Bushra Griffith
A grilled cheese sandwich is a classic, comforting dish that is easy to make and even easier to enjoy. The key to a great grilled cheese sandwich is in its name – the cheese. The type of cheese you use will determine the flavour and texture of your sandwich. A thicker slice of bread, such as Texas toast, works best to hold the cheese, but any type of bread can be used. The bread can be buttered or spread with mayonnaise, and the sandwich is then cooked in a skillet or toasted until the cheese is melted and the bread is golden.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Bread | White, whole wheat, sourdough, gluten-free, brioche, ciabatta, homemade, thick, thin |
| Butter | French, unsalted, salted |
| Cheese | Cheddar, gouda, Havarti, mozzarella, Swiss, American, Monterey jack, pepper jack, Gruyere, fontina, dairy-free |
| Other ingredients | Mayonnaise, olive oil, Dijon mustard, pesto, chutney, garlic powder, Parmesan cheese |
| Cooking method | Skillet, non-stick pan, air fryer, griddle, oven |
| Cooking time | 4-7 minutes |
| Cooking temperature | Medium-low heat, 275˚F, 390˚F |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the right bread
First, consider the thickness of the bread. Thicker slices, such as Texas toast, provide a heartier sandwich with more room for cheese, but they require a longer cooking time. Thinner slices, on the other hand, toast faster and result in a crispier sandwich. If you're using a thicker slice, aim for a thickness of 3/4" to 1" to ensure the cheese melts properly.
Second, opt for a sturdy loaf that can withstand the heat. Delicate, thinly sliced breads may fall apart easily. Sourdough, brioche, and ciabatta are all great options that offer both flavour and structure. If you're feeling adventurous, you can even try making your own bread to elevate your grilled cheese experience.
Lastly, think about the size of the slices. Go for a loaf with larger slices to maximise the surface area for cheese. This will ensure every bite is packed with cheesy goodness.
Experiment with different types of bread to find your favourite, and don't be afraid to get creative. The beauty of a grilled cheese sandwich is that it can be easily customised to your taste preferences.
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Selecting the best cheese
Cheddar is a classic choice for grilled cheese sandwiches. It has a sharp, crowd-pleasing flavour and provides a wonderful cheese pull. You can use sharp cheddar, mild cheddar, or a blend of both.
Mozzarella is another popular option, known for its stretchiness. It will give your sandwich a gooey, melty texture.
Swiss cheese adds a nutty flavour to your sandwich.
If you're looking for a combination of cheeses, medium cheddar, gouda (smoked or regular), and Havarti is a great option. This blend provides a good balance of flavours and textures. You can also substitute one of these cheeses with Monterey jack, pepper jack, Gruyere, fontina, or mozzarella.
For a vegan option, you can choose a dairy-free cheese.
When selecting your cheese, consider the type of bread you are using. Thicker slices of bread provide more room for cheese, while thinner slices may require less cheese to avoid becoming soggy. The type of bread can also impact the flavour and texture of the cheese. For example, a thick, sturdy bread like sourdough or Texas toast can handle the heat and will provide a crispier exterior, while a thinner, more delicate bread may require a milder cheese to avoid overpowering the sandwich.
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Spreading butter or mayo
When preparing a grilled cheese sandwich, you can choose to spread butter or mayonnaise on the bread slices. Butter is a classic choice and will give your sandwich a crisp, buttery exterior. It is recommended to use a generous amount of butter, about 1/2 tablespoon on each slice, to ensure a crispy exterior. If you are health-conscious, you can opt for a lighter variety of butter or use French butter, which is considered superior by some. Alternatively, you can use olive oil, which adds a unique flavour to the sandwich.
Mayonnaise, or mayo, is a popular alternative to butter. It can be used as a spread on the bread or added to the pan to prevent the sandwich from sticking. Light mayonnaise is a good option if you are looking for a healthier choice. If you want to add a little extra flavour to your sandwich, you can sprinkle some Parmesan cheese on the mayo-coated bread before placing it in the skillet.
