Andy Montoya
Grilled cheese sandwiches are a classic comfort food that can be made in a variety of ways. The basic ingredients are bread, butter, and cheese, but the type of bread and cheese used can vary depending on personal preference. Some popular choices for bread include white bread, sourdough, brioche, and ciabatta, while popular cheese options include American, cheddar, pepper Jack, Havarti, Gruyère, and Monterey Jack. The key to a perfect grilled cheese sandwich is ensuring that the cheese is melted and the bread is toasted to a golden brown.
How is Grilled Cheese Made?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Bread | Sourdough, white bread, brioche, ciabatta, hot dog buns, or any bread |
| Bread Thickness | Between 1/4-inch and 1/2-inch thick |
| Spread | Butter, mayonnaise, or a combination of both |
| Cheese | American, cheddar, pepper Jack, Gruyère, Havarti, Monterey Jack, gouda, brie, fontina, or a blend of cheeses |
| Cheese Type | Melting cheese, shredded or grated |
| Cheese Quantity | 2 oz. or 1/4 cup per sandwich |
| Cooking | Place buttered bread slice, spread/mayo side down, in a skillet. Top with cheese and another slice of bread. Cook until the underside is golden brown, then flip. Cook until the second side is golden brown and the cheese is melted. |
| Sides | Tomato soup, tomato-based soups and stews |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the right cheese
First, consider the moisture content of the cheese. While a grilled cheese sandwich can be made with any type of cheese, low-moisture cheeses tend to melt better and create the ideal gooey texture. Cheeses like American, cheddar, pepper Jack, Havarti, Gruyère, or Monterey Jack are all good melting cheeses. If you're using a young soft or semi-soft cheese, such as Swiss, Gruyère, or Havarti, you're also likely to get a great melt due to their high moisture content.
On the other hand, it's best to avoid hard cheeses like Parmesan, which don't melt as well and can make the sandwich less gooey. Soft cheeses like ricotta are also not ideal due to their high moisture content, which can make the sandwich too soggy.
Another factor to consider is the thickness of your cheese slices. Shredded or grated cheese tends to melt more quickly and evenly than sliced cheese, resulting in a faster melt and an impressive cheese pull. Grating your own cheese also allows you to blend different cheeses together, creating a more complex flavour profile.
Finally, don't be afraid to experiment with different types of cheese to find your perfect combination. You can try blending a small amount of a more expensive, exceptional cheese with a larger amount of a less expensive, workaday cheese to elevate your grilled cheese sandwich without breaking the bank. Ultimately, the "right" cheese is the one that you enjoy, so feel free to get creative and use whatever you have in your fridge!
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Bread type and thickness
The bread you use for your grilled cheese sandwich is important. While any bread works, the general consensus is that you should use thinly sliced bread. Sourdough, white bread, or even brioche are popular choices. You can also use Pullman bread, Roman Meal bread, or ciabatta. Freshly baked bread will give you the best results, but even week-old grocery store bread will do.
It's also important to consider the thickness of your bread slices. The thicker the bread, the longer it will take for the cheese to melt. Ideally, your bread slices should be between 1/4-inch and 1/2-inch thick. Bread sliced over half an inch thick will impede optimal melting.
If you're using sliced cheese, it's best to shred it yourself before adding it to your sandwich. Shredded cheese melts quicker and more evenly than sliced cheese, so it's better able to keep up with the bread as it toasts. Grated cheese also allows for more even bread coverage, ensuring that every bite is packed with cheese.
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Butter or mayonnaise?
Let's start with butter. Butter has long been the traditional choice for grilled cheese sandwiches, and for good reason. When spread on the bread, butter adds a delicious richness and helps to create a crispy, crunchy exterior. It's also easy to work with, as it can be softened and spread evenly across the bread slices. For those who keep their butter in the fridge, melting it in the pan and then rubbing each piece of bread in the melted butter is a convenient alternative. Butter also offers a certain amount of flexibility, as it can be salted to add a little extra flavour to the sandwich.
However, some people believe that mayonnaise is the key to taking your grilled cheese to the next level. Mayonnaise, with its higher smoke point, can help create an extra crispy exterior without burning. It also adds a layer of creaminess and a hint of saltiness to the sandwich. Mayonnaise is always spreadable, making it a low-maintenance option that won't tear the bread. Additionally, the browning power of egg yolks in mayonnaise ensures a golden crust.
