Bushra Griffith
Grilled cheese is a classic, comforting dish that can be elevated in a number of ways. While the basic ingredients are bread, cheese, and butter, there are many ways to improve upon this simple recipe. For example, using a higher-quality bread such as sourdough or brioche can make a big difference. You can also experiment with different types of cheese, like pepper jack, smoked cheddar, or shredded cheese, which melts faster and more evenly. To ensure the cheese melts properly, you can try adding an ice cube to the pan to create steam, or griddle the inside of the bread first. For an extra crispy exterior, spread mayonnaise on the outside of the bread instead of butter, or mix in some garlic powder.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Bread | Sourdough, Brioche, Multigrain, Pumpernickel, Italian Ciabatta, French Boule, Raisin Bread |
| Cheese | Cheddar, Smoked Cheddar, American, Pepperjack, Gruyère, Monterey Jack, Époisses, Taleggio, Parmesan, Mozzarella, Feta, Fontina, Mayo-Parmesan Crust |
| Other Ingredients | Spinach, Tomatoes, Basil, Pickles, Jam, Honey, Kimchi, Apples, Bacon, Ground Beef, Prosciutto |
| Cooking Technique | Low and Slow, Griddle the Inside First, Use a Heat Dome, Add an Ice Cube for Steam, Griddle Open-Faced Slices |
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What You'll Learn
Use mayonnaise instead of butter
Mayonnaise is a great alternative to butter for grilled cheese. It is a tried-and-true tip that results in a crispier exterior. Mayonnaise is an oil-based fat with a higher smoke point than butter, making it less likely to burn before the cheese melts. This results in a sandwich with a gooey, melty cheese centre and a crunchy exterior.
Mayonnaise is also easier to spread than butter. There is no need to wait for it to soften or to microwave it before spreading it on the bread. This saves time and gets you to the best part – assembling and cooking the sandwich.
To make a grilled cheese sandwich with mayonnaise instead of butter, simply spread mayonnaise on the outside of each slice of bread and cook as usual. You can add a small tab of butter to the skillet for extra flavour, but this is optional.
If you want to add extra flavour, you can mix chopped garlic with the mayonnaise and spread this on the outside of the sandwich. You can also add a light layer of a hard, grate-able cheese, like Parmesan or Romano, to the mayonnaise-coated bread before frying. This will give your sandwich a delicious, crispy, cheesy crust.
Mayonnaise is a great alternative to butter for grilled cheese sandwiches. It results in a crispier, crunchier exterior and is easier to use. It is also less likely to burn, making it a more foolproof option.
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Try different types of cheese
While the classic grilled cheese sandwich uses American cheese, there are many other types of cheese that can be used to make a delicious grilled cheese sandwich.
One option is to use shredded cheese, which melts faster and more evenly than slices. Shredded cheddar, in particular, is a good option as it melts smoothly and evenly and has a bright orange colour. You could also try using a combination of mozzarella and feta or fontina with parmesan. If you want to get fancy, you could try using smoked cheddar, Gruyère, Monterey Jack, Époisses, taleggio, or even cheese curds. For something a little different, consider using mimolette, which has complex nutty and sweet flavours and melts incredibly smoothly.
If you're feeling creative, you can try mixing different types of cheese. For example, you could use a few slices of havarti or provolone and then add shredded cheddar and grated parmesan. Or, if you're feeling extra indulgent, try using a combination of cheddar, a little bit of brie, and a slice or two of prosciutto.
No matter which type of cheese you choose, the key to a great grilled cheese sandwich is making sure that the cheese is fully melted. One trick to achieve this is to add an ice cube to the pan and cover it to create some steam, which will help the cheese melt without burning the bread.
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Use shredded cheese
Shredded cheese is a great option for grilled cheese sandwiches due to its meltability and versatility. Shredded cheese melts quickly and evenly, and can be grated to the desired texture, making your grilled cheese more visually appealing and enhancing its flavour.
However, pre-shredded cheese often has added starches or cellulose to prevent clumping, which can affect its meltability. Therefore, it is recommended to shred your own cheese. Shredding your own cheese also gives you more control over how much you put on your sandwich and makes it easier to create your own blend if you are using multiple types of cheese.
