Patrick Oconnell
Grilled cheese sandwiches are a classic, easy-to-make comfort food. While there are many variations, the fundamental ingredients are sliced bread, butter, and cheese. The key to a great grilled cheese sandwich is achieving a golden, crispy exterior with a gooey, melted cheese centre. This can be achieved by using a combination of butter and mayonnaise on the bread, and cooking the sandwich on a skillet over medium-low heat. The type of bread and cheese used can be adapted to suit personal preference, but it is important to ensure the bread is sturdy enough to handle the heat, and the cheese melts well.
Characteristics of a Grilled Cheese Sandwich
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Bread | Sourdough, brioche, ciabatta, white sandwich bread, Texas toast, whole-wheat, rye, potato bread |
| Bread texture | Soft yet sturdy, not too thick or thin |
| Butter | Salted or unsalted, softened, spread on the outside of the bread |
| Butter quantity | 1/2 Tbsp on each slice |
| Mayonnaise | Spread on the outside of the bread, can be used instead of butter |
| Cheese | Cheddar, American, mozzarella, gouda, havarti, gruyere, fontina, Monterey jack, pepper jack, Swiss, raclette |
| Cheese preparation | Freshly grated, not pre-shredded |
| Cheese quantity | Enough to stack on one slice of bread |
| Cooking method | Skillet, griddle, pan |
| Cooking temperature | Low to medium-low heat |
| Cooking time | 6-7 minutes |
| Cooking technique | Cover the pan while cooking, flip the sandwich once |
| Serving | Cut diagonally or in triangles, serve with tomato soup |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Choosing the right bread
Sourdough is a popular choice for grilled cheese sandwiches due to its tang and ability to crisp up nicely. If you don't have sourdough, a soft, tender, and sturdy white bread will also work well. Texas toast is another option, as it is thicker and can create a nice, crispy exterior. Brioche and ciabatta are also mentioned as possible choices.
When selecting your bread, look for slices that are about 1/2-inch to 1-inch thick. Thinner slices may result in a flimsy and soggy sandwich, while slices that are too thick may prevent the cheese from melting properly.
Freshly baked bread can make a significant difference in the taste and texture of your grilled cheese sandwich. It provides a crisp exterior and a soft, tender interior.
Ultimately, the choice of bread depends on your personal preference and what you have available. Experiment with different types of bread to find your favourite for grilled cheese sandwiches.
Grilled Cheese: Mayo vs. Butter
You may want to see also
Butter or oil
Butter is a popular choice for grilled cheese sandwiches, as it helps to create a crispy, golden, buttery exterior. It is recommended to use a generous amount of butter, which will help to achieve the desired crispiness. You can use salted or unsalted butter, depending on your preference, but it should be spreadable so that you don't tear the bread. If you're feeling adventurous, you can even add some mayonnaise to the butter for an extra flavour boost and an even crispier bite.
Some people prefer to use olive oil instead of butter for their grilled cheese sandwiches. Using oil can help to achieve perfect crispy edges, and it may be slightly more efficient as it seems to be harder to burn than butter. You can coat both sides of the sandwich with a generous amount of oil, or you can throw the bread slices in oil and swirl them around to coat the outside before assembling the sandwich.
When using butter, it is important to remember to keep the buttered sides on the outside of the sandwich. This will ensure that the bread cooks up crispy and golden, and helps to create the perfect grilled cheese sandwich.
While butter is a popular choice, some people prefer to use mayonnaise instead. Mayonnaise can help the sandwich to brown beautifully and creates a delicate, crispy bite. It also adds a rich flavour to the sandwich. If you're using mayonnaise, you only need a small amount (about one teaspoon per slice of bread) and you can spread it on the bread before adding the cheese and assembling the sandwich.
Grilled Cheese: Traditional Service and Classic Combinations
You may want to see also
Cheese selection
The cheese you select for your grilled cheese sandwich is a matter of personal preference, but there are a few factors to consider to ensure your sandwich has the right balance of flavour and texture.
The first factor to consider is meltability. You want your cheese to melt easily and ooze out of your sandwich. Good melting cheeses include mozzarella, gouda, havarti, Monterey Jack, pepper jack, fontina, Swiss, and American cheese. You can also use cheddar, but it's best to grate it yourself as pre-shredded cheddar contains additives that affect its ability to melt. If you want to use cheddar, go for a block of medium or sharp cheddar and grate it yourself. Gruyere is also a good option, as it has excellent melting qualities and a rich flavour. You can also try a combination of cheeses to add a richer taste to your sandwich. For instance, a combination of mozzarella and gruyere or cheddar will give you the perfect melt and a good flavour.
