Patrick Oconnell
Grilled cheese sandwiches are a popular comfort food, but do you need butter to make them? While butter is a traditional choice, it is not the only option. Some people prefer to use butter substitutes such as mayonnaise, olive oil, coconut oil, or even mashed avocado. These alternatives can provide similar or even better results in terms of texture and flavour. For those seeking a crispy, golden sandwich with gooey, melted cheese, the type of bread and cheese used also plays a significant role. Sourdough bread and a combination of cheeses are popular choices for creating the ultimate grilled cheese sandwich.
Characteristics of using butter for grilled cheese sandwiches
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Taste | Butter creates a golden-brown, buttery, crispy crust with gooey, melted cheese. |
| Texture | Butter helps achieve a crispy texture. |
| Substitutes | Many substitutes can be used instead of butter, including mayonnaise, olive oil, avocado, bacon fat, coconut oil, and lard. |
| Cheese Selection | The type of cheese used is important and can affect the taste and texture. Popular choices include American cheese, sharp cheddar, and pepper jack cheese. |
| Bread | Sourdough bread is recommended for its tangy flavor and ability to absorb melted cheese. Other options include brioche, rye, whole grain, white bread, whole wheat bread, or a baguette. |
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What You'll Learn
Butter alternatives for grilled cheese
While butter is the traditional choice for grilled cheese sandwiches, achieving that golden-brown, crispy texture and buttery flavour, there are many alternatives to choose from. These alternatives can be used when following a specific diet, exploring new flavours, or simply looking for a change.
One popular substitute for butter is mayonnaise. Mayonnaise produces a crisp crust and adds a tangy flavour to the grilled cheese sandwich. It is recommended to spread a thin layer of mayonnaise on the outside of each slice of bread before grilling. Another option is coconut oil, which has a higher smoke point and a subtle coconut flavour. Using coconut oil can give your sandwich a tropical twist. Olive oil is another alternative to butter that can be drizzled in a pan to cook your sandwich.
If you are looking for a creamy texture and a tangy flavour, cream cheese is a good option. Spread a thin layer of cream cheese on the outside of the bread slices before adding your favourite cheese to the inside, and then grill to perfection.
Additionally, you can get creative and experiment with different types of bread, cheese, and add-ins such as caramelized onions, strips of bacon, tomatoes, or other types of meat. When choosing a butter alternative, consider adjusting the other ingredients to match the flavours you are aiming for.
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How to make grilled cheese without butter
While grilled cheese sandwiches are typically made with butter, you can still make a delicious grilled cheese without it. Here are some alternative methods and ingredients to help you achieve that perfect grilled cheese sandwich without using butter.
Choose the Right Bread
Selecting a bread with lots of nooks and crannies, such as sourdough, allows the melted cheese to work its way into the pockets, creating a delicious combination of textures. Other options include brioche, rye, whole grain, sliced white bread, whole wheat bread, or even a bulky roll or a hamburger bun flipped inside out.
Select the Right Cheese
The type of cheese you use can significantly impact the taste and texture of your sandwich. Experiment with different varieties, such as American cheese, sharp cheddar, gouda, provolone, pepper jack, mozzarella, or gruyere. For a smoother melting process, grate the cheese instead of slicing it.
Butter Substitutes
If you're looking for a substitute for the buttery flavour and golden-brown crust, consider using mayonnaise. Mayonnaise helps the bread brown well, creating a crunchy exterior, and adds a rich flavour to your sandwich. You can also try olive oil, which aids in browning and provides a lovely crispiness without burning as easily as butter. Another surprising option is mashed avocado, which adds creaminess and a unique flavour while contributing healthy fats.
Cooking Method
When cooking your grilled cheese sandwich, heat your skillet to medium-low to avoid burning the bread before the cheese melts. Cover the pan to trap steam, helping to melt the cheese evenly. Cook for 2-3 minutes or until the bread is golden brown, then flip and cook the other side. Adjust the heat as needed to ensure even browning.
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Best type of bread for grilled cheese
The ideal bread for a grilled cheese sandwich should be thick and sturdy, with a soft-but-hearty texture and even slices of about 1/4 inch thickness. The bread should be sturdy enough to hold the melted cheese, take on a great sear in the pan, and bring its own flavour to the sandwich.
Sourdough is a popular choice for grilled cheese sandwiches. Its sturdy slices can hold up to a long sear in the pan, and its crust and thorough toasting create a great crunch. Its flavour stands up to but won't overwhelm the cheese, and its tangy flavour is a great contrast to the richness of the cheese and butter in the sandwich. However, sourdough bread tends to have irregular holes, which can make cheese drips a challenge, so look for country-style sourdoughs that have a tighter crumb.
