Andy Montoya
Grilled cheese sandwiches are a popular and well-loved food item. They are easy to make and can be made in a variety of ways, with different types of bread, cheese, and additional ingredients. The classic grilled cheese sandwich is made with white bread, butter, and cheddar or American cheese. However, people also experiment with different types of bread, such as sourdough, brioche, or ciabatta, and different types of cheese, such as gouda, havarti, or mozzarella. Some people also add extra ingredients like mayonnaise, dijon mustard, or vegetables to enhance the flavor. Grilled cheese sandwiches are often served with tomato-based soups, such as tomato basil soup or creamy tomato soup. They are a classic American dish that has been enjoyed since the 1920s and continue to be a favorite for many people.
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What You'll Learn
Bread options for grilled cheese sandwiches
When it comes to grilled cheese sandwiches, the bread you choose can elevate the simple to the sublime. While you can use any sliced bread, there are some varieties that are particularly well-suited to grilled cheese.
Sourdough is a popular choice for grilled cheese sandwiches, offering a rich tang and delightful crust. It's versatile, pairing well with a range of cheeses, from mild and extra sharp cheddars to a young, melty gouda. If you're using sourdough, opt for a loaf with a normal crust, as super-thick crusts can be tough and hard to bite through.
Thick-sliced breads like Texas Toast are also a good option, providing a fluffy texture with a little less bite. This variety is about twice as thick as normal sandwich bread, giving your sandwich a hearty bite.
For a nuttier flavour and a boost of fibre, try a multigrain loaf. This variety pairs well with a range of cheeses, from gooey mozzarella to pungent, creamy blue cheese.
If you're looking for something a little more indulgent, brioche is an excellent choice. This airy, buttery bread makes for an extra-decadent grilled cheese, especially when paired with a mild, melty gouda or thin slices of brie and raspberry jam.
For a classic grilled cheese, you can't go wrong with thinly sliced soft white bread. This variety is easy to work with and pairs well with perfectly meltable American singles.
Other options to consider include ciabatta, which has a firm crust that's ideal for sandwiches, and potato bread, which can impart a surprisingly buttery and creamy flavour.
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The best cheeses for grilled cheese sandwiches
Grilled cheese sandwiches are a wonderful comfort food, evoking nostalgia and warm memories. While you can use just about any semi-hard cheese, there are some that work better than others to achieve that signature gooey cheese pull. Here are some tips for choosing the best cheeses for your grilled cheese sandwich:
Go for a good melt: Cheeses like American cheese, mild or medium Cheddar, and Mozzarella are known for their superior melting abilities, resulting in a gooey and stretchy texture. American cheese, despite being processed, is a classic choice for grilled cheese sandwiches due to its mild flavour and pre-packaged, individually sliced portions, making it convenient for layering.
Combine for flavour: While American cheese and Mozzarella provide excellent stretch, you can pair them with other cheeses for added flavour. Try combining them with Cheddar, Gruyere, or Monterey Jack for a more flavourful sandwich. For a standalone grilled cheese, some prefer the combination of Gouda and Gruyere.
Shred or slice: Using shredded cheese or thin slices of cheese, especially if you're using a softer variety, will help ensure a faster melting time. It is generally recommended to buy a block of cheese and shred it yourself, as pre-shredded bags of cheese may contain additives that can hinder melting.
Bread choice matters: The type of bread you use can also impact the overall taste and texture of your grilled cheese sandwich. While classic recipes call for plain white sandwich bread, you can experiment with sourdough, brioche, or even ciabatta for a crustier exterior. Just make sure your loaf is sturdy enough to handle the heat and not too thick, thin, or soft.
Cooking technique: To achieve that perfect melt, cook your sandwich at a low heat to ensure the cheese melts at the same rate as the exterior browns. You can use a cast-iron skillet or non-stick pan for even heat distribution. Butter both sides of the bread and cook on a skillet or pan for that golden, buttery crust.
So, the next time you're craving a grilled cheese sandwich, experiment with these cheese choices and cooking techniques to create your ultimate comfort food!
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Grilled cheese vs. cheese toastie
Grilled cheese sandwiches and cheese toasties are both beloved for the contrast between their toasted, crunchy bread and their gooey, molten cheese centres. However, there are some differences between the two.
The first recorded recipe for a cheese toastie comes from an 1861 English cookbook, and many argue that the toastie was the precursor to the American grilled cheese sandwich. The distinguishing characteristic between the two is that the bread for a grilled cheese sandwich is buttered on the outside, while the bread for a cheese toastie is buttered on the inside. Grilled cheese sandwiches are also exposed directly to the heat of a skillet, while toasties are toasted in a toaster or oven, or made in a sandwich toaster.
Grilled cheese sandwiches are made with sliced American cheese, or a combination of cheeses such as mozzarella, Gruyere, cheddar, gouda, and Havarti. The bread can be sliced white sandwich bread, sourdough, brioche, or ciabatta, but it should be sturdy enough to handle the heat. The sandwich is then fried in a skillet, griddle, or frying pan.