If you are using pre-shredded cheese, one way to improve your grilled cheese is to sprinkle some on top of the sandwich while it is still in the pan, and cook for another minute until the cheese is melted and toasty. This will give you a delicious cheesy crust.
Another tip for improving your grilled cheese is to griddle the inside of the bread first. This helps to jump-start the cheese-melting process with the residual heat. You can then add your shredded cheese and cook as normal.
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Add extra toppings
There are endless ways to improve a grilled cheese sandwich by adding extra toppings. A popular choice is to add meat, such as bacon, ham, or prosciutto. You could also add spinach, tomatoes, basil, ground beef, or pickles.
Another option is to add some crunch to the inside of the sandwich. For example, thinly sliced apple goes well with cheddar and ham. Or, for a more adventurous option, try a Grilled Kimcheese, which combines apple with kimchi.
If you like your grilled cheese with a touch of sweetness, try adding a layer of jam. Social Media Editor Merlyn Miller says:
> "Pretty much any jam will work for this — it’s a great way to use up whatever jar is open in your fridge — but I love marmalade, fig, and raspberry in particular. The result will hit all the texture and flavor notes you could possibly want: nutty, rich, sweet, crispy, salty, and gooey."
You could also try adding honey, or using raisin bread.
For a more savoury option, try adding garlic. You can make garlic powder toast, or mix chopped garlic with mayonnaise and spread it on the outside of the sandwich. Alternatively, you can add garlic salt after buttering the bread.
If you're a cheese purist, you could try using a different variety of cheese, or combining multiple types. Smoked cheddar, shredded cheddar, Gruyère, Monterey Jack, and Mimolette are all popular options. Or, for a more unusual option, try combining mozzarella and feta, or Fontina with Parmesan.
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Choose the right bread
When it comes to grilled cheese, the bread you choose can make a big difference in the overall taste and texture of the sandwich. Here are some tips to help you choose the right bread for your next grilled cheese creation:
First, it's important to consider the type of bread. Sourdough is a popular choice for grilled cheese sandwiches, as it has a tangy flavour that pairs well with cheese. It also tends to be denser than some other types of bread, which can help prevent the sandwich from getting soggy. If you're looking for a more indulgent option, brioche bread can add a rich, buttery flavour to your sandwich. For a classic grilled cheese taste, you might opt for Italian ciabatta or a French boule. These breads have a chewy texture and a crisp crust that can add a satisfying bite to your sandwich.
Another factor to consider is the thickness of your bread slices. Ideally, you want your bread to be sliced thin enough to allow the heat to penetrate and melt the cheese properly. Thick slices of bread can prevent even melting, resulting in unmelted cheese or overcooked bread. However, you also want to avoid bread that is too thin, as this can lead to a flimsy sandwich that falls apart.
The freshness of your bread also matters. Stale bread can be drier and more difficult to work with, resulting in a less-than-ideal grilled cheese. If you're using day-old bread, the grilling process can help revitalise it to some extent. Toasting the bread first can also help with this, as it adds moisture back into the bread.
Finally, consider adding some extra flavour to your bread. Spreading mayonnaise on the outside of each slice is a popular technique that results in a crisp, golden exterior. Alternatively, you can try mixing mayonnaise with chopped garlic and spreading it on the outside of the sandwich for a more savoury flavour. If you prefer butter, try sprinkling the skillet lightly with salt before adding your bread to enhance the flavour.
By following these tips and choosing the right bread for your grilled cheese, you'll be well on your way to creating a delicious and satisfying sandwich.
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Frequently asked questions
Sourdough, brioche, multigrain, and pumpernickel are great choices for grilled cheese. You can also use Italian ciabatta or a French boule.
Cheddar, American cheese, and smoked cheddar are classic choices for grilled cheese. You can also use pepperjack, Gruyère, Monterey Jack, or Mimolette.
You can add an ice cube to the pan and cover it to create steam, which will help the cheese melt. You can also try shredding the cheese, as it melts faster and more evenly than slices.
You can add bacon, spinach, tomatoes, basil, ground beef, or pickles. For a sweet and savoury combination, you can add a layer of jam or honey.
