Bushra Griffith
Freezing grilled cheese sandwiches is a simple and convenient way to ensure you always have a tasty meal ready to go. With just a few minutes of prep, you can cook up a delicious grilled cheese from frozen in no time. This method is perfect for meal planning and saving money by reducing food waste. So, how do you freeze a grilled cheese sandwich?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Bread | Use sliced sandwich bread, preferably thin and even slices |
| Cheese | Cheddar, Muenster, Havarti, Provolone, or Pepper Jack |
| Butter | At room temperature, spread on one side of each slice of bread |
| Assembly | Place cheese slices between two slices of bread with the buttered sides facing out |
| Freezing | Freeze sandwiches in a single layer in a freezer bag for up to 6 weeks |
| Thawing | Not necessary, but can be thawed in the fridge overnight or for at least 4 hours |
| Cooking | Place frozen sandwiches in a toaster oven at 400°F for about 10-12 minutes |
| or | |
| Heat in the microwave for 15 seconds, then cook in a skillet for 1-2 minutes per side |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the right bread
When it comes to choosing the right bread for your grilled cheese sandwiches, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, it is generally recommended to use sliced sandwich bread as its even size and thinness make it easier to cook later. If you're using a skillet to cook your sandwiches, you might want to opt for a thicker bread, as thin bread may burn before the cheese is fully melted.
While you can use any type of bread you have on hand, different types of bread may toast at different speeds. For example, Dave's Killer Bread and Oroweat Small Slices are two options that have been used with good results. If you opt for a different type of bread, keep a close eye on your sandwich while it cooks to avoid over-toasting or under-toasting.
Another factor to consider is how you plan to freeze your sandwiches. If you're freezing them in a stack, it's best to use a softer bread that won't get squished at the bottom of the pile. Freezing the sandwiches on a baking sheet first can help prevent this issue, but it's still something to keep in mind.
Additionally, the type of bread you choose can impact the overall taste and texture of your grilled cheese. For example, denser breads like sourdough or rye will give your sandwich a chewier texture, while softer breads like white or wheat bread will result in a fluffier, lighter bite.
Lastly, if you're looking for a gluten-free or grain-free option, there are several alternative bread choices available, such as gluten-free bread, almond flour bread, or coconut flour bread. These options can be a great substitute for those with dietary restrictions or preferences.
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Butter or mayonnaise?
When it comes to grilled cheese sandwiches, the choice of spread can be a matter of personal preference, with some opting for butter and others preferring mayonnaise. Both options have their own advantages and unique contributions to the flavour and texture of the sandwich.
Butter, when used on the outside of the bread, lends a delicious buttery taste to the sandwich. It also helps to create a golden brown and crispy exterior. However, butter needs to be at room temperature to be easily spreadable, which can be an inconvenience if you're in a hurry.
Mayonnaise, on the other hand, is a convenient choice as it is inherently spreadable straight from the fridge. It adds a tangy flavour to the sandwich and creates a crisp exterior. However, it is important to note that frozen mayonnaise may separate as it thaws, which can be undesirable.
Some people even choose to use a combination of both butter and mayonnaise to achieve the best of both worlds.
When freezing grilled cheese sandwiches, it is recommended to use butter as the spread. This is because mayonnaise may not hold up as well during the freezing and thawing process, potentially affecting the taste and texture of the sandwich. Therefore, for optimal results, it is best to stick with butter when preparing grilled cheese sandwiches for freezing.
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The best cheese for grilled cheese sandwiches
When it comes to grilled cheese sandwiches, the cheese you choose is essential. While you can use any type of cheese that melts well, some cheeses will give you better results than others.
A classic choice for grilled cheese is American cheese, which has a creamy texture and mild flavour. It melts beautifully, creating that desired oozy, molten cheese pull. Another popular option is sharp cheddar, which lends a sharp, nutty flavour to the sandwich and also melts well. For a more complex flavour, you can combine cheddar with Gruyère or raclette, two types of Alpine-style Swiss cheese known for their excellent melting abilities. They add a salty, nutty taste with a hint of funk to your sandwich.
If you're looking for something a little different, try using mozzarella. It melts well and can be paired with provolone for a delicious combination. For a stronger flavour, consider using Havarti, which has a slightly higher fat content, giving it a richer, more buttery taste. Another option is Monterey Jack, also known as Pepper Jack, which has a mild flavour with a slight kick.
For a truly indulgent sandwich, you could try a combination of Gouda and Gruyère, or even mix in some cream cheese with a spicy Mexican blend for an extra kick. If you're serving your grilled cheese with tomato soup, some people prefer to use cheddar, as it pairs well with the soup's flavours.
No matter which cheese you choose, the key to a great grilled cheese sandwich is to use thinly sliced cheese that will melt easily and create that classic, gooey texture.
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How to assemble the sandwiches
To assemble the sandwiches, start by laying out your bread of choice in pairs. You can use any type of sandwich bread, but sliced sandwich bread is preferred as it is evenly sized and thin, making it easier to cook later. For each sandwich, spread butter or mayonnaise onto one side of each slice of bread. If you're using mayonnaise, note that it may separate when thawed.
Place one piece of bread, buttered-side-down, on a cutting board and top with two slices of cheese. You can use any type of sliced cheese, but thicker pieces will take longer to melt. If you're using block cheese, make sure to slice it thinly. Top the cheese with the other piece of bread, buttered-side-up. Repeat until you have all of your sandwiches assembled.
If you plan to grill your sandwiches before storing, you can spread your condiments directly onto the bread. However, if you plan to store them raw, place spreads and condiments in between the cheese and meat to prevent wet ingredients from seeping into the bread and making it soggy.
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Cooking from frozen
Grilled cheese sandwiches can be cooked straight from frozen. There is no need to thaw them first, but you can if you want to—just place the individually bagged sandwiches in the fridge overnight or for at least four hours. If you do cook from frozen, a brief stint in the microwave can speed up the cooking process.
To cook your frozen grilled cheese sandwiches, place them on a pan in a cold toaster oven. Set the temperature to 400°F (or 375°F for a convection oven) and select the bake setting. After about five or six minutes, use a spatula to carefully flip the sandwich. Don't worry if the bottom slice of bread is only lightly browned—it will continue to toast as it cooks. Continue cooking the sandwiches for another four to six minutes, or until both sides are toasted and the cheese in the middle is melted.
You can also cook frozen grilled cheese sandwiches in a skillet. Heat the skillet to medium heat. Take a sandwich out of the freezer and remove it from the parchment paper. Place the sandwich in the skillet, cover, and cook for three to four minutes, or until browned on the bottom. Flip the sandwich, cover, and cook for another three to four minutes, or until the second side is browned.
If you want to cook your frozen grilled cheese sandwiches in the microwave, place a sandwich on a microwave-safe plate and heat for 15 seconds. Then, place the plate onto a preheated skillet over medium heat and cook for one to two minutes on each side, or until toasted to your liking.
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Frequently asked questions
You can freeze grilled cheese sandwiches for up to 6 weeks or about 2 months.
First, spread butter on one side of each slice of bread. On the unbuttered side of one slice, place 2 slices of cheese. Top with the other slice of bread, buttered side out. Repeat until you have assembled all your sandwiches. Place the sandwiches in a single layer in a freezer-safe bag and freeze.
You can cook the sandwiches in a toaster oven, air fryer, oven, or on a panini press. If using a skillet, heat it to medium heat. Place the frozen sandwich on the skillet and cook for 1-2 minutes per side or until browned on the bottom.
