Frederic Melton
A cheese sandwich is a versatile dish that can be made in several ways and served hot or cold. The type of bread used can vary, but it should be sturdy enough to handle the heat. The cheese used can also vary, but it should be fresh. The sandwich can be toasted, grilled, or baked, and can be served with a variety of toppings and sides.
Characteristics and their Values:
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Bread | Soft sandwich bread, Sourdough, Brioche, Ciabatta, Wheat flour bread, White bread |
| Butter | Real butter, Lurpak slightly salted, Mayonnaise |
| Cheese | Cheddar, Red Leicester, Double Gloucester, White Cheshire, Shropshire Red, Mozzarella, Gruyere, Brie, Fontina, Gouda, Pepper Jack, Havarti, American cheese, Parmesan |
| Vegetables | Lettuce, Onion, Tomato, Pickled vegetables |
| Meat | Bacon, Ham |
| Spices | Salt, Pepper, Red chilli flakes, Basil, Thyme, Garlic salt |
| Cooking Method | Griddle, Frying pan, Sandwich toaster, Oven |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the right bread
If you're making a simple cheese sandwich, soft white sandwich bread is a good option. This kind of bread is dense and slightly sour, and usually comes in light or dark varieties. White bread is also a popular choice for grilled cheese sandwiches.
For a healthier option, wheat flour bread is a good choice. It is also firmer than white sandwich bread, which makes it a good option for grilled cheese sandwiches.
If you're making a Mediterranean-influenced sandwich, choose an olive-oily bread like focaccia or ciabatta. These breads are also good options if you're looking for thick-cut slices.
If you're making a breakfast sandwich, an English muffin is a good choice. The nooks and crannies of an English muffin are perfect for absorbing melted butter.
If you're looking for something sweet, milk bread is the lightest and fluffiest option. It's perfect for making sandwiches more exciting, and its soft texture and signature swirl make it a whimsical choice.
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Buttering the bread
When using sliced bread, it is important to butter the bread generously on one side only. This is the side that will be placed in the pan, butter-side down, to achieve the desired golden-brown colour and toasted texture.
If you are using a skillet or griddle, heat it to a medium temperature and place the bread butter-side down. You can then add your cheese and other fillings, before placing the second slice of bread on top, with the buttered side facing up.
If you are making a toasted sandwich, you can butter the outside of the bread and fry both sides in a pan until golden and crispy. This method works well with a firmer loaf of bread, as opposed to soft white sandwich bread.
For a grilled cheese sandwich, some recipes suggest buttering both sides of the bread. This can be done by spreading butter on each slice, or by placing the bread in a pan with melted butter and grilling until golden, before flipping and adding the cheese.
Some people prefer to use mayonnaise instead of butter, as it adds crispness and a slight touch of extra flavour. However, others argue that mayonnaise will make the sandwich taste too much like mayo, and that butter is the classic choice.
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Selecting the cheese
When it comes to selecting the cheese for your sandwich, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, it is recommended to use fresh cheese, and while pre-sliced or grated cheese will work, you may get better flavour and texture by starting with a block and slicing or grating it yourself. This way, you can also choose the thickness of your slices, which can impact the overall taste and texture of your sandwich. Thick slices of cheese can create a more indulgent and gooey centre, while thinner slices may crisp up more easily.
Next, you should consider the type of cheese you want to use. This will depend on your personal preference, as different cheeses offer different flavours and melting qualities. For example, a classic option is cheddar, which can be sharp or mild, or a blend of both. You could also try a combination of cheddar and Red Leicester, or other British hard cheeses like Double Gloucester, White Cheshire, or Shropshire Red. If you're feeling adventurous, you could experiment with different cheeses like Gruyere, Brie, Fontina, Gouda, Pepper Jack, Havarti, or even good old-fashioned sliced American cheese, which gives a gorgeous cheese pull.
If you want to add some spice to your sandwich, you can choose a cheese that pairs well with spicy ingredients. For example, mozzarella goes well with basil, while cheddar pairs nicely with thyme. You can also add sliced onion to your sandwich, which goes well with the tanginess of cheddar. If you want a touch of heat, you can add crushed red pepper or pickled jalapeños to your sandwich, and then choose a cheese that complements this, like a mild cheddar or Monterey Jack.
Finally, consider the overall flavour profile you want to achieve. If you're looking for a simple, classic cheese sandwich, you may want to stick to one or two types of cheese that you know you enjoy. However, if you're feeling creative, you can experiment with different combinations of cheeses and additional ingredients to create a unique flavour profile. Just remember to consider the melting point and texture of the cheeses you choose, so that they complement each other and create a harmonious sandwich experience.
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Adding fillings
There are endless possibilities when it comes to adding fillings to your cheese sandwich. The classic option is to use Cheddar, but you can also experiment with different combinations of cheese, such as 50/50 Cheddar and Red Leicester, or a blend of sharp and mild Cheddar. If you want to branch out from Cheddar, you could try other British hard cheeses like Double Gloucester, White Cheshire, or Shropshire Red. Or, for something a little more exotic, you could try Gruyere, Brie, Fontina, Gouda, Pepper Jack, or Havarti.
If you're feeling creative, you can add all sorts of extra fillings to your cheese sandwich. For a touch of spice, add some sliced red onion, crushed red pepper, or fresh herbs like basil or thyme. If you like your sandwiches with a bit of a kick, try adding some pickled jalapeños or a sprinkle of garlic salt. You could also add some meat, like slices of ham or cooked bacon, or even some crisps for a crunchy texture.
For a more substantial sandwich, you can add some lettuce and tomato. If you're using lettuce, it's best to opt for thinner leaves that won't bulk up your sandwich too much. Cut a thick, meaty tomato into slices and stack them on top of the lettuce, then add a sprinkle of salt and pepper to taste. You could even serve your cheese sandwich with a side of tomato soup for the perfect pairing.
If you're feeling really indulgent, you can add even more cheese to your sandwich. Sprinkle some grated cheese on top of your other fillings, or try spreading a little mayonnaise on your bread instead of butter for an extra-creamy texture. You could even try adding a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese to your buttered bread before toasting it for an upgraded flavor.
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Grilling the sandwich
Grilling a cheese sandwich is a simple process, but there are a few key steps to follow to achieve perfection. The first step is to choose your bread. While any sliced bread will work, you want to ensure the slices are not too thick (which may prevent the cheese from melting), too thin or too soft (which may cause the bread to be squished by the cheese), or too holey (creating cheese escape routes!). A thicker sliced bread, such as Texas toast, works well, as does sourdough.
Next, you'll want to prepare your cheese. While pre-sliced or grated cheese will work, it's best to start with a block and slice or shred it yourself to ensure ultimate flavour and texture. You can also spice up your sandwich by adding crushed red pepper, pickled jalapeños, or fresh herbs like basil with mozzarella or thyme with cheddar.
Now it's time to grill your sandwich. You can use a griddle, frying pan, or sandwich toaster. Start by spreading butter on your bread—this can be done by spreading softened butter directly onto the bread, or melting butter in the pan and then mopping the bread in it. Be generous with the butter to ensure a perfectly browned sandwich that's not dry. Place your bread in the pan on medium heat, and grill until golden. Flip the bread and place your cheese on top, sprinkling with chilli flakes and herbs if desired. Cover with another slice of bread, with the hotter side facing the cheese. Grill until the sandwich is golden and the cheese has begun to melt.
Finally, serve your sandwich. Transfer it to a plate using a spatula, and leave it whole or cut it in half, either vertically or diagonally. Enjoy!
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