Andy Montoya
Grilled cheese sandwiches are a classic, comforting, and delicious meal. They are easy to make and can be adapted to suit personal preferences. The basic recipe calls for white bread, sliced cheese, and butter. However, there is some debate about whether the butter should be spread on the inside or outside of the sandwich, or both. Some people prefer to use mayonnaise instead of butter, as it adds a tangy flavor and helps to brown the bread. Others like to sprinkle the skillet with salt to season the outside of the sandwich. Ultimately, the choice of bread, cheese, and spread comes down to individual taste, and there are endless combinations to explore.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Bread | Plain white sandwich bread, sourdough, brioche, ciabatta, homemade, whole wheat, whole grain, rye, pumpernickel, cinnamon swirl |
| Butter | Butter the outside of the bread, or both sides for more flavour; use cultured butter for a slight tang |
| Cheese | American, mild or sharp Cheddar, mozzarella, feta, fontina, Gruyere, Comte, young cheddars, Taleggio, jack cheeses, Parmesan |
| Other ingredients | Mayonnaise, mustard, garlic powder, scallions, fig jam, spinach, turkey breast |
| Method | Toast bread, add cheese, close sandwich, cook until browned, flip, continue cooking until cheese is melted |
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What You'll Learn
Butter or mayonnaise?
When it comes to grilled cheese sandwiches, there are many ways to prepare them, and the choice between butter and mayonnaise for the bread is entirely up to the cook's preference.
Butter is the classic option for grilled cheese sandwiches. It is melted in the pan and spread on the bread to create a buttery, crisp texture. It is also often used to cook the bread, with some recipes calling for the bread to be cooked in butter, flipped, and then assembled with cheese. This helps the bread absorb more butter, creating a richer flavor.
Mayonnaise, on the other hand, is a less traditional but increasingly popular option. It helps the bread brown nicely, creating a crunchy texture when bitten into. It also adds a tangy flavor that cuts through the richness of the cheese and bread. Some cooks even suggest using both, with mayonnaise on the outside of the sandwich for browning and butter on the inside for flavor.
Ultimately, the choice between butter and mayonnaise depends on the desired flavor and texture of the grilled cheese sandwich. Both options have their own advantages and will result in a delicious, crispy, and gooey sandwich.
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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 fall apart or absorb too much butter.
Sourdough is a popular choice for grilled cheese, as its sturdy slices can hold up to a long sear in the pan, creating a great crunch. Its slightly tangy flavour also pairs well with the richness of the cheese and butter. Look for country-style sourdoughs with a tighter crumb to avoid cheese leaking out through the irregular holes.
Brioche is another great option, with its soft yet sturdy texture that can hold up during pan-frying. It is an enriched bread made with eggs, milk, and butter, which cause it to brown more quickly, so be sure to cook it over lower heat to avoid burning.
If you're looking for a gluten-free option, rye bread made with 100% rye flour is a good choice. Its strong flavour pairs well with mild cheeses like Swiss, Gruyère, or Gouda. For a sweeter option, cinnamon raisin bread adds a unique mix of sweet and savoury to your grilled cheese.
For a classic grilled cheese, plain white sandwich bread is always a good choice. It is soft and light, allowing the flavour of the cheese to shine through. Just be sure to slice it evenly to ensure even cooking and melting of the cheese.
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To melt or not to melt the butter
There are many ways to make a grilled cheese sandwich, and the choice to melt butter or not is a personal one. The standard procedure is to butter the outsides of the bread before placing it in the pan, but some people prefer to use mayonnaise, which gives a similar effect with a hint of tanginess.
If you want to stick to the classic grilled cheese, butter is the way to go. Butter the outside of the bread and place the sandwich in a hot skillet. This will give your sandwich a golden crust and a flexible, tender crumb. You can also try sprinkling the skillet with salt to season the outside of the sandwich.
For an even more indulgent option, try melting butter in the skillet before adding the bread. This will give the sandwich a richer flavor and a deeper golden color. Just be careful not to burn the butter or the bread!
On the other hand, some people prefer to use mayonnaise instead of butter. Mayonnaise helps the bread brown well in the skillet, creating a crunchy texture and a richer flavor. It's also a good option if you're looking for a more fuss-free sandwich, as you can spread it on the bread without melting it first.
