Kamil Perry
Grilled cheese is a classic, comforting, and easy-to-make sandwich. It's a simple combination of bread, butter, and cheese, but there are a few tricks to getting it just right. The key is to get the bread toasted and crispy without burning it and to get the cheese perfectly melted. The time it takes to fry a grilled cheese sandwich in a pan depends on the heat source and the desired level of browning and crispiness.
Grilled Cheese on a Pan
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Bread | Thick-sliced bread like Texas Toast or white bread |
| Bread Thickness | 1-inch thick slices |
| Butter | Salted butter |
| Butter Temperature | Softened |
| Pan Type | Non-stick skillet or cast iron skillet |
| Pan Temperature | Medium-low to low heat |
| Cooking Time | 3-5 minutes on each side |
| Cheese | Cheddar, American, or a blend |
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What You'll Learn
Using butter or mayonnaise
There are two schools of thought when it comes to frying grilled cheese: butter or mayonnaise. Some people prefer to use butter, while others swear by mayonnaise. So, which one is the best option? Let's explore both methods in detail and find out!
Butter
Using butter to fry grilled cheese is a classic and traditional method. It adds a delicious buttery flavour to the sandwich and helps to achieve a crispy, golden-brown exterior. When using butter, it's important to use softened butter as it spreads more evenly on the bread. You can also add garlic powder and salt to the buttered side of the bread for extra flavour. To start, heat a non-stick or cast-iron skillet over medium-low heat. Add enough butter to coat the bottom of the pan. Place the sandwich in the pan, cover it with a lid to trap the steam and help melt the cheese, and cook for 2 to 3 minutes. Keep an eye on the heat and adjust it if needed—lower the heat if the bread is browning too quickly. Once the bottom slice of bread is golden brown, flip the sandwich, replace the lid, and cook for another 1 to 3 minutes until the other slice is also golden and the cheese is melted.
Mayonnaise
Mayonnaise is a more modern approach to frying grilled cheese, but it has gained a lot of popularity. Mayonnaise, being made mostly of oil and salt, has a higher smoke point than butter and helps to create a beautifully browned and crispy exterior. It also adds an extra layer of creaminess and saltiness to the sandwich. To use mayonnaise, spread it on the outside of the bread slices. You can also add seasonings like garlic powder and salt to the non-mayo side of the bread. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Place the sandwich in the pan, mayo-side down, and cook for about 4 minutes until the underside is golden brown. Flip the sandwich, add a little more butter to the pan if needed, and cook for another few minutes until the second side is golden and the cheese is melted.
Combining Butter and Mayonnaise
Some people like to combine the power of both butter and mayonnaise for the ultimate grilled cheese experience. In this method, you would use mayonnaise on the outside of the bread slices and butter in the pan. This combination creates a crispy, golden-brown exterior and a gooey, melty cheese centre.
Tips for Success
- Use a hearty bread that is sliced reasonably thin, such as tangy sourdough or Texas Toast.
- Shred or grate your cheese yourself instead of using pre-shredded cheese, as it melts quicker and more evenly.
- Use a medium-low to low heat for even toasting and melting.
- Start with a cold pan and heat it slowly to ensure even heating.
- Use a lid to trap steam and help melt the cheese.
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Choosing the right bread
When it comes to frying grilled cheese, choosing the right bread is essential for a delicious sandwich. While you can use any bread you have on hand, some types of bread work better than others in terms of flavour and texture. Here are some tips and suggestions to help you select the perfect bread for your grilled cheese sandwich.
Firstly, it is important to consider the texture of the bread. Opt for a soft-but-hearty loaf with a uniform texture and even slices of medium thickness (about 1/4 inch). This will ensure your sandwich cooks evenly, preventing unmelted pockets of cheese or leakage. Breads with a hearty texture, such as thick slices of nutty multigrain bread, are ideal as they boost flavour and stand up to a variety of cheeses. Avoid bread with large holes in the interior, as these can cause the melted cheese to escape.
If you're looking for a classic grilled cheese sandwich, sandwich bread or Pullman loaves are a great choice. Pullman loaves, in particular, are naturally associated with sandwiches due to their long, rectangular shape, which provides perfect square slices. White bread is a popular option, but don't be afraid to experiment with whole-wheat, oatmeal, or potato bread, which can add a unique twist to your sandwich.
For those who want to add a tangy twist to their grilled cheese, sourdough is an excellent choice. Its slightly sharp flavour pairs well with rich, melty cheeses like cheddar. If you're feeling adventurous, try a dense, multigrain sourdough, which will benefit from the steam-heat treatment of a grilled cheese, resulting in a soft inside and crisp outside.
If you're craving something more indulgent, consider using brioche bread for your grilled cheese. Its airy, buttery texture makes for an extra-decadent sandwich, especially when paired with mild, melty cheeses like young Gouda or thin slices of Brie and raspberry jam. For a sweet and savoury combination, cinnamon raisin bread is an unorthodox but delightful option.
