Andy Montoya
Grilled cheese sandwiches are a classic, comforting dish that can be made in large batches to feed a crowd. The key to a perfect grilled cheese is a combination of golden-brown, crispy bread and melted, gooey cheese. While a classic grilled cheese uses white bread, butter, and cheddar or American cheese, there are many variations to try, from the bread and cheese to the cooking method.
How to cook a lot of grilled cheese sandwiches
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Bread | Plain white sandwich bread, sourdough, brioche, ciabatta, whole-wheat, rye, potato bread, Texas toast, or any bread that is soft yet sturdy |
| Butter | Spread butter on the outer sides of the bread; salted or unsalted butter can be used |
| Mayonnaise | Spread mayonnaise on the inner or outer sides of the bread |
| Mustard | Spread Dijon mustard on the inner side of the bread |
| Cheese | Cheddar, American, mozzarella, gouda, havarti, gruyere, fontina, Swiss, pepper jack, Monterey jack, raclette, or any cheese that melts well |
| Oven | Preheat the oven to 400˚F. Butter the bread slices and stack them with cheese. Bake for 10 minutes, flipping halfway |
| Stovetop | Use a skillet or griddle and preheat it to medium-low heat. Spread butter in the pan. Place the sandwich in the pan, cover, and cook for 2-4 minutes on each side, or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted |
| Air fryer | Reheat at 350˚F for 3-5 minutes, flipping halfway |
| Microwave | Least preferred option as it can make the bread soggy |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the right bread
The bread you choose for your grilled cheese sandwich is important. It forms the foundation of your sandwich and can make or break the entire experience. You want a bread that is sturdy enough to handle the heat and not fall apart. Thinly sliced, delicate breads will quickly disintegrate.
A classic grilled cheese sandwich is made with plain white sandwich bread. This is a safe option that will give you a consistent result. White bread is soft and tender, but also sturdy enough to hold up during cooking. It is also easily available and affordable.
However, if you want to elevate your grilled cheese, you can experiment with different types of bread. Sourdough is a popular choice for grilled cheese sandwiches because of the tang it adds to the overall flavour. It also has a sturdiness that makes it ideal for grilling. If you don't like sourdough, you can try brioche or ciabatta, which will give your sandwich a richer, more indulgent taste and texture.
When choosing your bread, avoid slices that are too thick, as the cheese may not melt properly, or too thin, as the bread may get squished by the cheese or become soggy. You should also avoid bread that is too holey, as the cheese may escape through the holes.
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Butter, mayo or oil?
Butter
Butter is a traditional choice for grilled cheese sandwiches. It is slathered on the outside of the bread to create a crispy, golden brown crust. Butter has a similar fat content to mayonnaise, but it is important to note that it needs to be softened before use and can burn more easily. Butter also pairs well with cheese, as it shares many of the same ingredients.
Mayo
Mayonnaise has become an increasingly popular alternative to butter, with celebrity chefs swearing by it. Mayo is made from oil, egg yolk, and an acid like vinegar or lemon, creating a thick and creamy spread that is easy to use straight out of the fridge. It is more convenient to spread than butter and can withstand higher temperatures without burning, giving you more time to achieve the perfect level of browning. However, it may make your sandwich taste more like mayo, which some may find unappealing.
Oil
Oil is another option for grilled cheese sandwiches, though it is less commonly discussed than butter or mayo. One option is to spray the outside of the bread with olive oil, which can be done in combination with butter or mayo.
Butter and Mayo Combo
Combining butter and mayo can give you the best of both worlds. You can mix equal parts of softened butter and mayo and spread it on the exterior of your sandwich, or spread mayo on the bread and add a pat of butter to the pan. This option gives a nice crispness without the worry of burning butter solids, but it is more time-consuming to prepare.
In conclusion, each option has its pros and cons, and the best choice for you will depend on your personal preferences and how much effort you want to put into making your grilled cheese sandwiches.
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The best cheeses for grilled cheese
When it comes to grilled cheese sandwiches, the world is your oyster. You can use any type of cheese, from a simple slice of American cheese to a fancy blend of Gruyère and Brie. The key is to use a cheese that melts well and has a good flavour.
Some popular cheeses for grilled cheese sandwiches include:
- Cheddar: a classic choice that offers a wonderful crowd-pleasing cheese pull. You can use sharp cheddar, mild cheddar, or a blend of both.
- Mozzarella: known for its excellent melting qualities and mild flavour, mozzarella is a great base for grilled cheese sandwiches.
- Gruyère: a popular choice for those seeking a more sophisticated flavour, often paired with vintage cheddar.
- Fontina: another good melting cheese.
- Gouda: a favourite among those who enjoy a more robust flavour.
- Havarti: a mild and creamy cheese that goes well with turkey and cranberry.
- Monterey Jack: a good melting cheese with a mild flavour.
- Pepper Jack: for those who like a little kick of spice.
For a more indulgent treat, you could try adding a mix of Gruyère and Brie with thinly sliced apples or a slather of fig jam. Or, if you're feeling adventurous, sprinkle in some blue cheese for extra funk.
