Bushra Griffith
Grilled cheese sandwiches are a delicious treat, but they're best enjoyed straight off the stove when the cheese is melted and the bread is crackly and buttery. However, it is possible to pack a grilled cheese sandwich for later and still enjoy it warm and gooey. The key is to prevent condensation from making the sandwich soggy. To do this, let the sandwich cool completely before packing it. If you want to keep your sandwich warm, a thermos is the best option. Fill your thermos with boiling water, let the sandwich cool, then empty and dry the thermos before packing the sandwich inside. You can also cut the sandwich into sticks, thirds, or quarters to better fit your thermos. Now you can enjoy a warm, gooey grilled cheese sandwich wherever you are!
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What You'll Learn
How to keep your grilled cheese sandwich warm
There are several ways to keep your grilled cheese sandwich warm. Here are some options:
Thermos
The best way to keep your grilled cheese sandwich warm is by using a thermos. First, fill your thermos with boiling water and set it aside. Prepare your grilled cheese sandwich and let it cool on a cutting board for a few minutes until it is warm but no longer hot. Empty the water from the thermos, dry it thoroughly with a paper towel, and make sure the inside is completely dry. Then, cut the sandwich into slices or sticks, depending on the size and shape of your thermos, and place them inside. Seal the thermos tightly, and your sandwich will stay warm for hours.
Oven or Air Fryer
If you have access to an oven or an air fryer, you can keep your grilled cheese sandwich warm by reheating it at a temperature between 140-200 degrees Fahrenheit (or 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 2 minutes, according to one source). However, be aware that reheating may change the texture of the sandwich, and it is best not to reheat it more than once.
Foil
If you don't have a thermos, you can try wrapping your grilled cheese sandwich in foil to keep it warm. Some people suggest using a blow torch to reheat the sandwich while it's wrapped in foil, or even placing it near a car engine to keep it warm while on the go.
Other Options
Other options for keeping your grilled cheese sandwich warm include using a portable camping griddle, a warming bento box, or a convection oven. You can also try making your sandwich with "cheese" instead of real cheese, as some types of processed cheese stay softer for longer. Additionally, if you are planning to eat your sandwich near a toaster oven, you can assemble the sandwich but not cook it, and then grill it on-site when you are ready to eat.
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The best way to prevent sogginess
The best grilled cheese sandwich is one with crackly, buttery bread and a goey, melted cheese centre. But, when it comes to packing a grilled cheese sandwich, you run the risk of it getting soggy. Here are some tips to prevent that:
Firstly, let the sandwich cool down completely before placing it in a lunch container. If you pack it while it's still warm, the steam will be trapped inside, and the bread will get moist and soggy. You can also let the sandwich cool down to room temperature and then slice it in half and pack it inside the container.
Secondly, when preparing your sandwich, lightly butter or spray both sides of the sandwich on the outside. This will help create a barrier against moisture. You can also try slathering on a layer of mayo, mustard, pesto, or hummus as these condiments act as a barrier between the bread and the sandwich fillings, preventing excess moisture from seeping into the bread.
Thirdly, when it comes to choosing the right bread, opt for a Pullman loaf, hearty marble rye, or a hoagie roll. Toasting the bread before assembling the sandwich can also help as it dries out the bread, reducing its ability to soak up moisture. However, if you're packing the sandwich to go, only toast the exterior of the bread in a cast-iron pan with a little oil or butter. Toasting both sides can make the ingredients slide out.
Finally, when wrapping your sandwich, avoid using materials like aluminium foil or plastic wrap as they prevent the sandwich from "breathing" and fail to absorb moisture. Instead, use parchment paper, which is slightly porous and can absorb moisture. Wrap the whole sandwich in a layer of paper, slice it in half, and then wrap the halves again.
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Choosing the right container
When it comes to packing a grilled cheese sandwich, the right container is key to preserving its taste and texture. Here are some tips to help you choose the right container:
Thermos: A thermos is an excellent option if you want to keep your grilled cheese sandwich warm. It is designed to retain heat, ensuring your sandwich stays warm for hours. Before placing the sandwich inside, fill the thermos with boiling water, let it sit, then empty and dry it thoroughly. Cut the sandwich into slices or sticks, depending on the size and width of your thermos, and place them inside. This method is ideal if you want your sandwich to be warm during lunchtime.
