Frying Grilled Cheese: The Perfect Timing For Golden Goodness

A grilled cheese sandwich is a classic comfort food. But how long should you fry it for? The answer depends on the method you're using to cook it. If you're using a skillet, frying pan, or griddle, the sandwich should take around 10 minutes in total to cook – 5 minutes on each side. If you're using an air fryer, it should take between 7 and 10 minutes. And if you're frying your grilled cheese sandwich, you're looking at just a couple of minutes per side.

The best type of bread for grilled cheese

The Best Type of Bread for a Grilled Cheese Sandwich

There are many types of bread that can be used for grilled cheese sandwiches, and the best one depends on personal preference. However, some types of bread are more popular than others for grilled cheese. Here are some options to consider:

Sourdough

Sourdough bread is a versatile choice for grilled cheese sandwiches. Its tangy, crusty texture pairs well with a variety of cheeses, especially a blend of mild and extra sharp cheddar. Sourdough also works well with other ingredients such as parsley pesto and squash blossoms.

Brioche

Brioche is a buttery and airy bread that can add an extra touch of decadence to a grilled cheese sandwich. It goes well with mild, melty cheeses such as young Gouda or thin slices of Brie and raspberry jam.

Pullman Loaf

Pullman loaves are typically white sandwich breads with a long, rectangular shape that makes perfect square slices. This type of bread is a classic choice for grilled cheese and can be paired with cheddar, juicy ripe tomatoes, and crispy bacon.

Rye or Pumpernickel

Rye bread, sometimes with the addition of fragrant caraway seeds, is a savoury option that showcases add-ins well. Try it with Swiss or smoked Gouda cheese, along with ham or sauerkraut. Pumpernickel bread, with its characteristic deep brown colour and sweetness from molasses and brown sugar, is another great option. Pair it with an Alpine cheese like Gruyere or Emmental, or go for a mild cheese like young cheddar or Colby with thin slices of tart apple.

Multigrain

Thick slices of nutty multigrain bread add fibre and flavour to a grilled cheese sandwich. This type of bread stands up to a variety of cheeses, from gooey mozzarella with tomatoes and basil to pungent, creamy blue cheese with sweet fig jam.

Baguette

Day-old baguettes can be sliced horizontally and griddled to create a crispy, golden-brown exterior for your grilled cheese. Fill it with melted Camembert and jam or Alpine cheese with caramelized onions.

Ciabatta

Ciabatta has a crusty exterior and a bubbly interior, making it ideal for an outside-in grilled cheese. Stuff it with fresh mozzarella, tomato slices, and pesto.

Focaccia

Give stale focaccia a second life by turning it into grilled cheese bread. Depending on the thickness, you can use two separate slices or split an extra-tall focaccia horizontally and fill it with smooth Fontina, roasted red peppers, olives, and fresh herbs.

Texas Toast

Texas Toast is a thick-sliced bread that provides a good base for grilled cheese. It should be about 1-inch thick to ensure the cheese melts properly and the sandwich is sturdy.

White Bread

Classic soft white bread is a popular choice for grilled cheese, especially when paired with American cheese singles. It toasts well and has a light, fluffy texture that pairs well with the cheese.

In conclusion, while there is no single "best" bread for a grilled cheese sandwich, these options provide a variety of textures and flavours that can enhance the overall taste and enjoyment of this classic comfort food.

How much butter to use

The amount of butter you should use for your grilled cheese sandwich depends on several factors, including the size and thickness of your bread, the type and amount of cheese, and the cooking method. Here's a detailed guide to help you determine how much butter to use for the perfect grilled cheese sandwich:

Butter Amount Recommendations:

• For a classic grilled cheese sandwich, a common recommendation is to use about 2 tablespoons of butter per sandwich. This amount ensures that both slices of bread are generously coated, resulting in a crispy exterior.
• However, some sources suggest using less butter, with one person recommending only about half a tablespoon of butter per side. This approach involves buttering both sides of each slice of bread to achieve maximum crispiness without using a full tablespoon.
• The thickness of your bread slices is an important consideration. If you're using thicker slices, such as Texas Toast or thick-sliced sourdough, you may need to increase the amount of butter slightly to ensure even coating.
• On the other hand, if you're making multiple sandwiches, you might want to reduce the amount of butter per sandwich to prevent the bread from becoming too greasy.

Butter Application Techniques:

• When applying butter to your bread, it's essential to bring it to room temperature first. This ensures that the butter is soft and easy to spread, preventing you from tearing the bread.
• Generously slather or spread the butter on one side of each slice of bread, ensuring it reaches the edges for a crispy exterior.
• If you're cooking your grilled cheese in a skillet, it's recommended to start with a cold pan. This allows the butter to heat slowly and evenly, helping the cheese melt as the bread toasts.
• For grilled cheese sandwiches in an air fryer, some recipes suggest adding a small amount of mayonnaise to the inside of the sandwich for added creaminess and flavour.

Butter Alternatives:

• While butter is a classic choice, you can also experiment with other fats and oils. Olive oil, coconut oil, bacon fat, and even mayonnaise (on the inside of the sandwich) can be used as substitutes or in combination with butter.
• Using a combination of olive oil and butter, as recommended by Ina Garten, can help prevent burning while still providing a rich flavour.
• If you're looking for a dairy-free option, olive oil or coconut oil are excellent choices, as they can provide similar browning and crispiness to butter without the dairy.

In conclusion, the amount of butter you use for your grilled cheese sandwich can vary depending on your personal preferences, the size of your bread, and the cooking method. Experiment with different amounts and application techniques to find the perfect balance of crispiness and flavour for your grilled cheese creation!