The second factor to consider is the type of bread you are using. You want to ensure that your bread and cheese complement each other. If you are using a stronger-flavoured bread, like sourdough, you may want to opt for a milder cheese like mild cheddar, gouda, or American cheese. If you are using a milder bread, like white sandwich bread, you may want to opt for a stronger cheese like sharp cheddar or gruyere.
Finally, consider adding extra ingredients to complement your cheese. A drizzle of honey on the outside of the bread pairs well with a strong cheese. You can also try sprinkling garlic powder on the outside of the bread if you're using a mild cheese. For an extra kick of flavour, add some Dijon mustard, apricot jam, or even blue cheese to your sandwich.
Creating a Grilled Cheese Bar: Ultimate Comfort Food
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Grilling methods
Grilled cheese sandwiches can be made in a variety of ways, depending on your preferences and the equipment you have available. Here are some common grilling methods to help you make the perfect grilled cheese sandwich:
Stovetop Grilling
The traditional method of making a grilled cheese sandwich is to use a skillet or pan on the stovetop. Butter one side of each slice of bread generously. Some recipes suggest spreading mayonnaise on the bread as well, for extra crispness and flavour. Place the bread, buttered side down, in the pan. Top one slice with cheese, then cover it with the other slice, buttered side up. Cook the sandwich over medium-low heat until the bottom slice is lightly browned, then flip it over and cook until the cheese is melted and the second slice is golden.
Sandwich Press or Toastie Maker
Another option for grilling a cheese sandwich is to use a sandwich press or toastie maker. This method squishes the bread and can cause the cheese to ooze out, but it is a good alternative for making multiple sandwiches at once. Simply assemble your sandwich, place it in the sandwich press, and cook according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Broiler/Grill
You can also use a broiler or grill to make a grilled cheese sandwich. This method involves toasting the bread first, then placing it on a rack, adding butter, cheese, and any other desired toppings, and grilling it open-faced or sandwiched.
Oven or Electric Griddle
For a more hands-off approach, you can use an oven or electric griddle to grill your cheese sandwich. Preheat your oven or griddle to the desired temperature, usually around 275˚F (135˚C). Assemble your sandwich and place it on a baking sheet or directly on the griddle. Cook until the bread is golden and the cheese is melted.
Microwave
While not the traditional method, you can also use a microwave to make a grilled cheese sandwich in a hurry. Simply assemble your sandwich, place it on a microwave-safe plate, and microwave in short intervals until the cheese is melted. However, this method may not result in the same crispy, golden bread as the other methods.
Frying Grilled Cheese: How Long Should You Cook It?
You may want to see also
Serving suggestions
A classic grilled cheese sandwich is delicious on its own, but there are endless possibilities when it comes to serving suggestions. Here are some ideas to elevate your grilled cheese-eating experience:
Tomato Soup: This is a popular pairing for grilled cheese sandwiches. The acidity and creaminess of the soup complement the cheesiness of the sandwich, creating a comforting and indulgent meal.
Sides and Entrees: Grilled cheese sandwiches go well with various sides and entrees, especially those with a tomato base. Think stews, soups, or even a simple side salad to balance out the richness of the sandwich.
Mix and Match Cheeses: Experiment with different cheeses to find your perfect combination. Try using two types of cheese—one for stretch, like mozzarella, and another for flavour, like Gruyere, vintage cheddar, or raclette. You could also sprinkle in some blue cheese for an extra punch of flavour.
Add-Ins: Take your sandwich to the next level by adding some sautéed spinach, caramelised onions, roasted red peppers, or even pickled jalapeños for a fun and flavourful surprise. If you're feeling adventurous, try adding some fruit, like thinly sliced apples or a spread of fig jam, for a touch of sweetness.
Bread Options: While classic white sandwich bread is a popular choice, don't be afraid to experiment with different types of bread. Sourdough is a favourite among grilled cheese enthusiasts for the tang it adds to the sandwich. Other options include brioche, ciabatta, whole wheat, rye, or even a brioche loaf—just ensure your bread is sturdy enough to handle the heat and not too thick or thin.
Dipping Sauce: Try dipping your grilled cheese sandwich into a sauce of your choice. Some popular options include mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, or even a creamy tomato soup for an extra indulgent experience.
Starbucks' Grilled Cheese: A Mystery Supplier Revealed
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
The best bread to use is one that is sturdy and not too thick or thin. Thick-sliced bread, such as Texas toast, works well. Sourdough is a popular choice, but you can also use white sandwich bread, brioche, or ciabatta.
Cheddar, American cheese, and mozzarella are popular choices. Using a combination of two types of cheese is recommended for flavour and texture.
You can use either butter or mayonnaise, but some prefer a combination of both. Butter will give you a crisp, golden crust, while mayonnaise will give a delicate, crispy crunch.
Cook your sandwich over medium-low heat until the bottom is golden. Then, flip it and cook until the second side is golden and the cheese is melted. The total cooking time is typically around 6-7 minutes.
