Andy Montoya
Grilled cheese sandwiches are a classic comfort food. The traditional recipe calls for sliced bread, butter, and cheese, but there are many variations and substitutes you can use to make it your own. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced cook, it's easy to get creative and experiment with different ingredients to elevate your grilled cheese game.
Characteristics of Grilled Cheese
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Bread | White, sourdough, brioche, rye, whole grain, whole wheat, baguette |
| Cheese | American, mild Cheddar, sharp Cheddar, medium Cheddar, blend of mild and sharp Cheddar, Swiss, Gruyère, Havarti, pepper jack |
| Butter | Salted, unsalted |
| Butter substitute | Mayonnaise, vegetable oil, bacon fat |
| Cooking method | Non-stick pan, skillet |
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What You'll Learn
Butter vs. mayonnaise on grilled cheese
The great grilled cheese debate: butter or mayonnaise? For those who grew up eating grilled cheese slathered in butter, the idea of using mayonnaise might seem like an unnecessary change. However, using mayonnaise has become increasingly popular, with celebrities like Joanna Gaines, Antoni Porowski, and Martha Stewart swearing by it.
Butter is a solid fat and usually needs to be softened at room temperature to be easily spreadable. It has a rich flavour that can sometimes feel too heavy and overpower the cheese. Butter also has a tendency to burn quickly. However, butter and cheese share many of the same ingredients, and butter penetrates the bread, creating a nuttier flavour and the perfect texture.
Mayonnaise, on the other hand, has a similar fat content to butter but is spreadable straight out of the fridge. It has a higher smoke point than butter, so you can take your time to achieve the perfect level of browning without worrying about burning the sandwich. Mayonnaise also has a more neutral flavour profile, allowing the cheese and other fillings to shine. However, some people may not prefer the tangier taste that mayonnaise adds to the sandwich.
Some people prefer to use a combination of both butter and mayonnaise. They spread a thin layer of mayonnaise on the bread, wipe off most of it, and then add a touch of butter. This method gives you the best of both worlds: the delicious texture from the mayonnaise and the buttery taste.
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Butter alternatives for grilled cheese
While butter is the traditional choice for grilled cheese, there are several alternatives that can be used to achieve a similar, if not better, result.
One popular substitute is mayonnaise, which can be store-bought or homemade. Mayonnaise produces a crisp crust and a slightly tangy flavour. Spread a thin layer of mayonnaise on the outside of each slice of bread before grilling to achieve similar results to butter. Some cooks, however, disagree with this method, claiming that it produces lackluster browning and a disappointing flavour.
Another option is coconut oil, which has a higher smoke point than butter and a subtle coconut flavour. Using coconut oil can add a tropical twist to your grilled cheese. Spread a small amount of oil on the outside of each slice of bread and grill until golden brown.
For a healthier option, mashed avocado can be used as a spread on the bread. This adds creaminess and a unique flavour profile to the grilled cheese, while still achieving the desired crisp texture. To prepare, simply mash the avocado and season with salt, pepper, and lemon juice before spreading it on the bread.
Other alternatives include olive oil, which can be drizzled into the pan before placing the sandwich inside, and bacon fat, which has a high smoke point and can add a unique flavour to the sandwich.
When choosing a butter alternative for grilled cheese, it's important to consider the type of bread, cheese, and additional ingredients being used, as different fats may complement certain ingredients better than others.
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The best type of bread for grilled cheese
When it comes to grilled cheese, the bread you choose is just as important as the cheese itself. The ideal bread for grilled cheese is thick and sturdy, with a tight crumb structure, to ensure it crisps up nicely and doesn't crumble or fall apart. Here are some of the best types of bread to use for a delicious grilled cheese sandwich:
Sourdough
Sourdough bread is a popular choice for grilled cheese due to its sturdy slices, which can withstand a long sear in the pan without falling apart. It has a tangy flavour that pairs well with the cheese, and its crust and thorough toasting create a satisfying crunch. However, sourdough can have irregular holes that may cause cheese to drip, so look for country-style sourdoughs with a tighter crumb structure.
Brioche
Brioche is a rich, buttery bread made with eggs and sugar, resulting in a soft yet sturdy texture. It browns quickly, so keep a close eye on it to avoid burning. Brioche's dense crumb structure prevents cheese from dripping through and creates a golden, crispy exterior when seared in the pan.
Rye
Rye bread adds a bold flavour to your grilled cheese, especially when paired with mild cheeses like Swiss, Gruyère, or Gouda. It has a hearty texture that toasts well and is also a great option for those with gluten sensitivities. However, some may find the flavour of rye bread too strong.
