Melting Cheese Sandwiches: Microwave Timing Secrets

A microwave cheese sandwich can be made in under a minute, making it a quick, simple, and tasty lunch option. The process involves toasting two slices of bread, spreading butter on them, placing cheese slices on one slice, and then covering it with the other. The sandwich is then microwaved for 15-30 seconds, or until the cheese melts.

Use a microwave panini press

A microwave panini press is a great way to make grilled sandwiches without dirtying up a pan. It is also faster and more convenient than a toaster oven. Here is a guide on how to use a microwave panini press:

Step 1: Prepare your ingredients

Choose the bread and cheese for your sandwich. The classic choice for a grilled cheese sandwich is fluffy white bread, but you can also use whole grain or flax bread. Avoid bread with large air bubbles as your cheese may melt through and drip out. Use dry, day-old bread as it will fare better in the microwave. You can also use sliced sandwich bread to ensure even toasting.

For the cheese, pick a variety that melts easily, such as American or Cheddar. You can also use Monterey Jack, Gruyere, Munster, Gouda, or Brie. Avoid fresh, crumbly, or very hard cheeses like Feta or aged Parmesan as they do not melt well.

Step 2: Assemble your sandwich

Place your chosen cheese on one slice of bread. Distribute the cheese evenly over the bread so that it melts at the same rate. If desired, add any additional ingredients such as pickles, tomatoes, jalapenos, avocado, or deli meat. Just remember that ingredients with high moisture content may make your sandwich soggy. Top with the second slice of bread.

Step 3: Preheat your microwave panini press

Follow the manufacturer's instructions to preheat your microwave panini press. Most presses will need to be preheated for about 2 minutes. Make sure to use oven mitts when handling the press as it will become extremely hot.

Step 4: Cook your sandwich

Place your assembled sandwich on the preheated microwave panini press. Close the press and microwave according to the manufacturer's instructions, usually for about 20-30 seconds. If your bread is not browning, try adding more time in 5-second increments.

Step 5: Serve your sandwich

Use oven mitts to remove the sandwich from the microwave and press. Allow the sandwich to cool for a few minutes before cutting and serving. Enjoy your grilled cheese sandwich!

Tips:

• You can also use a microwave panini press to cook other foods such as chicken, burgers, fries, hash browns, bacon, and fish fillets.
• Always follow the cooking instructions provided with your microwave panini press, as they may vary depending on your microwave wattage.
• Clean-up is easy with a microwave panini press. Any mess will be contained within the trays, and the non-stick trays can be easily wiped clean or placed in the dishwasher.

Avoid soggy sandwiches with paper towels

When making a cheese sandwich in the microwave, it's important to avoid sogginess. Here are some tips to help you achieve that:

Use Dry, Day-Old Bread: Fresh bread contains more moisture, which can make it soggy in the microwave. Using dry, day-old bread will give you a better chance of achieving a crisp texture. Just make sure to check for mould before using.

Choose the Right Cheese: Opt for cheeses that melt easily, such as American or Cheddar. Harder cheeses like Parmesan can be used if grated and paired with a softer cheese like Cheddar.

Select Your Spread: Butter, margarine, or mayonnaise can add flavour and help crisp up the outside of your sandwich.

Avoid Overfilling: Microwave heat can only penetrate about 1-1.5 inches, so avoid piling on too many ingredients. This will ensure that your sandwich heats evenly and the cheese melts properly.

Now, let's get into the specifics of how paper towels can help you avoid soggy sandwiches:

Wrap Your Sandwich: Before placing your assembled sandwich in the microwave, wrap it in a paper towel. This will absorb excess moisture and prevent sogginess. Make sure not to use plastic wrap, as it traps moisture instead of absorbing it.

Protect Individual Ingredients: If your sandwich includes watery veggies like tomatoes or cucumbers, gently press them between paper towels before adding them to your sandwich. This will remove some of the moisture without making them too dry. Be careful not to press too hard, as you don't want paper towel fibres on your ingredients.

Create Barriers: You can also use condiments as barriers between the bread and moist ingredients. Additionally, placing toppings like dried lettuce or a thick slice of cheese between the bread and veggies can help prevent sogginess.

By following these tips and tricks, you can enjoy a grilled cheese sandwich that's crispy, gooey, and delicious—without the sogginess!

Choose the right cheese

The cheese is the star of the show in a grilled cheese sandwich, so it's important to choose the right one. While there is no wrong answer, some cheeses will give you a better melt than others.

Melting Qualities

When making a grilled cheese sandwich in the microwave, it's important to choose a cheese that melts easily. Cheeses like American, Cheddar, Monterey Jack, Gruyere, Munster, Gouda, and Brie all melt smoothly and are great options for your sandwich.

