Browning Cheese: Quick Broiling Tips And Tricks

Broiling is a great way to add a crispy finish to your food, but it can be a gamble. One of the most common foods to be broiled is cheese, but it can be difficult to know how long to broil it for. Cheese burns quickly and easily, so it's important to keep a close eye on it while it's under the broiler. While there is no foolproof timing method, there are some tips and tricks you can use to get perfectly browned cheese.

How long to broil to brown cheese

Broiling cheese on a lasagne

Broiling is a great way to get that perfect, crispy, brown finish on your lasagne. It is a method of cooking that directly exposes your food to very high heat, usually only from the top. This makes it ideal for browning dishes such as lasagne.

However, broiling can be a gamble and it is easy to burn your food. Cheese, in particular, can be tricky as it burns quickly and easily. It is best to use low heat for a longer period when browning cheese.

There are a few things to keep in mind when broiling cheese on a lasagne. Firstly, make sure your dish is broiler-safe. Consult your oven's manual for the correct positioning of the racks. For a dish like lasagne, which takes longer to cook, position the rack further away from the heat element. This will ensure that the top browns without burning. If your lasagne has a sauce, set a wire rack in the baking pan and place the lasagne on top, so it doesn't cook in the sauce that drips off.

You can also line the broiler pan with foil for easy cleanup. Once your racks are in place, preheat your broiler for at least 5 minutes. Some recipes may call for a longer preheat time. While most broilers have an on-off switch, some have a low-high function, so use the proper setting. If your recipe doesn't specify a temperature, use the highest setting.

Finally, keep a close eye on your lasagne while it's under the broiler. It can take less than 30 seconds for cheese to melt and it can burn very quickly. Stand by the oven and watch it until it's browned to your liking. It generally takes only a couple of minutes, but it's easy to burn, so don't walk away!

Cheese-browning temperatures

Browning cheese is a delicate process that requires careful attention. The ideal temperature for browning cheese is between 70 and 160 °C. At temperatures above 160 °C, the cheese may burn and develop an unwanted bitter flavour. It is important to note that the browning of cheese is a result of a non-enzymatic process known as the Maillard reaction, which involves the rearrangement of amino acids and simple sugars when exposed to high heat.

When browning cheese, it is crucial to keep a close eye on it at all times. The time required for cheese to brown can vary depending on the type of cheese and the heat source, but it usually takes only a couple of minutes. Some sources suggest that it can take less than 30 seconds for cheese to melt under a broiler, so caution is advised to prevent burning.

To test the heat intensity of your broiler, you can perform the "bread test". Place a slice of white sandwich bread about 4 inches under the heating element and observe the toasting time. If the bread turns golden brown in 30 seconds or less, your broiler runs very hot, and you should reduce the cooking time. If it takes 2 minutes or longer, your broiler runs cool, and you may need to increase the cooking time.

Additionally, it is recommended to use the low broil setting on your oven if available and to crack the door open to release some heat. This will help prevent the cheese from burning and allow you to monitor the browning process more easily. Positioning the rack at a lower level in the oven, further away from direct heat, can also help prevent burning.

Different types of cheese will also brown differently. Stretchy and stringy cheeses like mozzarella and provolone, for example, should be mixed with a firmer cheese for better browning results. Harder, aged cheeses like Parmesan should be grated first.

Broiler-safe dishes

Broiling cheese can be a tricky task, as it burns quickly and easily. It's important to keep a close eye on the cheese as it cooks and to be aware of the unique characteristics of your oven. But with the right tools and techniques, you can achieve that perfect golden brown crust without burning.

When broiling cheese, it's crucial to use a broiler-safe dish to avoid any unwanted incidents. Here are some factors to consider when choosing a broiler-safe dish:

Material:

Size and Shape:

Choose a dish that is large enough to accommodate your food comfortably. If you're broiling a casserole or lasagna, opt for a deep dish with a capacity of around 4 to 5 quarts. For smaller portions or individual servings, there are also mini casserole dishes and small baking dishes available. Additionally, consider the shape of the dish. Rectangular and oval dishes are common for casseroles and lasagnas, while round dishes are great for broiling soups or sides.

Handles and Lids:

Look for dishes with handles on both sides, which will make it easier and safer to remove the hot dish from the oven. Some dishes also come with lids, which can be useful for storing leftovers or transporting your dish.

