Frederic Melton
Grilled cheese sandwiches are a beloved comfort food for many, but there is some debate about the best way to prepare them. The question of whether to toast both sides of the bread is a contentious one, with some arguing that toasting both sides is the key to achieving the perfect grilled cheese sandwich, while others prefer to toast only one side. Some recipes suggest coating the bread in mayonnaise or butter before toasting, while others recommend grilling the bread in butter and flipping it over to add the cheese, creating a sandwich with the cheese between the browned surfaces. Ultimately, the decision of whether to toast one or both sides of the bread comes down to personal preference and the desired level of crispness and flavour.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Bread | Sliced white bread, sourdough, brioche, ciabatta, or any type of sturdy bread |
| Butter/Mayo | Spread butter or mayonnaise on both sides of the bread |
| Cheese | American cheese, cheddar, Gruyere, Comté, young cheddars, Taleggio, jack cheeses, mozzarella, vintage cheddar, or any melting cheese |
| Cooking Method | Use a skillet or frying pan, a panini press, or a non-stick pan |
| Cooking Temperature | Medium to medium-low heat |
| Cooking Time | 3-5 minutes on each side, or until golden brown |
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What You'll Learn
Using butter or mayonnaise
There are a few different approaches to using butter or mayonnaise when making grilled cheese. The classic method involves coating the bread with butter before toasting, but some cooks prefer to use mayonnaise, as it can help to create a crispier crust without burning.
Butter
When using butter, it is important to start with softened butter to avoid tearing the bread. You can use butter straight from the refrigerator, but it will be too hard to spread easily. Instead, plan ahead and leave the butter out on the counter for about an hour to soften. Alternatively, you can slice off a piece of hard butter and melt it in the pan before placing the bread in. When using butter, you may need to adjust the position of the pan and keep a close eye on the sandwich to avoid unevenly toasted spots. The milk solids in butter separate from the fat when it melts, creating a toasted flavor that infuses the grilled cheese with a decadent taste. For this reason, salted butter is often preferred, as it accentuates the richness. However, if you only have unsalted butter, you can simply sprinkle a little salt on the butter after spreading it.
Mayonnaise
Mayonnaise has become an increasingly popular alternative to butter for grilled cheese sandwiches. It is convenient because it is always soft and ready to spread, and it can help create a crisp crust without burning. Mayonnaise has a higher smoke point than butter, so you can take your time to achieve the perfect level of browning on your sandwich. It also has a more neutral flavor profile, allowing the cheese and other fillings to shine. However, some people may prefer the traditional, nostalgic flavor that butter adds to the sandwich.
Combination
For the best of both worlds, you can combine butter and mayonnaise. Spread a layer of mayonnaise on your sandwich before cooking, and then place a pat of butter in the pan for added decadence. This combination will give you a crispy crust while infusing your sandwich with buttery smoothness.
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The type of bread
Day-old bread works well for grilled cheese sandwiches as it's firmer and less likely to fall apart. Bread with too many holes, like a fluffy white bread, is not ideal as the cheese may leak out.
White bread is a classic choice for grilled cheese, and it pairs well with American cheese for a nostalgic taste. But you can also experiment with other types of bread and cheese to suit your taste preferences. For a more robust flavour, try sourdough bread with sharp cheddar or Gruyere. Fontina, young cheddars, Taleggio, and any of the jack cheeses are also good melting options.
If you want to elevate your grilled cheese, try spreading mayonnaise on the bread instead of butter. Mayonnaise will give you an impeccably crispy crust without burning the edges. You can also try spraying the outside of the bread with olive oil and sprinkling on some salt or Parmesan cheese before grilling.
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The type of cheese
If you're making a classic grilled cheese sandwich, you might opt for American cheese or Cheddar. These are both popular choices that give you a gorgeous cheese pull. You could also use pre-sliced, store-bought cheese, but be aware that these are often coated with anti-caking agents which can prevent them from melting properly. If you want to grate your own cheese, a standard box grater will do the trick.
To elevate your grilled cheese sandwich, you could try sprinkling some Parmesan cheese on the buttered bread before putting it into the skillet. You could also try adding melted milk chocolate to your sandwich—apparently, it works well with Brie.