You can also use harder cheeses like Parmesan, but it's best to grate them and pair them with a softer cheese like Cheddar to help them melt better.

Fresh, crumbly, or very hard and aged cheeses like Feta and aged Parmesan are not ideal for grilled cheese sandwiches as they don't melt well.

Flavour

While melting qualities are important, you also want to consider the flavour of the cheese. Mozzarella, for example, has great melting qualities but a very mild flavour. Consider pairing it with a more flavourful cheese like vintage Cheddar or Gruyere.

If you're feeling adventurous, you can even mix and match different cheeses to find your perfect combination. Just remember to choose cheeses with good melting qualities to ensure a nice, gooey sandwich.

Grated vs Sliced

When it comes to getting the best melt, freshly grated cheese is the way to go. Store-bought pre-grated cheese is often coated with anti-caking agents that can prevent it from melting properly, resulting in a gloopier and rubberier texture.

If you're short on time or don't have a grater, cheese slices are the next best option, as they tend to melt better than pre-shredded cheese.

Spread butter or mayo on the outside

How to Make a Grilled Cheese Sandwich in the Microwave

The great grilled cheese debate: butter or mayonnaise? The answer depends on your personal preference and how much time you want to spend making your sandwich.

Butter

Butter is the classic choice for grilled cheese. It imparts a creamy, decadent, and lightly sweet flavour to the sandwich. When cooked, the milk solids in butter transform into brown butter, giving the sandwich a nutty, toasty flavour. However, butter can burn quickly, so using it requires some technical skill and practice to perfectly time the browning of the butter, toasting of the bread, and melting of the cheese. Butter is also usually very firm straight out of the fridge, so it needs to be softened before it can be easily spread.

Mayonnaise

Mayonnaise has become an increasingly popular alternative to butter for grilled cheese sandwiches. It has a similar fat content to butter but can be spread straight out of the fridge. Mayonnaise is an emulsion of oil and an acid (usually vinegar or lemon) with egg. The fat in mayonnaise can withstand high temperatures, so you don't have to worry about burning milk solids and can take your time to achieve the perfect level of browning. However, some people may prefer the flavour that browned butter adds to the sandwich.

Combining Butter and Mayonnaise

Combining equal parts mayonnaise and softened butter before spreading it on the exterior of your sandwich can give you the best of both worlds. This method provides a crisp sandwich without the risk of burning butter solids. However, it is more time-consuming than using either butter or mayonnaise alone, as you have to wait for the butter to soften and then stir it into the mayonnaise.

Other Options

Some people also use margarine, bacon grease, lard, ghee, or oil as an alternative to butter or mayonnaise.

Add extra ingredients

While a classic grilled cheese sandwich is a delicious, comforting meal, you can elevate it by adding extra ingredients. Here are some ideas to make your sandwich even more mouthwatering:

Pickles, tomatoes, and peppers

Add some crunch and flavour to your sandwich by including pickles, whether pickled red onions, pickled radishes, or pickled jalapeños. You can also add some freshness with sliced tomatoes, but remember that ingredients with high moisture content might make your sandwich a little soggy. If you want to spice things up, add some sliced jalapeños or other peppers.

Proteins

Boost the protein content of your sandwich by adding a few slices of ham, turkey, or other deli meats. Just make sure to wipe off any extra moisture before putting them on your sandwich to avoid sogginess.

Fruits and vegetables

For a gourmet touch, add some fruit to your sandwich. Try thinly sliced apples or a spread of fig jam, especially if you're using cheeses like Gruyère and brie. You can also include some vegetables like sautéed spinach, caramelized onions, chopped steamed broccoli, or roasted red peppers.

Sauces

Experiment with different sauces to spread on your bread. Instead of mustard, try pesto, especially if you're using mozzarella and provolone cheese. You can also spread mayonnaise on the outside of the bread to help it brown and crisp up in the skillet.

Chips and crackers

For an indulgent treat, add some crunch by crushing up potato chips and sprinkling them inside your sandwich. Alternatively, try crushing some crackers and adding them for extra texture and flavour.

Cheese combinations

While a classic grilled cheese sandwich typically uses American or Cheddar cheese, you can get creative by combining different cheeses. Try using two types of cheese—one for stretch, like mozzarella, and another for flavour, like Gruyère or vintage cheddar. You can also experiment with combinations like sharp cheddar and Gruyère or raclette, or sprinkle in some blue cheese for extra funk.

Remember, when adding extra ingredients to your grilled cheese sandwich, try not to make it too thick, as the microwave heat might not penetrate all the way through, and always be mindful of ingredients that add extra moisture to avoid a soggy sandwich.

Frequently asked questions