Keeping Grilled Cheese Warm: Tips For Optimal Taste

There's nothing quite like a grilled cheese sandwich. But how do you keep it warm without sacrificing that perfect, gooey texture and crispy exterior? The answer depends on how long you want to keep your sandwich warm for. If you're eating it straight away, wrapping it in foil will keep it warm for 5 minutes or so. If you're making grilled cheese for a crowd, you can keep it warm in the oven at between 140-200°F. You can also use a Thermos to keep your grilled cheese warm for a few hours.

Using a Thermos

Keeping grilled cheese warm in a thermos is a great way to enjoy your sandwich for longer, especially if you're taking it to work or school. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

Firstly, grab your trusty thermos from the back of the cabinet. Before you start making your grilled cheese sandwich, fill the thermos with hot water and set it aside. The water will warm up the inside of the thermos, creating the ideal conditions to keep your lunch warm later.

Now, it's time to make your grilled cheese sandwich. You can experiment with different types of cheese and fillings, but generally, harder cheeses like Colby, Provolone, Muenster, or Monterey Jack work best. American cheese is also a great, classic option. If you want to get creative, you can try fillings like ham and cheese, turkey and avocado, or even PB&J.

Once your sandwich is ready, let it cool on a cutting board for a few minutes. It's important that it's still warm but not hot. This will prevent condensation from building up inside the thermos and making the bread soggy.

While your sandwich is cooling, empty the water from the thermos and dry the inside thoroughly with a paper towel. Make sure there is no moisture left inside, as this can affect the texture of your sandwich.

Now, it's time to cut your sandwich. Depending on the size and shape of your thermos, cut the grilled cheese into sticks, thirds, or quarters. This will ensure it fits nicely inside the thermos.

Place the sandwich pieces inside the warm, dry thermos and seal it tightly. Your grilled cheese will now stay warm and delicious for several hours until lunchtime.

If you want to elevate your lunch even further, consider packing some tomato soup in a separate thermos. Grilled cheese and tomato soup are a classic combination, and the soup can be enjoyed at room temperature or cold if you don't have another thermos.

So, there you have it! A simple and effective way to keep your grilled cheese warm and enjoyable for longer using a thermos.

Oven temperature

The oven temperature you should set to keep grilled cheese warm depends on the type of oven you have and the number of sandwiches you are preparing.

If you are preparing grilled cheese sandwiches for a large group, you can use a half sheet pan to make six sandwiches at a time. Set your oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit and bake the sandwiches for 10 minutes, flipping them halfway through.

If you are preparing a smaller batch, you can use a conventional oven and set the temperature between 140 and 200 degrees Fahrenheit. You can also use a toaster oven and set it to a low temperature to keep the sandwiches warm.

Another option is to use a cooling rack and place it in the oven on the lowest setting. This will help prevent the sandwiches from becoming soggy.

It is important to note that grilled cheese sandwiches are best enjoyed fresh, as the bread can become soggy and the cheese can harden over time. If you are preparing a large batch, it is recommended to cook the sandwiches in batches to ensure they are served fresh.

Additionally, the type of bread and cheese you use can impact the baking time. Thicker slices of bread and different types of cheese may require a longer baking time to ensure the cheese is melted and the bread is toasted to your desired level.

Finally, it is worth noting that oven temperatures can vary, so it is recommended to use an oven thermometer to ensure your oven is at the correct temperature. This will help you achieve the best results when keeping your grilled cheese sandwiches warm.

Bread type

The bread type you use for your grilled cheese sandwich is important. The best bread for grilled cheese is one with a tight crumb, so no airy focaccia or hole-ridden sourdough. You don't want your cheese spilling out onto the bottom of the pan and burning.

White bread is a good option as it is less likely to burn than grainier breads, but the choice is yours. Sourdough is also a popular choice for grilled cheese, but make sure it's not too thick. If your bread is too thick, the cheese might not melt. If it's too thin, the bread could get squished by the cheese.

