Andy Montoya
Grilled cheese is a classic, comforting dish that can be made in a variety of ways. While it's simple to make, there are a few tricks to ensure your grilled cheese is golden and crispy on the outside, with melted gooey cheese on the inside. The key is to use a combination of butter and mayonnaise on the bread, and to cook it slowly over medium heat until the bread is toasted and the cheese is melted. You can also experiment with different types of bread, cheese, and fillings to create your own custom grilled cheese sandwich.
Re-grilling a Grilled Cheese Sandwich
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Bread | Plain white sandwich bread, sourdough, brioche, ciabatta, or any bread that can handle the heat |
| Butter | Spread on the outside of the bread for flavor and a golden finish |
| Mayonnaise | Spread on the outside of the bread for a tangier flavor and to prevent burning |
| Cheese | American, cheddar, pepper Jack, Havarti, Gruyère, or Monterey Jack |
| Temperature | Medium heat |
| Grill | Clean the grates with a grill brush. No need to grease the grates |
| Time | 4-6 minutes |
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What You'll Learn
Re-grilling grilled cheese with butter
Re-grilling a grilled cheese sandwich with butter is a simple process. The first step is to select your bread. While any bread will work, it's important to ensure that the slices are not too thick, as this can prevent the cheese from melting properly. Thick, sturdy slices of bread such as sourdough or Texas toast are ideal.
The next step is to prepare the cheese. Grated cheese tends to melt more evenly, so it is recommended to grate your own cheese rather than using store-bought pre-grated cheese, which may not melt as well due to the anti-caking agents it contains. A combination of cheeses is often used to enhance flavour and texture, such as medium cheddar, gouda, and Havarti.
Once the bread and cheese are ready, it's time to assemble the sandwich. Spread softened butter on one side of each slice of bread. You can also add a layer of mayonnaise to the butter for extra flavour and to ensure even browning. Place the cheese on one slice of bread and cover it with the other, making sure the buttered sides are facing outwards.
Finally, it's time to re-grill the sandwich. Melt some butter in a skillet or non-stick pan over medium heat. Place the sandwich in the pan and cook until the bottom slice is golden brown and crispy. Flip the sandwich and cook until the other side is also golden and the cheese is melted. This process should only take a few minutes, and your re-grilled grilled cheese sandwich will be ready to enjoy!
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Re-grilling grilled cheese with mayonnaise
Re-grilling a grilled cheese sandwich is possible, but it may not taste as good as a freshly made one. If your grilled cheese sandwich has gone cold, you can try re-grilling it with mayonnaise to improve its taste and texture. Mayonnaise is an oil-based fat with a higher smoke point than butter, which means it won't burn your bread as quickly and can help you achieve a golden exterior. It also adds a tangy flavour and creates a crisp exterior.
To re-grill your grilled cheese sandwich with mayonnaise, start by cleaning your grates with a grill brush. No need to grease the grates. Take your pre-made grilled cheese sandwich and thinly spread mayonnaise on the outside of each slice of bread. Place the slices mayonnaise-side down on the grill. Sprinkle cheese on top of the bread—about 3/4 cup of grated cheese should be enough. You can use cheddar, American, or a mix of Gruyere and cheddar for a nuttier flavour.
Cover the grill and cook until the bread is golden and the cheese is almost completely melted, which should take about 4 to 6 minutes. Keep an eye on the bread to prevent burning and move the slices around the grill as needed. Once the cheese is nearly melted, use a spatula or your hands to top the cheese halves with the other toasted slices of bread. Transfer the sandwiches to plates, press down slightly, and sprinkle with salt to taste.
If you're making a grilled cheese sandwich from scratch, you can also use mayonnaise instead of butter. Spread mayonnaise on the outside of each slice of bread before placing the sandwich in the pan to grill. This will give your sandwich a crisp exterior and a rich flavour. You can also add extra ingredients to your sandwich, such as sliced tomatoes, onions, or pickles, to enhance the flavour.
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Re-grilling grilled cheese with different types of bread
Re-grilling a grilled cheese sandwich is possible, but it is important to note that the sandwich will likely not taste as good as when it was first grilled. The bread may become too crispy or burnt, and the cheese may become too melted and runny. That being said, if you're looking to re-grill your grilled cheese, here are some tips to help you achieve the best results:
- Choose the right bread: Not all breads are created equal when it comes to re-grilling. It is recommended to use a sturdy loaf of bread that can handle the heat without falling apart. Sourdough, brioche, ciabatta, and plain white sandwich bread are all good options. Avoid thinly sliced or delicate breads, as they may not hold up well to re-grilling.
- Prepare the bread: Before re-grilling, brush the bread with a light layer of butter or mayonnaise to help it crisp up and brown. If the bread is frozen, be sure to thaw it before re-grilling.
- Cheese selection: The type of cheese you use is crucial. Opt for a melty cheese like American, cheddar, pepper Jack, Havarti, Gruyère, or Monterey Jack. Grate the cheese yourself for a smoother melt, as pre-grated cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can affect its melting ability.
