hot sauce or pepper jack cheese for a mild kick.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
