Randy Chandler
Cheese sandwiches are a beloved dish for many, with some even calling for them to be included in a list of classic sandwiches. The traditional cheese sandwich is made with sliced cheese, but grated cheese or shaved cheese are also options to prevent the cheese from falling out of the sandwich. The type of bread used can vary, from soft sandwich bread to sourdough, and the sandwich can be served cold or grilled. Some people add other fillings to their cheese sandwiches, such as crisps, cucumbers, or even portobello mushrooms. Whether it's a simple lunch or a gourmet creation, cheese sandwiches are a popular choice for many.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Bread | Sourdough, soft sandwich bread, rye, whole wheat |
| Cheese | Cheddar, mozzarella, Gruyere, gorgonzola, Double Gloucester, White Cheshire, Shropshire Red, Red Leicester |
| Other ingredients | Butter, crisps, cucumber, red pepper, portobello mushroom, Dijon mustard, Lao Gan Ma Chili Crisp |
| Type | Grilled, toastie, cold |
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What You'll Learn
Types of Cheese: From mild to mature, which cheeses work best?
There are many types of cheese that work well in sandwiches, from mild to mature, soft to hard, and local to imported. The type of cheese you choose will depend on your taste preferences, the other ingredients in your sandwich, and the desired texture. Here are some popular options:
Mild Cheeses
Mild cheeses are a good choice if you want the other ingredients in your sandwich to shine through, or if you are making a sandwich for someone who prefers a milder taste. Some mild cheeses that work well in sandwiches include:
- American Cheese: This "process cheese" is made with additives and has a smooth, mild, semisoft texture that melts well, making it a popular choice for grilled cheese sandwiches.
- Muenster: American Muenster is a rich, mild cheese that melts incredibly well, making it ideal for grilled cheese sandwiches. Avoid French Munster, which is a boldly flavoured washed-rind cheese.
- Mozzarella: Fresh mozzarella has a soft, buttery, stretchy texture and a delicate flavour. It is a good choice for caprese-style grilled cheese sandwiches, especially when paired with tomatoes and pesto.
- Monterey Jack: This smooth, semisoft to semihard cheese has a creamy-white colour and a mellow, versatile flavour. It melts well and is a popular choice for sandwiches.
- Swiss: This cow's milk cheese, made in the US, has a mild, slightly nutty flavour and small holes. It is a good melting cheese and works well in sandwiches, especially if you prefer a milder flavour.
- Brie: This soft cheese has a mild, creamy texture and melts very easily, making it a good choice for grilled cheese sandwiches. It pairs well with sweet spreads like jam.
- Havarti: This Danish cheese has a buttery yet tangy flavour and melts nicely, making it suitable for sandwiches and sauces. It has a mild flavour that can balance out more assertive cheeses on a cheese board.
- Provolone: This Italian cow's milk cheese is mild when young and becomes sharper as it ages. Thinly sliced young provolone is a good choice for sandwiches as it goes with almost everything.
- Bel Paese: This semisoft, mild-flavoured cow's milk cheese hails from Italy's Lombardy region and is now also made in the US.
Mature Cheeses
Mature cheeses have a more intense flavour and are suitable for those who enjoy a stronger taste. Some mature cheeses that can work well in sandwiches include:
- Cheddar: This semi-firm cow's milk cheese can range from mild to sharp in flavour, and its colour can vary from cream to pumpkin orange. Mature cheddar is a traditional choice for cheese sandwiches and melts well on grilled cheese sandwiches.
- Red Leicester: Adding Red Leicester to a cheese sandwich can offer a pop of colour and a slightly different flavour dynamic.
- Asiago: Originally from Italy, this cow's milk cheese can range from semifirm to hard, depending on ageing. It has a nutty, sharp flavour that gets more pronounced as it ages.
- Manchego: This is one of the most popular Spanish cheeses imported into the US and can be a good choice for a grilled cheese sandwich.
- Gruyere: This classic French cheese has sharp, sweet, earthy flavours and is the cheese of choice for the croque monsieur sandwich.
- Blue Cheese: Blue cheese makes an especially good sandwich when paired with bread studded with nuts and fruit, or with plain bread and fillings like bacon, arugula, sliced pears, and honey.
Other Considerations
When making a cheese sandwich, you may also want to consider the following:
- Texture: Some cheeses, such as Brie, can be sticky and difficult to slice. Grated cheese can help prevent it from falling out of the sandwich, especially if combined with other fillings.
- Bread: Soft sandwich bread is a traditional choice for cheese sandwiches. Thick slices can help ensure the cheese doesn't spill out. Buttering the bread can add a nice golden crunch to grilled cheese sandwiches.
- Fillings: Classic cheese sandwiches can be paired with crisps (chips) or tomato. Other popular fillings for grilled cheese sandwiches include sliced apples, bacon, turkey, mustard, chutney, cranberry sauce, pickles, and jam.
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Bread: Soft, crusty, white, brown, seeded, or gluten-free?
When it comes to bread, there are many options to consider for a cheese sandwich. Firstly, soft bread is a popular choice, especially for those who prefer a pillowy texture. This type of bread is often made with a sticky dough and can be achieved by reducing the amount of liquid or extending the baking time. It is also important to note that gluten-free bread tends to be softer, and some varieties may be too soft for sandwiches.
On the other hand, crusty bread provides a satisfying bite and can enhance the overall taste experience. To achieve a crusty exterior, bakers can score the loaf before proofing, creating a smooth crust, and bake it on a preheated baking steel or stone to ensure an even bake. For an extra crispy crust, return the bread to the oven on a baking sheet for a few additional minutes.