When spreading butter or mayo on your bread, it is important to ensure that the bread is sturdy enough to handle the heat. Thinly sliced, delicate breads will quickly fall apart. Thicker slices, such as Texas toast or sourdough, are better options as they provide a heartier sandwich and more room for cheese. However, thicker slices require more time to cook thoroughly.
If you are feeling adventurous, you can experiment with different spreads to add an extra layer of flavour to your grilled cheese sandwich. Consider spreading a thin layer of condiments like Dijon mustard, pesto, or chutney on the inside of your sandwich. These spreads will elevate your sandwich and make it even more delicious.
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Cooking method and timing
The cooking method for a grilled cheese sandwich is quite straightforward. You can use a skillet, a non-stick pan, or an air fryer. If using a skillet or non-stick pan, you will need to butter one side of a slice of bread and place it butter-side down in the pan. Then, add cheese—about half a cup—and sprinkle on any desired toppings, such as pesto or Dijon mustard. You can also add sliced meat, such as turkey breast. Next, butter another slice of bread on one side and place it butter-side up on top of the cheese.
If you are using a skillet, you can cook your sandwich over medium heat for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted. If you are using a non-stick pan, preheat it to medium-low, and cook your sandwich for a similar duration, flipping it once the first side is toasted.
If you are using an air fryer, preheat it to 390 degrees Fahrenheit, and cook your sandwich for 5 minutes on one side, then flip it and cook for an additional 2 minutes on the other side.
The total cooking time for a grilled cheese sandwich over low to medium-low heat is typically around 6-7 minutes. It is important to keep the heat low to give the cheese time to fully melt while achieving a golden and crispy exterior.
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Serving suggestions
Grilled cheese sandwiches are delicious with all sorts of sides and entrees, but they pair particularly well with tomato-based soups and stews. You can also dip your sandwich in yellow mustard, or slather on some fig jam.
If you want to add more ingredients to your sandwich, you can try adding fresh vegetables, such as sautéed spinach, caramelised onions, chopped steamed broccoli, roasted red peppers, or roasted tomatoes, or thin slices of raw onion. You can also add fruit, such as thinly sliced apples, pears, or grapes. Pickles are another great addition—try pickled red onions, pickled radishes, or pickled jalapeños.
If you want to stick to a classic grilled cheese, the most important thing is to use a good melting cheese, such as American, cheddar, gouda, havarti, or mozzarella. You can also combine cheeses—just be sure to stick with a combination that melts well. For the bread, opt for something soft yet sturdy and no more than about 1/2-inch thick. Good options include white sandwich bread, whole-wheat, rye, potato bread, brioche, or even Texas toast.
If you're making grilled cheese sandwiches for a crowd, you can cook them in the oven. Simply butter the outsides of the bread slices, stack three slices of cheese between the bread, and bake on a baking sheet for 10 minutes at 400˚F, flipping halfway.
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Frequently asked questions
You can use any type of bread, but thicker slices provide a heartier sandwich and more room for cheese. Thinner slices toast faster and are easier to crunch through. Some popular options include sourdough, white, whole wheat, brioche, and even gluten-free varieties.
You can experiment with different cheeses like cheddar, mozzarella, Swiss, gouda, Havarti, or a dairy-free cheese if you're vegan. You can use sliced or grated cheese, depending on your preference.
Use a generous amount of butter, about 1/2 tablespoon on each slice of bread. You can also try using olive oil or mayonnaise instead of butter.
Heat a skillet or non-stick pan over medium to low heat. Butter one side of each slice of bread and place them butter-side down in the pan. Add cheese to one slice of bread and cover it with the other slice (butter-side up). Cook until the bottom slice is lightly browned, then flip and cook until the cheese is melted and the bread is golden brown.
Grilled cheese sandwiches go well with tomato-based soups and stews. You can also experiment with different spreads like Dijon mustard, pesto, or chutney to add extra flavor to your sandwich.
