Randy Chandler
Grilled cheese is a classic American sandwich that has existed since 1920. It is made with buttered and toasted bread and filled with cheese. The amount of butter used for a grilled cheese sandwich depends on the cook's preference. Some recipes call for a generous amount of butter, while others suggest using a thin layer of butter or mayonnaise on the bread. The type of bread and cheese used can also vary, but it's important to choose a sturdy loaf that can handle the heat. The sandwich is typically cooked in a skillet or grilled over low to medium heat until the cheese is melted and the bread is golden brown.
How much butter for grilled cheese?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Butter per slice of bread | 1/2 tablespoon |
| Total butter per sandwich | 1 tablespoon |
| Type of butter | Unsalted |
| Bread type | Thick-sliced, such as Texas toast or sourdough |
| Number of cheese slices | 2 |
| Cheese type | Cheddar, American, Swiss, Gruyère, Raclette, Mozzarella, Havarti, Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, Gouda |
| Additional ingredients | Mayonnaise, mustard, pesto, garlic powder, Parmesan cheese |
| Cooking method | Skillet, griddle, oven |
| Cooking temperature | Medium-low heat |
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Butter vs. mayonnaise
The great grilled cheese debate: butter or mayonnaise? This has been a hotly contested topic, with some people sticking to the classic butter method and others swearing by the newer mayonnaise technique. So, which is better?
Butter has long been the go-to for grilled cheese enthusiasts. Its creamy, decadent texture and sweet milk solids give the sandwich a nutty, toasted flavour. It's also an excellent choice for achieving that coveted crispy, golden crust. However, butter's low smoke point can be a challenge, as it can burn easily and ruin the flavour of the sandwich. Perfectly timing the browning of the butter with the melting of the cheese requires skill and practice.
Mayonnaise, on the other hand, has gained popularity as a secret weapon for achieving the perfect grilled cheese. It has a similar fat content to butter but is spreadable straight from the fridge. Mayonnaise also has a higher smoke point, thanks to its combination of oil and egg yolks, which means you're less likely to burn your sandwich. It helps create a rich, golden crust and a mouthwatering crunch when you bite into it.
Some people prefer the taste of butter, finding it superior to the tangy flavour that mayonnaise can impart. Others appreciate the ease and forgiveness of mayonnaise, as it allows for more even browning and reduces the risk of burning. Combining both butter and mayonnaise is also an option, maximising the benefits of both spreads.
Ultimately, the choice between butter and mayonnaise comes down to personal preference. While butter is the classic choice, mayonnaise offers a viable alternative with its own unique advantages. Experiment with both and decide which method suits your taste buds and cooking skills best.
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How much butter to use
The amount of butter you use for your grilled cheese sandwich depends on the type of bread you're using and whether you're using butter alone or in combination with another fat.
If you're using sliced sandwich bread, a total of one tablespoon of butter is enough for your sandwich. This translates to half a tablespoon of butter per slice of bread, spread on one side only. If you're using butter in combination with olive oil, you can use half a tablespoon of each.
If you're using a thicker-sliced bread, such as Texas toast or sourdough, you'll need a more generous amount of butter. In this case, use half a tablespoon of butter per slice of bread, for a total of one tablespoon.
It's important to note that butter burns easily, so keep your heat on low to give the cheese time to melt and the bread time to turn golden brown and crispy.
If you want to experiment with alternatives to butter, you can try using mayonnaise, which has a higher smoke point and can help create a golden, crispy sandwich. You can also combine mayonnaise with butter for a sandwich with crispy edges.
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Bread type
The bread you use for your grilled cheese sandwich is important, as it needs to be soft yet sturdy and no more than about half an inch thick. You can use any sliced bread, such as sandwich bread, loaf bread, whole-wheat, rye, potato bread, or even a brioche loaf. You can also use sourdough, but it's best to avoid the super-fancy varieties with a thick, tough crust. If you want to stick to the classic, opt for soft and tender white sandwich bread.
However, you can get creative and experiment with different types of bread to suit your taste preferences. For example, you could try ciabatta or brioche. Just make sure the loaf is sturdy enough to handle the heat and not too thick, thin, soft, or holey. If your bread is too thin, the cheese might not melt properly, and if it's too soft, it may get squished by the cheese or fall apart in the pan.