Ultimately, the choice to melt butter or not is up to you. Both options can result in a delicious, crispy and gooey grilled cheese sandwich. Experiment with different methods and ingredients to find your perfect combination.
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The best cheese for grilled cheese
The perfect grilled cheese sandwich is a matter of personal preference, but there are some tips to keep in mind to achieve the best results. Firstly, it is recommended to use a combination of two types of cheese, with one being mozzarella for its excellent melting ability and stretchiness, and the other being a cheese with a stronger flavour, such as vintage cheddar or gruyere.
Mozzarella, with its mild flavour and excellent melting qualities, forms the perfect base for your grilled cheese sandwich. Adding freshly grated vintage cheddar or gruyere will give your sandwich a nutty, salty flavour and create a delightful, gooey texture. For an even more indulgent treat, sprinkle some Parmesan cheese on the buttered bread before placing it in the skillet, as suggested by Sheri Cooper in a comment on Allrecipes.com.
If you're looking for a sharper taste, you can replace vintage cheddar with sharp cheddar, which has a distinct, nutty flavour and melts beautifully. For a more subtle flavour, mild cheddar or a blend of mild and medium cheddar are also excellent choices. For those who enjoy a classic, nostalgic taste, plain old sliced American cheese is a wonderful option, providing an exceptional cheese pull.
While cheese is the star of the show, the type of bread you use can also enhance your grilled cheese experience. Sourdough is a popular choice due to its tang and ability to crisp up nicely. However, any sliced bread will work, as long as it's not too thick, too thin, too soft, or too holey. It's also important to ensure that your loaf is sturdy enough to handle the heat and not fall apart.
Finally, the butter you use can make or break your grilled cheese. It is recommended to use salted butter and spread it generously on both slices of bread. If you only have unsalted butter, simply add a light sprinkle of salt to enhance the flavour. Some grilled cheese enthusiasts also recommend adding mayonnaise to the outside of the sandwich or the pan, as it adds a delicious flavour and helps the sandwich brown beautifully.
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The best cooking method
The best grilled cheese sandwich is made with good bread, butter, and cheese. You can use any type of bread you like, but the loaf should be sturdy enough to handle the heat. For the cheese, it's best to use a variety that melts well, such as fontina, Gruyere, Comte, young cheddars, or jack cheeses.
Before assembling the sandwich, toast the bread in a skillet. This will make the sandwich crisper and more flavourful. To do this, melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Once the foaming subsides, add both slices of bread and cook until they are a pale golden brown on the bottom. Transfer the bread to a work surface, with the toasted side up.
Now it's time to assemble the sandwich. Spread butter on the inside of the sandwich for extra flavour, or use mayonnaise for a hint of tanginess. You can also add Dijon mustard, which pairs well with the cheese. Next, add grated cheese, which melts more evenly than sliced cheese. Close the sandwich with the toasted sides facing inward.
Finally, add more butter to the skillet and cook the sandwich until it is a deep, even golden brown. Press the sandwich with your hand or a cooking weight for an even toast. Serve with tomato soup for a classic combination.
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Frequently asked questions
You can use any type of bread you like for a grilled cheese sandwich, but the loaf should be sturdy enough to handle the heat. Thinly sliced, delicate breads will quickly fall apart. Some options include sourdough, brioche, ciabatta, homemade bread, or a loaf from your favorite bakery.
There are many types of cheese that you can use for a grilled cheese sandwich. Some popular options include American cheese, cheddar, fontina, Gruyere, Comte, young cheddars, and jack cheeses. You can also use non-melting cheeses like feta and parmesan, but be sure to combine them with melting cheeses.
To make a grilled cheese sandwich, start by buttering one side of a slice of bread and placing it butter-side down in a hot skillet. Top with cheese, then place another slice of bread on top, buttered on the outside. Cook until the bottom slice is lightly browned, then flip and continue cooking until the cheese is melted.
Yes, you can use mayonnaise instead of butter in a grilled cheese sandwich. Mayonnaise adds a hint of tanginess and is surprisingly good for browning the bread. You can also use a combination of both butter and mayonnaise.