So, which should you choose? Well, the answer may lie in a combination of the two. Some grilled cheese enthusiasts have found that using both butter and mayonnaise creates the perfect grilled cheese sandwich. By spreading mayonnaise on the bread and adding butter to the pan, you can achieve the best of both worlds: the crispy, golden crust from the mayonnaise and the rich, buttery flavour from the melted butter. Ultimately, it may come down to personal preference, and with a little experimentation, you can find the perfect grilled cheese recipe for your taste buds.
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Grated or sliced cheese?
When it comes to making a grilled cheese sandwich, the type of cheese you use is important. You want to make sure you're using a melty cheese such as American, cheddar, pepper Jack, Havarti, Gruyère, or Monterey Jack. It is also important to consider the moisture content of the cheese. Low-moisture cheeses melt better, but you don't want to use a cheese that is too dry, such as Parmesan, as it won't get very oozy when it melts. On the other hand, soft cheeses like ricotta are too high in moisture and can make your sandwich soggy.
Now, let's talk about grated vs. sliced cheese. Grated cheese melts more evenly and allows for more even bread coverage, so you get a good amount of cheese in every bite. If you are blending multiple cheeses, grated cheese is also easier to mix together. Grated cheese can be a bit more time-consuming to prepare, but it is worth it for the improved melting and coverage. You can grate your cheese up to 4 days in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
That being said, sliced cheese certainly has its advantages. If you are looking for that classic cheese pull, sliced cheese is the way to go. Sliced cheese also requires less preparation time, as you don't have to worry about grating it in advance. If you are short on time or simply don't want to deal with grating cheese, sliced cheese is a perfectly good option for your grilled cheese sandwich.
Ultimately, the most important thing is to use a cheese that melts well and that you enjoy the taste of. Whether you choose grated or sliced cheese, your grilled cheese sandwich is sure to be delicious!
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Sides and pairings
There are many sides and pairings that go well with grilled cheese. Here are some ideas:
Soups
Soups are a classic pairing with grilled cheese. Creamy tomato soup is a well-known combination, but you can also try potato leek soup, vegetable beef soup, chicken noodle soup, or potato soup. For a vegan option, try potato zucchini soup. If you want something with a kick of spice, try a soup with roasted bell peppers or sweet corn and red peppers.
Salads
Salads can help balance out the richness of grilled cheese. A fresh green salad or spinach salad with berries and nuts can be a great option. If you're looking for something more substantial, try a Caesar salad, spinach salad, or broccoli salad. A Mediterranean salad with crunchy vegetables, chickpeas, and feta cheese is another tasty option.
Dips and Sauces
Dips and sauces can add extra flavour to your grilled cheese. Try hummus, dill pickle hummus, or a zesty Greek yoghurt-based dip like Santa Fe Ranch. Spicy tomato jam, bacon aioli, or a simple ketchup can also be great pairings. If you're feeling adventurous, try making your own ketchup with tomatoes and peppers for a lower-sugar option.
Fruits and Vegetables
Fruits can add a sweet contrast to the savoury cheese. Apples and cheese are a classic combination, and you can try dipping your grilled cheese in applesauce or apple butter. Grapes, pears, cherries, watermelon, and berries also go well with grilled cheese. For vegetables, try carrots, cucumbers, or cherry tomatoes.
Starchy Sides
Starchy sides like fries or roasted potatoes can be a great pairing with grilled cheese, especially if you're looking for a "diner-style" meal. For something a little lighter, try frozen gnocchi cooked in an air fryer or pan.
With so many options to choose from, you can easily find sides and pairings that will elevate your grilled cheese experience!
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Frequently asked questions
You will need bread, butter, and cheese.
Any type of bread works, but slices should be between 1/4-inch and 1/2-inch thick. Sourdough, white bread, brioche, and ciabatta are popular choices.
Melting cheeses like American, cheddar, pepper Jack, Havarti, Gruyère, or Monterey Jack are good options.
You can use either mayonnaise or butter, or a combination of both. Butter can be spread on the bread or melted in the pan. Mayonnaise adds an extra layer of creaminess and saltiness to the sandwich.
Spread butter or mayonnaise on one side of each slice of bread. Place the buttered/mayo side down in a hot skillet. Top with cheese, then place another slice of bread on top (butter or mayo side up). Cook until the bottom slice is lightly browned, then flip. Continue cooking until the cheese is melted.