No matter which cheese you choose, the key to a great grilled cheese sandwich is to shred or slice the cheese yourself, as pre-shredded cheese can contain additives that hinder melting. Also, don't be afraid to experiment with different combinations of cheeses and breads to find your perfect grilled cheese sandwich.
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How to cook a lot of sandwiches at once
Grilled cheese sandwiches are a classic, comforting dish that can be made in large batches. Here are some tips to help you cook a lot of sandwiches at once:
First, prepare your ingredients. The basic ingredients for a grilled cheese sandwich are bread, butter, and cheese. You can use a variety of breads, such as sourdough, brioche, ciabatta, or plain white sandwich bread. It's important to choose a loaf that is sturdy enough to handle the heat and not too thin or soft, as it may fall apart. For the cheese, popular options include cheddar, gouda, havarti, mozzarella, and American cheese. You can also experiment with combinations of cheeses, such as mozzarella with a flavoured cheese, to enhance the flavour.
Next, prepare your sandwiches. Butter both sides of each slice of bread. Some recipes suggest spreading mayonnaise on the bread instead of, or in addition to, butter. You can also add Dijon mustard to one side for a tangy flavour. Place your cheese on one slice of bread and cover it with the other slice, with the buttered or mayonnaise sides facing outwards.
Now, it's time to cook the sandwiches. If you're using a stovetop, heat a non-stick skillet or a heavy-based pan over medium-low heat. You can also use a cast-iron skillet, but remember to butter the pan. Place the sandwiches in the pan and cover them with a lid or foil. Cook for 2-4 minutes, or until the bottom slice is golden brown. Then, flip the sandwiches and cook for another 1-3 minutes, uncovered, until the cheese is melted and the second slice is golden brown. If you're making a large batch, you may need to cook the sandwiches in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.
Alternatively, you can use an oven to make a large batch of grilled cheese sandwiches at once. Preheat your oven to 400˚F and butter a baking sheet. Prepare your sandwiches as mentioned above and place them on the baking sheet. Bake for 10 minutes, flipping the sandwiches halfway through, until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
Finally, serve and enjoy! Grilled cheese sandwiches go well with tomato-based soups, such as tomato soup or fresh tomato soup. You can also pair them with various sides and entrees.
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Sides and dips
Grilled cheese sandwiches are a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of sides and dips to enhance the flavour and make the meal more substantial. Here are some ideas for sides and dips to serve with grilled cheese sandwiches:
Sides
- Soups and Stews: Grilled cheese sandwiches are a perfect match for soups and stews, especially those with a tomato base. The sandwich can be dipped into the soup, creating a comforting and flavourful combination.
- Salads: A crisp, fresh salad can balance out the richness of the grilled cheese. Opt for a simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette, or get creative with roasted vegetables, grains, and nuts.
- Pickles: The sourness of pickles can cut through the creaminess of the cheese. Offer a variety of pickled vegetables, such as cucumbers, onions, jalapeños, or carrots, for a crunchy and flavourful side.
- Chips: For a more indulgent option, serve your grilled cheese sandwiches with a side of crispy chips. Regular potato chips, sweet potato chips, or even kettle-cooked chips can add a satisfying crunch to the meal.
Dips
- Tomato Soup Dip: As mentioned earlier, grilled cheese and tomato soup are a classic combination. Turn this into a dip by serving a bowl of warm, creamy tomato soup alongside your sandwiches for the ultimate comfort food experience.
- Ketchup or Mustard: For a simpler dip, provide a squirt of yellow mustard or ketchup on the side. These condiments add a tangy twist to the grilled cheese without overwhelming the flavour of the sandwich.
- Guacamole: If you're looking for something a little more exotic, try serving guacamole as a dip for your grilled cheese sandwiches. The creaminess of the avocado pairs beautifully with the melted cheese, and a squeeze of lime adds a refreshing touch.
- Spicy Mayo: Mix things up with a spicy mayonnaise dip. Combine mayonnaise with a dash of hot sauce, smoked paprika, or chilli powder to create a dip that adds a kick to your grilled cheese sandwiches.
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Frequently asked questions
You can use any type of bread for grilled cheese sandwiches, but it's important to make sure the loaf is sturdy enough to handle the heat. Thinly sliced, delicate breads will quickly fall apart. Good options include sourdough, brioche, ciabatta, whole-wheat, rye, potato bread.
Classic options include American and cheddar, but other great choices are gouda, havarti, and mozzarella. You can also use a combination of cheeses. Just be sure to stick with a cheese that has good meltability.
First, butter one side of each slice of bread. Then, place the bread butter-side down in a hot skillet. Top with cheese, then place another slice of bread on top (butter-side up). Cook until the bottom slice is lightly browned, then flip. Continue cooking until the cheese is melted and the bread is golden brown.
You can make grilled cheese sandwiches in the oven to make several at once. Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F (230 degrees C). Butter one side of the bread slices and place them butter-side down on a baking sheet. Arrange cheese on each slice of bread. Spread butter on the remaining slices of bread and place them buttered-side up on top of the cheese. Bake for 6 to 8 minutes, then flip the sandwiches and bake for another 6 to 8 minutes, or until golden brown.