White bread is a classic choice for sandwiches, offering a neutral flavour that complements various fillings. However, brown bread provides a nuttier flavour and a denser texture, making it a hearty option for cheese sandwiches. Seeded bread adds texture and flavour to the sandwich, with options like sunflower seeds, flax seeds, or poppy seeds enhancing the overall taste experience.
Lastly, gluten-free bread is a must-have option for those with dietary restrictions. Gluten-free sandwich bread can be made with a variety of flours, including rice flour, cornstarch, tapioca flour, and sorghum, and can be baked to a golden brown colour. While some gluten-free breads are softer, others have a denser, nuttier crumb and a thick crust, making them perfect for sandwiches.
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To Butter or Not: Does butter add to the experience?
When it comes to cheese sandwiches, the question of whether or not to butter the bread is a matter of personal preference and intended sandwich style. Butter can enhance the flavour and texture of a cheese sandwich, but it is not a mandatory ingredient.
For those who enjoy a traditional, cold cheese sandwich, butter can be a welcome addition. Butter can act as a barrier between the cheese and the bread, preventing the cheese from making the bread soggy. It also adds a creamy texture and a rich, savoury flavour to the sandwich. In this case, a thin, even layer of butter on both slices of bread is recommended, ensuring that the corners are not missed to prevent the cheese from falling out.
On the other hand, some people prefer to skip the butter altogether, especially if they are making a grilled cheese sandwich. This is because buttering the bread can lead to an uneven browning of the sandwich in the pan or toaster, and the butter may not spread easily, resulting in an unappetizing texture. Instead, a direct application of cheese on the bread is suggested, with the cheese acting as a natural adhesive for any additional fillings.
The type of bread used can also influence the decision to butter or not. Softer, thinner bread tends to stick to the roof of the mouth and may not require butter to improve its texture. On the other hand, firmer or denser bread can benefit from butter to add moisture and enhance the flavour.
Ultimately, the decision to butter or not comes down to individual taste and the desired outcome. Butter can enhance the flavour and texture of a cheese sandwich when used appropriately, but it is not essential, and some may prefer to omit it to let the cheese take centre stage.
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Condiments: What sauces or pickles enhance the sandwich?
When it comes to condiments and pickles, there are several options to enhance a cheese sandwich. Butter is a popular choice, with some recommending buttering the bread "into oblivion". The choice of butter can make a difference, with salted butter being a preferred option. While some prefer to butter only one side of the bread, others suggest buttering both sides and frying the sandwich in a pan to create a toastie. This method adds a crispy texture to the sandwich.
For those who enjoy a grilled cheese sandwich, the addition of butter is also essential to achieving the desired golden brown colour and crispy texture. The butter helps to create the perfect cheese pull, with the molten cheese oozing out of the sandwich. Grilled cheese sandwiches can be cooked in a pan or on a gas hob, ensuring even cooking on both sides.
Pickles are another popular choice to enhance a cheese sandwich. Crisps, or potato chips, are a common addition, with salt and vinegar crisps being a favourite. Cucumber pickles are also mentioned, especially when paired with cream cheese. Sliced cucumbers with a bit of salt can add a crunchy texture to the sandwich.
For those who enjoy a more adventurous flavour profile, chilli crisp can be added to a grilled cheese sandwich. The spiciness of the chilli can complement the creaminess of the cheese. Olives are another savoury option, providing a salty tang to the sandwich.
Lastly, for those who enjoy a more indulgent sandwich, adding more cheese can enhance the flavour and texture. A combination of cheeses, such as mozzarella and gruyere or cheddar, can create a gooey and stretchy melt that is ideal for grilled cheese sandwiches.
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Toasting: Grilled or cold, does toasting change the taste?
When it comes to cheese sandwiches, toasting the bread can indeed change the taste and texture, creating a unique sensory experience. The process of toasting involves exposing the bread to a significant amount of concentrated heat, resulting in a transformation that many find delightful.
The Maillard reaction, a chemical process, is responsible for the changes observed in toasted bread. This reaction occurs when bread is subjected to intense heat, causing its molecules to break apart and its water content to decrease. As a consequence, the bread develops a distinctive brown hue and a crunchy texture that enhances its appeal.
The taste alteration in toasted bread is influenced by the Maillard reaction, which induces a chemical change in the carbohydrates present. This reaction not only affects the colour and texture of the bread but also contributes to its distinctive flavour. The reduced water content in toasted bread further intensifies the taste by creating a more concentrated flavour profile.
While the nutritional value of lightly or moderately toasted bread remains comparable to that of regular bread, the degree of toasting can introduce variations. Burnt toast, for instance, may exhibit notable changes in calorie content and becomes inedible. Additionally, excessive toasting can lead to the formation of acrylamide, a potentially harmful compound.
In terms of health considerations, toast is associated with a slightly lower glycemic index than regular bread, making it a preferable option for diabetics and those conscious of blood sugar control. The reduced carbohydrate content in toast contributes to this effect. However, it is worth noting that the difference in glycemic index between toasted and untoasted bread is relatively small.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, cheese sandwiches are quite popular. In the UK, a survey in 2018 found that a plain cheese sandwich was the most popular type of sandwich. In 2003, a study by Len Fisher at the University of Bristol also found that the optimal thickness for the filling in a cheese sandwich depends on the type of cheese used.
Yes, a Guardian article described the cheese sandwich as a "British lunchtime staple."
Yes, according to research by Whole Foods Market, one-third of Britons eat the same lunch daily, and cheese sandwiches are the most common choice.
Semi-hard cheeses are typically used for the filling, such as Cheddar, Red Leicester, or Double Gloucester.
Grilled cheese sandwiches are quite popular, with some people considering them the "perfect sandwich." They are easy to make and can be prepared in various ways, such as in a toaster, on the stove, or in a pan.
