Frederic Melton
Grilled cheese sandwiches are best enjoyed straight off the stove, but what if you want to pack one for lunch? The consensus is that a thermos is the best way to keep your grilled cheese warm. However, there are other options, such as wrapping the sandwich in foil or using insulated lunch boxes and bags. If you're at home, you can keep grilled cheese warm in the oven or use a product like Hot Hands.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Container | Thermos, insulated lunchbox, aluminium foil, paper towel, zip bag |
| Temperature | Warm, not hot |
| Texture | Soft, not gooey |
| Bread | Buttery, not crispy |
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What You'll Learn
Using a thermos
A thermos is a great way to keep your grilled cheese sandwich warm and gooey for lunch. The key to this method is the thermos' ability to hold in heat and keep food warm. Here is a step-by-step guide to using a thermos to achieve the perfect warm grilled cheese sandwich for lunch:
Firstly, fill your thermos with boiling water and set it aside. The hot water will help to warm up the metal interior of the thermos, which is crucial for retaining heat and keeping your sandwich warm. While the thermos is warming up, prepare your grilled cheese sandwich and let it cool on a cutting board. It is important to let the sandwich cool down slightly before placing it in the thermos. The ideal temperature is when it is still warm but no longer hot. This will prevent the sandwich from continuing to cook in the thermos and becoming soggy.
Once your sandwich is ready, carefully empty the hot water from the thermos. Use a paper towel to thoroughly dry the inside of the thermos. This step is essential, as any remaining water can create steam and moisture, leading to a soggy sandwich. After drying, make sure the thermos is sealed tightly to retain the heat.
Next, cut your grilled cheese sandwich into sticks or slices. Depending on the size and width of your thermos, you can cut the sandwich into thirds or quarters. This step ensures that the sandwich fits comfortably inside the thermos and maximizes the surface area in contact with the warm metal interior. Place the sliced sandwich inside the thermos, ensuring it is packed tightly to minimize air gaps that can cause heat loss.
Finally, seal the thermos tightly and keep it in a warm place until lunchtime. When it's time to eat, open the thermos and enjoy your warm grilled cheese sandwich. The bread may lose its initial crispiness, but it will remain firm and not soggy, with the cheese soft and melted.
While a thermos is an effective way to keep your grilled cheese sandwich warm, it is important to manage expectations. The sandwich may not be as gooey or crispy as when it first came off the stove, but it will still be delicious and comforting. Additionally, always ensure that your food is stored and transported safely to prevent any health risks associated with keeping food warm.
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Wrapping in foil
Wrapping your grilled cheese sandwich in foil is a great way to keep it warm until lunchtime. This method is tried and tested by many people who want to enjoy their grilled cheese sandwiches warm. Wrapping the sandwich in foil right when it comes off the stove will help retain the warmth for a few hours.
However, it is important to note that the sandwich will not be as warm as it would be if you had just taken it off the stove. The bread may lose its initial crispiness and become slightly softer, but it will not be soggy. To prevent sogginess, you can wrap the sandwich in a paper towel and then in foil.
If you are concerned about the sandwich not staying warm enough, you can also try using an insulated lunch box. Place the foil-wrapped sandwich in the lunch box, ensuring the lunch box is insulated to retain warmth. Additionally, you can wrap the sandwich in two layers of foil to maximize heat retention.
While wrapping in foil can help keep the sandwich warm, it is important to manage expectations. The sandwich will not be as hot and crispy as when it was freshly made, but it will still be delicious and comforting.
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Insulated lunch box
Keeping grilled cheese sandwiches warm in a lunchbox is a challenge, as the bread can become soggy. One option is to wrap the sandwich in foil to keep it warm, although this may not prevent sogginess. Another option is to use a thermos, which can keep the sandwich warm for several hours. To use a thermos, first fill it with boiling water and set it aside. Prepare your grilled cheese sandwich and let it cool on a cutting board for a few minutes until it is warm but no longer hot. Empty the water from the thermos, dry it thoroughly, and then slice the sandwich into sticks before placing them inside the thermos and sealing it tightly.
