Frederic Melton
Grilled cheese is a classic, simple dish that can be made in a variety of ways. The basic recipe calls for sliced cheese and butter on white bread, but there are many ways to elevate this sandwich. For example, you can use different types of cheese, bread, and toppings, as well as cooking methods, to create a unique and delicious grilled cheese sandwich. Whether you're a beginner cook or a pro, this versatile dish is a great option to add to your repertoire.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Bread | Sourdough, white bread, brioche, ciabatta, Texas Toast |
| Bread texture | Sturdy, not too thick or thin |
| Butter | Softened, salted |
| Cheese | American, cheddar, pepper Jack, Havarti, Gruyère, Monterey Jack, mozzarella, Swiss, Colby |
| Cheese texture | Shredded or grated |
| Spices | Creole seasoning, cayenne, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder |
| Condiments | Mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, kimchi, pesto |
| Sides | Tomato soup, cauliflower soup, creamy vegetable soup |
| Storage | Airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the right bread
While making a grilled cheese sandwich, the bread you choose is important. The right bread will ensure that your sandwich is crispy and crunchy on the outside, and that it can withstand the heat and weight of the cheese.
You can use any sliced bread, from sandwich bread to loaf bread, but avoid thinly sliced, delicate breads as they will quickly fall apart. The slices should not be too thick, as the cheese may not melt, nor too thin or soft, as the bread will get squished by the cheese. If you're using store-bought bread, a sturdy variety like sourdough, white bread, brioche, or even ciabatta would work well. Sourdough adds a nice tang that pairs beautifully with rich, melted cheese. White bread is a classic choice, and brioche adds a touch of sweetness. If you're feeling adventurous, try using Texas Toast for thicker slices that will give your sandwich a hearty bite.
If you're baking your own bread, consider the texture and thickness of the slices. The bread should be sturdy enough to handle the heat and weight of the cheese without becoming too tough or chewy. A soft and airy loaf, such as a country-style white bread or a crusty French bread, could provide a nice contrast to the melted cheese.
Ultimately, the choice of bread depends on your personal preference and the overall flavour profile you want to achieve. Experiment with different types of bread and pay attention to how they affect the taste and texture of your grilled cheese sandwich.
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Selecting the best cheese
Go for a melty cheese: Cheeses like American, cheddar, pepper Jack, Havarti, Gruyère, Monterey Jack, and Swiss are excellent choices for grilled cheese sandwiches. They melt beautifully and create that gooey, stretchy texture we all crave in a grilled cheese.
Choose low-moisture cheese: Opt for low-moisture varieties when selecting cheese for your grilled cheese. These cheeses tend to melt better and give you that perfect, creamy texture.
Grate your own cheese: Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents, which can affect its melting ability. Grating your own cheese ensures a better melt and allows you to control the size of the shreds. Finely grated or shredded cheese melts quicker and more evenly, creating a harmonious balance with the toasting bread.
Experiment with combinations: Try combining two or more cheeses to create a richer, more complex flavour profile. For example, pairing Gruyère or raclette with cheddar adds a salty, nutty, and slightly funky twist to your sandwich. Another gourmet combination is mixing Gruyère with brie and thinly sliced apples or fig jam for a sweet and savoury delight.
Consider sharpness and flavour: Depending on your taste preferences, you can opt for sharp or mild cheddar. Sharp cheddar offers a more intense, nutty flavour, while mild cheddar provides a gentler, crowd-pleasing taste.
Don't be afraid to branch out: While the classic choices are always a safe bet, feel free to explore different cheeses. Mozzarella, Colby, Swiss, and provolone are all worthy contenders for your grilled cheese sandwich. You can even add a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese to your buttered bread for an extra punch of flavour.
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Spreading butter and mayo
When making grilled cheese, you can choose to spread butter or mayonnaise on your bread slices. Some recipes recommend softened butter, which spreads more evenly and ensures a crispier exterior to the sandwich. To quickly soften butter, unwrap it and place it on a plate. Then, fill a measuring cup with 1 cup of water, microwave it for 2 minutes, pour out the water, dry the cup, and invert the hot cup over the butter for 5-10 minutes. You can also use salted butter for your grilled cheese if you don't want to use mayonnaise.
