This California Grilled Cheese takes the classic sandwich to a whole new level by incorporating fresh, vibrant ingredients like avocado and tomato. This delightful twist not only adds flavor and texture but also brings a touch of California sunshine to your plate!

Hand holding half of a California grilled cheese with the other half on a plate.

Want to save this recipe?

Enter your email below & we'll send it straight to your inbox! You will also receive other new recipes in your inbox weekly!

    The Best California grilled Cheese Recipe

    Grilled Cheese is the ultimate comfort food. Crispy and toasted on the outside with a warm gooey inside. This grilled cheese is a cross between a sandwich and a grilled cheese. Everything you love about a California Club sandwiched between melted American cheese.

    Not only is this California Grilled Cheese delicious it is ridiculously easy to make. All of the ingredients come together in minutes making this the perfect lunch or weeknight meal!

    This is the perfect power lunch to keep you fueled for the day. The fiber and protein from the avocado and the bread will keep you full until your next meal. If you prefer, you can make this sandwich on a whole grain bread. Personally, I like to make mine on a crusty sourdough bread!

    Ingredients Needed

    • Avocado: Sliced avocado adds a creamy texture and extra nutrients!
    • Salt & Pepper: Season the avocado with salt and pepper to taste.
    • Butter: I like to toast my California grilled cheese in the pan with butter. You can opt for mayo if you prefer!
    • Bread: Use your favorite bread here. I like how crispy and sturdy sourdough bread is so I typically use that for my grilled cheeses.
    • Mayonnaise: Mayonnaise is spread on the inside of the sandwich for an extra creamy texture.
    • Tomato: Sliced tomato brightens the flavor!
    • Turkey: I used sliced chicken breast, but you can use any of your favorite deli meats, or omit it completely!
    • American cheese: For a creamy cheesy grilled cheese I used American cheese. Feel free to use your favorite cheese! Sharp cheddar or pepper jack would also be great in this!

    How to Make a California Grilled Cheese

    1. Spread butter onto one side of each piece of bread.Place the bread butter side down in a large skillet.
    Two slices of bread in a pan spread with mayonnaise on top.
    1. Spread mayonnaise on each unbuttered side of bread. Top one slice of bread with avocado and tomato. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Top the other slice of bread with American cheese and sliced chicken breast.serve!
    Two slices of bread in a pan, one with avocado and tomato and the other with cheese and turkey.
    1. Cook the sandwich opened face for 3-4 minutes on medium heat or until the outside of the bread is golden brown and crispy.Place the two sandwiches slices together and serve!
    The two sliced of bread put together in the pan to make a sandwich.

    Tips for Success

    • Cook the grilled cheese low and slow! Cooking at a lower temperature takes longer but you will end up with a crispier outside and the cheese fully melted on the inside. You can even throw the grilled cheese in the oven to melt the cheese.
    • Add extra fillings! You can add things like sprouts or crispy bacon. It is totally up to you! Just don’t overfill the sandwich, or it might be hard to flip in the pan and eat.
    California grilled cheese cut in half on a plate.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Can I make this sandwich without butter or mayonnaise?

    Technically, yes! I think that real butter on the outside and a bit of mayonnaise on the inside offers the best flavor. However, you can use a butter replacement like margarine or even a little bit of olive oil to help the bread crisp up in the pan!

    What can I serve with a California grilled cheese?

    You can serve this grilled cheese sandwich with fries, sweet potato fries, broccoli cheddar tots, or a fresh salad like my summer orzo pasta salad or a quinoa tabbouleh salad

    Hand holding a half of a California grilled cheese to show the layer inside with the other half on a plate.

    More Lunch Recipes to Try

    California Grilled Cheese

    Rate Print
    This California Grilled Cheese takes the classic sandwich to a whole new level by incorporating fresh, vibrant ingredients like avocado and tomato. This delightful twist not only adds flavor and texture but also brings a touch of California sunshine to your plate!
    Servings: 1
    Prep Time: 5 minutes
    Cook Time: 5 minutes
    Total Time: 10 minutes

    Ingredients 

    • 1/2 ripe avocado, sliced, mashed
    • 1 tbsp butter
    • 2 slices sourdough bread
    • 1 tbsp mayonnaise
    • 1 medium tomato, sliced
    • 2 slices american cheese
    • 2 slices sliced chicken breast
    • salt and pepper

    Instructions 

    • Spread butter onto one side of each piece of bread.
      Place the bread butter side down in a large skillet.
    • Spread mayonnaise on each unbuttered side of bread.
      Top one slice of bread with avocado and tomato. Sprinkle with salt and pepper.
      Top the other slice of bread with American cheese and sliced chicken breast.
    • Cook the sandwich opened face for 3-4 minutes on medium heat or until the outside of the bread is golden brown and crispy.
      Place the two sandwiches slices together and serve!

    Nutrition Information

    Calories: 436kcalCarbohydrates: 34gProtein: 13gFat: 29gSaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 23mgSodium: 379mgPotassium: 772mgFiber: 11gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 855IUVitamin C: 18mgCalcium: 184mgIron: 2mg
    cropped-avocado-tomato-grilled-cheese.jpg

    Did you make this?

    I’d love to hear your feedback! Leave a review and make sure to share your pictures on social media! Don’t forget to follow @thechefsavvy.

    Leave a review Follow Chef Savvy