Randy Chandler
A grilled cheese sandwich is a classic, comforting dish that can be made in a variety of ways. While there are several ways to make a grilled cheese sandwich, the key to achieving the perfect grilled cheese is to cook it slowly over low heat to allow the cheese to melt fully while the bread turns golden and crisp. In this article, we will explore the different methods and ingredients you can use to make the ultimate grilled cheese sandwich.
How to Toast a Grilled Cheese Sandwich in a Pan
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Bread | Thick slices (3/4" to 1" thick); Sourdough, Brioche, Rye, Texas Toast, or White Bread |
| Butter | Spread on one side of each slice; Room-temperature or softened |
| Cheese | Cheddar, Mozzarella, Gruyere, Raclette, Gouda, Havarti, Swiss, American, or any cheese that melts well |
| Pan | Heavy-based skillet or non-stick frying pan |
| Heat | Medium-low heat (275˚F for a griddle); Keep the heat low to prevent burning the bread |
| Cooking Time | 2-6 minutes on each side, or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted |
| Lid | Cover the pan with a lid to trap steam and help melt the cheese |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the right bread
When making grilled cheese, the bread you choose is just as important as the cheese itself. The bread has to be sturdy enough to hold the melted cheese, take on a great sear in the pan, and bring its own flavour to the party.
First, you should choose a loaf with a uniform texture. Bread with an open crumb or holes in the interior can allow melted cheese to leak out of the sandwich when cooking. Avoid rolls, as these are all crust on the exterior, and the interior of the bread should make contact with the pan so it can get crispy. If you're going for a classic grilled cheese sandwich, sandwich bread is a great option because the uniform thickness helps ensure even heat distribution through the sandwich when cooking. Sandwich bread tends to be soft and light, which is perfect for a grilled cheese. Don't limit yourself to white bread — whole-wheat, multigrain, oatmeal, and potato bread all make great grilled cheeses.
If you want to get a bit more adventurous, you could try sourdough. Sourdough will be a hit for everyone except perhaps young children, who may find it too tough and prefer a softer bread. Look for country-style sourdoughs that have a tighter crumb to avoid cheese drips.
For a rich, buttery grilled cheese, try buttery brioche. This bread has a soft, sturdy texture that is perfect for pan-frying. It includes ingredients like eggs and sugar, so it browns more quickly than other breads, and you may need to cook your grilled cheese over a lower heat to avoid burning the exterior.
Finally, if you like your grilled cheese with a bit of a kick, try rye bread. This is a dark, dense whole-grain bread made with rye and white flours. It has a tight crumb and a pronounced tanginess, which is a great complement to mild cheeses like Swiss, Gruyère, or Gouda.
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Selecting the best cheese
The best grilled cheese sandwiches are made with two types of cheese: one stretchy, and one flavourful.
Mozzarella is a popular choice for its stretch and non-greasy melting qualities, but it has a mild flavour, so it's best paired with a stronger cheese. Cheddar is a common choice, especially vintage cheddar, which has a sharp, nutty flavour and melts beautifully. Gruyere is another favourite, with its salty, nutty taste and excellent melting properties.
Other good melting cheeses include gouda, Swiss cheese, Monterey jack, pepper jack, raclette, and havarti. For a stronger flavour, blue cheese can be used, and for a milder taste, American cheese is an option.
For a more complex flavour, you could try combining sharp cheddar with gruyere or raclette. These Alpine-style Swiss cheeses are salty and nutty, and when paired with cheddar, they create a sandwich that has the gooey nostalgia of a classic grilled cheese, but with a little extra depth.
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How much butter to use
The amount of butter you use for your grilled cheese sandwich depends on the method you choose. Some recipes call for buttering the bread, while others suggest melting butter in the pan. You can also use a combination of both methods, or even substitute butter for another fat, like olive oil or mayonnaise.