If you prefer mayonnaise, spreading it on the outside of the bread will help it cook up with a crisp, beautifully browned exterior and give it a richer flavor. You can also spread mayonnaise on the inside of the sandwich to add a subtle flavor and creaminess that complements the cheese. For extra flavor, you can add spices to the mayo, such as cayenne for heat or paprika and onion powder for general flavor.
When using butter, it's important to spread it to the edges of the bread to ensure a crispy exterior. You can also sprinkle some Parmesan cheese on the buttered bread before putting it into the skillet for an extra boost of flavor. If you're making multiple sandwiches, it's best to use a cold pan and heat it slowly and evenly over medium-low to low heat. This will help the cheese melt as the bread toasts, creating the perfect grilled cheese.
In terms of bread type, you can use any type of reasonably thinly sliced sandwich bread, such as sourdough, white bread, brioche, or even ciabatta. However, make sure the loaf is sturdy enough to handle the heat, as thinly sliced, delicate breads will quickly fall apart. For a crispier texture, choose a hearty bread with a tangy flavor, such as sourdough, to complement the rich melted cheese.
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Grilling the sandwich
First, you will need to prepare your skillet. Place it on the stove and turn the heat to medium. You can use low heat if you want to toast the bread and melt the cheese more slowly and evenly, but this may cause the outside to cook before the inside melts. A cast-iron skillet is best because it heats more evenly and browns food well. If you are making multiple sandwiches, you should let the skillet cool between batches. You can also use an electric griddle or flat cooktop, which is ideal for making many sandwiches.
Next, you will need to prepare your sandwich for grilling. If you are only making one sandwich, simply place it in the skillet. If you are making more than one sandwich, you may need to cook them one at a time, depending on the size of your skillet. Make sure there is plenty of room in the skillet, as this will ensure that the bread cooks evenly.
Once your sandwich is in the skillet, you will need to cook it until it is golden brown and the cheese is melted. This should take around two minutes on each side. If you are using a skillet, you will need to flip the sandwich over with a thin metal spatula. If you are using an air fryer, you will need to flip the sandwich manually after four to six minutes, then cook for another three to four minutes.
Finally, once the sandwich is golden brown and the cheese is melted, transfer it to a plate and enjoy! Grilled cheese sandwiches are best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.
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Serving and storing
Grilled cheese sandwiches are best enjoyed fresh, straight from the pan. If you're making grilled cheese in a skillet, it's best to cook one sandwich at a time. If you're cooking several sandwiches, let the skillet cool between batches.
If you have leftovers, grilled cheese can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, use a skillet for the best texture.
Grilled cheese sandwiches are delicious with all sorts of sides and entrees, but they pair particularly well with tomato-based soups and stews. Try serving your grilled cheese with fresh tomato soup, or get creative with creamy vegetable soup or cauliflower soup.
For a gourmet twist, experiment with different types of cheese and flavour combinations. Try a mix of Gruyere and brie with thinly sliced apples or a slather of fig jam, or layer in pickled red onions, pickled radishes, or pickled jalapeños for a fun pop of flavour.
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Frequently asked questions
You can use any type of bread, but it's important to ensure the slices aren't too thick or too thin. Sourdough, white bread, brioche, and ciabatta are popular choices.
Go for a melty cheese such as American, cheddar, pepper Jack, Havarti, Gruyère, Monterey Jack, or mozzarella. Using shredded cheese instead of sliced will help it melt more quickly and evenly.
You can use either butter or mayonnaise, depending on your preference. Butter is traditional, but mayonnaise adds extra creaminess and saltiness, and can help the bread brown better. For the best results, use softened butter that has been left to sit for at least an hour.
You can add spices to the mayonnaise, such as cayenne for heat or paprika and onion powder for flavour. Pickled red onions, radishes, or jalapeños can also add a fun pop of flavour. For a gourmet touch, try a mix of Gruyere and brie with sliced apples or fig jam.
Grilled cheese is typically cooked in a skillet, griddle, or pan on the stove. Start with a cold pan and use medium-low to low heat for even toasting and melting. An air fryer or sandwich press can also be used.
