Andy Montoya
Grilled cheese sandwiches are a classic, comforting dish that can be adapted to suit personal preferences. While the traditional grilled cheese is made with white bread and American cheese, there are many ways to elevate this simple dish. From the type of bread and cheese to the cooking method, there are endless variations to try. The key to a great grilled cheese sandwich is achieving the perfect balance of crispy, buttery, golden bread and a gooey, molten cheese centre.
Characteristics and Values Table for Grilled Cheese Sandwich
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Bread | White bread, sourdough, brioche, ciabatta, French boule, whole-wheat, rye, potato bread |
| Bread texture | Soft yet sturdy, not too thick, not too many air bubbles |
| Bread preparation | Buttered, may be toasted first, may be salted, may be spread with mayonnaise |
| Cheese | Cheddar, American, Gruyère, Brie, Fontina, Gouda, Pepper Jack, havarti, mozzarella, Swiss-style, young Italian, young French, Taleggio |
| Cheese preparation | Grated, freshly grated, sliced, layered with other ingredients like tomato |
| Cooking method | Pan-fried, baked, oven-baked, toasted, grilled, open-face grilled |
| Cooking temperature | Medium-low heat |
| Cooking utensils | Skillet, non-stick skillet, sheet pan, sandwich toaster, jaffle maker, sandwich press, stove |
| Sides and entrees | Tomato-based soups and stews, fresh vegetables and herbs, yellow mustard |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the right bread
Sandwich bread is a classic choice for grilled cheese, and it comes in a variety of options, including white, whole wheat, multigrain, oatmeal, and potato bread. However, it is recommended to opt for a heartier texture to prevent the bread from flattening when pressed down in the pan. Sourdough, a type of sandwich bread, is a popular choice due to its tangy flavour, which complements the richness of the cheese and butter. Its open crumb structure also provides a crispier crust.
Brioche, a rich and airy bread made with eggs, milk, and butter, is another excellent option for grilled cheese. Its soft and sturdy texture holds up well during pan-frying, and its dense crumb pattern makes it easy to spread with butter or mayonnaise. Brioche also pairs well with mild cheeses like young Gouda or thin slices of Brie and raspberry jam. However, due to its enriched ingredients, it may brown more quickly, so a lower heat setting may be necessary to avoid burning.
Rye bread is a bold choice for those who want to add a bit of daring to their grilled cheese. It has a distinct flavour that complements mild cheeses like Swiss, Gruyère, or Gouda. Light rye is made with rye flour, while dark rye uses rye flour and additional ingredients like molasses. For those with gluten sensitivities, rye bread made with 100% rye flour is a safe option.
Other bread options for grilled cheese sandwiches include ciabatta, focaccia, and baguettes, which provide a crispy, golden-brown exterior. For a sweeter option, cranberry walnut bread adds a crunchy texture and a slight sweetness that pairs well with the richness of cheeses.
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Selecting the perfect cheese
A classic grilled cheese sandwich is made with American cheese. This variety is melty without being too melty, and it gives the sandwich a classic flavour and creaminess. It also has a super nostalgic flavour and is perfect for a good cheese pull.
Cheddar is another popular option, especially for those who prefer a sharper flavour. It melts beautifully and is a great choice if you want a gooey, classic grilled cheese. For a more complex flavour, you can pair it with Gruyère or raclette—both salty and nutty Alpine-style Swiss cheeses.
Mozzarella is also a fantastic choice for a grilled cheese sandwich. It has a stretchy texture and a delicate flavour, especially when paired with fresh heirloom tomatoes and basil leaves or pesto. For a thicker sandwich, you can pair it with another cheese, like Maple Leaf pepper jack cheese, for a mild kick.
If you want to elevate your grilled cheese sandwich, you can use brie. This soft cheese has a mild flavour and creamy texture, and it melts very easily. It pairs well with crusty ciabatta bread and something sweet like jam.
Other options for your grilled cheese sandwich include Swiss cheese, Monterey Jack, gouda, gruyere, havarti, Colby, and pepper jack. Ultimately, the best cheese for a grilled cheese sandwich is one that melts well and suits your taste preferences.
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Butter, mayo, or oil?
Butter
Butter is a classic choice for grilled cheese sandwiches and has been used traditionally. It has a rich taste and gives the sandwich a golden, buttery crust. However, it burns quickly and can be difficult to spread straight out of the fridge. When using butter, it is important to keep a close eye on the sandwich to avoid burning the milk solids.
