Andy Montoya
Grilled cheese is a delicious, classic comfort food. However, it can be tricky to get that perfect combination of melted cheese and crispy, golden bread without burning the sandwich. The key to success is to cook the sandwich slowly over low heat, giving the cheese time to melt as the bread toasts. Using a non-stick pan and a lid to cover the sandwich can also help to ensure the cheese melts without burning the bread. While butter is a common ingredient, some cooks suggest using olive oil instead, as it has a higher smoke point.
Characteristics of a good grilled cheese sandwich without burning the bread
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of Bread | Sturdy bread such as white sandwich bread, sourdough, brioche or ciabatta |
| Type of Cheese | Cheddar, American, gouda, or any cheese that melts well |
| Cooking Oil | Olive oil or butter |
| Cooking Temperature | Medium to low heat |
| Cooking Technique | Cover the pan to create steam, flip the sandwich, press with a spatula |
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What You'll Learn
Use olive oil, not butter
To make a good grilled cheese sandwich without burning the bread, consider swapping out butter for olive oil. While many recipes recommend butter, it can burn, blacken, and smoke before the bread is toasted and the cheese is melted. Olive oil has a higher smoke point, so it's less likely to burn. Plus, it will enhance the flavor of your sandwich.
Before cooking your sandwich, brush olive oil on both outer portions of the bread. You can also add a pinch of sea salt to both sides for extra flavor. Then, place your sandwich in a hot pan, cover it, and cook on low heat until the bottom bread is toasted to your liking.
Using olive oil instead of butter can also have some health benefits. While butter is not necessarily bad for you, the Mediterranean diet—based on the traditional foods of countries like Italy and Greece—promotes the use of olive oil. This type of oil is also said to have laxative qualities, which can counteract the bowel-blocking effects of cheese.
So, if you're looking for a way to make a grilled cheese sandwich without burning the bread, give olive oil a try! It might just become your new go-to method.
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Shred the cheese
Shredding your own cheese is a great way to ensure your grilled cheese sandwich doesn't burn. Firstly, pre-grated cheese contains preservatives like potato starch, natamycin, and cellulose, which are anti-caking agents that prevent the cheese from clumping together in the bag. These preservatives can impact the taste and texture of the cheese, making it harder to melt and less gooey.
Shredding your own cheese at home eliminates the need for these preservatives, giving you a fresher, creamier taste with a better melt. It's a more economical choice, too, as an 8-ounce block of cheese yields more grated shreds than an 8-ounce bag of pre-shredded cheese. You'll get more bang for your buck, and a higher-quality melt, too.
If you're short on time, and need to buy pre-shredded cheese, look for a variety that doesn't contain cellulose preservatives. Some sources suggest that pre-shredded cheese from your grocery store, grated onsite, may be a better option.
For the best melt and taste, shredding your own cheese is the way to go. It's a simple step that makes a big difference in your grilled cheese sandwich, ensuring the cheese melts beautifully and doesn't burn the bread.
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Use a lid and add water to the pan
Using a lid and adding water to the pan is a great way to ensure your grilled cheese doesn't burn before the cheese melts. This method is especially useful if you like your cheese extra gooey.
First, get your pan to a medium heat. You don't want it to be too hot, as this will burn the bread before the cheese has melted. A setting of 5 or 6 out of 10 is a good starting point, but you may need to experiment with your stove to find the perfect temperature. Once your pan is heated, place your sandwich inside. It's important to note that you should only add a small amount of water to the pan—just enough to create steam.
When your sandwich is in the pan, quickly cover it with a lid. The steam that is trapped inside will help to melt the cheese more quickly, ensuring that your bread doesn't burn. This method is perfect for creating a crunchy outside and a gooey, moist inside.
If you're looking for an even faster melt, you can try using a basting lid, also known as a melting dome. These are used in many restaurants and will melt your cheese in seconds with the help of some steam.
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Cook on a lower heat
To make a good grilled cheese sandwich without burning the bread, it is important to cook on a lower heat. While it may be tempting to turn up the heat to get a quicker melt, this can often lead to burnt bread and unmelted cheese. By cooking on a lower heat, you allow the cheese to melt slowly and evenly, ensuring that the bread doesn't burn before the cheese is ready.
A good grilled cheese sandwich starts with great cheese. It is recommended to shred the cheese before placing it on the bread. This increases the surface area of the cheese, allowing it to melt more easily and reducing the risk of burning the bread. You can use a variety of cheeses, such as cheddar, gouda, or American cheese, depending on your preference.
When cooking the sandwich, it is important to use a larger pan and leave the sandwich open. This allows the heat to distribute evenly and prevents the bread from burning. Cooking the sandwich on low heat also gives you more control over the cooking process, allowing you to adjust the temperature as needed without risking burnt bread.
Additionally, consider using olive oil instead of butter. Butter has a lower smoke point and can burn more easily, while olive oil has a higher smoke point and is less likely to smoke and burn. This simple swap can help prevent the bread from burning and add a delicious flavor to your sandwich.
By following these tips and cooking your grilled cheese sandwich on lower heat, you can achieve perfectly melted cheese and toasted bread without the risk of burning. Just remember to be patient and adjust the temperature as needed for the best results.
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Use a sturdy bread
To make a good grilled cheese sandwich without burning the bread, it is important to use a sturdy loaf. Thinly sliced, delicate breads will quickly fall apart. You can use any type of bread you like, such as plain white sandwich bread, sourdough, brioche, or even ciabatta. If you're feeling adventurous, you could try onion bread.
Once you've chosen your bread, it's time to prepare it. Butter the bread on one side and place it butter-side down on a hot skillet. You can also use olive oil instead of butter, as its higher smoke point will prevent it from burning. If you're feeling indulgent, you can spread mayonnaise on the bread as well. For extra flavor, sprinkle some garlic powder or Parmesan cheese on the buttered side before placing it in the skillet.
Now it's time to add the cheese. You can use any type of cheese you like, but it's best to shred or grate it first to ensure even melting. Place your cheese of choice on the bread, then top it with another slice of bread, butter-side up.
Finally, it's time to cook your sandwich. Place the sandwich in the hot pan and press firmly with a spatula. Cover the pan and cook on low heat until the bottom bread is lightly browned, then flip. Continue cooking until the cheese is melted and the sandwich is golden brown.
By using a sturdy bread and following these simple steps, you can enjoy a delicious grilled cheese sandwich without worrying about burning the bread.
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Frequently asked questions
To get the cheese to melt, use a larger pan and leave the sandwich open on low heat. You can also try covering the sandwich with a lid or giving it some steam by adding a few drops of water to the pan.
You can use any type of bread you like, but make sure the loaf is sturdy enough to handle the heat. Thinly sliced, delicate breads will quickly fall apart. Some common bread choices are sourdough, brioche, or ciabatta.
Many recipes recommend butter, but it tends to burn, blacken, and smoke. Instead, use olive oil – its higher smoke point will prevent burning, and its flavor will enhance the sandwich.
You can use any cheese you like, but stay away from aged cheeses as their moisture content is too low. Cheddar, gouda, and American cheese are all popular choices.
