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KANSAS CITY, Mo. — A grilled cheese sandwich is a classic lunch-time snack, best enjoyed warm and fresh off the pan.

Culinarian Lauren Lane shows FOX4 the best way to pack a grilled cheese in a lunchbox and keep it melted and buttery without becoming soggy.

Don’t get me wrong, there is no better time to eat a grilled cheese sandwich than right when it comes out of the pan, with the gooiest melted cheese and crackly, buttery bread. BUT, I’m here to tell you they can also be packed in a lunchbox as well!  It may not be warm, but the cheese is still melted and the bread is still buttery, salty and it isn’t soggy…. IF you pack it the right way! My mission?  To find the best way to pack it for ultimate flavor and texture.   I tested SEVERAL ways.  Wrapped in foil right when it came off the stove, placed hot in a thermos, wrapped in paper towels, and packed in a zip bag.  But for the best-tasting lunchbox grilled cheese, try packing it this way

Lauren Lane
  • After cooking the sandwich, let it cool completely. It keeps the bread from getting soggy.
  • Cut off crusts if desired
  • Cut sandwich into sticks, in thirds or quarters, depending on the size and width of your thermos
  • Pack in a clean dry thermos. (Bonus if you have another thermos for some tomato soup)

Grilled Cheese Variations

  • Cheddar and apple
  • Leftover chicken topped with BBQ sauce and Monterrey Jack cheese
  • Bacon and cheese
  • Caramelized onion and gruyere
  • Nutella, banana and brie
  • Grilled peanut butter, jelly and brie
  • Grilled cheese and fried egg