This Keto Grilled Cheese is made with two easy chaffles for the perfect low-carb meal! Just 4 net carbs for this cheesy, buttery sandwich.
Keto Chaffle Grilled Cheese
This buttery Keto Grilled Cheese is the best easy meal! Basic keto chaffles work as the perfect low-carb bread substitute, forming a deliciously buttery crust holding all that melted cheese! It’s full of fat and protein for energy with just 4 net carbs.
What are chaffles?
Chaffles are keto cheese waffles – They’re made with cheese, eggs, almond flour or coconut flour, and baking powder. Some people use only eggs and cheese, but I prefer the addition of a little low-carb flour and baking powder so that it tastes less “eggy” and has a more bread-like texture. This Basic Keto Chaffle Recipe is what we use, and you can check this page for more tips and chaffle recipes.
Are chaffles not you’re thing? No worries! You can make your very own Low-Carb Bread to make a classic keto-friendly grilled cheese without a chaffle in sight.
Ingredients for Keto Grilled Cheese
Here’s a quick overview of what you’ll need as well as substitution tips. For this recipe, you’ll just need a small skillet and a flat spatula. For exact measurements, keep scrolling down to the printable recipe card at the bottom of the page.
- Chaffles – You can use basic, plain chaffles for a classicly cheesy sandwich, but you can always swich it up with different types of chaffles, too. The addition of pepperoni, jalapeno, or bacon can add a great flavor! Here are more ideas for different chaffles you could use.
- Cheese – You can use any type of cheese you prefer–I tried it with a mix of cheddar and pepper jack, then with just mozzarella. Using the shredded cheese makes it easy to get a gooey, melty cheese that creates the classicly delicious stringy look.
- Butter – I recommend unsalted butter as the chaffles and cheese contain a good amount of sodium already.
Specialty Grilled Cheese Ideas:
Don’t want to be basic? Add some protein and extra flavor with these different ingredients.
- Pig Out – Bacon is an obvious choice; it’s crunchy, salty, and delicious. Keto Candied Bacon adds a salty-sweet, maybe with a little paprika, too?
- Pizza Night – A layer of pepperoni, maybe some Italian sausage, a sprinkle of parmesan… Dip it in some low-carb marinara for a pizza stuffed grilled cheese anyone would love!
- Breakfast Style – Add a fried egg (these pesto eggs would add tons of flavor), some spinach, and some sausage for a warm breakfast sandwich.
- Use Leftovers – Have a good, protein-heavy dinner this week you didn’t finish? This Italian Pork, maybe some shredded beef, or easy slow cooker chicken can be added to make an even more filling meal.
How to Make a Keto Grilled Cheese
This cheesy sandwich is so easy. It’s a great keto meal that you can dress up or down based on your preferences!
Assemble sandwich
Heat a skillet to medium low heat, then melt one teaspoon of butter. When the butter has melted, place one chaffle into the pan and top with shredded cheese. Make sure the cheese isn’t too close to the edges of the chaffle to prevent the cheese from falling or burning. Place the second chaffle over the cheese and very gently press down.
Cook
Cook for 6-8 minutes or until the chaffle is golden brown on the bottom. Carefully pick your sandwich up with a spatula and place the last teaspoon of butter in the pan. Once melted, flip the chaffle sandwich and return it to the pan, cooking for another 6-8 minutes. When the bottom is golden brown and the shredded cheese has melted in the center, remove from pan, slice in half, and serve immediately.
What to serve with keto grilled cheese
We love eating these cheesy grilled sandwiches right off the skillet, piping hot and melty. For the ultimate comfort food meal, pair it with this Low-Carb Tomato Soup! If you want to add more protein without many more carbs, consider some Garlic Butter Steak Bites. You could add a simple arugula salad to stretch the meal further, too.
More low-carb sides for keto sandwiches:
- Keto Chips – It’s easy to toast pepperoni slices or low-carb tortillas for simple, crunchy chips! You could also try zucchini chips, kale chips, or collard green chips.
