Patrick Oconnell
Grilled cheese sandwiches are a classic comfort food. The ultimate grilled cheese has a crunchy exterior and a gooey, melted cheese filling. To achieve this, you need to use a cast-iron skillet, which provides even heat distribution. The key to success is to cook your sandwich slowly over medium-low heat, allowing the cheese to melt and the bread to turn golden brown and crispy. You can use a variety of cheeses, such as cheddar, mozzarella, Swiss, or gouda, and add fillings like sautéed onions, tomatoes, and mushrooms. The perfect grilled cheese sandwich is a simple yet delicious treat.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of pan | Cast iron skillet |
| Pan temperature | Medium-low heat |
| Pan preparation | Rub with a thin layer of oil and place in the oven at 400°F for 20 minutes |
| Bread | Thick slices; options include sourdough, white, whole wheat, squaw, or brioche |
| Bread preparation | Butter one side of each slice; spread mustard on the other side |
| Cheese | Sharp cheddar, shredded white cheddar, Swiss, mozzarella, provolone, gouda, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack |
| Cheese preparation | Add 1-2 slices between the unbuttered sides of the bread |
| Cooking time | 3-5 minutes on each side |
| Garnish | Freshly grated Parmigiano Reggiano |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the right skillet
First and foremost, opt for a cast-iron skillet over other types of cookware. Cast iron is renowned for its even heat distribution, ensuring your grilled cheese cooks uniformly across the surface of the pan. This even heating helps you achieve that coveted golden brown crust without overheating the skillet, which could lead to sticking or burning.
When selecting your cast-iron skillet, size matters. Choose a large skillet that will comfortably fit your sandwich. A cramped skillet may lead to uneven cooking, making it challenging to flip your sandwich without tearing the bread or causing an uneven crust.
Seasoning your cast-iron skillet is crucial. A well-seasoned skillet will have a natural non-stick surface, preventing your grilled cheese from sticking to the pan. To season your skillet, rub it down with a very thin layer of oil and place it in a hot oven for a brief period. This process creates a polymerized surface, enhancing the non-stick properties of the skillet and reducing the need for excess butter or oil in the pan.
Finally, consider the thickness of the skillet. A heavier, thicker cast-iron skillet will retain heat better, providing more consistent cooking results. Thicker skillets also tend to have a smoother finish, which can contribute to that sought-after crispy crust on your grilled cheese.
By following these guidelines when choosing your cast-iron skillet, you'll be well on your way to creating the ultimate grilled cheese sandwich, with a crunchy exterior and a gooey, melted cheese filling.
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Selecting the best bread
When making grilled cheese in a cast-iron skillet, selecting the right bread is crucial. The bread should be thickly sliced to create a substantial base for the cheese and provide a satisfying bite. It should also have a good structure to withstand the weight of the cheese and hold its shape during grilling.
There are several types of bread that work well for grilled cheese sandwiches. White bread is a classic choice and pairs well with almost any type of cheese. It has a neutral flavour that lets the cheese shine and is soft, yielding a pleasant texture contrast with the crispy crust. Whole wheat bread is another option, offering a nuttier flavour and a slightly denser texture than white bread. It stands up well to the weight of the cheese and provides a healthier option, containing more fibre and nutrients.
Sourdough bread is also an excellent choice for grilled cheese sandwiches. Its tangy flavour and chewy texture add depth and substance to the sandwich. Sourdough also tends to have a thicker crust, which becomes deliciously crispy when grilled. Brioche is another option, providing a sweet and buttery flavour that complements the cheese. Its rich, soft texture makes for an indulgent treat. Squaw bread, a type of rye bread, is another option with a unique, robust flavour that can enhance the overall taste of the sandwich.
When selecting bread for a grilled cheese sandwich, it is important to consider the sugar content, as sweeter breads tend to brown more quickly. Therefore, when using sweeter breads such as brioche or squaw bread, it is advisable to cook them over low heat to prevent them from burning. Ultimately, the best bread for a grilled cheese sandwich in a cast-iron skillet is one that is thickly sliced, structurally sound, and complements the flavour of the cheese.
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Picking the perfect cheese
When it comes to picking the perfect cheese for your grilled cheese sandwich, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, it is essential to choose a cheese with a low melting point to ensure it melts properly and creates that gooey, stretchy texture. Some great options include cheddar, mozzarella, provolone, Swiss, gouda, Monterey Jack, and pepper jack.
Another factor to consider is the flavour of the cheese. A grilled cheese sandwich can be a simple, comforting dish, but adding a cheese with a unique flavour can take it to the next level. For example, Gruyere is a type of Swiss cheese with excellent melting properties and a nutty, salty taste. Raclette, another Swiss cheese, has similar melting qualities and adds a bit of funk to your sandwich.
