Andy Montoya
Grilled cheese sandwiches are a classic comfort food, and using mayonnaise instead of butter can take them to the next level. Mayonnaise has a higher smoke point than butter, making it less likely to burn and giving your sandwich a golden, delectable crunch. It's also easier to spread straight from the fridge, and its oil and egg yolk content encourages ideal browning and melting. To make a grilled cheese sandwich with mayonnaise, spread one side of each slice of bread with butter and the other side with mayonnaise. Place one slice, mayonnaise-side down, in a skillet over medium heat. Top with cheese, then add the second slice of bread, mayonnaise-side up. Cook until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted, about 2 to 4 minutes per side.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Bread | White, wheat, whole grain sandwich bread, sourdough, ciabatta, Texas Toast, pumpernickel, rye, pretzel, or your favorite bread |
| Cheese | American, cheddar, gouda, gruyere, Swiss, mild or white cheddar, gouda, Muenster, Havarti, Monterey Jack, or your favorite |
| Mayonnaise | Homemade, store-bought, or flavored mayonnaise (e.g., garlic aioli, bacon aioli, pesto aioli, or truffle aioli) |
| Butter | Unsalted butter |
| Add-ins | Kimchi, salted tomato slices, grainy mustard, ham, prosciutto, apple slices, or tomato |
| Cooking Method | Spread mayonnaise and butter on the bread, place the sandwich in a skillet over medium heat, cook until the cheese melts and the bread is golden brown |
| Serving Suggestions | Serve with tomato soup, cut diagonally |
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What You'll Learn
Spreading mayonnaise on the bread
To make a grilled cheese sandwich with mayonnaise, you'll need to spread mayonnaise on one side of each slice of bread. It is recommended to use full-fat mayonnaise as it has a better flavour and yields a better crust. The mayonnaise can be homemade or store-bought, and you can even use flavoured mayonnaise such as garlic aioli, bacon aioli, pesto aioli, or truffle aioli.
The mayonnaise is spread on the bread before placing the sandwich in the pan. The sandwich should be cooked with the mayonnaise-covered side facing down in the pan. This will help to create a golden, delectable crunch.
When spreading the mayonnaise, it is important to ensure that it is spread evenly across the bread. This will help to ensure that the bread browns evenly. You can use any type of bread you prefer, such as white, wheat, sourdough, or rye.
Unlike butter, mayonnaise is spreadable straight from the fridge, making it easier to prepare your sandwich. It also has a higher smoke point than butter, which means it is less likely to burn. This makes it ideal for creating a golden, crusty exterior without burning the bread.
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Choosing the right type of cheese
Melting Ability
The key to a great grilled cheese sandwich is melted cheese. So, when choosing your cheese, consider its melting ability. Some cheeses, like American cheese, are known for their excellent melting qualities, making them ideal for grilled cheese sandwiches. Medium-sharp cheddar, gouda, and Havarti are also great melting cheeses that will give your sandwich a rich, gooey texture.
Flavour and Texture
Think about the flavour and texture you want to achieve. If you're looking for a classic, nostalgic flavour, American cheese or mild cheddar is a great choice. For a nuttier flavour, Swiss cheese is an excellent option. If you want a stretchy, stringy texture, go for mozzarella. Brie, on the other hand, offers a creamy texture and pairs well with sweet accompaniments like jam.
Combination of Cheeses
Using a combination of two or more cheeses can take your grilled cheese sandwich to the next level. For example, you could use mozzarella for stretch and another cheese for flavour, like Gruyère or vintage cheddar. This way, you get the best of both worlds in terms of taste and texture.
Personal Preference
Ultimately, the choice of cheese depends on your personal preference. Experiment with different varieties and combinations to find your perfect grilled cheese sandwich. Whether you like it simple or loaded with extras, the right cheese will make your sandwich indulgent and satisfying.
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Heating the skillet
To make grilled cheese sandwiches using mayonnaise, heating the skillet is a crucial step. Here's a detailed guide on how to do it right:
First, choose the right type of skillet. A non-stick skillet is ideal, but if you don't have one, a well-seasoned pan will also work. Place the skillet on your stovetop and adjust the heat to a medium or medium-low setting. You want to give the skillet enough time to heat up properly before adding any butter or mayonnaise, so be patient.
The skillet is ready when it has reached a consistent temperature, and you can feel the heat radiating from it. At this point, you should add the butter. Add about half a tablespoon of unsalted butter to the skillet and let it melt completely. You'll know the butter is ready when it has coated the cooking surface of the skillet and starts to bubble slightly.
