Randy Chandler
Grilled cheese is a classic, comforting, and quick meal, but getting the right temperature on your stove can be tricky. The goal is to melt the cheese without burning the bread, and opinions vary on the best way to achieve this. Some sources recommend a medium-low heat setting, while others suggest medium or even medium-high. The type of bread and cheese used can also impact the ideal temperature, with thicker breads and harder cheeses requiring slightly higher heat. Ultimately, the best approach may be to experiment with different heat settings to find what works best for your stove and your ingredients.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Stove heat level | 3-6 on a scale of 1-9 |
| Electric skillet temperature | 300 degrees F |
| Bread type | Fresh-baked loaf, rosemary or garlic herb varieties, sourdough, brioche, ciabatta, white sandwich bread |
| Bread preparation | Buttered on one or both sides, 0.5 tablespoons per slice, softened |
| Cheese type | American, Cheddar, shredded |
| Cheese preparation | Room temperature, 1.5 ounces per sandwich |
| Cooking time | 2-4 minutes per side |
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What You'll Learn
Medium heat is best
Grilled cheese is a simple, comforting dish, but that doesn't mean it's foolproof. One of the most important factors in achieving the perfect grilled cheese is the heat level of your stove. Too high, and you'll burn the bread before the cheese has melted; too low, and you'll end up with soggy bread and unmelted cheese.
However, the optimal temperature may vary depending on your stove, the type of bread you're using, and your personal preference. For example, if you're using a thick bread like Texas Toast, you may want to go with medium-low heat to prevent the outside from burning before the cheese has melted. If you're unsure, it's better to start at a lower temperature and increase the heat as needed.
To test if your pan is at the right temperature, pay attention to the sound and smell of the butter as it melts. When the skillet is hot enough, the butter should sizzle and smell caramel-y. You can also sprinkle some Parmesan cheese on the buttered bread before placing it in the skillet, as this will enhance the flavour and help create a golden crust.
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Avoid burning the bread
To avoid burning the bread, the key is to find the right balance between heat and cooking time. If the stove is too hot, the bread will burn before the cheese melts. Therefore, it is recommended to cook grilled cheese on the low side, around medium heat on the stovetop, or 300 degrees Fahrenheit if using an electric skillet. This will ensure the cheese melts and the bread becomes toasty without burning.
It is also important to cook the grilled cheese sandwich slowly and evenly. This can be achieved by using a lid, which helps to hold the heat in and ensures the cheese melts before the bread burns. Additionally, a non-stick pan or a cast-iron pan can be used to prevent sticking and reduce the chances of burning.
The type of bread and cheese used also plays a role in avoiding burnt bread. It is recommended to use fresh, thick bread, such as a loaf from a local bakery or grocery store. Hole-ridden sourdoughs or airy breads like focaccia should be avoided, as the cheese may spill out and burn. As for cheese, it is best to shred or grate it to ensure even melting. Sliced cheese is not recommended as it does not melt as well.
Finally, the amount of butter used can impact the likelihood of burning. While some may prefer a generous amount of butter, it is possible to over-butter, resulting in a greasy sandwich. About half a tablespoon per slice of bread is recommended, and it should be softened for even spreading. Alternatively, mayonnaise can be used instead of butter, as it has a higher smoke point and is less likely to burn.
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Use a non-stick pan
Grilled cheese sandwiches are a classic comfort food that can be made in a variety of ways, but one key to success is using a non-stick pan. Here's a step-by-step guide to achieving grilled cheese greatness with a non-stick pan:
First, choose the right bread. Go for a sturdy loaf, as thinly sliced or delicate breads can fall apart easily. Fresh-baked sourdough, brioche, or even ciabatta are great options, but a simple white sandwich bread is also a classic choice. For a flavour twist, try rosemary or garlic herb bread.
Next, prepare your cheese. Shredding the cheese will help it melt faster and more evenly. You can use a variety of cheeses, but classic choices include American cheese, which melts well, or cheddar, which has a great taste. Place the cheese on one slice of bread, and close the sandwich with another slice.
Now, it's time to butter the bread. Softening the butter will help with an even spread, and use about 2-3 teaspoons or 0.5 tablespoons per slice, spreading it on the outside of the sandwich. This will create a golden-brown crust and prevent the sandwich from becoming greasy. You can also add mayonnaise to the inside of the sandwich for extra flavour and moisture.
