Best Butter Substitutes For A Grilled Cheese Sandwich

Grilled cheese sandwiches are the ultimate comfort food – who doesn't love a buttery crispy sandwich with gooey cheese oozing out the side? Especially when paired with tomato soup. 

Butter is typically my go-to choice for achieving that golden-brown, crispy texture on the outside of the bread. But what if you're looking for a healthier alternative or simply want to try something new? Here, I'll dive into the world of Butter Substitutes For Grilled Cheese Sandwiches and offer a variety of options that will elevate your sandwich game to a whole new level. From oils to spreads, I've got you covered with creative and delicious alternatives.

Why You Need Fat On A Grilled Cheese Sandwich

You may think you could do without a butter substitute at all when making grilled cheese sandwiches, but a grilled cheese without fat will turn out dry and tasteless. You want a thin layer of fat to cover the outside of your bread so that your sandwich crisps up nicely, has a bit of extra flavor from the fat, and creates the crispy delicious sandwich we all know and love. 

While butter is the gold standard for a traditional grilled cheese, it's not the only thing that will make a grilled cheese crispy and delicious. And some of the options listed below can even be healthier choices than traditional butter. Keep reading for some butter alternatives to using butter for a grilled cheese sandwich.

Mayonnaise

Probably the most popular substitute for butter on a grilled cheese sandwich is mayonnaise. This is actually one of my preferred substitutes, and even what I reach for more often over butter. The mayonnaise version is a delicious option and produces a crisp crust and a wonderful, slightly tangy flavor. Spread a thin layer of storebought mayonnaise (or homemade if you're feeling adventurous!) on the outside of each slice of bread before grilling. It produces similar results to butter and is a great alternative, making the grilled cheese crust perfectly crisp with a hint of tanginess.

Aioli

Aioli is another good substitute to use in place of butter for grilled cheese sandwiches. While many people associate aioli with mayo, it's actually a bit different. Mayo is made by emulsifying egg yolks and a neutral oil (like canola oil) whereas traditional aioli is made by emulsifying garlic and oil. A good garlic aioli is a great sub for butter on grilled cheese as it will give a delicious garlic flavor to the sandwich - almost like a garlic bread grilled cheese. 

Ghee

Ghee is a great butter substitute when you're looking for something that will have a similar taste but has a lower lactose content. It's made by simmering butter until it separates into liquids and solids. The milk solids are then skimmed off the top and you're left with ghee, a butter-like, but not quite butter substance. 

Ghee tastes mostly like butter, although a bit nuttier, and can be used anywhere butter is used, including on your grilled cheese sandwich!

Avocado Oil

Avocado oil is another fantastic choice to use in place of butter. Known for its health benefits (healthy fat!) and high smoke point, avocado oil creates a crispy, delicious grilled cheese sandwich that's both satisfying and nutritious. 

Avocado oil has a neutral taste so it's a nice sub for butter on a grilled cheese sandwich. It won't add much in terms of flavor, but also lets the flavors of your grilled cheese shine through, making it a great substitute for butter. Just lightly coat the outside of your bread slices with avocado oil before grilling for a flavorful and wholesome experience.

Olive Oil or Olive Oil Cooking Spray

Olive oil is another good choice in place of butter for a grilled cheese sandwich. Olive oil would be great if you're also adding some extra complimentary flavors like tomato, roasted red pepper, spinach, and feta, or other Mediterranean-style ingredients.

If you're looking for a quick and easy option, olive oil cooking spray is a great way to achieve that crispy exterior without the need for a lot of added fat. With its tangy flavor and health benefits, olive oil spray can be used to lightly coat the outside of your sandwich before grilling. The result? A perfectly grilled cheese sandwich with a touch of that wonderful olive oil taste.

Vegetable Oil

Vegetable oil is a classic cooking staple with a neutral flavor, making it a versatile choice for your grilled cheese sandwich. Its higher heat tolerance ensures a crispy texture, and you can experiment with different flavors by using various types of vegetable oil. Whether you opt for canola oil, sunflower oil, or another type, vegetable oil is an excellent butter substitute that provides the crispiness we all crave.