The next step is crucial: placing the bread in the skillet. Take your prepared sandwich, with mayonnaise spread on the outside of each slice of bread, and place it mayonnaise-side down into the buttered skillet. This step ensures that the mayonnaise comes into direct contact with the hot surface, creating the desired crispy texture.
Once the sandwich is in the skillet, you can adjust the heat slightly if needed. You want the bread to sizzle gently, encouraging even browning and melting of the cheese. If the heat is too high, the outside of the bread may burn before the cheese is fully melted, so a careful eye is needed.
With the sandwich in the skillet, you can follow the rest of your grilled cheese sandwich recipe, flipping the sandwich as needed and adding more butter to achieve the perfect golden brown colour and crispy texture.
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Placing the sandwich in the skillet
To make a grilled cheese sandwich with mayonnaise, you'll first need to prepare your bread and cheese. Thinly spread butter on one side of each slice of bread, and mayonnaise on the other. You can use around one tablespoon of mayonnaise per slice of bread. Place your preferred cheese on top of one of the slices of bread, buttered-side down.
When preparing your skillet, heat it to a medium setting. You can add a small amount of butter to the skillet at this stage if desired. Place the sandwich in the skillet, mayonnaise-side down. If you're making multiple sandwiches, you can scale up the process by adding more sandwiches to the skillet.
Once the underside is golden brown, after about four minutes, turn the sandwich and add the remaining butter to the skillet. Press down on the sandwich gently to encourage even browning and help the cheese melt. Be careful not to smash the sandwich.
Cook the sandwich until the second side is golden brown and the cheese is melted. The total cooking time should be around 5-7 minutes per side, depending on your range. The sandwich is now ready to eat.
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Serving suggestions
The classic grilled cheese sandwich is a perfect canvas for experimentation and can be reimagined in multiple ways. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your grilled cheese sandwich experience:
Cheese Options:
The type of cheese you use is crucial to achieving the perfect balance of flavour and meltiness. Cheddar is a classic choice and offers a fantastic meltability-taste ratio, with sharp cheddar adding a delightful tang. American cheese is another popular option, known for its exceptional meltability and creamy texture. If you're looking for something a little different, consider Gouda, which offers a rich, buttery flavour. Fontina is also a great choice for its exceptionally creamy and smooth melt. For a nuttier flavour, try Gruyère or raclette, both types of Alpine-style Swiss cheese with excellent melting properties. You could also experiment with Havarti, Mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or Pepper Jack, depending on your preference.
Bread Options:
The key is to choose a bread that is soft yet sturdy, with a thickness that allows the cheese to melt properly. Medium-sliced white bread is a standard option, but you can also explore whole wheat, sourdough, rye, potato bread, brioche loaf, or even gluten-free varieties. Sourdough, in particular, adds a unique tang to the sandwich.
Accompaniments:
Grilled cheese sandwiches pair exceptionally well with tomato soup, creating a comforting and satisfying meal. For a more gourmet experience, consider adding some thinly sliced apples or a spread of fig jam. If you're feeling adventurous, layer in pickled red onions, pickled radishes, or jalapeños for a fun pop of flavour. You can also experiment with various sauces, such as mustard, chutney, or even strawberry jam.
Add-Ins:
While the cheese and bread are the stars of the show, you can elevate your sandwich with some carefully chosen add-ins. Try salted tomato slices, caramelized onions, roasted red peppers, or even sautéed spinach for a nutritional boost. If you're feeling bold, add some kimchi for a spicy-sour crunch. For meat lovers, consider adding crispy bacon slices or hearty kielbasa.
Presentation:
Don't forget the visual appeal! Cut your grilled cheese sandwich diagonally or into triangles—it's a proven fact that sandwiches cut this way taste better. Serve it warm, straight off the skillet, to enjoy the gooey centre at its best.
With these serving suggestions, you can take your grilled cheese sandwich to the next level, creating a delicious and satisfying meal that's perfect for any time of the day.
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Frequently asked questions
Mayonnaise is spreadable straight from the fridge, making prep easier. It also has a higher smoke point, which means you're less likely to burn your sandwich.
You can use any type of bread you like. Suggested options include sourdough, Texas toast, ciabatta, rye, and pumpernickel.
American cheese is the "melting-est" cheese, but you can also use medium-sharp cheddar, Swiss, gouda, gruyere, mild or white cheddar, or get creative with Boursin, Pimento, Whipped Goat Cheese, or dairy-free cheese.
You can add deli meat such as ham, turkey, salami, prosciutto, bacon, or pancetta. You can also add mustard, chutney, strawberry jam, kimchi, salted tomato slices, or grainy mustard.
