Frederic Melton
Cheese on toast is a beloved snack in the United Kingdom, enjoyed by people of all ages and backgrounds. It is a simple dish, but people can be quite particular about the correct way to make it. While there are no hard-and-fast rules, there are several variations and techniques to consider when making cheese on toast under the grill.
Characteristics and Values table for making cheese on toast using a grill:
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Bread | French bread, Sliced bread, Toasted bread |
| Cheese | Cheddar, Gruyère, Monterey Jack, Mozzarella, Parmesan, Processed |
| Other ingredients | Butter, Chilli, Chutney, Creme fraiche, Egg, Fish sticks, Malt vinegar, Mayonnaise, Mustard, Onions, Spices, Worcestershire sauce |
| Cooking method | Grill, Oven, Pan-fry, Toaster |
| Cooking temperature | 250°F, 350°F, 480°F |
| Cooking time | 9 minutes, 10 minutes, 20 seconds in the microwave |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing your cheese: Cheddar, Gruyère, Monterey Jack, or Parmesan?
When it comes to choosing the perfect cheese for your grilled cheese toast, you have several options to consider, each with its own unique characteristics and flavour profile:
Cheddar
Cheddar is a classic choice for cheese on toast. It is a good melting cheese, and its sharp, strong flavour can add a distinct tang to your dish. Young, mild cheddars melt better, while aged cheddars offer a more intense flavour. For a truly decadent treat, opt for Irish cheddar, which has a vibrant orange colour.
Gruyère
Gruyère is a popular choice for cheese on toast due to its excellent melting properties and distinctive flavour. It pairs well with other cheeses like Parmesan and crème fraîche, adding a touch of luxury to your grilled cheese.
Monterey Jack
Monterey Jack is a mild melting cheese that serves as a versatile base for your grilled cheese. It blends well with other cheeses, such as Colby Jack and Cheddar Jack, creating a creamy, decadent texture.
Parmesan
Parmesan is a flavourful cheese that can add a punch of taste to your grilled cheese. It is often combined with other cheeses like Gruyère and crème fraîche to create a rich, indulgent experience.
Experiment with these cheeses, and feel free to mix and match to find your perfect combination. Whether you prefer a simple, classic cheddar or a more adventurous blend of cheeses, the key is to trust your taste buds and enjoy the cheesy goodness!
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To grill or oven-bake?
There are various ways to make cheese on toast, and the method you choose depends on your personal preference.
Using a grill is a popular method, as it gives the cheese a melted and bubbly texture, and the toast a crispy texture. Some people prefer to toast the bread first in a toaster and then add the cheese, while others prefer to toast the bread and melt the cheese under the grill. You can also add toppings such as butter, mayonnaise, pickles, or Worcestershire sauce.
Another option is to use an oven, which will give you a similar result to using a grill but will take longer due to the lower heat intensity. You can place the cheese on toast directly in the oven, or you can pan-fry it in butter first to get a crunchy texture before placing it in the oven to melt the cheese.
Some people also use a skillet pan to make grilled cheese. This method involves toasting the bread and melting the cheese in a pan, which can be more challenging as the pan can get too hot and burn the toast. However, with practice and keeping the heat low, it is possible to achieve success.
Lastly, a microwave can be used as a quick alternative to melt the cheese, although this method may not produce the same level of crispness in the toast.
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Toasting the bread: one side or both?
When making cheese on toast, the question of whether to toast one or both sides of the bread is a matter of personal preference and desired outcome. Here are some factors to consider:
Toasting only one side of the bread will give your cheese on toast a variety of textures. The toasted side will be crispy and golden, while the untoasted side will remain soft and chewy. This can be desirable if you want a contrast in textures or prefer your bread to have some softness. To achieve this, place the bread slices on a baking tray, top them with cheese, and grill until the cheese is melted and the bread is toasted to your liking.
On the other hand, toasting both sides of the bread will give your cheese on toast a more uniform texture and colour. By toasting both sides, you'll get a crispier, sturdier base for your cheese. This can be beneficial if you want your cheese on toast to hold up better, especially if you're using a lot of cheese or other toppings. Grill the bread on both sides before adding the cheese to achieve this.
Another option is to partially toast both sides of the bread before adding the cheese. This method involves lightly toasting both sides of the bread first, then flipping it over, adding the cheese, and grilling until melted. This approach gives you a combination of textures, with a slightly softer interior and a crispy, toasted exterior on both sides.
Ultimately, the decision of toasting one side or both comes down to your personal preference and the desired texture and appearance of your cheese on toast. Experiment with different techniques to find the one that suits your taste buds and cooking style the best!
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Adding sauces: Worcestershire, malt vinegar, or mayonnaise?
When making cheese on toast, you can add a generous amount of Worcestershire sauce to the mix. Some people prefer to toss the grated cheese in Worcestershire sauce before laying it on the bread, while others prefer to drizzle the sauce on top of the cheese before grilling. If you are using sliced cheese, it is better to add the sauce after grilling, as it may otherwise pool or slide off.
Malt vinegar is another popular addition to cheese on toast. Some British families mix a tablespoon of malt vinegar with grated cheese and add thinly sliced raw onion to the toast before topping it with the vinegary cheese.
Using mayonnaise instead of butter when making grilled cheese is another option. Mayonnaise adds tang and creates a crisp exterior. Unlike butter, it has a higher smoke point and will not burn your bread, resulting in a golden exterior. It is also more convenient than butter since it is already smooth and spreadable. However, it is important to use full-fat mayonnaise as reduced-fat and light varieties have a higher water content, which can make your sandwich soggy.
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Extras: Chilli, onion, tomato, or mushroom?
There are many ways to elevate your classic cheese on toast by adding extras like chilli, onion, tomato, or mushroom. Here are some ideas to get you started:
Chilli
Chilli cheese toast is a popular variation, where you can add chopped green chillies to the cheese. You can also add chilli powder or garnish with chilli flakes for some extra heat.
Onion
Onion is a great addition to your cheese on toast. You can use red, white, or spring onions, sliced or finely chopped, depending on your preference. Spread some mayo on the bread and add a generous dusting of salt and pepper to enhance the flavour.
Tomato
Tomato slices can add a nice touch to your cheese on toast. You can use any variety of tomatoes, and they pair well with sharp cheddar cheese. If you're feeling adventurous, try adding some fresh basil or a dash of Worcestershire sauce.
Mushroom
Sliced or chopped mushrooms can also be a tasty addition to your cheese on toast. You can even add some spinach, olives, or sweetcorn kernels to create a hearty and flavourful bite.
Tips for the perfect cheese on toast:
- Toast your bread first: Toasting the bread before adding the cheese helps prevent the edges from burning while the cheese melts.
- Butter the bread: Buttering the bread adds flavour and crispness to your toast. You can also add garlic powder to the butter for an extra kick.
- Watch it closely: The grill can go from melting the cheese to burning it in seconds, so keep a close eye on your toast.
- Get creative: Experiment with different types of bread, cheese, and toppings to find your favourite combinations.
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