- Grill it right: When re-grilling, use medium heat and a cast-iron skillet for even browning. Cook the sandwich until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted, being careful not to burn it.
- Sourdough: Sourdough bread has a tangy flavour that pairs well with grilled cheese. When re-grilling, follow the general instructions above, ensuring the bread is toasted to a deep golden brown.
- Brioche: Brioche bread has a rich, buttery flavour that can enhance the grilled cheese experience. Re-grill it carefully, as the high butter content can cause it to burn more easily.
- Ciabatta: Ciabatta bread is a sturdy option that can hold up well to re-grilling. It may develop a crispy texture, adding a satisfying crunch to your sandwich.
- White sandwich bread: This classic option is soft and tender, but be sure it's sturdy enough to handle the re-grilling process without falling apart.
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Re-grilling grilled cheese with different types of cheese
Re-grilling a grilled cheese sandwich is a great way to salvage a leftover grilled cheese and elevate it to something even better. The key to a great grilled cheese is the cheese itself, and there are many types of cheese that can be used to create a range of different flavour profiles.
When re-grilling a grilled cheese, it is important to note that the sandwich should not be too thick, as this can prevent the cheese from melting. It is also important to ensure that the slices are not too thin or too soft, as they may become squished by the cheese. Using sturdy bread, such as sourdough or ciabatta, is recommended.
For the cheese, a combination of two types of cheese is often suggested as a way to create a richer taste. Mozzarella is a popular choice due to its mild flavour and excellent melting abilities, resulting in a great cheese pull. It pairs well with a flavoured cheese, such as vintage cheddar or gruyere, for added complexity. Other recommended combinations include mozzarella with provolone and pesto, or brie and gruyere with thinly sliced apples or fig jam.
When re-grilling, it is important to use a medium heat and cook the sandwich until it is golden brown and the cheese is melted. Using butter or mayonnaise on the outside of the bread will help to achieve a crispy, golden exterior. For an extra crispy texture, mayonnaise is preferred, while butter is more traditional and will give a golden crunch.
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Re-grilling grilled cheese with toppings
Re-grilling a grilled cheese sandwich with toppings is a great way to elevate this classic comfort food. Here's a step-by-step guide to achieving the perfect re-grilled grilled cheese with toppings:
Choose the Right Bread:
Select a sturdy bread that can withstand the heat and hold up to the toppings and cheese. Sourdough, brioche, ciabatta, or a French boule are excellent choices. If you're using leftover bread, grilling it can bring it back to life! Just be sure to slice it thinly to prevent it from falling apart.
Prepare the Toppings:
The beauty of a grilled cheese sandwich is its versatility. For toppings, you can go classic with sliced tomatoes, or get creative with options like red pepper jelly, olive tapenade, sliced preserved lemons, or even crushed pretzels or potato chips for a crunchy surprise. If you're feeling adventurous, try something sweet like Nutella or melted milk chocolate (especially good with Brie!).
Butter and Spread:
Butter both slices of bread generously on one side. Some grilled cheese enthusiasts suggest spreading mayonnaise on the outside of the bread instead of butter, as it helps the sandwich achieve a deeper brown colour and a crispier texture. You can also add a layer of Dijon mustard to the inside of one slice for a flavour boost.
Cheese Selection:
For the perfect grilled cheese, choose a cheese with excellent melting characteristics. Classic options include cheddar, American cheese, Swiss-style cheeses like Gruyère or Raclette, or young Italian cheeses like Taleggio. Shredded cheese tends to melt more evenly and quickly than sliced cheese, so consider grating your own cheese for the best results.
Assembly and Grilling:
Place the buttered (or mayo-spread) side of the bread face down in a hot skillet. If you're using mustard, spread it on the top side of this slice. Add your cheese of choice, then top it with the second slice of bread, with the buttered/mayo side facing up. Grill the sandwich until the bottom slice is lightly browned, then flip it over. If you're adding toppings, this is the time to do so. Place the toppings on the grilled side, then cover them with the cheese. This will help the toppings stick to the sandwich. Continue grilling until the cheese is melted and the bread is golden brown.
Cutting and Serving:
Once your sandwich is grilled to perfection, transfer it to a cutting board and cut it in half. Serve it with a bowl of tomato soup for a classic, comforting combination. Enjoy the ultimate cheese toastie!
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Frequently asked questions
You can use any type of bread you like for grilled cheese, but it's important to make sure the slices aren't too thick so that the sandwich is crispy. Sourdough, white bread, brioche, and ciabatta are all popular choices.
Classic options include American, sharp cheddar, and Swiss. But you can also experiment with other melting cheeses like pepper jack, provolone, gruyere, or havarti.
You can use either butter or mayonnaise, or a combination of both. Butter adds flavor, while mayonnaise helps the sandwich achieve a more even golden brown color and a crispier texture.
You can cook grilled cheese in a skillet, air fryer, panini press, or oven. If using a skillet, preheat it over medium-low heat, then cook the sandwich uncovered, flipping halfway through, until both sides are golden.
