I was away on vacation so I finally got back on the computer. Sorry for the delay in responding.....I always use the microwave and spray the no-stick spray on the plate. That is important because the cheese sticks really bad without it! I use munster and american and another one, usually swiss. One of each and I top it with a half of an avacado. It melts in about 30 seconds. I all salsa and sour cream, when I have it in the house. It isn't hard or anything but it is good. I will also do this alone or put it on top a veggie burger from Morningstar, the best one of the bunch. I'm sorry it has too much salt, I have low blood pressure so it isn't a concern for me at all, but if you have to watch it, it will be a concern. Good luck!