Frederic Melton
Grilled cheese is a classic, comforting sandwich that is simple to make. It's a favourite for many, but there are a few common pitfalls to avoid when making one. The key to a good grilled cheese is to cook it slowly over a medium heat to ensure the cheese melts fully and the bread crisps up without burning. It's also important to use enough butter or mayo to coat the bread and prevent it from drying out. When it comes to cheese, it's a case of less is more – too much cheese will make your sandwich greasy. Grated cheese is best as it melts more evenly.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cooking method | Flame grilled |
| Cooking surface | Cast iron skillet, griddle surface, non-stick pan, or stainless steel pan |
| Cooking temperature | Medium heat |
| Bread | Thick slices of Italian or sourdough bread, 1/2" thick |
| Butter | Unsalted or salted butter |
| Cheese | Cheddar, Gruyère, American, Monterey Jack, smoked cheddar, Swiss, provolone, or mozzarella |
| Add-ons | Parmesan, mayonnaise, Worcestershire sauce, or maple bacon onion jam |
| Cooking time | 2-3 minutes per side |
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What You'll Learn
Cooking time and temperature
When making grilled cheese, it's important to remember that a higher temperature doesn't necessarily mean faster cooking. In fact, cooking grilled cheese at a high temperature may result in burnt bread and unmelted, undercooked cheese. Therefore, the secret to a well-cooked grilled cheese sandwich is to keep the temperature low and give it enough time to cook.
For a grilled cheese sandwich made on a stovetop, the dial should be set between low and medium heat. The pan should be heated to medium heat for 2-3 minutes before adding butter and bread. Once the bread is added, it should be cooked for about 3 minutes on each side until golden brown. The total cooking time for a grilled cheese sandwich on a stovetop is about 6-9 minutes.
When making grilled cheese over a campfire, the cooking time will depend on the distance between the bread and the coals, as well as the temperature of the coals. The bread should be held about 4-5 inches above the coals to avoid burning. The typical cooking time is about 2-3 minutes per side, for a total cooking time of 4-6 minutes.
For a grilled cheese sandwich made in an oven, the sandwich should be placed under the grill until the cheese starts to melt and bubble, and the bread turns golden brown. The exact cooking time will depend on the oven's temperature settings and the distance between the grill and the sandwich.
It's worth noting that the type of bread and cheese used can also affect the cooking time and temperature. Thicker slices of bread may require a longer cooking time, and denser cheeses may take longer to melt. Grated cheese, on the other hand, melts more quickly and evenly than slices.
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Choosing the right bread
When it comes to grilled cheese, the bread you choose is just as important as the cheese and other fillings. The right bread can make or break your sandwich. For the ideal grilled cheese, look for bread with a soft-but-hearty texture and even slices of medium thickness (about 1/4 inch). Even slices mean your grilled cheese will cook evenly, and a soft-but-hearty texture will ensure your bread doesn't flatten out in the pan. Avoid breads with large holes in the interior, as these can allow melted cheese to leak out of the sandwich when cooking.
Sandwich bread is a great option for grilled cheese because of its uniform thickness, which helps ensure even heat distribution when cooking. Sandwich bread tends to be soft and light, which is perfect for a grilled cheese. But don't limit yourself to white sandwich bread—whole-wheat, multigrain, oatmeal, and potato bread can also be delicious. Sourdough is another excellent choice for grilled cheese, adding a little tang to your sandwich. Its slightly sharp flavour is a great contrast to the richness of the cheese and butter. If you're looking for something a little more indulgent, airy, buttery brioche makes for an extra-decadent grilled cheese sandwich. Try it with a mild, melty young gouda or even thin slices of brie with raspberry jam.
If you're looking for a mix of sweet and savoury, cinnamon raisin bread is an unorthodox but tasty option. Thick slices of nutty multigrain bread will also boost fibre and flavour in your grilled cheese sandwich. Hearty multigrain stands up to a variety of cheeses, from gooey mozzarella with tomatoes and basil to pungent, creamy blue cheese with sweet fig jam. Pumpernickel bread is another sweet option, made with molasses and brown sugar. Try it with an Alpine cheese like Gruyere or Emmental, sliced cornichons, and whole-grain mustard, or pair a mild cheese like young cheddar or Colby with thin slices of tart apple.