Other recommended options for grilled cheese include brioche, rye, whole grain, sliced white bread, and whole wheat bread. Brioche is a rich bread made with eggs, milk, and butter, which gives it a dense crumb structure that allows the bread to be easily spread with butter or mayonnaise and prevents the melted cheese from dripping through. However, because it has a softer texture, it won't get as crispy and could burn more easily if left too long in the pan. Rye bread, which uses 100% rye flour, is also a good option for those with gluten sensitivities, although some may find the flavour too strong.
For those who prefer a simpler, classic grilled cheese, sliced white bread is a common choice. It is soft and light, pairs well with most types of cheese, and toasts very well.
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Best type of cheese for grilled cheese
While making grilled cheese, the type of cheese you use can significantly impact the taste and texture of your sandwich. From the classic American cheese to sharp cheddar, pepper jack cheese, or even a blend of multiple cheeses, there are endless options to choose from. Here are some of the best types of cheese for grilled cheese sandwiches:
Cheddar
Cheddar is a popular choice for grilled cheese sandwiches due to its sharp, distinct flavour. Vintage cheddar, in particular, is known for its exceptional melting abilities, making it perfect for achieving that gooey, stretchy texture in grilled cheese.
Mozzarella
Mozzarella is another excellent option for grilled cheese because of its mild flavour and stretchy, non-greasy melting qualities. Combining mozzarella with a more flavourful cheese, such as vintage cheddar or Gruyère, can create a well-balanced grilled cheese sandwich.
Muenster
Muenster is often overlooked, but it is an excellent melting cheese for grilled cheese sandwiches. Its creamy texture and mild flavour make it a great base for mixing with other cheeses or enjoying on its own.
Gouda
Gouda is a favourite among grilled cheese enthusiasts, especially when paired with tomato soup. It has a mild, nutty flavour and melts well, making it a versatile choice for grilled cheese sandwiches.
Cream Cheese
For a unique twist on a classic, try using cream cheese. Mix softened cream cheese with a blend of spices or herbs, or even a fistful of Tillamook Spicy Mexican blend, and spread it on your bread before grilling.
Gruyère
Gruyère is a popular choice for grilled cheese due to its smooth, creamy texture and slightly nutty flavour. It melts beautifully and pairs well with other cheeses, such as vintage cheddar or mozzarella.
Remember, the best grilled cheese sandwich is one that suits your personal taste. Don't be afraid to experiment with different types of cheese, bread, and toppings to create your perfect grilled cheese masterpiece!
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Grilled cheese cooking methods
Butter is typically used to make grilled cheese sandwiches to achieve a golden-brown, crispy texture on the outside of the bread. However, there are several alternative cooking methods and ingredients that can be used to make grilled cheese sandwiches.
One alternative is to use mayonnaise instead of butter. Mayonnaise helps the bread brown well in the skillet, creating a crunchy texture and adding a richer flavour to the sandwich. It can be spread on the outside of the bread, with the cheese added to the inside. Some people also add Dijon mustard to the inside of the sandwich for extra flavour.
Another option is to use olive oil, which helps with browning and adds a faint, not overpowering, olive flavour to the sandwich. Coconut oil can also be used, which, like butter, is solid at room temperature.
If you are looking for a healthier option, mashed avocado can be used as a spread on the bread. It adds creaminess and a unique flavour profile to the grilled cheese, and provides healthy fats. Simply mash the avocado, season with salt, pepper, and lemon juice, and spread evenly over each side of each slice of bread.
Finally, if you are happy to cook bacon as part of your grilled cheese experience, bacon fat can be used to make the bread nice and toasty and golden, adding a little extra smoky flavour to the bread.
In terms of bread, some people recommend sourdough for its depth of flavour, while others suggest brioche, rye, whole grain, sliced white bread, whole wheat bread, or even a baguette. It is recommended to choose a bread with lots of nooks and crannies to allow the melted cheese to work its way into the pockets of the bread.
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Frequently asked questions
No, you don't need butter for grilled cheese. You can use butter substitutes such as mayonnaise, olive oil, coconut oil, avocado, or bacon fat.
Butter is typically used to achieve a golden-brown, crispy texture on the outside of the bread. It also adds flavour to the sandwich.
Some healthy alternatives to butter for grilled cheese are avocado and coconut oil.
Some other alternatives to butter for grilled cheese are mayonnaise, olive oil, and bacon fat.