If you're feeling adventurous, you can even mix and match different cheeses to create a unique flavour profile. Mozzarella, for example, is known for its stretch, while vintage cheddar or Gruyere adds a punch of flavour. You can also try mixing mozzarella with Gruyere or brie and adding thinly sliced apples or a slather of fig jam for a gourmet touch.
The type of bread you use can also impact the cheese you choose. For sweeter breads, like Texas Toast, a stronger cheese like sharp cheddar can stand up to the sweetness. Thicker breads, like sourdough, can handle multiple types of cheese without becoming soggy. On the other hand, softer breads may get squished by the cheese, so a milder, softer cheese like havarti might be a better choice.
Lastly, consider the cooking method. If you're using a cast-iron skillet, you'll want a cheese that melts well and creates a crispy, golden crust when cooked. Butter can help achieve this crust, but some people prefer using mayonnaise, as it adds a bit of extra flavour and crispness to the sandwich.
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Using butter or mayo
When making grilled cheese in a cast-iron skillet, you can use butter or mayonnaise on the outside of the bread to get a golden brown, crispy finish. Using butter is a traditional method that adds flavour and crunch to your sandwich. Buttering the skillet can also help prevent the sandwich from sticking, but this is not necessary if your skillet is well-seasoned. To season a cast-iron skillet, rub it down with a thin layer of oil, place it in the oven at 400°F for 20 minutes, then wipe away any excess oil.
If you prefer to use butter on your grilled cheese, there are a few techniques you can try. Some people recommend buttering only the outside of the bread that will touch the skillet, while others suggest buttering both sides of the bread for extra flavour and texture. You can also try spreading butter on the inside of the bread, which some people say improves the texture of the sandwich.
Mayonnaise is another option for achieving a crispy, golden brown finish on your grilled cheese. Spread a very thin layer of mayonnaise on the outside of the bread before placing it in the skillet. This technique is said to give your sandwich a "deli quality" finish.
Whether you use butter or mayonnaise, the key to a perfect grilled cheese in a cast-iron skillet is to cook it over medium-low heat. This will ensure that the bread becomes golden brown and crispy without burning, and it gives the cheese time to melt. Adjust the heat as needed to avoid overheating, which is the most common problem when using a cast-iron skillet.
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Cooking temperature and duration
When cooking grilled cheese in a cast-iron skillet, it is important to heat the skillet before adding the sandwich. The skillet should be heated on medium-low heat. While the skillet is heating up, butter one side of each slice of bread. You can also spread mustard on the other side of the bread if you like. Once the skillet is hot, place the sandwich inside and lightly press it down with a spatula.
The ideal cooking temperature for a grilled cheese sandwich in a cast-iron skillet is medium heat. This temperature allows the cheese to melt and the bread to turn golden brown without burning. It is important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on the type of bread and cheese used, as well as the thickness of the sandwich. For a thicker sandwich, you may need to cook it at a slightly lower temperature to ensure the cheese melts before the bread gets too brown.
Once the sandwich is in the skillet, it should be cooked for 3 to 5 minutes on each side. This will allow the bread to become crisp and golden brown, and the cheese to melt. It is important to only flip the sandwich once, as flipping it too early can cause the bread to stick to the skillet. After flipping, cook the sandwich for another 3 to 5 minutes, or until the other side is also golden brown and the cheese is melted.
If you are using a sweet type of bread, such as sourdough, it is recommended to cook the sandwich on low heat as the sugar in the bread can cause it to brown more quickly. Similarly, if you are using a type of cheese with a higher melting point, such as Swiss cheese, you may need to cook the sandwich at a slightly lower temperature to ensure the cheese melts fully.
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Frequently asked questions
Heat a cast-iron skillet on medium-low heat. You can add butter or a thin layer of oil to the pan, but this is not necessary as the butter on the bread will be enough. Place your sandwich in the skillet and lightly press down with a spatula. Cook for 3-5 minutes until the bread is crisp and golden brown, then flip and cook for another 3-5 minutes.
You can use any type of bread, but sweeter pieces of bread should be cooked on low heat as the sugar will brown quicker. Some good options are sourdough, white, whole wheat, or brioche.
You can use any type of firm, low-melting-point cheese such as cheddar, mozzarella, provolone, Swiss, gouda, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack.
You can add sautéed onions, tomatoes, and mushrooms, as well as mustard, mayonnaise, or other condiments.
Grilled cheese sandwiches go well with tomato soup, or you can cut them into triangles and serve them as an appetizer.
