Patrick Oconnell
Grilled cheese is a beloved comfort food for many, and for good reason. The classic grilled cheese sandwich is a simple yet mouthwatering combination of crispy, golden-brown bread and melted gooey cheese. While the basic recipe is easy to make, there are endless variations and tricks to elevate your grilled cheese and make it even more irresistible. Whether you're a fan of the traditional grilled cheese or like to experiment with different ingredients, knowing the fundamentals of making a great grilled cheese sandwich will ensure your creation is always delicious.
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the right bread
There are several types of bread that can be used for grilled cheese sandwiches. White bread is a classic option, and it works well with the other ingredients. It should be soft and tender but sturdy enough to hold up in the pan. Sourdough is another popular choice, as it adds a tangy flavour to the sandwich. However, it's important to choose a sourdough that isn't too thick or tough, as this can be difficult to bite through. Whole-wheat, rye, potato bread, and even a brioche loaf are also good options.
For a crispier sandwich, some people like to toast the bread in a toaster on bagel mode before putting it in the pan. This adds an extra crunch to the grilled cheese. It's also important to consider the size and shape of the bread slices. They should be large enough to fit in the pan comfortably and not too small, as this can make the sandwich difficult to handle.
The key to a great grilled cheese is to ensure the bread is toasted to a golden brown colour and has a crispy exterior while remaining soft and tender on the inside. This can be achieved by using a combination of butter and mayonnaise on the bread, which many people recommend for the perfect grilled cheese.
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Butter, mayo, or both?
There are many ways to make a grilled cheese sandwich, and the choice of spread is a personal preference. Some people prefer butter, while others opt for mayonnaise, and some even use a combination of both.
Butter
Butter is a traditional choice for grilled cheese sandwiches, and many people prefer the taste. It pairs well with cheese, as it shares many of the same ingredients. Using butter will give your sandwich a classic, creamy, nostalgic flavour. It also has a nice fragrance when cooking. To use butter, simply spread it on the outside of your bread before placing it in the pan. You can also melt butter in the pan first and then swirl your bread in it to coat.
Mayonnaise
Mayonnaise has become an increasingly popular choice for grilled cheese sandwiches. It has a higher smoke point, so it can withstand higher temperatures and gives the sandwich a crispier crust. Mayonnaise also has a more neutral flavour profile, so it won't compete with the cheese and other fillings. It is also more convenient than butter, as it is always soft and ready to spread. To use mayonnaise, spread it on the outside of your bread or directly onto the pan.
Butter and Mayonnaise
Some people choose to use a combination of butter and mayonnaise to get the best of both worlds. Using butter will give you the classic grilled cheese flavour, while mayonnaise will help the sandwich brown more evenly and give it a richer flavour. To use both, spread mayonnaise on the inside of your bread and butter on the outside before placing it in the pan.
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Which cheese to use
When it comes to grilled cheese, the cheese is the star of the show. But with so many cheeses to choose from, which one should you use?
First, it's important to choose a cheese that melts well. After all, you want that gooey, cheesy goodness in every bite. Some great melting cheeses include mozzarella, Monterey Jack, Colby, Swiss, and cheddar. If you're feeling adventurous, you can even try a combination of cheeses, such as mozzarella and Gruyère or cheddar and Swiss.
Sharp cheddar is a popular choice for grilled cheese, as it has a sharp, nutty flavour that pairs well with other cheeses. Gruyère and raclette, two types of Alpine-style Swiss cheese, are also excellent options. They melt like a dream and have a salty, nutty flavour with a hint of funk.
If you're looking for something a little more indulgent, try using a mix of Gruyère and brie with thinly sliced apples or a slather of fig jam. Or, for a truly gourmet experience, add some pickled red onions, pickled radishes, or jalapeños for a fun pop of flavour.
No matter which cheese you choose, the key to a great grilled cheese is to grate it yourself. Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can affect its melting ability. So, take the extra time to grate your own cheese, and you'll be rewarded with a gooier, more delicious sandwich.