Preheat your non-stick skillet or pan over medium heat. You may need to adjust the heat depending on your stove—the goal is to have the pan hot enough to melt the cheese and toast the bread without burning it. Place your buttered sandwich in the pan and cook until the bottom slice is golden brown and the cheese starts to melt. Then, carefully flip the sandwich and cook the other side until it reaches the same level of golden perfection.
Finally, enjoy your grilled cheese! It's a simple dish, but it's a classic for a reason. Serve it with a bowl of soup, a salad, or just enjoy it on its own.
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The perfect bread-to-cheese ratio
When making grilled cheese, the stove should be set to medium heat, or between 300 and 350 degrees Fahrenheit. This will ensure that the bread is toasted without burning, and that the cheese is fully melted.
Now, onto the perfect bread-to-cheese ratio. The bread and cheese are the two most important ingredients in a grilled cheese sandwich, so it's essential to get the ratio just right. The ideal ratio will depend on personal preference, but there are some general guidelines to follow.
Firstly, it's crucial to choose the right type of bread. Sliced sandwich bread, preferably sourdough, is the best option. It has a tight crumb (small holes) that prevents the cheese from oozing out as it melts. It also has the perfect thickness for the cheese-to-bread ratio. If the slices are too thick, the cheese won't melt perfectly all the way through, and if they're too thin, the sandwich won't hold up. Each sandwich should be made with two slices of bread, and it's important to ensure that the slices aren't too soft, as this will cause them to get squished by the cheese.
As for the cheese, it's best to use freshly grated or shredded cheese instead of sliced or pre-shredded. This will ensure that the cheese melts faster and more evenly. You'll need about 1 1/2 ounces of cheese for each sandwich, but you can adjust this amount depending on your taste and how indulgent you want to be. It's also a good idea to bring the cheese to room temperature before cooking.
When assembling the sandwich, spread about 2-3 teaspoons of butter on the outside of each slice of bread. Be careful not to over-butter, as this can make the sandwich greasy. Then, place the shredded cheese on one slice of bread and top it with the other slice, buttered side up.
Once the sandwich is in the pan, cook it for 2-4 minutes on each side, or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted. Keep in mind that the second side may cook faster than the first, so it's important to keep a close eye on it to prevent burning.
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Shred the cheese
Shredding the cheese is an important step in the grilled cheese-making process. It is generally agreed that sliced cheese is a no-go for grilled cheese sandwiches. Shredding the cheese helps it to melt faster and more evenly, creating that desirable, gooey texture.
There are a few ways to shred cheese. You can buy pre-shredded cheese, which is convenient, but it may not melt as well due to the anti-clumping agents used. These store-bought shredded cheeses can become gummy and are better suited to other dishes. If you are time-poor, however, this is an option. Alternatively, you can shred the cheese yourself. This does require a little more effort, but it is worth it for the superior melt you will achieve.
If you are shredding your own cheese, it is best to bring the cheese up to room temperature first. This will make shredding easier and ensure a more even melt. You can use a simple hand grater, or a food processor if you have one. A variety of cheeses can be used, but some melt better than others. Cheddar, mozzarella, Gruyere, and Gouda are all good options. Parmesan, for example, would not be suitable for the inside of the sandwich as it does not melt as well, but it can be sprinkled on the outside for a crunchy texture.
Once you have shredded your cheese, it is time to assemble your sandwich. Spread butter on the outside of the bread, and if you like, spread mayo on the inside. Place the shredded cheese on the bread, close the sandwich, and cook. You can add extra cheese to the outside of the sandwich as it cooks to create a delicious, crispy, cheesy crust.
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Frequently asked questions
The stove should be set to medium or medium-low heat, which is around 300 degrees Fahrenheit if using an electric skillet. This will ensure the cheese melts without burning the bread.
You should wait until your pan is hot before adding the sandwich. If the heat is too low, the bread will get soggy and the cheese won't melt properly. If the heat is too high, the bread will burn and the cheese won't melt.
If your stove has numbered heat levels, try setting it to 3, 4, or 5. If your stove has a dial, adjust it until the skillet or pan is hot but not so hot that it burns the bread.
The sandwich is ready when the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted. The cheese around the edges will look dark and oily right before it's ready, then it will turn very light.