Some people prefer their grilled cheese with a crispy, salty, buttery exterior and a soft, tender interior. To achieve this, you can spread mayonnaise on the outside of the bread, which helps it brown and adds a richer flavor. You can also sprinkle garlic powder on the buttered side of the bread for extra flavor.
If you're feeling adventurous, you can even try a combination of butter and mayonnaise on the bread. This creates a golden, crispy, and buttery crust while keeping the inside soft and gooey. However, if you prefer a simpler approach, stick to using just butter. Spread it on one side of each slice of bread, or try the "bread-soaking" method by melting butter in the pan before placing the bread slices to soak it up.
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Cheese type
When it comes to cheese, there are many options to choose from for your grilled cheese sandwich. The classic choice is plain sliced American cheese, which gives you a gorgeous cheese pull and a nostalgic taste. However, you can also use sliced Cheddar, a blend of sharp and mild, or a combination of mozzarella and a flavoured cheese, such as vintage Cheddar or Gruyere, for their excellent melting qualities. Mozzarella, in particular, has a mild flavour and a great cheese pull.
If you're feeling adventurous, you could try using multiple types of cheese. One option is to use Cheddar, Gruyere, and smoked Gouda. Smoked Gouda adds an earthy smokiness for an extra rich bite, while Gruyere brings creaminess. Tillamook Cheddar brings colour and tang. Another option is to use mozzarella, provolone, and asiago, along with sliced tomatoes and pesto or balsamic glaze.
You can also add some extra ingredients to enhance the flavour of your cheese. For example, you can grate your own cheese and add a sprinkle of salt, or toss shredded cheese with salt and pepper before grilling. You can also add deli mustard (with a touch of horseradish) to the inside of the sandwich, or spread some mayonnaise on the outside of the bread. Just be aware that using mayonnaise instead of butter to cook the sandwich may not give you the same level of browning.
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Cooking method
The grilled cheese sandwich is a classic, comforting meal. While there are many ways to make it, the cooking method described here will yield a sandwich that is crisp and golden on the outside and deliciously melty in the middle.
First, select your cheese. While the original grilled cheese was made with American cheese, you can now commonly make it with one or more different cheeses. Good melting cheeses include mozzarella, Monterey Jack, pepper jack, sharp cheddar, gouda, and Havarti. For a nuttier flavour, try Gruyère or raclette, which are types of Swiss cheese.
Next, select your bread. A thicker-sliced bread, such as Texas toast, works best. Sourdough is also a good option, as is brioche or ciabatta. However, you can use any type of bread you like, as long as it is sturdy enough to handle the heat.
Now, it's time to assemble the sandwich. Spread mayonnaise on the outside of the bread. This will help the bread brown and give it a richer flavour. You can also spread the inside of one slice of bread with a sauce, such as Dijon mustard, pesto, or garlic powder. Layer the cheese on top of the sauce, then place the other slice of bread on top, mayo side out.
Finally, it's time to cook the sandwich. Heat a nonstick or cast-iron skillet over medium-low heat and melt enough butter in the bottom of the pan to coat it. Place the sandwich in the pan and cook until the bottom slice is lightly browned, then flip. Continue cooking until the cheese is melted and the bread is golden brown.
If you're making a large batch, you can also cook grilled cheese sandwiches in the oven. Butter the outsides of the bread slices, stack the cheese between the bread, and bake on a baking sheet for 10 minutes at 400˚F, flipping halfway.
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Frequently asked questions
The amount of butter depends on the type of bread you use. For a sandwich made with two slices of bread, you should use 1 tablespoon of butter in total. This equates to 1/2 tablespoon of butter per slice of bread.
Some recipes suggest using mayonnaise instead of butter for grilled cheese sandwiches. Mayonnaise has a higher smoke point than butter, which means it browns the bread without burning it. It also gives the sandwich a richer flavor. However, the classic grilled cheese sandwich is made with butter, and many cooks still prefer using butter for its crispy, buttery flavor. Some cooks even suggest using a combination of butter and mayonnaise for the best results.
First, spread 1/2 tablespoon of butter on one side of a slice of bread. Place the bread butter-side down in a hot skillet. Add cheese, then place another slice of bread on top, butter-side up. Cook until the bottom slice is lightly browned, then flip. Continue cooking until the cheese is melted and serve.