White Bread
For a classic grilled cheese, you can't go wrong with simple white bread. It's versatile and pairs well with various cheeses, such as American, Cheddar, or Colby Jack. Look for thick slices of good-quality white bread, preferably pre-sliced to ensure even heat distribution and cooking.
Other Options
While the above options are popular choices, you can experiment with other types of bread to find your personal favourite. Whole wheat, multigrain, oatmeal, and potato bread all make excellent grilled cheese sandwiches. Just remember to choose a bread with a soft-but-hearty texture and a uniform thickness to avoid unmelted pockets of cheese.
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The best type of cheese for grilled cheese
When it comes to grilled cheese, the cheese you choose is important. While there are many types of cheese that can be used, some are better suited for this classic comfort food than others.
A classic grilled cheese sandwich is made with white bread, sliced cheese, and butter. The type of cheese you use can vary depending on your taste preferences. A popular choice is American cheese, which has a superior melting ability and a gooey texture. It also has a mild flavour, making it a great base for mixing with other cheeses. However, it is considered a processed "foodstuff" rather than a natural cheese.
Another popular option is cheddar cheese, which comes in various sharpness levels, from mild to sharp. Cheddar provides a richer flavour than American cheese and is a good melting cheese. For a more complex flavour, you can combine different types of cheddar, such as yellow and white cheddar, or use a blend of cheddar and another cheese like Gruyère.
If you're looking for a cheese with a high melting point, Swiss cheese, Gruyère, or Havarti are good options. These semi-soft cheeses have a high moisture content, making them excellent for achieving that molten consistency.
For those who want a stretchy, non-greasy melt, mozzarella is a great choice. However, since mozzarella has a mild flavour, it is often combined with another cheese, such as vintage cheddar or Gruyère, to enhance the taste.
Other cheeses that can be used in grilled cheese sandwiches include Monterey Jack, a semi-hard cheese with a mild, buttery flavour and good melting properties, and double cream Brie, which has a rich, mild flavour and gooey consistency.
In conclusion, while there is no single "best" cheese for a grilled cheese sandwich, certain varieties, such as American, cheddar, Swiss, Gruyère, Havarti, mozzarella, Monterey Jack, Brie, and combinations thereof, tend to be popular choices due to their melting abilities, flavours, and textures.
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How to grill a cheese sandwich
Grilled cheese sandwiches are a classic, comforting dish that can be made in several ways. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to grill a cheese sandwich:
Ingredients:
- Bread: White sandwich bread is a classic choice, but you can also use sourdough, brioche, ciabatta, whole wheat, rye, potato bread, or even a brioche loaf. Just ensure the bread is soft yet sturdy and no more than 1/2-inch thick.
- Butter: Unsalted or salted butter can be used, depending on your preference. Salted butter adds a touch more flavour.
- Cheese: Cheddar, American cheese, or a combination of both are popular choices. Other options include mozzarella, gouda, havarti, gruyere, or swiss cheese. Grate the cheese yourself for better melting.
- Mayonnaise (optional): While not traditional, some people like to add mayonnaise to the sandwich for an extra layer of creaminess and saltiness.
Instructions:
- Preheat a nonstick skillet over medium heat.
- Butter one side of a slice of bread. You can also spread mayonnaise on the bread, in addition to the butter, for a crispier sandwich.
- Place the bread, buttered side down, into the hot skillet.
- Add cheese to the bread in the skillet.
- Butter a second slice of bread on one side and place it buttered side up on top of the cheese.
- Cook the sandwich until the bottom slice is lightly browned.
- Flip the sandwich and cook until the second side is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
- Cut the sandwich diagonally and serve immediately.
Feel free to experiment with different types of bread and cheese to find your favourite combination. You can also add extra ingredients like sliced tomatoes, pickled jalapeños, or mustard to create your own unique grilled cheese sandwich.
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Frequently asked questions
Butter is typically used to achieve a golden-brown, crispy texture on the outside of the bread. It adds a bit of extra flavor and creates a crispy crust.
Some alternatives to using butter for grilled cheese include mayonnaise, vegetable oil, and bacon fat. These substitutes can be spread on the outside of the bread slices to achieve a similar crispy texture.
The type of cheese used for grilled cheese is a matter of personal preference. Classic options include American cheese and cheddar, but you can also experiment with other varieties such as Swiss, Gruyère, or pepper jack cheese.