- Bacon Cheddar Cauliflower Tots – These delicious, crispy tots won’t make you miss the potato version at all! It’s great for picky eaters.
- Cheesy Cauliflower Casserole – If you miss macaroni and cheese, this is the side dish for you! The tender, baked cauliflower soaks up the rich, cheesy sauce perfectly.
- Crispy Keto Fries – These are made with rutabaga, but you would be amazed by how similar the texture is to potato! These Green Bean Fries or Zucchini Fries would also be a tasty, healthy option.
Store
These sandwiches are best eaten fresh, but you could wrap it in foil, then store it in the fridge for 1-3 days. If you’re making sandwiches specifically to eat later, considering spreading a thin layer of mayo on one of the chaffles before assembling. I feel like this helps prevent them from drying out when reheating later. I wouldn’t recommend freezing these as the cheese sometimes doesn’t keep the best texture after melting.
Reheat
You don’t want to reheat this in the microwave because it’ll turn the chaffles soggy. Instead, bake (350 for 5-10 minutes) or air fry (350 for 2-4 minutes). You could also place it in a skillet on medium low, then cover with a lid, flipping halfway through.
If you like this grilled cheese, you’ll love these keto chaffle lunches!
- Pizza Chaffles – These cheesy, low-carb personal pizzas have just 1.8 net carbs each! You can even pack them disassembled and cold for an easy keto lunchable.
- Keto Jalapeno Popper Burgers – These burgers stay super juicy with the deliciously slightly-spicy filling! The chaffles make perfect burger buns.
- Chicken Bacon Ranch Chaffle Sandwich – Just 5.5 net carbs for this super-filling, very satisfying sandwich! It’s a great keto cookout option.
- Keto Chili Cheese Chaffles – Perfect for fall! No-bean, keto chili and shredded cheese top Bacon Cheddar Chaffles for a lunch that will give you loads of energy.
- Keto BBQ Chicken Stacks – This easy crockpot meal prep chicken is delicious on a jalapeno cheddar chaffle! These are great as open-face sandwiches or toasts.
- Want more? Check here for more chaffle recipes and tips!
Grilled Cheese Chaffle FAQs
Yes, you can use previously-frozen chaffles! Simply thaw them before use (this is usually quick 30 seconds in the microwave or an hour on the counter will do it).
I’m not sure about this. I know some people reduce carbs by making chaffles with just two ingredients: cheese and eggs. I don’t know if you would get the same buttery, grilled-bread-like texture. I’ve only made a keto grilled cheese with almond flour or coconut flour chaffles.
Keto Grilled Cheese (with chaffles!)
Ingredients
- 2 keto chaffles linked below in notes and in post
- 1/3 cup shredded cheese any variety
- 2 teaspoons butter
Instructions
- Heat a skillet to medium low heat, then melt one teaspoon of butter. When the butter has melted, place one chaffle into the pan and top with shredded cheese. Make sure the cheese isn't too close to the edges of the chaffle to prevent the cheese from falling or burning.
- Place the second chaffle over the cheese and very gently press (don't flatten, just press enough so that much of the cheese is in contact with the chaffle). Cook for 6-8 minutes or until the chaffle is golden brown on the bottom.
- Carefully pick your sandwich up with a spatula and place the last teaspoon of butter in the pan. Once melted, flip the chaffle sandwich and return it to the pan, cooking for another 6-8 minutes. When the bottom is golden brown and the shredded cheese has melted in the center, remove from pan and serve immediately.
Notes
- I used these basic keto chaffles. They can be frozen and reheated later for easy meal prep.
- It’s best to take a “low and slow” approach with grilled cheese. This gives the chaffle enough time to soak up the butter and become golden brown while also giving the cheese on the inside enough time to melt and become gooey. If your chaffles are cooking too quickly, you can cook with a lid on the pan to melt the cheese quicker.
