Andy Montoya
There are many ways to make a grilled cheese sandwich, but what's the best method? The bread and cheese you use are obviously important, but there are other factors to consider, such as whether to use butter or mayonnaise, and whether to grate or slice the cheese. Opinions vary, but most people agree that a grilled cheese sandwich should be crispy on the outside and gooey on the inside.
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the right bread
Sourdough is a popular choice for grilled cheese sandwiches due to its tang and crustiness. However, it's best to avoid the super fancy sourdoughs with thick, tough crusts that can be hard to bite through. Regular white bread is also a good option, especially if you prefer your grilled cheese more traditional. Other bread options include rye, brioche, whole wheat, and potato bread.
It's important to consider the texture and thickness of the bread slices. Thicker slices may prevent the cheese from melting properly, while thinner slices can make the sandwich too crispy or flaky. The key is to find a balance where the bread is crispy and golden brown, but not burnt, and the cheese is melted and gooey.
Some people also like to toast the bread in the oil before adding the cheese to create a crispy exterior. This works well with sourdough or crusty bread. Additionally, bringing the bread to room temperature before grilling can help ensure even cooking.
Ultimately, the best bread for a grilled cheese sandwich is the one you like. Personal preferences play a significant role in creating the perfect grilled cheese sandwich, so feel free to experiment with different types of bread until you find the one that suits your taste buds.
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Selecting the best cheese
First, consider the melting properties of the cheese. You want a cheese that will melt evenly and smoothly, creating that irresistible gooey, stretchy texture. Cheeses like mozzarella, muenster, provolone, and American are known for their excellent melting qualities. If you're looking for a cheese with a more pronounced flavour, extra sharp cheddar or gruyere can be excellent choices, adding a bolder taste to your sandwich. For a more subtle flavour, you might opt for a milder cheddar or Swiss cheese.
The moisture content of the cheese is another important factor. A cheese with the right amount of moisture will melt beautifully and blend seamlessly with the other ingredients. However, be cautious, as cheeses with higher moisture content tend to have a milder flavour. To strike a balance, consider combining two or more cheeses. For instance, you could pair a cheese with excellent melting properties, like mozzarella, with a more flavourful option like extra sharp cheddar or gouda. This way, you get the best of both worlds—a sandwich that's both mouthwateringly melty and packed with flavour.
The texture of the cheese is also worth considering. Finely grated cheese tends to melt more evenly, ensuring that every bite is oozing with cheesy goodness. However, if you're using a softer cheese like brie, slicing it might be a better option. Grating softer cheeses can result in a messy situation!
Lastly, don't be afraid to experiment with different combinations of cheeses. Try mixing and matching shredded cheeses with a creamy binder like cream cheese or sour cream to add depth to your sandwich. Play around with various types of cheese to find the perfect blend of flavours and textures that suits your taste buds.
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Grilling techniques
Grilled cheese is a simple dish, but there are a few techniques to follow to ensure the best results. Firstly, the bread should be sliced thinly, around 2 slices, and any type of bread can be used, although sourdough is a popular choice due to its tang and flavour. It is important to ensure the bread is not too thick, soft, or full of holes, as this can affect the melting of the cheese and the overall texture of the sandwich.
Next, the fat or spread is key. Butter, mayonnaise, or oil can be used, and around 1 tablespoon is needed. Butter is the traditional choice, and salted butter can add extra flavour. However, some people prefer mayonnaise as it creates an extra crispy exterior and adds a creamy, salty taste. Oil can also be used, and a combination of butter and oil is an option too. The choice of spread is down to personal preference, and some experimentation may be required to find the best option for your taste.
The cheese is, of course, the star of the show. A melting cheese such as American, Cheddar, Mozzarella, or Gruyere is a good choice, and a combination of two cheeses can be used for extra flavour. The cheese should be grated or shredded as this promotes even melting, although some people prefer slices. Around 2 ounces of cheese are needed for a good coverage, and it is important to ensure the cheese is fully melted before serving.
Finally, the cooking technique. A skillet or grill pan is the best choice, preferably cast iron for even heating and browning. The pan should be preheated to a medium-low heat, around 350 degrees Fahrenheit, and the sandwich cooked for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown and the cheese is melted. A lid is not required, but a little patience is needed to ensure the cheese melts fully.
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Additional ingredients
While the classic grilled cheese sandwich is a delicious staple, there are endless ways to elevate this simple dish with additional ingredients. The most obvious way to change up your grilled cheese is to experiment with different types of bread and cheese. Sourdough is a popular choice, but you could also try white bread, brioche, rye, whole wheat, or potato bread. For cheese, a combination of mozzarella and a sharper cheese like cheddar or gruyere is a great option, but you could also try American, muenster, havarti, Swiss, fontina, Monterey jack, pepper jack, or provolone.
Beyond bread and cheese, there are numerous ingredients you can add to your grilled cheese to take it to the next level. Many people like to spread mayonnaise or butter on the outside of the bread before grilling to enhance the crispiness and add flavour. If you're using butter, try salted butter for an extra kick. You can also experiment with adding different condiments to the inside of the sandwich, such as Dijon mustard. Thinly sliced red onion is a great addition, especially when paired with apple dice and cheddar. If you're feeling adventurous, you could try adding sliced tomato, Lao Gan Ma Chili Crisp, or even fig jam.
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Serving suggestions
The classic grilled cheese sandwich is delicious on its own, but you can also serve it with a bowl of hot tomato soup for dipping. This combination is a favourite of many grilled cheese enthusiasts. You can also add a spoonful of Lao Gan Ma Chilli Crisp on top of the cheese for an extra kick.
If you want to get creative with your grilled cheese, you can experiment with different types of bread and cheese. Some popular bread options include sourdough, white bread, rye, brioche, and potato bread. For the cheese, you can try American, cheddar, mozzarella, muenster, or Swiss, among others. You can also mix different types of cheese for a more complex flavour. For example, you can combine a cheese that melts nicely, like provolone or muenster, with a strongly flavoured cheese like extra sharp cheddar.
When preparing your grilled cheese sandwich, you can also add sliced tomatoes, red onions, or even some sliced apples. If you're feeling adventurous, you can spread mayonnaise or Dijon mustard on the inside of the bread for extra flavour and crispness. However, if you prefer to stick with the traditional method, softened butter on the outside of the bread will give your sandwich a golden, buttery crust.
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