Bacon Fat

Is there anything that bacon doesn't make better? If you appreciate the rich and savory taste of bacon, using bacon fat (also sometimes referred to as liquid gold - rightly so!) as a butter substitute can take your grilled cheese sandwich to new heights. The rich flavor of bacon fat can enhance a cheese sandwich recipe and goes great with other additions (see below for some options). 

Simply spread a small amount of bacon fat on the outside of the bread slices before grilling, and enjoy the wonderful combination of crispy texture and smoky, bacon-infused flavor. This option is especially great if you're also adding real bacon to your grilled cheese (yum!).

Hint: You can reserve the bacon grease from cooking bacon and easily store it in a jar to use when cooking everything from sauteed vegetables, to roasting potatoes, in salad dressings, or even in pasta dishes! It's a great sub for oil or butter and has a delicious, light bacony flavor. It will last for about 3 months in the refrigerator (or you can even freeze it to make it last longer!). 

Coconut Oil

Coconut oil is not only a great option for cooking at medium heat, but it can also be a wonderful substitute for butter when making a grilled cheese sandwich. With its higher smoke point and subtle coconut flavor, coconut oil will give a subtle tropical twist to your classic comfort food. Spread a small amount of oil on the outside of each slice of bread and grill it to a perfect golden brown. You'll be surprised by the results!

Cream Cheese

If you're open to exploring alternative ways to create a delicious grilled cheese sandwich, consider using cream cheese as a spread. While this might not yield the exact same results as butter, it offers a creamy texture and a tangy flavor that can complement a variety of other cheeses. Spread a thin layer of cream cheese on the outside of the bread slices before adding your favorite cheese to the inside, then grill to perfection.

Greek Yogurt

For a healthier grilled cheese option, Greek yogurt can be an excellent choice and can function almost like mayo when using it as a spread for grilled cheese. Mix a small amount of Greek yogurt with some lemon juice, salt, and pepper and you'll create a spread that adds a creamy texture and a tangy kick. Spread the Greek yogurt mixture on the outer side of each slice of bread, add your cheese, then grill. Delicious!

Egg Whites

For a high-protein, lower-calorie option, try brushing egg whites on the outside of your bread slices before grilling. This method creates a crispy texture reminiscent of a classic grilled cheese sandwich while reducing the added fat. It's a smart choice for those looking to enjoy their favorite sandwich with fewer calories.

The Cheese Factor

While we've explored various butter substitutes for the outside of your grilled cheese sandwich, don't forget about the importance of cheese selection for the inside! The type of cheese you use can dramatically affect the taste and texture of your sandwich. From the classic American cheese to sharp cheddar to pepper jack cheese and everything in between, don't be afraid to experiment with a variety of cheeses to create your perfect grilled cheese masterpiece.

Bread Breads For Grilled Cheese

Personally, I think sourdough bread is the best type of bread to use for a grilled cheese sandwich. But other options could include brioche, rye, whole grain, sliced white bread, whole wheat bread, or even a baguette. For best results, choose a bread that has lots of nooks and crannies that allow the melted cheese to really work its way into the pockets of the bread. 

Other Grilled Cheese Additions

Of course, nothing beats a traditional grilled cheese when that's what you're craving, but if you want to get creative, there are lots of different ways you can customize this sandwich. Try adding in things like caramelized onions, strips of bacon, tomatoes, or even other types of meat like ham, turkey, or roast beef for a different taste.  Be sure to adjust the butter alternative you choose to use and also the cheese to match the ingredients you're adding!

As you can see, there are plenty of creative and delicious options to consider when looking for substitutes for butter on a grilled cheese sandwich. From different types of oils to spreads, each alternative brings its own unique flavor and texture to the table, allowing you to enjoy a healthier or simply different take on this classic comfort food.

Whether you're following a specific diet, exploring new flavors, or just looking for a change, these butter substitutes provide exciting opportunities to elevate your grilled cheese game. Next time you're craving that perfect grilled cheese sandwich, don't hesitate to try one of these fantastic alternatives. 

If you try one of the butter substitutes for grilled cheese, let me know what you think in the comments below. And don't forget to tag me with a pic @frontrangefed on Instagram!

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