Mini Grilled Cheese Hearts

The first time I made these was during a rainy afternoon when my niece came over, bored and restless. We raided the cookie cutters from the back of the baking drawer, and her eyes lit up when she spotted the tiny heart shape. Thirty minutes later, we had a plate of golden, crispy hearts and a very proud six-year-old who claimed she invented them. Now they are my go-to whenever someone needs a little extra happiness on their plate.

Last Valentines Day, I made three dozen of these for a brunch party and watched them disappear in ten minutes flat. A friend who swore she was too full for lunch suddenly found room for six. There is something about food shaped like hearts that makes people abandon all pretense of moderation.

Ingredients

• 6 slices soft bread: White or whole wheat works, but avoid anything too crusty or the hearts will not cut cleanly
• 6 slices cheese: Cheddar, American, or anything that melts beautifully and will not slide out when you flip them
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter: Softened so you can spread it thin and even without tearing the delicate bread hearts

Instructions

Cut out your hearts:

Press your cookie cutter firmly into each bread slice and wiggle gently to release clean edges, then do the same with the cheese so every layer matches up perfectly.

Build each mini sandwich:

Lay one cheese heart between two bread hearts, pressing gently so everything stays put while you work.

Butter the outsides:

Spread a thin, even layer of softened butter on the outside of each sandwich, getting all the way to the edges for maximum golden crispiness.

Grill to golden perfection:

Cook them buttered side down in a hot nonstick skillet for two to three minutes, then flip carefully and cook until the cheese melts and both sides are beautifully browned.

Serve them warm:

Let them cool for just a minute so the cheese sets slightly, then serve while they are still warm and gooey.

Save

My daughter now requests these for school lunches, and I have learned to pack them with a tiny napkin because somehow a heart-shaped sandwich feels more special than the regular kind.

Cheese Options That Actually Work

Cheddar gives you that sharp, classic flavor, but mozzarella creates the best cheese pull when you bite into them. Gouda adds a smoky sweetness that pairs surprisingly well with the buttery bread.

Getting the Shape Right

Press straight down with your cutter and avoid twisting, which can pinch the edges and make misshapen hearts. If the cheese sticks to the metal, run it under warm water for a second between cuts.

Serving Ideas

These shine at parties because people can pop them in their mouths without utensils or mess. They also make the most unexpected surprise in a lunchbox, still warm if you wrap them in foil.

• Pair them with a warm tomato soup for dunking
• Stack them on a small plate with a sprinkle of fresh herbs
• Keep them warm in a 200 degree oven until serving

Save

Sometimes the simplest touches, like cutting sandwiches into hearts, are exactly what turns a regular meal into a memory.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use different types of cheese for these mini grilled cheese hearts?

Yes, you can use various melting cheeses like cheddar, American, mozzarella, or gouda. Each will give a slightly different flavor profile to your mini sandwiches.

→ How can I add extra flavor to these mini grilled cheese hearts?

You can add a thin slice of tomato or a sprinkle of herbs like basil or parsley inside the sandwiches before cooking for extra flavor and nutrition.

→ What's the best way to cut the bread and cheese into heart shapes?

Use a small heart-shaped cookie cutter to press firmly but gently through both the bread slices and cheese slices. Make sure your cutter is sharp enough to cut through without tearing the bread.

→ Can I make these ahead of time?

These are best served fresh and warm, but you can prepare them in advance and reheat gently in a skillet or toaster oven before serving.

→ Are there any gluten-free options for making these mini grilled cheese hearts?

Yes, you can use gluten-free bread and ensure your cheese is gluten-free as well. The cooking method remains the same.