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 everyone has their own idea of what the ultimate grilled cheese sandwich is. However, some cheeses are more popular than others, and some work better than others to achieve that signature gooey cheese pull.

Cheddar

Cheddar is a popular choice for grilled cheese, as it is perfect for melting and can be found in mild or moderately sharp variations. It pairs well with simple sliced white bread that has been properly coated in butter. Professional chef and cookbook author Tiffany LaForge is a purist when it comes to grilled cheese, and always uses mild or medium cheddar for that perfect gooey, classic grilled cheese.

Mozzarella and Pepper Jack

Mozzarella is a good choice if you want to add fresh heirloom tomato and basil leaves to your grilled cheese sandwich. Pepper jack is Monterey Jack cheese with added red pepper flakes, giving it a spicy kick. Chef and recipe developer Giselle Park recommends pairing shredded mozzarella with Maple Leaf pepper jack for the perfect cheese pull.

Gouda

Nutty and sweet gouda is a good choice if you want to get fancy with your grilled cheese fillings. It pairs well with crisp green apple or roasted red bell pepper, and is also a good choice for a grilled cheese with ham. Be sure to use a young, mild gouda, as aged gouda is harder and crystallised, making it difficult to melt.

Fontina

Fontina is a mild, cow's milk cheese from Italy that melts really well, creating a gooey, stringy cheese pull. It pairs well with sautéed mushrooms, truffle oil, and arugula on sourdough bread. Try adding a bit of honey or hot honey for something different.

Gruyère

Gruyère is a hard Swiss cheese with a nutty, warm, sweet flavour. It melts well due to its high water-to-oil ratio and its distinct flavour makes it the perfect addition to a grilled cheese sandwich. It pairs well with shaved ham—it's a key ingredient in the French classic, croque madame. Chef Nagi recommends vintage gruyère as one of the best cheeses for grilled cheese.

Provolone

Provolone is a smooth, creamy, mild semi-firm Italian cheese that is similar to part-skim mozzarella. It melts well and is great for a stringy, melty sandwich. It pairs well with tomato slices, fresh basil, and balsamic glaze for a Caprese grilled cheese.

Blue Cheese

Blue cheese is not a traditional choice for grilled cheese, and it can be overpowering if used on its own. However, it can be combined with another mild cheese like Fontina or mild white cheddar, and paired with sautéed mushrooms, caramelised onions, thinly sliced steak, or fruit like apples or pears. It also pairs well with salty bacon and sweet fig jam.

How long to fry for

The time it takes to fry a grilled cheese sandwich depends on the type of bread and cheese you use, the temperature of the pan, and whether you're frying on a stovetop or in an air fryer.

If you're using a stovetop, most recipes recommend frying your grilled cheese sandwich over medium-low heat. The sandwich should fry for about 5 minutes on each side, but this will depend on the heat of your pan and the type of bread and cheese you use. It's important to keep an eye on your sandwich to make sure it doesn't burn. If your bread is browning too quickly, you can turn down the heat or try using a nonstick skillet.

If you're using an electric griddle, set the temperature to about 275 degrees Fahrenheit. If you're using an air fryer, fry your sandwich at 360 degrees Fahrenheit for 4-6 minutes on each side.

For a crispier sandwich, you can add butter to the pan or use a combination of butter and mayonnaise on your bread. However, be careful not to add too much butter, as this can make your sandwich greasy.

What to serve grilled cheese with

There are many options for what to serve with grilled cheese. Here are some ideas:

Sides

• Salads: Try a simple green salad, or something more complex like a spinach salad with a balsamic vinegar poppy seed dressing, mixed berries, and crunchy nuts. A rocket and pear salad is another tasty option, with the sweet and salty combination of Asian pear, blue cheese, walnuts, and spicy rocket. For a more refreshing option, a zucchini feta salad with hazelnuts is a great choice.
• Pickles: Dill pickles are a classic choice, but you can also get creative with pickled red onions, green tomatoes, radishes, jalapenos, or even pickled spicy eggs.
• Chips: Potato chips, veggie crisps, or tater toots are always a hit. For something more unique, try making homemade dill pickle potato chips or baked polenta chips.
• Fries: French fries, sweet potato fries, or sweet plantains are a perfect crispy and salty side to your grilled cheese.
• Onion rings: A family favourite that can be baked to keep things healthier.
• Crudités: Sliced carrots, cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, or other fresh veggies pair well with grilled cheese and can be served with a dip like cashew queso.

Soups

• Tomato soup: A classic pairing that can be served hot, cold, or gourmet.
• Borscht: This soup is made with a tomato base and packed with hearty vegetables, making it a great companion to grilled cheese.
• Chicken noodle soup: A comforting broth-y soup that goes well with grilled cheese.
• Potato soup: A creamy and hearty option.
• Corn chowder: Sweet corn and red peppers give this soup a bold flavour that stands up to grilled cheese.

Dips

• Pizza sauce: A nod to the classic pairing of grilled cheese and tomato soup, especially if you've added ham or Italian sausage to your sandwich.
• Hummus: Dill pickle hummus is a great pairing with grilled cheese, either as a dip for the sandwich or some veggies on the side.
• Barbecue sauce: A homemade BBQ sauce adds some southwest flare to your grilled cheese.
• Tomato jam: A super flavorful alternative to ketchup that can be used as a dip or spread on your sandwich.
• Applesauce: Apple and cheese is a classic combination, and applesauce can be spread on your grilled cheese, used as a dip, or served on the side.

Frequently asked questions