Andy Montoya
Grilled cheese is a classic comfort food that is easy to make and perfect for a quick lunch or dinner. It's a simple recipe: just cheese and bread. However, there are some tips and tricks to getting that perfect golden, buttery crust and deliciously gooey, molten cheese filling. The key is to use a combination of two types of cheese—one for flavour and one for stretch, like mozzarella—and to cook the sandwich over a medium-low heat to ensure the cheese melts before the bread burns.
How to cook a grilled cheese on the stove
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Bread | Sourdough, white, soft and tender but sturdy, not too thick or thin |
| Cheese | Cheddar, Gruyere, Mozzarella, Colby Jack, Pepper Jack, Havarti, Gouda |
| Butter | Salted, unsalted, clarified |
| Other ingredients | Mayonnaise, mustard, avocado, sliced tomato, bacon |
| Heat | Medium-low, around 300 degrees F |
| Pan | Non-stick, cast iron, stainless steel, skillet, griddle |
| Cooking time | 3-5 minutes each side |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Choosing the right bread
When selecting bread for a grilled cheese sandwich, opt for a loaf that is dense and has a soft, tender texture. White bread is a classic choice and can be used to make a delicious, simple grilled cheese. If you can get your hands on a good-quality, dense Pullman loaf, you may achieve grilled cheese nirvana! Sourdough is another excellent option, providing a nice contrast to the gooey cheese. Just avoid the super fancy sourdoughs with thick, tough crusts that can be hard to bite through. A nice, normal sourdough will do the trick.
It's also important to consider the thickness of your bread slices. You don't want them to be too thick, as this may prevent the cheese from melting evenly. On the other hand, if they're too thin, your bread may get squished by the weight of the cheese. Aim for a happy medium where your bread can stand up to the cheese without becoming overly crispy or hard to bite.
While pre-sliced cheese is convenient, it's best to avoid it when making a grilled cheese sandwich. Instead, opt for freshly grated or sliced cheese. This will ensure your sandwich has the perfect melt and that delicious gooey texture. For a classic grilled cheese, you can use mild or medium cheddar, Colby Jack, pepper jack, or American cheese from the deli counter. If you want to get creative, try Havarti, mozzarella, gouda, or even a combination of cheeses!
Smoke Cheese Like a Pro on Your Pit Boss Pellet Grill
You may want to see also
Selecting the right cheese
First, think about the meltability of the cheese. You want a cheese that will melt easily and create a gooey, creamy texture when combined with the bread. Cheeses like mozzarella, cheddar, gouda, havarti, and American are all known for their meltability and are popular choices for grilled cheese sandwiches.
Next, consider the flavour of the cheese. While a mild or medium cheddar can provide a nice balance of flavour and meltability, you might also want to experiment with more robust cheeses like Gruyere, vintage cheddar, or pepper jack to add a bolder taste to your sandwich. If you're feeling adventurous, you can even try a combination of cheeses, such as mozzarella with Gruyere or cheddar, to create a unique flavour profile.
The quality of the cheese is also important. While pre-shredded or sliced cheese can be convenient, freshly grated cheese tends to melt better and often has a superior flavour. If you're using Swiss cheese, for example, it's worth spending a little extra to get a higher-quality product that will melt more easily.
Finally, think about the bread-to-cheese ratio. The general rule of thumb is to use two slices of cheese for every two slices of bread, but you can adjust this ratio to your liking. Just be mindful that if you use too much cheese, it may escape from the sandwich as it melts, so be generous but not excessive.
Best Cheeses to Accompany Grilled Chicken Sandwiches
You may want to see also
Preparing the butter
You can melt the butter in a small bowl in the microwave, using 15-second intervals on high power for 60 to 75 seconds. Alternatively, you can melt the butter directly in your pan on the stove. If you choose this method, make sure to keep a close eye on the butter to prevent it from burning.
Once your butter is melted, you can brush or spread it onto your bread. It is important to use enough butter to create a barrier between the bread and the pan, which will help to prevent sticking and ensure even browning. Spread the butter evenly on one side of each slice of bread. You can also add a thin layer of mayonnaise over the butter for extra crispness and flavour.
If you prefer a healthier option, you can substitute butter with olive oil, which has a higher smoke point. Simply heat up some olive oil in your pan instead of butter and assemble your sandwich as usual.
Grilled Cheese: A Kid-Friendly Comfort Food
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Getting the heat right
To start, make sure your pan is hot before adding the sandwich. You can test this by placing your hand above the pan and feeling the heat. If your pan is non-stick, you may not need to add any butter or oil. However, if you're using a cast iron or stainless steel pan, it's recommended to add a thin layer of butter or oil to prevent sticking. For a healthier option, olive oil can be used instead of butter.
Once your pan is hot and prepared, it's time to cook your sandwich. Place it in the pan and cover it with a lid. This will help trap the heat and ensure even cooking. Depending on your stove and sandwich thickness, cook the sandwich for 2 to 5 minutes on the first side, or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is partially melted. Then, carefully flip the sandwich using a spatula and cook the other side for an additional 2 to 3 minutes, or until it reaches the desired level of doneness.
If you notice that your sandwich is browning too quickly, remove it from the pan and reduce the heat. You may also need to lower the heat if your sandwich is taking a long time to cook, as this could indicate that your pan is too hot. It's important to be patient and allow the grilled cheese to cook slowly, as rushing the process by using high heat can result in burnt bread and unmelted cheese.
Crafting the Ultimate Grilled Cheese: Bread Toppings and Fillings
You may want to see also
Flipping the sandwich
Step 1: Timing is Everything
Before flipping your sandwich, ensure that the first side has cooked long enough to develop a golden crust. The ideal cooking time for the first side varies depending on the heat level and your personal preference for bread doneness. As a general rule, cook the sandwich for at least 3 to 4 minutes on the first side. You can also look for visual cues, such as the bread turning a deep, even golden brown colour.
Step 2: Flipping Technique
When it's time to flip, use a spatula to carefully lift the sandwich from the pan. Place the spatula at the edge of the sandwich and gently slide it underneath. Then, in one swift motion, flip the sandwich over and place it back in the pan. It's important to be gentle and confident during this step to avoid breaking the sandwich or causing the cheese to ooze out.
Step 3: Cook the Second Side
After flipping, cook the second side of the sandwich for an additional 2 to 3 minutes. This timing will allow the bread to toast to a golden brown and the cheese to melt completely. Remember to maintain a steady medium heat to prevent burning the bread before the cheese is fully melted.
Step 4: Checking for Doneness
Don't be afraid to take a peek inside your sandwich to ensure the cheese is fully melted. You can carefully lift the sandwich with your spatula and check if the cheese is holding the sandwich together. If the cheese is still not completely melted, continue cooking and check again after a minute or so.
Step 5: Adjusting Heat if Needed
If you notice that the bread is browning too quickly or burning, it's a sign that your heat is too high. In this case, remove the sandwich from the pan and let the pan cool down slightly before continuing to cook. Remember, patience and low heat are key to achieving the perfect grilled cheese.
By following these steps and paying attention to the small details, you'll be well on your way to mastering the art of flipping a grilled cheese sandwich. With practice, you'll be able to create a sandwich with a crispy, golden exterior and a gooey, molten cheese centre.
Grilled Cheese: A Classic Melted Sandwich, Defined
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
The bread-to-cheese ratio that works best is 2:2.
The best heat level to cook a grilled cheese sandwich is medium-low heat. If your stove has numbered heat levels, this would be a 3 or 4.
White bread is the classic choice for grilled cheese sandwiches. However, sourdough is also a good option.
