Bushra Griffith
Grilled cheese sandwiches are a delicious and simple dish, but what if you don't have access to a stove or skillet? Well, you can still make a tasty grilled cheese in your microwave! While you can't just pop bread and cheese into the microwave without creating a soggy mess, with a few simple steps, you can enjoy a gooey, crunchy grilled cheese sandwich in no time. So, if you're short on time or kitchen equipment, read on to find out how to make a grilled cheese sandwich using a microwave.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Bread | Fluffy, white bread, whole grain, flax, pumpernickel, sourdough |
| Bread texture | Dry, day-old bread |
| Bread thickness | 3/4 of an inch |
| Cheese | American, Cheddar, Monterey Jack, Gruyere, Munster, Gouda, Brie |
| Cheese texture | Melts easily |
| Condiments | Butter, mayonnaise |
| Cookware | Crisper pan, skillet, toaster oven |
| Cooking time | 12-40 seconds in the microwave |
| Cooling time | 2-3 minutes |
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What You'll Learn
Choose the right bread
Choosing the right bread is essential for making a grilled cheese sandwich in the microwave. While you can use any type of bread, from pumpernickel to sourdough, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, avoid bread with large air bubbles or holes, as the melted cheese may drip out. Instead, opt for a fluffy, white bread, or a whole grain or flax bread if you prefer a healthier option. Sliced sandwich bread is ideal because each slice will have the same thickness, ensuring even toasting. If you're using an unsliced loaf, try to cut the slices about 3/4 of an inch thick. This thickness will fit in a standard toaster and allow the microwave heat to penetrate evenly.
Using dry, day-old bread is also recommended because fresh bread tends to be moister, which can result in a soggy sandwich. To prevent sogginess, you can wrap the sandwich in a paper towel before microwaving to absorb excess moisture and retain crispness. Additionally, consider toasting the bread in a toaster before assembling the sandwich. This will give it a golden brown colour and ensure that the bread is toasted to your liking.
If you're making an open-faced grilled cheese sandwich, where the cheese is melted directly on top of the bread, you can place the bread slice directly in the microwave. However, if you're making a traditional grilled cheese sandwich with two slices of bread, it's best to assemble the sandwich on a microwave-safe plate before microwaving. This will help to ensure even cooking on both sides of the sandwich.
The type of bread you choose will also depend on your personal preferences and dietary restrictions. If you're looking for a gluten-free option, there are several gluten-free bread options available in most supermarkets. You can also find bread options made with alternative grains or seeds, such as rye bread or multigrain bread, which can add texture and flavour to your grilled cheese sandwich.
Lastly, consider the thickness of the bread slices. Thicker slices may require longer cooking times in the microwave, so adjust the cooking time accordingly. The timing will also depend on the power of your microwave, so it's a good idea to check the progress of your sandwich periodically to avoid overcooking or burning.
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Select a good melting cheese
When making a grilled cheese sandwich in the microwave, it is important to select a cheese that melts easily and smoothly. While American and Cheddar are the classic choices, you can also opt for cheeses like Monterey Jack, Gruyere, Munster, Gouda, or Brie. These cheeses all melt smoothly and will give you that gooey, crunchy comfort you crave in a grilled cheese sandwich.
It is best to avoid fresh, crumbly, or very hard and aged cheeses. Cheeses like fresh goat cheese, Feta, and aged Parmesan are less ideal as they do not melt as well. Instead, opt for cheeses that are known for their melting properties. For example, cheeses like Gruyere and Gouda have a high fat and low moisture content, which gives them a smooth and creamy texture when melted.
Additionally, consider the thickness of your cheese slices. Thinner slices will melt faster and more evenly than thicker slices. You don't want your cheese to be too thick, as it may not melt fully in the microwave, especially if you like your bread more toasted. If you prefer thicker slices of cheese, you may need to adjust the cooking time or power level of the microwave accordingly.
Another factor to consider is the type of milk used to make the cheese. Cheeses made with cow's milk tend to melt more easily than those made with sheep or goat's milk. This is because cow's milk cheeses tend to have a higher fat content, which contributes to a smoother melt.
Finally, pre-shredded or pre-sliced cheese can be a convenient option, but it may not melt as smoothly as freshly grated or sliced cheese. This is because pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents and other additives that can impact its melting properties. So, if you have the option, go for freshly grated or sliced cheese for the best melting results.
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Use mayo instead of butter
Using Mayo Instead of Butter
If you're looking for a grilled cheese sandwich with a twist, you can try replacing the butter with mayonnaise. This method will give your sandwich a nice crunchy texture and a tangy flavour.