Cheese toasties, on the other hand, are made with a rich, sharp cheese like cheddar, or a milder cheese like Cheshire. The bread can be any type of sliced bread, but it should not be too thick, thin, or soft. Toasties are made in a sandwich press, toastie maker, or toaster, which results in the bread being squished and the cheese oozing out.
While the names and cooking methods differ, both grilled cheese sandwiches and cheese toasties are delicious and comforting combinations of cheese and bread.
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The perfect grilled cheese sandwich
Ingredients
The key to a great grilled cheese sandwich is to use the right ingredients.
- Bread: While any sliced bread will work, it's important to ensure the slices are not too thick (which will prevent the cheese from melting), too thin (which will cause the bread to become soggy), or too soft (which will cause the bread to get squished by the cheese). Sourdough is a popular choice for grilled cheese sandwiches, but Texas toast is also a good option as it's thicker and can handle the heat better.
- Butter: Using butter will give your sandwich a crispy exterior. Spread around 1/2 tablespoon of butter on one side of each slice of bread.
- Cheese: Using two types of cheese is recommended for the best flavour and texture. Mozzarella is a good option for stretch, while Gruyere, vintage cheddar, gouda, and Havarti are popular choices for flavour. It's also best to grate the cheese yourself instead of using pre-shredded cheese.
Method
Once you have your ingredients, it's time to start cooking.
- Heat your pan: Place a cast-iron skillet or heavy non-stick pan over medium/low heat. If you're using a griddle, set it to 275˚F.
- Butter your bread: Spread butter on one side of each slice of bread and place the slices butter-side down in the hot skillet.
- Add cheese: Stack your chosen cheeses on one slice of bread. If you're feeling adventurous, you can add other ingredients like sliced onions, garlic powder, or pickles.
- Top with another slice of bread: Place another slice of bread on top, butter-side up.
- Cook: Cook the sandwich until the bottom slice is lightly browned, then flip it over. Continue cooking until the cheese is melted and the bread is golden brown, which should take around 6-7 minutes total.
- Serve: Cut the sandwich in half on the diagonal and serve with a side of tomato soup for the perfect comfort food.
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Grilled cheese sandwich recipes
A grilled cheese sandwich is a classic American sandwich that has existed since the 1920s. It is a hot sandwich made with buttered and toasted bread and filled with melted cheese. While the classic grilled cheese sandwich is made with American cheese, you can use one or more different types of cheese. Here are some tips and recipes to help you make the perfect grilled cheese sandwich.
Choosing the Right Bread
It is important to choose the right type of bread for your grilled cheese sandwich. A thicker-sliced bread, such as Texas toast, works best. Sourdough bread is also a popular choice as it has a crazy thick, tough crust. You can also use brioche or ciabatta, but make sure the loaf is sturdy enough to handle the heat. Avoid using thinly sliced, delicate breads as they will quickly fall apart.
Butter or Mayonnaise?
You can use either butter or mayonnaise on the outside of your sandwich, or a combination of both. Butter will give your sandwich a crispy, salty, buttery exterior, while mayonnaise will add crispness and a slight touch of extra flavor. You can also spread mayonnaise on the inside of your sandwich, along with the butter, for a unique flavor profile.
Choosing the Right Cheese
The type of cheese you use is crucial to the success of your grilled cheese sandwich. A combination of cheeses is often recommended, such as mozzarella for stretch and another for flavor (Gruyere and vintage cheddar are popular choices). You can also use medium cheddar, gouda (smoked or regular), and Havarti cheeses. Other options include Monterey jack, pepper jack, Swiss, or American cheese. If you're feeling adventurous, try using pimento cheese or jalapeno pimento cheese.
Cooking Method
The best way to cook a grilled cheese sandwich is on the stove in a skillet, griddle, or pan. This will give you a superior golden buttery crust that you won't get with a sandwich press or toastie maker. Preheat your skillet to medium heat and generously butter one side of a slice of bread. Place the bread butter-side down in the hot skillet and add your cheese. Butter a second slice of bread on one side and place it butter-side up on top of the cheese. Cook until the bottom slice is lightly browned, then flip and continue cooking until the cheese is melted. For a crispier sandwich, cook over low to medium-low heat for 6-7 minutes.
Extra Tips
- Sprinkle some Parmesan cheese on the buttered bread before putting it into the skillet for an extra boost of flavor.
- Add thinly sliced tomatoes, onions, or jalapeños to your sandwich for a unique flavor profile.
- For a smaller snack, make a half sandwich by using one slice of bread and folding it in half once finished.
- Serve your grilled cheese sandwich with a side of tomato soup or ketchup for dipping.
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Frequently asked questions
Stuie does.
He used two types of cheese, the right bread, and cooked it on the stove.
Stuie used a combination of mozzarella and vintage cheddar.
Stuie used thick-sliced sourdough bread.
