Follow these simple steps for guaranteed deliciousness:

1. Prepare the Bread: Lay out all 16 slices of bread on a clean work surface or large cutting board. If your bread slices have significant crusts you wish to remove for a more uniform look, do so now using a sharp knife. However, many prefer to leave the crusts on for extra texture.
2. Butter (or Mayo) the Bread: Using a butter knife or offset spatula, spread a thin, even layer of softened butter (or mayonnaise, if using) edge-to-edge on one side of each slice of bread. Ensuring full coverage is key to achieving that beautiful, uniform golden colour.
3. Assemble the Sandwiches: Place 8 slices of bread, buttered-side down, onto your work surface. Top each of these slices with one slice of cheddar cheese. If the cheese slices overhang the bread significantly, you can fold them or trim them slightly to fit. Place the remaining 8 slices of bread on top, buttered-side up. You now have 8 full-sized, uncooked grilled cheese sandwiches.
4. Initial Cut: Carefully slice each assembled sandwich into four equal squares or rectangles. A sharp knife or even a pizza cutter works well here. Aim for consistency in size. You should now have 32 mini uncooked grilled cheese bites. This pre-cutting step makes them much easier to handle and flip in the pan.
5. Preheat the Pan: Place a large non-stick skillet or griddle over medium-low heat. It’s crucial not to start with high heat, as the bread will burn before the cheese has a chance to melt properly. Allow the pan a minute or two to heat up evenly. You can test the heat by flicking a tiny drop of water onto it – it should sizzle gently, not evaporate instantly or pop aggressively.
6. Grill the Bites (First Side): Carefully place the mini grilled cheese bites onto the preheated skillet, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Work in batches if necessary. Cook for 2-4 minutes on the first side, or until the bottom is beautifully golden brown and crispy. Keep a close eye on them as they can brown quickly. Adjust the heat slightly lower if they are browning too fast.
7. Flip and Grill (Second Side): Using a thin spatula (a fish spatula works great for getting underneath), carefully flip each mini bite. Gently press down on the tops with the spatula to encourage even melting and good contact with the pan. Cook for another 2-4 minutes on the second side, until it’s equally golden brown and the cheese is visibly melted and gooey. You might see some cheese oozing out the sides – this is a delicious bonus!
8. Remove and Serve: Once cooked, immediately remove the mini grilled cheese bites from the skillet and place them on a serving platter. If cooking in batches, you can keep the finished bites warm in a low oven (around 200°F or 95°C) on a baking sheet while you cook the rest.
9. Repeat: Continue cooking the remaining bites in batches until all are golden, crispy, and melted to perfection.

Alternative Cooking Methods

While the stovetop provides classic results, here are other ways to cook your mini bites:

Oven-Baked Mini Grilled Cheese

This method is excellent for larger batches and offers hands-free cooking.

1. Preheat & Prepare: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
2. Assemble: Assemble the mini grilled cheese bites exactly as described in steps 1-4 of the stovetop instructions (buttering both outer sides, adding cheese, cutting into quarters).
3. Arrange: Place the assembled mini bites in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Ensure they aren’t touching too much, allowing hot air to circulate.
4. Bake: Bake for 5-7 minutes. Carefully flip each bite using a spatula.
5. Bake Again: Bake for another 5-7 minutes, or until both sides are golden brown and the cheese is thoroughly melted. Keep a close eye during the last few minutes to prevent burning.
6. Serve: Remove from the oven and serve immediately.

Air Fryer Mini Grilled Cheese

The air fryer excels at creating extra-crispy results.

1. Preheat (Optional): Some air fryers require preheating. If yours does, preheat it to 350°F (175°C).
2. Assemble: Assemble the mini grilled cheese bites as per steps 1-4 of the stovetop instructions. Ensure the outsides are buttered or mayo’d.
3. Arrange: Place the mini bites in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Do not overcrowd; work in batches if necessary. Overcrowding prevents proper air circulation and crisping.
4. Air Fry: Cook at 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes.
5. Flip: Carefully open the air fryer basket and flip the mini bites using tongs or a small spatula.
6. Air Fry Again: Cook for another 3-5 minutes, or until golden brown, crispy, and the cheese is melted. Air fryer cooking times can vary, so check frequently towards the end.
7. Serve: Remove from the air fryer and serve hot.