The Perfect Grilled Cheese: Timing And Technique

Grilled cheese on toast is a classic, comforting dish, but how long does it take to get that perfect, golden sandwich? The answer depends on your heat source and the type of bread and cheese you're using. For a crisp, golden exterior and molten, gooey cheese centre, you'll need to grill your sandwich for around 6-7 minutes over a low to medium-low heat source. This gives the cheese time to melt without burning the bread. If you're using an electric griddle, set it to 275°F, or use a medium-low heat setting on a stovetop. Now you're all set to make the perfect grilled cheese!

Choosing the right bread

The bread you choose for your grilled cheese can make or break your sandwich. While you can use any bread you like, there are some factors to consider for the best results. Firstly, the bread should be sturdy enough to handle the heat and not fall apart. It should also be sliced to a medium thickness—about 1/4 inch—to ensure even cooking and avoid unmelted pockets of cheese. Here are some specific types of bread that work well for grilled cheese:

Sourdough

Sourdough is a popular choice for grilled cheese due to its tangy flavour and versatility. Its slightly sharp taste contrasts nicely with the rich, melted cheese and butter. Just be sure to choose a loaf with a uniform texture, as large holes in rustic sourdough may allow the cheese to leak out.

Brioche

Brioche, with its airy and buttery texture, makes for an extra-decadent grilled cheese. This enriched bread includes ingredients like eggs and sugar, which cause it to brown more quickly than other breads. Keep an eye on it while cooking, as you may need to lower the heat to avoid burning the exterior.

Rye

Rye bread adds a unique flavour to your grilled cheese thanks to its rye berries and caraway seeds. It pairs well with mild cheeses like Swiss, Gruyère, or Gouda. You can choose between light rye, made with rye flour, and dark rye, which uses additional ingredients like molasses.

Pullman Loaf

The classic rectangular shape of a Pullman loaf makes it ideal for sandwiches, as it provides perfect square slices. Top it with your favourite cheddar, juicy ripe tomato slices, and crispy bacon before griddling.

Multigrain

Thick slices of nutty multigrain bread add fibre and flavour to your grilled cheese. This hearty bread can stand up to a variety of cheeses, from gooey mozzarella to pungent, creamy blue cheese.

Ciabatta

Ciabatta's crusty exterior and bubbly interior make it a great choice for grilled cheese. Stuff it with fresh mozzarella, tomato slices, and a dollop of pesto for a delicious sandwich.

White Sandwich Bread

For a classic grilled cheese, you can't go wrong with plain white sandwich bread. It's easily accessible, simple, and cooks evenly. Just be sure to choose a bread with a bit of a heartier texture to avoid it flattening out when pressed down in the pan.

Butter or mayonnaise?

When it comes to grilled cheese, you might be wondering whether to use butter or mayonnaise. Both are viable options, and the choice depends on your preferences for convenience, taste, and texture.

Convenience

Mayonnaise is more convenient than butter because it is always soft and ready to spread. If you don't have softened butter, you'll need to soften it before spreading, or melt it in the pan first.

Taste

Mayonnaise has a tangy flavour that not everyone prefers. Some people find that it can overpower the taste of the cheese and bread. However, if you use salted butter, you can achieve a similar salty taste.

Texture

Mayonnaise yields a nicer texture than butter. It creates a crisp exterior where browned, while the bread beneath remains fluffy and soft. On the other hand, butter can make the bread drier and overly crisp or even crumbly.

Overall

If you're short on time or don't have softened butter, mayonnaise is a good option. It will give your grilled cheese sandwich a nice, crisp texture. However, if you prefer the traditional taste of butter, it's best to stick with that. You can also use a combination of both, spreading mayonnaise on one slice of bread and butter on the other.

The best cheese for grilled cheese

There are many different types of cheese that can be used to make a delicious grilled cheese sandwich, and it often comes down to personal preference. However, there are some cheeses that are more popular than others for this purpose. Here are some of the best cheeses to use for grilled cheese:

Cheddar

A classic choice for grilled cheese, cheddar is a crowd-pleaser. You can use sharp cheddar, mild cheddar, or a blend of both, depending on your preference for a stronger or milder flavour. Cheddar melts beautifully and has a sharp, nutty flavour that is hard to beat.

American Cheese

Another classic choice, American cheese gives that traditional grilled cheese flavour and provides a gorgeous cheese pull. It melts well without becoming too runny, and it's easy to find in most grocery stores.

Gruyère

Gruyère is an Alpine-style Swiss cheese that is known for its excellent melting qualities. It has a salty and nutty flavour with a bit of funk, adding complexity to your grilled cheese sandwich. It pairs well with cheddar, creating a sandwich that is both nostalgic and sophisticated.

Mozzarella

Mozzarella is a great choice if you're looking for that perfect cheese pull. It melts easily without becoming greasy, and it has a mild flavour that won't overpower the other ingredients. It is often paired with a more flavourful cheese, such as cheddar or Gruyère.

