Bushra Griffith
Grilled cheese sandwiches are a classic, simple, and delicious meal. They are easy to make and can be served with a variety of sides and entrees. The basic recipe calls for buttered bread, cheese, and a hot skillet. The type of bread and cheese used can vary depending on personal preference, but it is important to choose a sturdy loaf that can handle the heat. In this article, we will provide a step-by-step guide on how to make a basic grilled cheese sandwich, as well as some tips and variations to elevate this classic comfort food.
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the right bread
When it comes to choosing the right bread for your grilled cheese sandwich, you have a lot of options. While some sources suggest that any type of bread will work, others recommend choosing a bread that is soft yet sturdy and no more than 1/2-inch thick.
Sourdough is a popular choice for grilled cheese sandwiches due to its tangy flavour and sturdy texture. However, if you don't have sourdough on hand, regular white bread will also work. Other options include brioche, rye, potato bread, whole wheat, and even ciabatta. Just make sure that the slices are not too thick, as this can affect the melting of the cheese, too thin, as this may cause the bread to fall apart, or too soft, as this can lead to the bread being squished by the cheese.
When it comes to slicing the bread, it's important to ensure that the slices are relatively thin. This is because thicker slices may not cook evenly, resulting in a sandwich that is crispy on the outside but still soft and unmelted on the inside.
In addition to the type and thickness of the bread, it's also important to consider the crust. A hearty bread with a thick crust will give your grilled cheese sandwich a satisfying crunch, while a softer bread with a thinner crust may be preferred by those who find thick crusts difficult to chew.
Ultimately, the right bread for your grilled cheese sandwich comes down to personal preference. So feel free to experiment with different types of bread until you find the one that you like best.
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Selecting the best cheese
First and foremost, you'll want to choose a cheese that melts well. Low-moisture cheeses are ideal, as they tend to melt better than higher-moisture varieties. Classic options include American cheese, which has a mild flavour, and cheddar, which offers a sharp, nutty taste. Other meltable cheeses to consider are mozzarella, Monterey Jack, pepper Jack, Havarti, Swiss, and Gruyère. If you're feeling adventurous, you could even try a combination of two types of cheese, such as mozzarella with a sharper-tasting cheese like vintage cheddar or Gruyère. This will give your sandwich a more complex flavour and an impressive cheese pull.
When selecting your cheese, it's also important to consider the quality. Freshly grated cheese is always best, as pre-shredded cheese often contains additives that can affect its melting ability. If you're using cheddar, grate it yourself using the large holes of a box grater for the ideal consistency. For other cheese types, shredding or grating the cheese yourself will ensure a smoother, more even melt.
Lastly, don't be afraid to experiment with different cheeses and combinations to find your perfect grilled cheese sandwich. You can try mixing Gruyère and Brie with thinly sliced apples or fig jam for a gourmet twist, or add some blue cheese for an extra punch of flavour. If you're feeling creative, you can even incorporate sautéed spinach, caramelised onions, roasted red peppers, or pickled jalapeños to your sandwich for a unique flavour profile.
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Grilling equipment
- Skillet or Pan: A skillet or a pan is the most common equipment for grilling a cheese sandwich. Choose a medium-sized skillet, preferably made of cast iron, as it heats evenly and browns food effectively. A non-stick skillet is also a good option for grilled cheese sandwiches.
- Spatula: Use a thin metal spatula to flip the sandwich carefully without breaking it.
- Baking Sheet: If you are making grilled cheese sandwiches for a crowd, the oven method is a good option. Preheat a rimmed baking sheet in the oven and place the sandwiches on it.
- Sandwich Press or Panini Press: If you want to try a different method, you can use a sandwich press or a panini press. This will give you a crispy crunchy sandwich with minimal effort.
- Toaster or Toastie Maker: Although not as effective as a pan, a toaster or toastie maker can also be used to make grilled cheese sandwiches. However, the weight of the lid can squish the bread and limit the amount of cheese you can use.
- Microwave: While not recommended, a microwave can be used as a quick alternative for grilling your cheese sandwich.
Remember, the key to a great grilled cheese sandwich is even heating and browning, so choose your equipment accordingly!
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Butter or mayo?
When it comes to grilled cheese, the choice of spread is an important one. Butter and mayonnaise are the two most popular options, each with its own advantages and disadvantages.
Butter is the traditional choice for grilled cheese sandwiches. It has a rich, nutty fragrance and gives the sandwich a crispy, crunchy texture. However, butter has a relatively low smoke point, so it can burn before the cheese has melted if the heat is too high. To use butter, simply spread it on the outside of the bread before grilling. You can also melt butter in the pan first and then place the bread in, swirling to coat. Softened butter works best for spreading, but if your butter is too hard, you can always melt it in the pan first.
Mayonnaise, on the other hand, has a high oil content that promotes browning and creates a pleasant, eggy flavour. It also has a higher smoke point than butter, so it's less likely to burn. Mayonnaise is also convenient because it's naturally soft and easy to spread straight from the refrigerator. To use mayonnaise, spread a thin layer on the outside of the bread, or even on the inside for extra creaminess and saltiness.
Some people prefer to use a combination of both butter and mayonnaise. For example, you can spread mayonnaise on the inside of the bread and then cook the sandwich in butter melted in the pan. This combination gives the sandwich a nice texture from the mayonnaise without the strong taste, along with the buttery flavour and smooth texture.
Ultimately, the choice between butter and mayonnaise for a grilled cheese sandwich comes down to personal preference. Both options can create a delicious, crispy sandwich, so feel free to experiment and see which one you prefer!
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Adding extra ingredients
A grilled cheese sandwich is a simple dish that can be easily adapted and customised with extra ingredients. While the classic combination of bread, butter, and cheese is delicious, you can elevate your grilled cheese sandwich by adding a variety of ingredients to create different flavours and textures. Here are some suggestions for extra ingredients to take your grilled cheese to the next level:
Cheese
While cheddar and American cheese are popular choices for grilled cheese, you can experiment with different types of cheese to add more flavour. Try using two types of cheese, such as mozzarella for its stretchiness and another for flavour, like Gruyère or vintage cheddar. Other cheese options include Monterey Jack, Colby, Swiss, pepper jack, gouda, Havarti, or a combination of cheeses. If you're feeling adventurous, sprinkle in some blue cheese for an extra punch of flavour.
Bread
Although sourdough is a popular choice for grilled cheese, you can use other types of bread to add variety. Try using white bread, brioche, ciabatta, whole wheat, rye, potato bread, or even a brioche loaf. Just make sure the bread is sturdy enough to handle the heat and not too thick, delicate, or soft to prevent it from falling apart or becoming too squished.
Spreads
In addition to butter, you can add spreads like mayonnaise and Dijon mustard to enhance the flavour and texture of your grilled cheese. Mayonnaise helps the sandwich brown beautifully and adds a delicate crunch. Dijon mustard adds a subtle tangy flavour. You can also experiment with other sauces like pesto, which pairs well with mozzarella and provolone cheese.
Vegetables
Adding vegetables to your grilled cheese is a great way to incorporate more nutrients and create unique flavour combinations. Try sautéed spinach, caramelised onions, chopped steamed broccoli, roasted red peppers, or roasted tomatoes. For a gourmet touch, use a mix of Gruyere and brie cheese with thinly sliced apples or a spread of fig jam.
Pickles
Pickles add a fun and tangy twist to your grilled cheese. Try layering in pickled red onions, pickled radishes, or pickled jalapeños for a pop of flavour and a crunchy texture.
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