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How to grill the sandwich
Grilled cheese sandwiches are a beloved comfort food, but the process of grilling them can be an art. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to grill the perfect sandwich:
Firstly, choose the right bread. The bread should be sturdy enough to handle the heat and not be thinly sliced, or it may fall apart. Sourdough, brioche, ciabatta, and plain white sandwich bread are all good options.
Next, spread mayonnaise or butter on both sides of each slice of bread. Some recipes recommend salted butter for extra flavour, while others suggest spraying the outside of the bread with olive oil and sprinkling salt on top. If you want to add extra flavour, you can sprinkle garlic powder or Parmesan cheese on the buttered bread.
Now, it's time to toast the bread. Place the bread in a pre-heated, heavy-based skillet or non-stick frying pan over medium to medium-low heat. Toast the bread for about 1-2 minutes on each side until it is lightly browned. This step gives the bread a head start on developing a toasty flavour and gives the cheese a chance to melt properly.
Once the bread is lightly toasted, it's time to assemble the sandwich. Place the cheese on one slice of bread, then close the sandwich so that the toasted sides face inward and the cheese is sandwiched between them. You can use a variety of cheeses, such as cheddar, Gruyere, mozzarella, or American cheese. Just make sure the cheese is sliced, as grated cheese may not melt properly.
Finally, return the assembled sandwich to the skillet and cook for about 3-5 minutes on each side, pressing down lightly, until the bread is a deep, even golden brown and the cheese is thoroughly melted. If the sandwich is browning too quickly, remove the pan from the heat and let it cool slightly before continuing to cook.
And there you have it! A perfectly grilled cheese sandwich, crispy and buttery on the outside, with molten cheese on the inside.
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How long to grill for
The time it takes to grill a grilled cheese sandwich depends on several factors, including the type of bread and cheese used, the heat source, and the desired level of browning and crispness. Here is a step-by-step guide on how long to grill for:
First, prepare your bread and cheese. It is recommended to use a sturdy type of bread, such as white sandwich bread, sourdough, brioche, or ciabatta, to prevent it from falling apart. For the cheese, choose a variety that melts well, such as fontina, Gruyere, young cheddars, or jack cheeses. You can also use multiple types of cheese for extra flavour. Grate the cheese to ensure even melting.
Next, heat your skillet or frying pan over medium to medium-low heat. You can use butter, mayonnaise, or olive oil for added flavour and to prevent sticking. If using butter, melt a piece of butter in the skillet until foaming subsides, then add the bread. If using mayonnaise or olive oil, spread it on the bread before placing it in the pan.
Now, it's time to grill the bread. Place the bread slices in the skillet and cook for about 2 minutes until they are lightly toasted and pale golden brown on the bottom. Keep an eye on the bread and adjust the heat as needed to prevent burning.
Once the bread is lightly toasted, it's time to add the cheese. You can either place the cheese on one slice of bread and close the sandwich or add the cheese directly to the skillet and top it with the second slice of bread. If you're feeling adventurous, try sprinkling some Parmesan cheese on the buttered bread before adding the other cheese for an extra flavour boost.
After assembling the sandwich, it's time to grill the other side. Add more butter, mayonnaise, or olive oil to the skillet if needed, then place the sandwich in the pan. Cook for about 3 to 5 minutes, pressing down lightly and swirling occasionally, until the underside is a deep, even golden brown. If the sandwich is browning too quickly, remove the pan from the heat and lower the temperature.
Finally, carefully flip the sandwich and cook the other side for another 3 to 5 minutes until it is golden and crisp, and the cheese is melted. Again, adjust the heat as needed to prevent burning. If you're unsure, take a quick peek inside to ensure the cheese is fully melted.
Once both sides are golden and the cheese is melted, transfer the sandwich to a cutting board and cut it in half. Serve immediately and enjoy the perfect grilled cheese sandwich!
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Frequently asked questions
Butter both sides of the bread, add cheese, and toast in a pan. For best results, toast the bread first, then add the cheese, and toast the sandwich until the cheese is melted.
You can use any type of bread for a grilled cheese sandwich, but it should be sturdy enough to handle the heat. White bread, sourdough, brioche, and ciabatta are all good options.
You can use any type of cheese that melts well, such as American cheese, cheddar, fontina, Gruyere, Comté, young cheddars, Taleggio, or any of the jack cheeses.
Toast the sandwich for 3 minutes on each side, or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