Lastly, don't be afraid to get creative with your bread choices. Ciabatta, focaccia, and even stale baguettes can be transformed into delicious grilled cheese sandwiches. Experiment with different types of bread, such as pumpernickel, rye, or cranberry walnut bread, and explore various cheeses and toppings to find your perfect combination.
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Getting the temperature right
It is important to be patient and not rush the process. Once the buttered bread is placed in the pan, listen for the sizzling sound to stop, which is an indication that it is time to flip the sandwich. The milk solids in the butter will turn a nutty, deep golden brown when heated gently, enhancing the flavour and texture of the sandwich.
To achieve the perfect melt, it is recommended to cover the pan. This helps to trap the heat and distribute it evenly, ensuring that the cheese melts uniformly. If your pan has a lid, you can use that, or you can simply place a baking sheet or aluminium foil over the pan.
Additionally, the type of cheese you use can impact the melting process. Harder cheeses like cheddar will take longer to melt than softer cheeses like mozzarella. Adjusting the temperature based on the type of cheese you are using can help you achieve the perfect melt.
Finally, keep in mind that different stoves and pans will heat up differently. It is important to monitor the sandwich closely and adjust the temperature as needed to prevent burning. With a little practice and patience, you'll be able to master the art of frying the perfect grilled cheese sandwich.
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Timing the cooking
Start by preheating your pan. Place a clean pan on the burner and turn it on to medium or medium-low heat. If you're using an electric griddle, set it to 300 degrees Fahrenheit. For a stovetop, a range of medium to medium-low heat is recommended. However, some sources suggest starting with a cold pan and heating it slowly. This helps the cheese melt as the bread toasts, but it may take longer.
Once your pan is hot, it's time to add your sandwich. The cooking time will depend on the heat of your stove, the thickness of your bread, and the type of cheese you're using. As a general rule, the sandwich should fry for about 3 to 5 minutes on each side. Keep a close eye on the color changes—you're aiming for a golden brown crust.
Listen for the sizzling sound to slow down or stop, and look for the edges of the bread to turn golden brown. This is a good indication that it's time to flip your sandwich. When you flip the sandwich, the butter solids on the second side may brown more quickly, so be careful not to burn them.
After flipping, cook the sandwich for an additional 2 to 3 minutes. Again, watch for the edges to turn golden brown, and you may also see small bubbles of melting butter. Remove the sandwich from the pan when it's golden and crispy on both sides, and the cheese is melted.
Let the sandwich cool slightly before slicing (if desired) and serving. Enjoy the perfect grilled cheese, with a crunchy exterior and a gooey, creamy cheese filling!
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Avoiding burning
Grilled cheese sandwiches are a tasty treat, but it can be tricky to get them just right. Burning the bread is a common problem, but there are several steps you can take to avoid this.
Firstly, it's important to get the temperature right. If the pan is too hot, the bread will burn before the cheese has melted. On an electric griddle, a temperature of 300°F is recommended. On a stove, this roughly translates to a medium to medium-low heat setting. One source recommends a heat level of 5 or 6 out of 10. Another suggests that you should put the sandwich in the pan before it is totally hot, perhaps right before the butter would sear if you put some in the pan. You can test if the pan is hot enough by putting a small amount of butter in it and waiting for it to melt. If the butter browns too quickly, the pan is too hot.
The type of pan you use can also make a difference. One source recommends a ceramic pan, which is non-stick and easy to clean. Another suggests that cast iron pans are good for achieving a crunchy outside and moist inside.
The choice of bread is also important. Grainy loaves, ryes, and whole-wheats are not recommended as the bread may burn before the cheese has melted. White bread is a better option, and some suggest that French bread is ideal. It is also important to make sure that the bread is covered with butter or mayonnaise. This will help to prevent the bread from burning and improve the taste. Butter should be at room temperature or softened in the microwave to make it easier to spread. However, some sources suggest that mayonnaise is better as it has a higher smoke point than butter, meaning it won't burn as easily.
Finally, the timing of when you put the cheese on the sandwich is important. One source recommends putting the cheese on after you have toasted the first side of the sandwich. This will help to ensure that the cheese is melted by the time the second side is toasted. Another suggests shredding the cheese, which will help it to melt more quickly and evenly.
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Frequently asked questions
Fry your grilled cheese sandwich on a pan for around 3-5 minutes on medium-low heat. You can tell when to flip the sandwich when the hissing and popping slows down or the edges turn golden brown.
White bread is a classic choice for grilled cheese, but you can also use crusty French bread or Texas Toast. Aim for slices that are around 1-inch thick.
Cheddar is a popular choice for grilled cheese, but you can also use American cheese, which gives you a gorgeous cheese pull.
Most recipes call for butter, but you can use mayonnaise if you want to prolong the cooking process and achieve a crispier sandwich.