If you're buttering your bread, you'll want to use enough to create a thin layer on the bread. Some recipes suggest buttering both sides of each slice of bread, while others recommend buttering only the side that will touch the pan. If you're using a non-stick pan, you may find that you don't need to use as much butter, as the bread is less likely to stick to the pan.
When melting butter in the pan, you'll want to use enough to coat the bottom of the pan. This method can be tricky, as it's easy to judge the heat incorrectly and end up soaking up the butter before the bread has a chance to brown, resulting in soggy bread. To avoid this, you can try using a combination of butter and olive oil, as the olive oil will help prevent the butter from burning.
If you're looking for a crispy, golden sandwich, you might want to use a bit more butter, as it can help the bread brown and crisp up. However, be careful not to use too much butter, as it can burn easily and create a smoky situation.
Ultimately, the amount of butter you use will depend on your personal preference and the specific recipe you're following. Experiment with different amounts and methods to see what works best for you and your grilled cheese sandwich.
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Pan temperature
The ideal temperature for a grilled cheese sandwich is a topic of debate, with some sources recommending medium-low heat, while others suggest low heat. However, the general consensus is that a lower temperature is preferable to ensure the cheese melts without burning the bread.
When using a pan to make a grilled cheese sandwich, it is important to preheat the pan to ensure even cooking. For a non-stick or heavy-based skillet, a medium-low heat setting is recommended. This allows the bread to toast slowly and gives the cheese time to melt without burning. If using a griddle, a temperature of 275˚F is suggested.
If you are using a cast-iron skillet, it is recommended to start with a cold pan and turn the heat to low. This allows the bread to cook slowly and gives the cheese time to melt without burning. It is important to note that the temperature may need to be adjusted depending on the size and material of the pan, as well as the thickness of the bread and the amount of cheese used.
Some sources recommend covering the pan with a lid to trap steam, which helps to melt the cheese more effectively. This is especially useful if you are using a cast-iron skillet or a non-stick pan. The lid can be removed towards the end of the cooking process to allow any excess moisture to escape and ensure the bread becomes crispy.
It is worth noting that the type of cheese and bread used can also impact the ideal pan temperature. For example, softer cheeses with a higher moisture content may melt more quickly, while denser breads may require a higher temperature to toast properly. Experimenting with different combinations of cheese, bread, and pan temperatures can help you find the perfect grilled cheese sandwich that suits your personal preference.
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Cooking time
The cooking time for a grilled cheese sandwich in a pan depends on the type of bread and cheese used, the heat level, and the desired level of browning. The key to a great grilled cheese sandwich is to cook it slowly on low heat to allow the cheese to melt fully while achieving the desired level of crispness and golden colour on the bread.
Most recipes recommend cooking the sandwich for 2-3 minutes on each side, for a total cooking time of 4-6 minutes. This will result in a sandwich with a golden-brown exterior and a melted, gooey cheese centre. However, it is important to monitor the sandwich closely and adjust the heat as needed to prevent burning. If the sandwich is browning too quickly, it can be removed from the heat to cool down and the heat can be lowered.
For a lighter crust, some recipes suggest toasting the bread for only 1 minute on each side before adding the cheese, resulting in a total cooking time of 3-5 minutes. This method gives the cheese a head start on melting and allows for a lighter toasting of the bread.
The type of bread and cheese used can also impact the cooking time. Thicker slices of bread, such as Texas toast or sourdough, may require a slightly longer cooking time, while thinner slices of bread may cook faster. Harder cheeses, such as cheddar or gouda, may take longer to melt than softer, more melty cheeses like mozzarella or Swiss cheese.
It is important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on individual preferences and cooking equipment. Experimentation may be necessary to find the perfect cooking time for your grilled cheese sandwich.
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Frequently asked questions
The pan should be heated to a medium-low temperature. If using a griddle, the temperature should be 275˚F.
Toast the sandwich for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese has melted.
Thick-sliced bread is best for a grilled cheese sandwich. Sourdough, Texas toast, brioche, rye bread, or regular white bread are all good options.
