Bushra Griffith
Grilled cheese sandwiches are a popular comfort food, but getting that perfect combination of crispy, golden bread and a gooey, melted cheese centre can be tricky. The key to success is to use a combination of the right ingredients, the right equipment, and the right cooking technique. So, what's the best way to make a grilled cheese sandwich on a griddle?
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What You'll Learn
Use a griddle pan or skillet
Griddle pans and skillets are perfect for grilled cheese sandwiches. The key to success is to cook the sandwich slowly on a low heat, giving the cheese time to melt and the bread time to turn golden brown.
First, get all your ingredients and equipment ready. You'll need butter, cheese, bread, a griddle pan or skillet, a spatula, and a plate. For the best grilled cheese, use a block of medium or mild cheddar, Colby Jack, pepper jack, Havarti, mozzarella, or American cheese—pre-sliced cheese doesn't melt as well. As for bread, a sturdy loaf such as sourdough, brioche, or ciabatta works well.
Next, spread butter on one or both sides of your bread slices. Some recipes suggest spreading softened butter all the way to the edges of the bread for a crispier exterior. You can also sprinkle garlic powder or salt onto the buttered bread for extra flavour.
Now it's time to cook your sandwich. Heat your griddle pan or skillet to a medium-low temperature of around 275°F. Place your bread slices butter-side down and cook for about a minute. Then, add your cheese slices to one slice of bread and cover with the other slice, butter-side up. If you're making multiple sandwiches, an electric griddle or flat cooktop works well.
Cook your sandwich for 2-4 minutes, then flip it and cook for another 2-4 minutes until golden and crisp with melted cheese. If you're worried about scorching your bread, flip it more frequently. Covering the pan with a lid or foil can help to trap heat and melt the cheese. Once the cheese is melted, remove the lid to crisp up the bread.
Finally, transfer your grilled cheese to a cooling rack for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!
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Choose your bread
The bread you choose for your grilled cheese sandwich is important. You should select a sturdy loaf that can handle the heat and won't fall apart. Thick-sliced bread, such as Texas Toast, is a popular choice for grilled cheese sandwiches as it gives a nice, crispy exterior. You can also use Italian bread, sourdough, brioche, or ciabatta. If you're a traditionalist, you might opt for soft white bread.
If you're feeling adventurous, you could experiment with different types of bread to find your favourite. Just make sure it's thick enough to withstand the heat and hold all that delicious cheese.
Once you've chosen your bread, you'll want to butter it generously. Some recipes suggest spreading softened butter all the way to the edges of the bread, while others recommend buttering both sides. You can also try melting butter in the pan, but be careful not to end up with a soggy sandwich. If your butter is too cold to spread, try placing the bread in the pan without butter and then buttering it once it's hot.
For an extra flavour boost, sprinkle some garlic powder or salt on the outside of the bread before grilling. You can even try drizzling honey on the outside if you're using a strong-flavoured cheese.
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Spread butter on bread
To make a good grilled cheese sandwich, you'll need butter, bread, and cheese. While the type of bread and cheese you use is a matter of personal preference, there are a few tips to keep in mind when it comes to spreading butter on the bread.
First, make sure your butter is soft and spreadable. This will ensure that you don't tear the bread when spreading the butter. If your butter is too cold, you can try spreading it on the bread after it has been toasted, or softening it by placing it under an inverted cup that has been heated with hot water.
Next, decide whether you want to spread butter on one side of the bread or both sides. Most recipes recommend spreading butter on only one side of each slice of bread, with the buttered side placed face-up when stacking the sandwich. However, some recipes suggest spreading butter on both sides of the bread for a crispier exterior.
When spreading the butter, be sure to spread it all the way to the edges of the bread for an even crispness. You can also add seasonings to the buttered side of the bread, such as garlic powder or salt, for extra flavor.
Finally, if you're using a griddle, preheat it to 275°F before placing your bread on it. This will ensure that your grilled cheese sandwich cooks evenly and achieves the desired level of crispness and melting.
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Select cheese type and quantity
When it comes to grilled cheese, the cheese you choose is important. The "sharper" or older the cheese, the harder it is to melt. So, when making grilled cheese, it's best to use milder, younger cheeses. Good options include mild or medium cheddar, Colby Jack, pepper jack, Havarti, mozzarella, gouda, and American cheese (preferably from the deli counter, not pre-packaged slices). You can also use Swiss cheese, but it can be a bit more finicky and may require a higher temperature to melt properly. If you're feeling adventurous, you can even mix and match different types of cheese to create your own unique flavour profile.
For each sandwich, you'll need about 1.5 ounces of cheese, but you can adjust this amount depending on your taste preferences and how indulgent you want to be. If you're using shredded cheese, you may need a bit less, as shredded cheese melts more easily and spreads out across the bread.
When preparing your grilled cheese, it's best not to use pre-shredded or pre-sliced cheese, especially the shredded variety. These are often coated in a non-stick powder that can affect the melting process and the overall taste of your sandwich. Instead, shred or slice the cheese yourself, or purchase freshly sliced cheese from a deli counter.
If you're using a mild cheese, consider adding a shake of garlic powder to the outside of the bread before grilling. For stronger cheeses, a drizzle of honey on the bread can help to balance out the savouriness of the cheese and create a delicious caramelized exterior. A small amount of apricot jam on one side of the bread can also add a pop of flavour to your sandwich.
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Cooking time and temperature
When it comes to cooking time and temperature, a few key factors come into play. Firstly, the type of cookware you use will impact the temperature setting. For a cast iron skillet or heavy non-stick pan, a medium-low heat setting is recommended. If you're using a griddle, the ideal temperature is around 275˚F. Electric skillets or griddles typically operate at higher temperatures, around 300˚F.
The thickness of your bread will also influence cooking time. Thicker slices of bread, such as Texas Toast, may require longer cooking times. It's important to adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure even cooking.
When cooking your grilled cheese sandwich, it's crucial to exercise patience. Cooking at a lower temperature for a longer period is often recommended. This allows the cheese to melt properly and prevents the bread from burning. Starting with a cold pan and slowly heating it up can help achieve this.
The type of cheese you use will also impact cooking time. Sharper or stronger cheeses may take longer to melt, so adjusting the temperature or cooking time may be necessary.
Once your sandwich is in the pan, the total cooking time over low to medium-low heat should be around 5-7 minutes. This allows for the exterior to crisp and brown and the cheese to fully melt. It's important to keep an eye on your sandwich and adjust the temperature or cooking time as needed to achieve the perfect grilled cheese.
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Frequently asked questions
It is recommended to use a sturdy, thick-sliced bread such as Texas Toast, sourdough, brioche, or ciabatta.
The optimal temperature for cooking grilled cheese on a griddle is around 275°F to 300°F.
Good choices for grilled cheese include mild or medium cheddar, Colby Jack, pepper jack, Havarti, mozzarella, and American cheese.
