Andy Montoya
Grilled cheese is a classic, comforting dish that can be made in a variety of ways. The basic ingredients are sliced cheese and bread, with butter or mayonnaise. The bread can be buttered or mayonnaise can be spread on the bread, and then the sandwich is grilled in a non-stick pan until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted. The type of bread and cheese can be varied according to taste preferences, and the sandwich can be served with tomato soup.
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the right bread
White bread is a classic choice for grilled cheese sandwiches. It is versatile and pairs well with various cheeses. Sourdough bread is another popular option, adding a tangy flavour to the sandwich. If you want a more crunchy texture, you can toast the bread before grilling it. This adds an extra layer of crispness to your sandwich.
Other types of bread you can use include rye bread, wheat bread, or even gluten-free bread. You can also experiment with different flavours and textures, such as multigrain bread or bread with added herbs or spices.
The key to choosing the right bread is to select one that will complement your chosen cheese. For example, a stronger-flavoured cheese like sharp cheddar may pair well with a heartier, denser bread. On the other hand, a milder cheese like American cheese might be better suited to a softer, fluffier bread.
Additionally, consider the thickness of the bread slices. Thicker slices may require a longer cooking time to ensure the cheese melts properly, while thinner slices can result in a crispier sandwich. Ultimately, the choice of bread depends on your personal preference and the overall flavour profile you want to achieve.
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Selecting the cheese
It is recommended to grate your own cheese for the ultimate grilled cheese sandwich as store-bought pre-grated cheese is coated with anti-caking agents that prevent it from melting well. Freshly grated cheese will give you a smoother and softer melt.
You can also experiment with different combinations of cheeses to see what works best. For example, you can try using mozzarella with gruyere and brie, along with thinly sliced apples or a slather of fig jam. If you want to add some "funk", sprinkle in some blue cheese or use gouda instead of gruyere.
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Butter, mayo, or oil?
Butter is a classic choice for grilled cheese. It imparts a rich, creamy flavour and contributes to a golden brown crust. However, butter can burn quickly, requiring careful temperature control to achieve the perfect grilled cheese. To use butter, spread it on the outside of your sandwich before placing it in the pan, or add a small amount directly to the pan.
Mayonnaise has gained popularity as an alternative to butter for grilled cheese. It has a higher smoke point than butter, which means it is less likely to burn and can withstand higher temperatures for a longer period of time. Mayonnaise also provides a more neutral flavour profile, allowing the cheese and other fillings to shine. It is also easier to spread and requires no preparation, making it a convenient option. To use mayonnaise, spread a thin layer on the bread or directly on the pan.
Oil, such as olive oil, coconut oil, or avocado oil, can also be used for grilled cheese. Using oil instead of butter or mayonnaise can provide a healthier alternative with a higher smoke point. Oil helps to crisp up the sandwich and can be used alone or in combination with butter or mayonnaise.
So, which is the best option? The answer depends on your personal preferences and cooking skills. Butter provides a classic, creamy flavour but requires careful temperature control. Mayonnaise offers a more neutral flavour and is less likely to burn, while oil provides a healthy alternative with a high smoke point. Ultimately, you may find that combining butter and mayonnaise, or using one of these spreads in combination with oil, gives you the best of both worlds—a crispy, golden sandwich with a rich, savoury flavour.
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Temperature control
Start by preheating your pan over medium heat. You can use a non-stick pan, a cast-iron skillet, or a heavy-based skillet. If you're using a non-stick pan, you can add a thin layer of butter to the pan to coat it. If you're using a cast-iron or heavy-based skillet, it's better to preheat the pan without butter first and then add butter later, as described in the next paragraph.
Once your pan is preheated, it's time to add the butter. Butter plays a crucial role in achieving the perfect grilled cheese. The milk solids in butter add a nutty, deep golden brown hue and enhance the flavour and texture of your sandwich. Add a generous amount of butter to the pan, ensuring the entire surface is coated. You can also butter your bread on both sides before placing it in the pan, which will give it an extra toasty flavour.
When the butter in the pan starts to brown, it's time to add your sandwich. Place the sandwich in the pan, cover it, and cook for 2-3 minutes. Keep a close eye on the colour changes during this time. You're aiming for a golden brown crust. If you're using a heavy-based skillet or a cast-iron skillet, this is the time to add butter to the pan, as these pans can handle higher temperatures without burning the butter solids.
After 2-3 minutes, or when the bottom slice of bread is golden brown, it's time to flip your sandwich. Be careful when flipping to avoid tearing the bread. If the bread sticks to the pan, gently slide a spatula underneath and leave it a little longer before trying to flip again. Cover the pan and cook the other side for 1-3 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
If you want extra gooey cheese, there's a trick you can try. After removing the sandwich from the pan, turn off the heat, add a small amount of water to the pan, and quickly cover it with a lid. The steam that forms will help melt the cheese even more.
Finally, remove your grilled cheese sandwich from the pan when both sides are golden brown and the cheese is melted to your desired consistency. Let it cool slightly before slicing and serving.
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Flipping technique
Flipping the sandwich at the right time is crucial to achieving the perfect grilled cheese. You want to ensure that the bread is toasted to a golden brown and that the cheese is melted before you flip it. The timing of the flip will depend on the heat setting and the type of pan you are using.
For a skillet or frying pan, heat it to medium-low heat. You can test if the pan is hot enough by placing a few drops of water on its surface; if the water sizzles and evaporates, the pan is ready. Place your sandwich in the pan and let it cook for about 3 to 5 minutes, keeping a close eye on it. When you see the edges of the bread beginning to turn golden brown and you hear a hissing or popping sound, it's time to flip. You can also gently slide a spatula under the sandwich to check if it's ready to flip; if the bread sticks to the pan, give it a little more time.
If you're using a non-stick pan, you can follow a slightly different method. First, melt some butter in the pan over medium-low heat. Then, place your sandwich in the pan, cover it, and cook for 2 to 3 minutes. When the bottom slice of bread is golden brown and crisp, it's time to flip. Replace the lid and cook for another 1 to 3 minutes, until the other slice of bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
If you want to get extra crispy bread and a richer flavour, you can add a little extra butter to the pan to fry the sandwich after flipping it. Just be careful not to let the butter burn. If you're using mayonnaise instead of butter, you don't need to worry about this, as mayonnaise won't brown as quickly.
Once your sandwich is golden brown and crispy on both sides, with the cheese melted, it's ready to be removed from the pan. Slice it into triangles and serve with a comforting bowl of tomato soup, if desired.
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