To make a grilled cheese sandwich with mayo in a microwave, start by toasting two slices of sandwich bread until they are golden brown. You can use a toaster or an air fryer for this step. Once toasted, spread butter on one side of each slice of bread. Place one slice of buttered toast, butter-side down, on a microwave-safe plate. Top this slice with your chosen cheese. You can use a single slice of American cheese, or try cheddar, Monterey Jack, Gruyere, Munster, Gouda, or Brie—just make sure it melts smoothly. If you want to add some spice, try using pepper Jack cheese.
Next, spread mayonnaise onto the remaining slice of bread and place it mayonnaise-side up on top of the cheese. Put your sandwich in the microwave and cook for 15 to 30 seconds, or until the cheese is melted to your liking. If you want a firmer texture, wrap the sandwich in a paper towel before microwaving to absorb excess moisture and retain crispness.
Finally, let the sandwich cool for a few minutes before cutting and serving. Enjoy your grilled cheese sandwich with a side of potato chips, fresh fruit, or cut vegetables, or pair it with a soup like tomato or chili.
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Cook time and temperature
The cook time and temperature for a grilled cheese sandwich in the microwave vary depending on the desired level of crispness and the type of bread and cheese used. Here is a step-by-step guide:
Firstly, it is important to choose the right bread and cheese. For the bread, opt for sliced sandwich bread, which ensures even toasting due to its uniform thickness. If using an unsliced loaf, aim for slices that are about 3/4 of an inch thick. This thickness allows the microwave heat to penetrate evenly. When selecting cheese, choose varieties that melt easily, such as American, Cheddar, Monterey Jack, Gruyere, Munster, Gouda, or Brie.
Next, assemble the sandwich on a microwave-safe plate. If desired, spread butter or mayonnaise on the outside of the bread slices before assembling. Place the sandwich in the microwave and cook on high power for 15 to 30 seconds. The cook time may vary depending on the strength of your microwave, the thickness of the bread, and the amount of cheese used. Check the sandwich after 15 seconds and continue cooking in 10-second intervals if needed until the cheese is melted to your liking.
Once the cheese is melted, remove the sandwich from the microwave using heat-proof oven mitts. Allow the sandwich to cool for a few minutes before cutting and serving. This resting period helps to prevent burns from the melted cheese and allows the bread to continue crisping.
For a crispier sandwich, you can use a crisper pan designed for microwave use. Preheat the crisper pan in the microwave for 2 to 3 minutes on high power. Then, assemble your sandwich and place it on the preheated pan. Cook the sandwich at 50% power for 2 minutes on each side, for a total of 4 minutes.
If you prefer your grilled cheese sandwich with a firmer texture, wrap it in a paper towel before microwaving. This helps to absorb excess moisture and retain crispness.
Lastly, it is important to note that microwaves are not suitable for melting cheese directly on the bread. Always assemble your sandwich with the cheese inside to ensure even cooking and prevent a soggy mess.
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Crisping the sandwich
Crisping your grilled cheese sandwich in a microwave is possible, but it can be tricky. The key is to avoid the sandwich becoming soggy by reducing the moisture in the bread.
Firstly, it is important to choose the right bread. Fresh bread contains more moisture, so it is better to use dry, day-old bread if possible. Bread with large air bubbles or holes should be avoided, as the cheese may melt and drip out. Sliced sandwich bread is a good option, as each slice will be the same thickness and will, therefore, toast evenly. If you are using an unsliced loaf, try to cut slices that are around 3/4 of an inch thick.
Next, you can toast the bread in a toaster until it is golden brown. This will help to reduce moisture and add crispness to the sandwich. When the bread is toasted, remove it from the toaster and spread butter on one side of each slice. Place a slice of buttered toast, butter-side down, onto a microwave-safe plate. Add your cheese and top with the remaining slice of bread, with the buttered side facing outwards.
You can now microwave your sandwich for 15-30 seconds. The timing will depend on the power of your microwave and the thickness of your bread. Keep an eye on the sandwich, as you want the cheese to be melted but not for the bread to become soggy.
To add extra crispness, you can use a spatula to press down on the sandwich after microwaving. This will help to brown and toast the bread. Be careful when handling the sandwich, as the cheese will be very hot and could cause burns.
Finally, allow the sandwich to cool for a few minutes before serving. This will give the bread time to crust over and become even crispier.
With these steps, you can achieve a crispy and gooey grilled cheese sandwich, all made in the convenience of a microwave.
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