Kamil Perry
Grilling cheese is a versatile dish that can be served in many ways. The most popular type of grilling cheese is halloumi, a semi-hard, brined cheese made from a combination of cow's, sheep's, and/or goat's milk. It has a high melting point, which makes it ideal for grilling, as it stays intact and doesn't melt into a puddle. Grilled halloumi can be served as an appetizer with sliced baguette, fresh herbs, and a sauce for drizzling, such as honey or balsamic vinegar. It can also be added to sandwiches, salads, or bowls, or simply plated with sliced tomatoes and crusty bread. Aside from halloumi, other types of cheese that can be grilled include raclette, cheddar, Swiss, and American cheese.
Characteristics and Values of Grilling Cheese
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cheese type | Halloumi, Cheddar, Swiss, Gruyère, Raclette, Fontina, Gouda, Blue Cheese, Brie |
| Bread type | White, Sourdough, Ciabatta, Brioche, Rye, Potato, Whole Wheat |
| Condiments | Honey, Mustard, Mayonnaise, Fig Jam, Greek Dressing, Mint, Olive Oil, Za'atar |
| Accompaniments | Salads, Fruits, Vegetables, Soups, Bread, Sauces |
| Cooking method | Grilled, Fried, Pan-fried, Roasted, Broiled, Baked |
| Texture | Crispy, Gooey, Buttery, Melty, Charred |
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What You'll Learn
Grilled cheese sandwich
Choosing the Right Cheese
The most important ingredient in a grilled cheese sandwich is, of course, the cheese. It is essential to choose a cheese that melts well and has a high melting point, such as halloumi, mozzarella, cheddar, or Swiss cheese. Using two types of cheese is recommended for a richer taste—one for flavour, such as Gruyère or vintage cheddar, and one for stretch, such as mozzarella.
Selecting the Perfect Bread
The bread for a grilled cheese sandwich should be sliced thinly and evenly to ensure that it cooks through without burning or becoming too crispy. Sourdough is a popular choice for grilled cheese sandwiches, as it adds a tangy flavour and has a chewy texture. However, regular white bread or Italian ciabatta can also be used.
Assembly and Cooking
To assemble the sandwich, butter both sides of the bread or spread mayonnaise on the outside for a crispier texture. Adding Dijon mustard to the inside of the sandwich will give it a subtle tangy flavour. Place the cheese on both slices, and cook the sandwich in a pan over low heat with a lid to create steam, ensuring even melting. Cook until the cheese is melted and the bread is golden brown. For extra flavour, try adding vegetables like tomatoes, onions, or peppers, or fruits like apples or figs.
Serving
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Grilled cheese with fruit
Grilled cheese sandwiches are a classic, comforting dish that can be adapted in numerous ways. One way to add a unique twist to this staple is to include fruit.
A popular option is to use brie, a soft cheese that melts quickly, with fruit preserves. For example, you could make a sandwich with sliced bread, butter, brie, and black currant preserves. Another option is to use slices of apple with brie, or even a brie and fig jam combination. If you want to add more ingredients, you can include slices of prosciutto, or even some spinach, to make a heartier sandwich.
If you're looking for a more summery option, you could try a blackberry grilled cheese sandwich. This recipe includes goat cheese, shredded or sliced mozzarella, fresh blackberries, and fresh basil. You can also add sliced avocado, or swap the basil for basil pesto. For this sandwich, it is recommended to use a crusty bread, such as sourdough or homemade artisan bread.
For a more classic option, you can simply add slices of fresh fruit to a grilled cheese sandwich. Good options for fruit include tomato, figs, tart apples, pears, grapes, or even kiwi.
When making a grilled cheese sandwich, it is important to note that not all cheeses are suitable. Dry, crumbly, fresh cheeses, like goat cheese, will not melt properly. It is also important to ensure that your bread is not too thick, or the cheese will not melt, and not too perforated, or the cheese will drip out.
Grilled cheese with vegetables
Grilled cheese sandwiches are a staple in many households, and they can be made even more delicious and nutritious by adding vegetables. Here are some tips and ideas for creating mouth-watering grilled cheese sandwiches with vegetables:
Choose the Right Cheese
Not all cheeses are created equal when it comes to grilling. Opt for cheeses with a high melting point, such as halloumi, a semi-hard cheese made from a combination of cow's, sheep's, and/or goat's milk. Halloumi has a firm texture and can withstand various cooking methods, including grilling, without melting through the grill racks. Its salty, squeaky texture and charred flavour make it a perfect choice for grilled cheese sandwiches.
Select Your Vegetables
The beauty of grilled cheese sandwiches is that you can use a variety of vegetables to suit your taste and what's in season. For roasted vegetable grilled cheese, consider a combination of Brussels sprouts, asparagus, mushrooms, peppers, and spinach. Chop the vegetables into smaller pieces, especially those that take longer to cook. You can also add vegetables like cucumbers, tomatoes, onions, and bell peppers for a refreshing crunch. If you're feeling adventurous, include sliced hot peppers like jalapeños or avocados.
Prepare the Vegetables
To prepare the vegetables for roasting, toss them with olive oil, dried dill, and season with salt and pepper. You can also add other spices and herbs to enhance the flavour. Place them in an oven preheated to around 400°F and roast until slightly softened. If you prefer grilled vegetables, you can cook them directly on a grill pan or an outdoor grill.
Build Your Sandwich
Now it's time to assemble your sandwich. Start with a slice of bread, buttered side down. Add a layer of cheese, followed by your roasted or grilled vegetables. Choose a complementary cheese, such as Dill Havarti or Gouda, and add another layer. Top it off with the second slice of bread, buttered side up. Cook the sandwich on a skillet or grill at medium-low heat, allowing the cheese to melt slowly without burning the bread. Flip the sandwich once the cheese starts to melt, and cook until both sides are golden brown and the cheese is oozing.