Color and Design:

Oven Compatibility:

Always check the compatibility of your oven and the broiler-safe dish. Some dishes are designed for specific oven types, such as toaster ovens or conventional ovens. Additionally, pay attention to the recommended temperature range of the dish to ensure it aligns with your broiler's settings.

• Ceramic Baking Dishes: Ceramic is a popular choice for broiler-safe dishes. Options include the Staub Ceramic Rectangular Baking Dish Set, the DOWAN Ceramic Baking Dish in white or turquoise, and the MALACASA Ceramic Bakeware Set in white.
• Glass Baking Dishes: Glass is another common material for broiler-safe dishes. Pyrex offers a range of glass baking dishes in various sizes, including a 2-piece set (2-quart and 3-quart) and a 5.2-quart extra-large rectangular baking dish. Anchor Hocking also offers a 2-piece glass casserole dish set.
• Porcelain Baking Dishes: Porcelain dishes are elegant and functional. The Mora 9x13-inch Deep Porcelain Baking Dish is a good option for oven-to-table use. The Heartland Home Porcelain Mini Casserole Dish Set is perfect for individual servings.
• Enameled Steel: The Granite Ware 3-piece set includes an enameled steel bake, broiler pan, and grill, which can resist temperatures up to 932°F.

Remember to always refer to your oven's manual for specific instructions and recommendations regarding broiler-safe dishes and settings. Happy cooking!

Rack positioning

When browning cheese, it's important to pay close attention as it can burn very quickly. One source suggests that it can take less than 30 seconds for cheese to melt under a broiler, so it's important to watch your food closely and not walk away.

The rack position will depend on the type of dish you are cooking. For foods that take longer to cook, such as thicker cuts of meat, position the rack further away from the heat element. This will allow the food to cook through to the centre without burning the exterior. For example, if you are browning the top of a casserole that’s in a 2-inch deep dish, position the rack 6 inches from the heat element.

On the other hand, place thinner cuts of meat and foods that benefit from heavy browning and caramelization, such as bread, closer to the broiler element. In general, the closer you place your food to the broiler, the faster it will cook. For example, if you are broiling bread, place it about 4 inches under the heating element.

If your oven has a broiler drawer, you won't be able to adjust the rack height.

Broiler preheating

Preheating your broiler is an important step in the cooking process. Here is a detailed guide on how to do it effectively:

Location of the Broiler:

Firstly, locate the broiler in your oven. In older gas ovens, the broiler is usually located in a drawer at the bottom of the oven. This is often referred to as the "broiler drawer." If your oven does not have such a drawer, the broiler is located inside the main oven compartment at the top.

Arranging the Oven Rack:

The next step is to adjust the oven rack to the appropriate height. Most recipes recommend placing the rack 3-4 inches (7.5-10 centimeters) away from the broiler. This can be done by moving the rack to one of the top two positions. Use a ruler to measure the distance from the rack to the top of the oven to ensure accuracy.

Turning on the Broiler:

Now, it's time to turn on the broiler. For a gas oven, the broil setting is typically the last option on the temperature dial. Electric ovens may have a "broil" button or a similar option on the temperature dial. Simply press the button or turn the dial to activate the broiler.

Some newer electric ovens offer multiple broiling settings. If your recipe does not specify a temperature, it is generally best to use the highest setting.

Preheating the Oven:

Close the broiler drawer or oven door, and allow the oven to preheat. It is recommended to preheat for at least five minutes before cooking. However, for certain meat recipes that require a good sear, a longer preheating time may be necessary.

Using the Right Pans:

It is crucial to use the appropriate pans when broiling. Avoid using glass or Pyrex dishes, as they may crack or explode when exposed to high temperatures. Instead, opt for sturdy metal or cast-iron pans. Cast iron pans, in particular, are excellent for searing meat and can be preheated along with the broiler.

Leaving the Door Cracked:

Leaving the oven door or broiler drawer slightly ajar during cooking can help regulate the temperature and prevent it from getting too steamy. However, not all oven models allow for this, so be sure to check your oven's manufacturer manual for specific instructions.

Monitoring the Food:

Broilers use extremely high temperatures, so it is essential to closely monitor your food to prevent burning or fire hazards. Most recipes recommend broiling for only 5-10 minutes. Dry foods, such as toast, are more susceptible to burning, so extra caution is advised.

By following these steps, you can effectively preheat your broiler and ensure a successful cooking experience. Remember to refer to your oven's manual for specific instructions regarding your model.

Frequently asked questions