For an outside-in grilled cheese, stuff split ciabatta with fresh mozzarella, slices of tomato, and a dollop of pesto. Stale focaccia also makes excellent grilled cheese—split an extra-tall loaf horizontally and stuff it with fillings like smooth Fontina, roasted red peppers, olives, and fresh herbs before griddling.
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Selecting the right cheese
Melting Point
It is important to choose a cheese with a suitable melting point. A cheese that melts too quickly may ooze out of the sandwich, while a cheese that doesn't melt easily enough may become tough and oily. The ideal cheese will melt smoothly and evenly, creating a gooey, stretchy texture. Grated cheese tends to melt more evenly than sliced cheese, so consider grating your cheese before adding it to your sandwich.
Taste
The taste of the cheese should complement the other ingredients in your sandwich. Mild cheeses are often preferred as they provide a good flavour foundation without overwhelming the other components. However, sharper cheeses like cheddar can add a nice kick of flavour. Consider combining two or more cheeses to create a richer, more complex taste.
Texture
The texture of the cheese will impact the overall mouthfeel of your sandwich. For a classic, oozy grilled cheese, choose a cheese that melts well, such as mozzarella, havarti, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack. Harder cheeses like halloumi are excellent for grilling as they retain their shape and won't melt all over your grill, but they may not create the same gooey texture as softer cheeses.
Type of Dish
Consider what type of dish you are creating. Are you making a traditional grilled cheese sandwich, or are you grilling cheese as a standalone dish? If you're making a sandwich, you'll want a cheese that pairs well with bread. If you're grilling cheese on its own, you may opt for a cheese that develops a nice crust when grilled, like halloumi or bread cheese.
Personal Preference
Lastly, don't forget to consider your own taste preferences. If you love the flavour of a particular cheese, give it a try on your grilled sandwich! Experimentation is part of the fun of cooking, and you may discover some delicious combinations.
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Buttering the bread
The butter helps to create the coveted golden, crisp, and crunchy exterior of a well-made grilled cheese. It also ensures the sandwich doesn't dry out and toast unevenly. When buttering the bread, it's important to use enough butter to completely coat both slices of bread. This can be done by generously slathering one side of each piece of bread with room-temperature butter.
While unsalted butter can be used, salted butter is preferable as it adds a hint of flavour to the crust of the bread. Buttering the bread can also help decrease the chances of burning, as the butter will prevent the bread from sticking to the pan. If you don't have butter, you can also use mayonnaise, which adds even more browning potential and flavour to the bread. However, it's important to use full-fat mayonnaise, as light mayonnaise has more water and will result in a soggy sandwich that won't crisp up properly.
In addition to buttering the bread, it's important to cook the sandwich slowly over medium-low heat. This allows the cheese to melt thoroughly and the bread to achieve the perfect golden brown crispiness. Cooking the sandwich over high heat will result in burnt bread and unmelted, undercooked cheese. So, when making a grilled cheese sandwich, remember to take your time and let the sandwich cook slowly for the best results.
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Grilled cheese without bread
The classic grilled cheese sandwich is a timeless comfort food. It is a simple dish of melted cheese sandwiched between two slices of crisp, buttery, golden bread. However, it is possible to make a grilled cheese without the bread. This dish is also known as Saganaki or "flaming" toasted grilled cheese.
To make grilled cheese without bread, you can simply pan-fry slices of cheese. Heat a skillet or frying pan and add a tablespoon of butter. Once melted, add slices of cheese—Swiss, cheddar, or provolone are good options—and cook on medium-high heat until browned on both sides. The cheese will bubble up and turn into a warm, soft, and gooey mass. It is important to note that a lot of oil will separate from the cheese solids, so be prepared to drain it off.
For a more indulgent version, try the "flaming" method. Start by chilling your chosen cheese. Heat a pan with butter and oil, coating the entire bottom of the pan. Dust the cheese with flour and place it in the pan, browning both sides quickly on medium-high heat. Then, carefully add a few tablespoons of brandy and ignite it with a lighter or match. Once the flames die down, squeeze some lemon over the browned cheese and serve. This dish can be enjoyed on its own or with crackers or bread on the side.
When making grilled cheese, whether with or without bread, it is important to remember that patience is key. Cooking the sandwich on low to medium heat will ensure the cheese melts thoroughly and the bread, if used, achieves the desired golden brown crispiness.
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