Serving Suggestions
Grilled cheese sandwiches with vegetables can be served as a hearty meal or a tasty appetizer. Pair them with a side of fries or a refreshing salad. For an extra indulgent touch, serve them with ketchup, honey, balsamic vinegar, or green chutney for dipping. You can also offer different sauces, such as Greek dressing or a fruity salsa, for a unique flavour combination.
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Grilled cheese with soup
Grilled cheese sandwiches are a family favourite, and there are endless ways to adapt and serve them. A classic grilled cheese sandwich is made with white bread and American cheese, but you can use any type of bread and cheese you like, such as Italian ciabatta, sourdough, French boule, or brioche, and cheddar, smoked gouda, or provolone. You can also add extra ingredients between the slices, such as fresh vegetables, fruits, or herbs. Some popular options include tomato, fig, tart apples, pear, grapes, hot peppers, and avocado.
Grilled cheese sandwiches are often served with soup, and the classic combination is grilled cheese with tomato soup. This simple American recipe became popular during WWII when it was served to military personnel. To make a classic tomato soup, sauté diced onion in olive oil in a pot over medium-high heat until the onion begins to brown. Then, add Italian seasoning, black pepper, red pepper flakes, and salt, followed by garlic, and then tomato paste, canned tomatoes, fresh basil and parsley, and sugar. You can also add cream, salt, and pepper to finish the soup.
To make a grilled cheese sandwich, toast both sides of the bread, add your choice of cheese and any additional ingredients, and cook in a skillet or griddle until the bread is deep brown and the cheese is melted. You can also cook the sandwich on an outdoor grill over an open fire or in a grill pan. If you're making a grilled cheese and tomato soup combination, you can get creative and serve the soup with croutons, or top it with slices of baguette and broil until the cheese is melted.
If you're looking for a soup and grilled cheese combination that isn't tomato soup, some popular options include French onion soup, butternut squash soup, mushroom soup, and lentil soup. These soups can be enjoyed with a grilled cheese sandwich on the side or dipped into the soup.
Grilled cheese with meat
Grilled cheese sandwiches are a classic, comforting meal. They are versatile and can be adapted to include a variety of ingredients, including meat. Here is a step-by-step guide to making a delicious grilled cheese with meat:
Ingredients:
- Bread: Choose a soft yet sturdy variety, such as sourdough, whole wheat, rye, potato bread, brioche, or thick-sliced Texas toast.
- Butter: Use unsalted or salted butter, softened at room temperature.
- Cheese: Select a good melting cheese such as cheddar, Gruyère, raclette, fontina, Gouda, Havarti, Monterey Jack, pepper jack, Swiss, mozzarella, or American cheese.
- Meat: Cured meats like ham, prosciutto, or deli meats such as salami or pepperoni are great options.
- Condiments: Mustard (yellow, Dijon, or grainy), mayonnaise, ketchup, hot sauce, or jam/jelly (like fig or guava) can add a flavour boost.
- Extras: Try adding fresh vegetables like tomatoes, onions, or peppers, or fruits like apples or pears. Pickles, olives, and fresh herbs can also enhance the flavour.
Method:
- Spread butter on the outside of each slice of bread. You can also spread mayonnaise on the inside for extra flavour and crispness.
- Layer the cheese on one slice of bread, adding meat and any desired condiments or extras. Cover with the other slice of bread, buttered-side up.
- Heat a skillet or grill pan to medium-low heat. You can add butter to the pan, or cook the sandwich dry.
- Place the sandwich in the pan and cover with a lid or foil. Cook for 2-5 minutes until the bottom slice is golden brown and the cheese has started to melt.
- Carefully flip the sandwich and cook the other side for another 2-5 minutes until golden brown and the cheese is fully melted.
- Remove from the heat, plate, and cut diagonally. Serve immediately while the sandwich is hot and the cheese is gooey.
Tips:
- Keep the heat low to allow the cheese to melt fully while achieving a golden, crispy exterior.
- For an extra-indulgent treat, dip your grilled cheese sandwich into tomato soup. This classic combination is a favourite for a reason!
- Get creative with your ingredients. Experiment with different combinations of meat, cheese, and condiments to find your perfect grilled cheese sandwich.
Enjoy the ultimate comfort food, packed with flavour and texture!
Frequently asked questions
Grilling cheese is a cheese that stays intact when cooked directly on an indoor or outdoor grill without the help of a coating of flour or breadcrumbs. Halloumi, a semi-hard cheese made from a combination of cow's, sheep's, and/or goat's milk, is a popular choice for grilling due to its high melting point.
To cook grilling cheese, preheat your grill or grill pan to high heat. Slice the cheese into 1/2-inch-thick planks and rub both sides with olive oil. Place the cheese on the hot grill, reduce the heat to medium, and grill for 2-3 minutes per side or until grill marks form.
Grilled cheese can be served as an appetizer with a sliced baguette, fresh herbs, and a sauce for drizzling, such as honey or balsamic vinegar. It can also be served in a sandwich, salad, or grain bowl with various ingredients like vegetables, fruits, herbs, and sauces.
When making grilled cheese sandwiches, it's important to use bread that is soft yet sturdy and no more than 1/2-inch thick. You can spread butter and/or mayonnaise on the bread before adding the cheese. For a classic grilled cheese, use cheddar or American cheese, and cook the sandwich in a skillet over medium-low heat until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted. Serve immediately with tomato soup.