Mayo
Mayonnaise has gained popularity as a substitute for butter in grilled cheese sandwiches. It has a similar fat content to butter but is spreadable straight from the fridge, making it more convenient. Mayonnaise is an emulsion of oil and an acid (usually vinegar or lemon) with egg, which acts as a binder. It has a higher smoke point than butter, so you can cook at higher temperatures without burning the bread, and it gives you more time to achieve the perfect level of browning. Combining mayonnaise with butter can also be a good option, providing the flavour benefits of butter with the practical advantages of oil.
Oil
Oil is another option for grilled cheese sandwiches, although it is less commonly discussed than butter or mayonnaise. Spraying the outside of the bread with oil can be a good alternative if you want to avoid the richness of butter or the egg-based ingredients in mayonnaise.
Ultimately, the choice between butter, mayo, or oil depends on your personal preferences and how much time and effort you want to put into making your grilled cheese sandwich.
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To flip or not to flip?
To flip, or not to flip? That is the question. And the answer depends on the method you choose to make your grilled cheese sandwich.
If you're using a skillet or pan, the general consensus is to flip your sandwich. First, cook your buttered bread (some recipes call for mayonnaise as well) on one side until lightly browned, then flip and add your cheese. Place the second slice of bread on top, buttered-side up, and continue cooking until the cheese is melted. This method ensures a crispy, golden exterior and a gooey, molten cheese centre.
Some recipes suggest grilling both sides of the bread first, then flipping one slice over, adding the cheese, and inverting the other slice on top. This method gives the cheese a head start on melting and results in a toastier, more compact sandwich.
If you're using an oven, an alternative method is open-face grilling. This involves placing the bread slices butter/mayo-side down on a sheet pan, adding the cheese, and baking until bubbly. Then, close the sandwiches and bake for a further 5 minutes. While this method allows the cheese to melt more thoroughly, it can only be done one sandwich at a time.
For those who prefer a sandwich toaster or jaffle maker, flipping is not necessary. However, some people dislike these methods as they can result in squished bread and limit the amount of cheese that can be used.
So, to flip or not to flip? The answer is: it depends. But if you're after that classic, crispy, golden grilled cheese sandwich with molten cheese oozing out, then flipping is the way to go.
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Sides and pairings
Grilled cheese sandwiches are versatile and can be paired with a variety of sides and dips. Here are some ideas to elevate your grilled cheese experience:
Soups and Stews
Grilled cheese sandwiches and soups are a classic combination. Tomato-based soups, such as fresh tomato soup, pair exceptionally well with the cheesiness of the sandwich. Other options include easy homemade chilli and Italian sausage soup with tortellini. The warmth and acidity of the soup complement the melted cheese and crispy bread.
Dips and Spreads
If you want to enhance your grilled cheese sandwich, consider serving it with dips and spreads. Hummus, dill pickle hummus, and Santa Fe Ranch dip are all excellent choices that add a tangy twist to your sandwich. For a sweeter option, try tomato jam or applesauce, which can be spread directly on the sandwich or served as a dip. Barbecue sauce, especially a homemade variety, can add a southwest flare to your grilled cheese.
Salads
To balance out the richness of the grilled cheese, consider pairing it with a refreshing salad. A Caesar salad is always a great option, or you could try a spinach salad with a balsamic vinegar poppy seed dressing, mixed berries, and crunchy nuts. If you're looking for something more hearty, a potato salad or Mediterranean salad with crunchy vegetables and feta cheese are excellent choices.
Crunchy Add-Ins
For an added crunch, consider incorporating some crispy elements into your grilled cheese. Crunched-up pretzels or potato chips can take your sandwich to the next level. If you're feeling adventurous, try adding crushed-up Cheez-Its for a meta grilled cheese experience.
Hearty Sides
If you're looking for something more substantial to accompany your grilled cheese, consider a side of pasta salad, similar to a potato salad but with pasta or macaroni. Slaw is another easy and satisfying pairing, and you can choose from classic, Chimichurri, or Lemon Tahini Slaw versions.
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Frequently asked questions
The best bread for a grilled cheese sandwich is one that is soft yet sturdy and no more than about half an inch thick. Options like whole-wheat, rye, potato bread, brioche, sourdough, or even a French boule will work well.
The best cheeses to use are those with good melting characteristics. Classic options include American and cheddar, but other great options include gouda, havarti, mozzarella, gruyere, and fontina.
There are several ways to cook a grilled cheese sandwich. One way is to cook it in a pan on medium-low heat with butter and/or mayonnaise on the outside of the bread. Another way is to bake it in the oven at 425°F until the cheese is bubbly and the sandwich is toasty.