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Toasting the bread first
Start by choosing your bread. While you can use any type of sliced bread, it's important to ensure the slices aren't too thick, as this may impact the melting of the cheese. Sourdough is a popular choice for grilled cheese, as it adds a tangy flavour, but regular white bread works just as well. If you're feeling adventurous, try whole wheat, rye, potato bread, or even a brioche loaf.
Next, toast your bread. You can do this in a toaster or in a pan on the stove. If using a toaster, consider using the bagel setting for that extra crunch. Alternatively, toast your bread in a pan over medium heat. Butter one side of each slice of bread and place the slices, butter-side down, in the pan. Toast until the bread is golden brown, then set aside.
Now it's time to assemble your sandwich. Spread mayonnaise on the toasted side of each slice of bread. Mayonnaise adds a subtle tang and helps the sandwich achieve that perfect golden-brown colour when grilled. You can also add a layer of Dijon mustard to one slice for extra flavour.
For the cheese, choose a variety that melts well, such as mozzarella, havarti, Monterey Jack, or cheddar. Grated cheese tends to melt more evenly than sliced cheese, so consider grating your own block of cheese. Layer the cheese onto one slice of bread, then top it with the other slice, making sure the toasted sides are facing inward.
Finally, cook your sandwich. Place a clean pan over medium to medium-low heat and let it warm up. You can also add a thin layer of butter to the pan for extra flavour. Once the pan is hot, place your sandwich inside and cook until the bottom is golden brown and the cheese is melted. Then, flip the sandwich and cook the other side.
And there you have it! A grilled cheese sandwich with pre-toasted bread, ensuring that perfect balance of crunch and melt. Enjoy your delicious creation, and don't forget to serve it with a side of tomato soup for the ultimate comfort food experience!
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Adding extras like sauces, spices, or fruit
Grilled cheese sandwiches are extremely versatile, and you can experiment with different sauces, spices, and fruits to elevate the classic recipe.
Sauces
You can add a variety of sauces to your grilled cheese sandwich. Pesto, for example, is a great choice—it brings a fun element of freshness and brightness to the sandwich. You can also try spreading jam on one slice of bread to add an extra layer of flavor to the cheese. Some options include grape jelly, strawberry, apricot, tomato jam, red pepper jelly, honey mustard, and chipotle mayonnaise. If you're feeling adventurous, you can even add a little buffalo wing sauce or cranberry relish.
Spices
Adding fresh herbs to your grilled cheese sandwich can also enhance its flavor. Try using basil leaves, chopped tarragon, chopped rosemary, parsley, or garlic. If you're looking for a kick of spice, you can add some pepper jelly to your sandwich, especially if you're using cheeses like smoked gouda, colby, or mild havarti.
Fruits
Fruits can also be a delicious addition to your grilled cheese sandwich. Thin slices of apples or pears can complement the cheese well. If you're using a drier variety of apple, such as Gala or Granny Smith, you can even add some honey to create a sweet and tangy flavor profile. For a more gourmet option, you can use a mix of Gruyere and brie cheese along with thinly sliced apples or a spread of fig jam.
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Frequently asked questions
Sourdough is a great option for grilled cheese as it adds a tangy flavour to the sandwich. However, if you're a grilled cheese purist, regular white bread will work too. Just make sure the bread is soft yet sturdy and no more than about 1/2-inch thick.
Grilled cheese is typically made on the stove in a skillet, griddle, or pan. Start with a cold pan and cook over medium-low heat for even toasting and melting. You can also use an air fryer or an electric griddle for making multiple sandwiches.
Classic options include American and cheddar, but other great melting cheeses are gouda, havarti, mozzarella, Monterey Jack, and gruyere. You can use a combination of cheeses for a richer taste. Grated cheese also tends to melt more evenly than sliced cheese.
You can add sliced tomato, onion, or pickles for a pop of flavour. For a gourmet twist, try mixing gruyere and brie with thinly sliced apples or a spread of fig jam. Spices like creole seasoning, cayenne, paprika, or onion powder can also enhance the flavour of your sandwich.
Grilled cheese is best enjoyed fresh, but you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet for the best texture.