If you're making grilled cheese in the oven, the type of bread you use will affect the baking time. For example, wheat bread will take a different amount of time to bake than white bread.

One source recommends toasting the bread slices in a toaster first before grilling the sandwiches in the pan. This way, you can use a minimum amount of fat in the pan, which will help to prevent the sandwiches from getting soggy later on.

Another source recommends using mayonnaise instead of butter on the outside of the bread. They claim that it helps the bread brown better in the skillet, creating a mouthwatering crunch when you bite into the sandwich.

So, when choosing the bread for your grilled cheese, opt for a bread with a tight crumb that isn't too thick or too thin. White bread or sourdough are good options, but you can experiment with different types of bread to see which you prefer. Just keep in mind that the baking time may vary depending on the type of bread you use.

Cheese type

The best cheese for a grilled cheese sandwich is one that melts well and has a good flavour. While you can use just about any semi-hard cheese, some are better than others for achieving a signature gooey cheese pull.

A classic grilled cheese sandwich is made with American cheese, which is a processed cheese product designed for easy assembly and a high degree of meltability. It has a superior melting ability and gooey texture. It is also usually pre-packaged and portioned in individual slices, making it convenient for layering. However, American cheese often lacks flavour.

For a more flavourful sandwich, you could try combining American cheese with cheddar or Monterey Jack. Mild or medium cheddar melts better than sharp cheddar, which can turn oily and waxy. Monterey Jack is a semi-hard, white cow's milk cheese with a mild, buttery flavour and excellent melting properties.

If you're looking for a cheese with a more distinctive flavour, you could try Gruyère, a hard Swiss cheese with a nutty, warm, sweet taste. It melts well due to its high water-to-oil ratio. Gruyère pairs well with shaved meats like ham, as seen in the French classic, croque madame.

For a rich, mild flavour and gooey consistency, try double cream Brie. It is one of the most popular examples of a bloomy rind cheese, which are young, small-format cheeses that ripen quickly, typically within a few weeks. The longer a bloomy rind cheese ripens, the gooier it becomes.

Mozzarella is another excellent option for grilled cheese, as it is known for its extreme meltability. It is a fresh Italian cheese, and its curds are heated and pulled, creating a signature bulb shape. When heat is applied, mozzarella stretches beautifully. However, fresh mozzarella has a softer, more buttery texture and a higher water content, so it may become runny rather than gooey when melted. For grilled cheese, it is better to use part-skim mozzarella, which has a lower moisture content and melts more easily.

Fillings

When it comes to grilled cheese fillings, the possibilities are endless. Here are some ideas to keep your sandwich warm and tasty:

Choose the Right Cheese

Cheese is the star of the show in a grilled cheese sandwich, so choosing the right type is essential. Go for a classic like cheddar, which adds a tangy flavour and melts beautifully. For extra decadence, pair it with shredded Gruyère cheese, which has a rich, nutty flavour. Other great melting cheeses include Fontina, Havarti, and Mozzarella. If you want to elevate your sandwich, try smoked Gouda, or a combination of pepperoni and mozzarella.

Add Some Embellishments

Take your grilled cheese to the next level by adding fun embellishments. Try something sweet like fig jam, or savoury like pesto. You can also add some crunch with potato chips, or a kick of spice with jalapeños. If you're feeling indulgent, add some bacon to your sandwich. For a more subtle flavour, try a smear of mustard.

Include Some Greens

Adding some vegetables to your grilled cheese can make it more nutritious and flavourful. Try arugula, spinach, or roasted red peppers. If you're a fan of avocado, add some slices to your sandwich for a creamy texture. You can also caramelise onions for a sweet and nutty flavour.

Experiment with Different Breads

While the filling is important, don't forget about the bread! Choose a good-quality, tight-crumbed loaf to prevent the cheese from leaking out. You can go with a classic like Italian bread, or mix things up with sourdough, challah, or rye. If you want a crispy exterior, brush your bread with butter or mayonnaise before grilling.

Frequently asked questions