Monterey Jack

Monterey Jack is a versatile cheese that melts well and has a mild, creamy flavour. It is a good option if you want a simple, crowd-pleasing grilled cheese sandwich.

Havarti

Havarti is a mild, buttery cheese that melts smoothly and has a slightly sweet and nutty flavour. It is a good choice for grilled cheese, especially when paired with a stronger cheese like sharp cheddar.

Other Options

Other cheeses that work well for grilled cheese sandwiches include Brie, Fontina, Gouda, Pepper Jack, and Raclette. You can also experiment with combinations of cheeses to find your favourite blend. Ultimately, the best cheese for grilled cheese is the one that you enjoy the most!

Shredded vs sliced cheese

Shredded vs. Sliced Cheese

When it comes to grilled cheese, there are two camps: those who prefer shredded cheese and those who opt for sliced. While both methods have their merits, understanding the differences can help you decide which approach is best for your grilled cheese creation.

Even Melting

One of the main advantages of using shredded cheese is that it melts more quickly and evenly than sliced cheese. This even melting is due to the increased surface area of shredded cheese, allowing it to keep pace with the toasting bread. To achieve the best melting results, it is recommended to shred the cheese yourself rather than using pre-shredded cheese, as the latter often contains additives that hinder melting.

Simplicity

Sliced cheese, on the other hand, offers simplicity and ease of construction. It is more straightforward to place slices of cheese on your sandwich than to shred and distribute the cheese evenly. This convenience is especially appealing if you're short on time or don't want to spend extra effort shredding cheese.

Variety of Cheeses

Both shredded and sliced cheeses offer a variety of options to suit your taste preferences. For shredded cheese, you can use mozzarella, sharp cheddar, Gruyere, or Gouda, creating a combination of cheeses for the best flavour. Sliced cheese options include mild or sharp Cheddar, American cheese, Gruyere, Brie, Fontina, Gouda, Pepper Jack, and Havarti.

Bread Options

Regardless of whether you choose shredded or sliced cheese, the type of bread you use is also essential. Thick-sliced, sturdy bread, such as sourdough or brioche, works well for grilled cheese sandwiches. It provides a crispy crust and can handle the heat without falling apart. White bread is also a classic choice, but any bread can be used as long as it's not too thin or delicate.

Cooking Time

The cooking time for your grilled cheese sandwich will depend on the type of cheese and bread you use. As a guide, cook your sandwich over medium heat for about 2 minutes on the first side and 30 seconds to 1 minute on the second side. Keep a close eye on your sandwich to ensure it reaches the desired level of golden brown and cheese meltiness without burning.

How long to grill for

The time it takes to grill cheese on toast depends on the type of bread and cheese used, as well as the heat level. Here is a detailed breakdown of the grilling process and the factors that determine the grilling time:

Bread Type:

Firstly, the type of bread used can affect grilling time. It is recommended to use thinly sliced bread to ensure even grilling and melting of the cheese. Sourdough, white bread, brioche, and ciabatta are popular choices, but any type of bread can be used as long as it is sturdy enough to handle the heat and not too thin or delicate.

Cheese Type:

The choice of cheese is crucial. It is best to use shredded or grated cheese instead of sliced cheese, as it melts quicker and more evenly. Good melting cheeses include American, Cheddar, Pepper Jack, Havarti, Gruyère, Monterey Jack, Mozzarella, and Brie. For extra flavour, you can mix two types of cheese, such as Mozzarella with Cheddar or Gruyère.

Butter:

Butter plays a vital role in creating a crispy exterior. Softened butter is easier to spread and ensures an even coating. It is recommended to use salted butter for added flavour, but unsalted butter can also be used. Generously butter the bread, as this will help create a crispier exterior.

Grilling Instructions:

Now, for the grilling instructions!

• Start by buttering one side of each slice of bread.
• Place the bread, buttered-side down, on a hot skillet or pan.
• Add the cheese to the bread. It is recommended to use shredded or grated cheese for faster melting.
• Place another slice of bread on top, with the buttered side facing up.
• Cook the sandwich until the bottom slice is lightly browned, then flip it over.
• Continue cooking until the cheese is melted and the bread is golden brown. This process should take around 3 minutes for each side, depending on the heat level.
• If you are making multiple sandwiches, wipe the skillet or pan with a paper towel between batches to avoid burning the butter.

Heat Level:

The heat level plays a crucial role in determining the grilling time. It is recommended to cook the grilled cheese sandwich over medium to medium-low heat. This allows the cheese to melt properly and the bread to become golden brown without burning. Cooking at a lower temperature will take longer, but it ensures that the sandwich is cooked evenly.

Grilling Time:

The total grilling time for a grilled cheese sandwich can vary depending on the heat level and the type of bread and cheese used. On average, it takes around 6-7 minutes over low to medium-low heat to achieve the desired level of crispiness and melted cheese. At medium-low heat, the sandwich should cook for about 5 minutes on each side, resulting in a total cooking time of approximately 10 minutes.

Frequently asked questions