There are several insulated lunch boxes available that can help keep food warm. The Carhartt Insulated Classic is a well-reviewed option, with two insulated compartments that can keep ice cubes frozen for several hours. The Yeti Daytrip is another good option, known for its durability. The Baggu Puffy Lunch Bag is a stylish, insulated bag that can accommodate most bento boxes and lunch bowls, as well as a sizable lunch. The Bentgo MicroSteel is a lightweight stainless steel option that performed well in leak tests and can fit inside most insulated fabric bags. For a low-maintenance option, the Sunnybird lunch bag is made of lightweight, waterproof nylon and has three layers of insulation.
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Warming in an oven
Warming grilled cheese sandwiches in an oven is a great way to keep them from getting soggy. To do this, set your oven to a temperature between 140 and 200 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the sandwiches in the oven and let them warm through. You can also line a cooler with aluminum foil and place the sandwiches inside to keep them warm. This method is similar to the warmers used in buffet restaurants.
However, it is important to note that grilled cheese sandwiches are best enjoyed fresh off the stove or pan. The cheese is gooiest and the bread is crackliest at this time. Keeping them warm in an oven may affect their texture and taste.
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Using a microwave
While grilled cheese sandwiches are best enjoyed fresh, there are ways to keep them warm in your lunch box using a microwave. Here are some detailed instructions:
Firstly, it is important to note that the type of bread and cheese you use can impact the final result. Choose a sliced sandwich bread, preferably a day old, to ensure even toasting. Avoid breads with large air bubbles or holes, as the cheese may melt through. As for cheese, select one that melts easily, such as American, Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Gouda.
Now, let's assemble the sandwich. Place your cheese of choice between two slices of bread. If you want the top slice to be crispy, you can butter it before assembling the sandwich. Once assembled, place the sandwich on a microwave-safe plate and microwave on high power for 40 seconds to one minute. Keep an eye on the sandwich, as you want the cheese to be melted but not overdone.
After microwaving, use a spatula to carefully flip the sandwich over and microwave for an additional 20-30 seconds. This step ensures even toasting on both sides and allows you to control the crispiness. Be cautious when handling the sandwich, as it will be hot.
Let the sandwich cool slightly before handling. You can then wrap it in a couple of layers of aluminium foil to retain the warmth. If you have access to a microwave at lunchtime, you can reheat the sandwich for a few seconds to restore some crispiness. Alternatively, you can use a thermos to keep your grilled cheese sandwich warm. Simply fill the thermos with boiling water, let it sit, then empty and dry the thermos before placing the sandwich inside.
By following these steps, you can enjoy a warm and toasty grilled cheese sandwich straight from your lunch box, with a melted cheesy centre and crispy bread.
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Frequently asked questions
The best way to keep grilled cheese sandwiches warm in a lunch box is to use a thermos. First, fill the thermos with boiling water and set it aside. Next, prepare your grilled cheese sandwich and let it cool on a cutting board for a few minutes until it is warm but no longer hot. Empty the water from the thermos and dry it thoroughly with a paper towel. Cut the sandwich into sticks, either in thirds or quarters, depending on the size and width of your thermos. Finally, place the sandwich inside the thermos and seal tightly until lunchtime.
Yes, you can wrap the grilled cheese sandwich in foil to keep it warm. However, this may make the sandwich soggy. To prevent sogginess, you can wrap the sandwich in a paper towel and then in foil, or let the sandwich cool completely before wrapping it in foil.
Grilled cheese sandwiches can stay warm in a lunch box for a few hours. However, it is important to note that keeping food warm for too long can be a breeding ground for bacteria and illness. Therefore, it is recommended to consume the sandwich within a few hours to ensure food safety.
Yes, you can pack the sandwich fixings separately and assemble the sandwich just before eating. For example, you can pack the bread, cheese, and meat separately and then grill the sandwich using a sandwich press or panini maker. This way, you can enjoy a freshly made grilled cheese sandwich without worrying about keeping it warm in the lunch box.
