Perfect Grilled Cheese: Griddle Cooking Time Revealed

Grilled cheese is a quick and easy meal to make on a griddle. The key to a perfect grilled cheese sandwich is to cook it slowly on low heat, giving the cheese enough time to melt and the bread a chance to turn golden brown. The ideal temperature for a griddle is between 275 and 325 degrees Fahrenheit.

Griddle temperature: 300-325°F

Griddle temperature is key when it comes to making the perfect grilled cheese sandwich. A temperature between 300°F and 325°F is ideal for cooking grilled cheese. This is a medium-low heat setting, and it is important to get the temperature right. If the griddle is too hot, the bread will burn before the cheese has melted.

To make the perfect grilled cheese, start by spreading butter on one side of each slice of bread. Place your first slice of bread, butter-side down, on a cutting board or work surface. Layer on the cheese, adding enough to cover the whole slice of bread. If you want to add any other toppings, like sliced tomato, caramelized onion, crispy bacon, or pesto, now is the time to do so.

Place the other slice of bread on top of the cheese, butter-side up. When your griddle has reached the desired temperature, add the sandwich and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side. The sandwich is ready to flip when the bottom slice of bread is golden brown. After flipping, cook for another 2-3 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted.

If you are cooking multiple sandwiches, you can use a metal bowl or a dome to cover the sandwiches on the griddle. This will help create a steam bath, ensuring that the cheese gets perfectly gooey while the outside of the sandwich crisps up.

Butter the griddle

To make a grilled cheese sandwich, you'll need to start by buttering the griddle. This is a crucial step, as it will ensure that your sandwich doesn't stick to the surface and creates a crispy, golden crust. Here's a detailed guide on how to butter your griddle for the perfect grilled cheese sandwich:

Choose the Right Butter

It's essential to use real butter for the best flavour and texture. While unsalted butter is a common choice, many prefer the subtle salty hint of salted butter on their grilled cheese sandwiches. If you're using butter straight from the fridge, cut a couple of tablespoons and let them sit at room temperature to soften. This will make it easier to spread and ensure your bread doesn't tear.

Prepare the Griddle

Before you start spreading the butter, heat your griddle to the right temperature. The ideal temperature for cooking grilled cheese is between 300°F and 325°F. This temperature range will allow the cheese to melt and the bread to toast without burning. Once the griddle is heated, it's time to spread the butter.

Spreading the Butter

Take about 2 tablespoons of softened butter and use a knife or a pastry brush to spread it evenly across the griddle. Make sure to cover the entire surface, as this will prevent your sandwich from sticking. The butter will melt quickly, so work swiftly. You can always add more butter if needed to ensure an even coating.

Building the Sandwich

Now that your griddle is buttered and ready, it's time to start building your sandwich. Place one slice of bread directly onto the buttered griddle. Quickly add your cheese—the heat will help it start melting right away. You can use sliced or shredded cheese, or a combination of both for a flavour and texture. Feel free to add any additional toppings like sliced tomatoes, ham, or vegetables at this point.

Cooking the Sandwich

Once you've added your toppings, it's time to top your sandwich with the second slice of bread. Keep an eye on the bottom slice of bread, and when it turns a golden brown colour, it's time to flip your sandwich. Carefully flip the sandwich, being cautious not to let it fall apart. Cook the second side until the bread is browned and the cheese is melted. This should take a few minutes.

Serving the Sandwich

Once your sandwich is cooked to perfection, remove it from the griddle and let it cool for a minute or two. Cut it diagonally and serve it while it's still hot and the cheese is gooey. Enjoy your perfectly grilled cheese sandwich!

Build the sandwich

The first step to building the perfect grilled cheese sandwich is to select your ingredients. For the bread, you can use sliced white, sourdough, Texas toast, or French bread. It's important to use real butter, and it should be at room temperature for easy spreading. You can use salted or unsalted butter, but salted butter adds a nice hint of flavour to the sandwich.

For the cheese, a good medium cheddar is a classic choice, but you can also experiment with other varieties such as Monterey Jack, smoked cheddar, Gruyere, or even brie. If you're feeling adventurous, you can mix and match different cheeses to create your own unique flavour combination. Generously spread butter on one side of each slice of bread, and if you're using thick bread like Texas toast, you can butter both sides.

Now it's time to assemble the sandwich. Place one slice of bread, buttered side down, on a cutting board or clean surface. Add your cheese slices, making sure to cover the entire slice of bread. You can also add shredded cheese on top for a different flavour and texture. If you want to include any additional toppings like tomatoes, ham, or vegetables, now is the time to do so.

Finally, place the other slice of bread on top, buttered side up. If your bread is an irregular shape, make sure the pieces line up when the sandwich is closed. And that's it! Your sandwich is now ready to be cooked on the griddle.

Flip the sandwich

Now, it's time to flip the sandwich. This is a delicate moment in the grilled cheese-making process, so it's important to get it right.

First, make sure the edges of the bread have turned a perfect shade of golden brown. Then, use a wide spatula to carefully flip the sandwich, ensuring that the golden perfection of the bread remains intact. You don't want to tear the bread or lose any of that delicious melted cheese!

If you're using an electric griddle, set the temperature to about 275 degrees Fahrenheit. For a roomy saute pan, opt for medium-low heat. Place the sandwich on the preheated cooking surface and let it cook for about five minutes. It's tempting, but try not to press down on the sandwich unless you like your grilled cheese extra flat.

After the first five minutes, carefully flip the sandwich with a spatula and cook the other side for another five minutes. At this point, the bread should be golden brown, and the cheese should be nice and melty.

If the bread is browning too quickly or burning before the cheese has had a chance to melt properly, turn down the heat a little. You can also try covering the sandwich with a metal bowl or a dome, or simply closing the lid of your griddle if it has one. This will create a steam bath that helps the cheese get perfectly gooey while the outside crisps up.

Remove from griddle

Once you've cooked your grilled cheese sandwich on the griddle, it's time to remove it and get ready to serve. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to do this:

Step 1: Remove the Sandwich from the Griddle

Use a spatula to carefully lift the sandwich off the griddle. Be gentle to keep the sandwich intact and prevent any cheese from dripping out.

Step 2: Let the Sandwich Cool

Place the sandwich on a plate or a wire rack to cool down slightly. This will ensure you don't burn your mouth when taking a bite! It also helps the cheese to set slightly, so you don't end up with it all running out when you cut or bite into the sandwich.

Step 3: Cut the Sandwich (Optional)

If you want to cut your sandwich, now is the time. Cutting it diagonally is a classic way to serve a grilled cheese sandwich, but you can also cut it into halves or even cubes if you prefer.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy!

Your grilled cheese sandwich is now ready to be served and enjoyed! You can serve it as it is or with a side of your choice. Some popular options include soup (tomato or roasted red pepper), a simple salad, coleslaw, chips, or fresh fruit.

Remember, the sandwich will be hot, so be careful when handling it and taking your first bite!

Frequently asked questions