Lunchbox: If you don't require your grilled cheese sandwich to be warm and are looking for a more traditional option, a lunchbox can be a suitable container. However, it's crucial to let the sandwich cool completely to room temperature before placing it in the lunchbox to prevent condensation and sogginess. You can also pack sides, such as fruits, vegetables, or snacks, in separate compartments or containers to go with your sandwich.
Insulated Container: If you're packing soup along with your grilled cheese sandwich, consider using an insulated container to keep the soup hot. This option is perfect for dipping your sandwich into warm soup, creating a comforting meal.
Sealable Containers: When packing sides or dips with your grilled cheese sandwich, opt for sealable containers. These containers are perfect for holding soup, salad dressing, or any other accompaniments you wish to include in your meal.
By choosing the right container, you can ensure your grilled cheese sandwich stays fresh, warm, or crispy, depending on your preference, making for a delightful dining experience.
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Preparing your sandwich for grilling
First, choose your sandwich filling. Classic grilled cheese is delicious, but you can also experiment with fillings such as ham & cheese, turkey & avocado, or even PB&J. Once you've assembled your sandwich, it's time to prepare it for grilling. Lightly butter or spray both sides of the sandwich on the outsides. This will give your sandwich that delicious, buttery, toasted flavour.
Next, heat a non-stick pan over medium heat for about 15 seconds. Place your sandwich in the middle of the pan and cook until the bottom is golden brown, which should take around 2 to 3 minutes. Then, flip it and cook for another 3 minutes until the cheese is melted and the bread is perfectly toasted. If you want to keep your sandwich warm, you can try using a thermos. Fill your thermos with boiling water and set it aside while you prepare your grilled cheese sandwich. Once your sandwich is ready, let it cool on a cutting board for a few minutes until it's warm but no longer hot. Then, empty the water from the thermos, dry it, and place the sandwich inside.
If you're packing your sandwich to eat later, it's important to let it cool completely before placing it in a lunch container to prevent condensation from building up and making your sandwich soggy. You can also cut your sandwich into sticks, thirds, or quarters to fit in your thermos or container.
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Delicious combinations and recipes
The key to a delicious grilled cheese sandwich is in its name—grilled cheese! The cheese you choose is important, and so is the bread.
For the cheese, a combination of two or more types of cheese is best for a rich flavour. Good melting cheeses include mozzarella, Monterey Jack, Havarti, Gruyere, Fontina, Swiss, sharp cheddar, gouda, and American cheese. For a sharper flavour, try combining a mild cheese like mozzarella with a stronger-flavoured cheese like vintage cheddar or Gruyere. You could also add sliced ham or turkey for a protein boost.
For the bread, a lightly browned, crisp slice is ideal. Sourdough is a popular choice for its tang, but any sliced bread will work as long as it is not too thick (which prevents the cheese from melting), too thin or soft (as it will get squished by the cheese), or too holey (creating cheese escape routes!).
To achieve the perfect melt, cook your sandwich on low heat with a generous amount of butter and a lid on top. This will ensure the cheese is fully melted and the bread is evenly browned.
For an extra kick of flavour, you can spread mayonnaise or Dijon mustard on the bread instead of butter. You can also add sliced jalapeños, onions, tomatoes, or garlic.
If you're taking your grilled cheese sandwich on the go, keep it warm by packing it in a thermos. First, fill the thermos with boiling water and set it aside. Prepare your grilled cheese sandwich and let it cool until it is warm but no longer hot. Empty and thoroughly dry the thermos, then slice the sandwich into sticks and place them inside. Seal the thermos tightly until you're ready to eat.
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Frequently asked questions
Allow the sandwich to cool to room temperature for about 5 minutes. Then, cut the sandwich in half or into sticks and pack it in a lunch container. Make sure to pack any sides, such as veggies, fruits, or snacks, separately.
To keep a grilled cheese sandwich warm, use a thermos. First, fill the thermos with boiling water and set it aside. After the sandwich has cooled down, empty the water from the thermos, dry it, and place the sandwich inside. Seal the thermos tightly until lunchtime.
You can serve a grilled cheese sandwich with tomato soup, which can be packed in a separate thermos or container. You can also serve it with mini pickles, fruits, or veggies.
