Frederic Melton
Grilled cheese is a classic, comforting snack that is quick and easy to make. The basic recipe calls for sliced cheese and buttered bread, toasted together until the cheese is melted and the bread is crispy and golden. There are many ways to elevate this simple dish, from using different types of cheese and bread to adding sauces or spices. Whether you prefer a basic grilled cheese or a more complex variation, the key to success is in the technique, ensuring your sandwich is toasted to perfection.
How to Toast a Grilled Cheese
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Bread | Thick-sliced bread such as Texas Toast, sourdough, brioche, rye bread, sandwich bread, or ciabatta |
| Butter | Salted or unsalted butter |
| Cheese | Cheddar, gouda, Swiss cheese, mozzarella, gruyere, havarti, manchego, Monterey jack, pepper jack, Colby, provolone, gouda, American cheese |
| Technique | Spread butter on one or both sides of bread, place in a skillet or non-stick pan over medium-low heat, add cheese, cover with another slice of bread, and cook until lightly browned and cheese is melted |
| Sides | Creamy tomato soup, cream of asparagus soup, homemade marinara sauce, salad, pickled cucumbers or other pickled vegetables |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Choosing the right bread
Thicker-sliced bread, such as Texas toast, works exceptionally well for grilled cheese sandwiches. It provides a substantial base for the melted cheese and ensures that the sandwich is crispy and buttery rather than flimsy and soggy. Sourdough is another excellent option, adding a tangy flavour to the sandwich. However, it's best to avoid the super-fancy sourdoughs with thick, tough crusts that can be challenging to bite through.
Sandwich bread, brioche, rye bread, and even ciabatta are also popular choices for grilled cheese sandwiches. When selecting sandwich bread, opt for thicker slices, as they provide a better melting environment for the cheese. Bread that is too thin may result in a flimsy sandwich, and if it's too thick, the cheese may not melt properly.
To achieve the perfect grilled cheese, it's advisable to avoid thinly sliced, delicate breads, as they tend to fall apart quickly. Instead, go for a loaf that can withstand the heat and provide a crispy exterior. Additionally, consider the size of your pan when choosing the bread's thickness. Thicker bread might be preferable if you have a larger pan, while thinner bread could be better suited for a smaller pan to ensure even cooking.
Ultimately, the choice of bread depends on your personal preference and the desired outcome. Experiment with different types of bread to find your favourite, but remember to keep the slices sturdy, not too thick or thin, and always buttered!
Mastering Cheese Smoking on a Traeger Grill
You may want to see also
Buttering the bread
When buttering the bread, it is important to ensure that the bread is thick enough to withstand the heat. Thinly sliced bread may require less butter to avoid becoming soggy, while thicker slices can absorb more butter without becoming overly saturated. The type of bread chosen will also impact the buttering process, as some breads, such as sourdough or brioche, may have a denser or more porous texture than plain white sandwich bread.
For a classic grilled cheese, plain white sandwich bread is a popular choice. However, other options such as sourdough, brioche, rye bread, Texas toast, or even ciabatta can be used to add variety and flavour. It is important to consider the thickness of the bread slices, as this will impact the cooking time and the overall texture of the sandwich. Ideally, the bread should be thick enough to hold the melted cheese without becoming soggy.
When preparing the bread for a grilled cheese sandwich, it is generally recommended to use salted butter for added flavour. However, unsalted butter can also be used, and some recipes even suggest substituting mayonnaise for butter to create a unique taste. Spreading a generous amount of butter on the bread ensures that the sandwich will develop a crispy, golden crust when cooked over medium to low heat in a skillet or frying pan.
The Perfect Grilling Cheese Platter: A Beginner's Guide
You may want to see also
Grating the cheese
If you grate your own cheese, use a block of cheese and a standard box grater. If you're grating a hard cheese like cheddar, you can put it in the freezer for about 15 minutes before grating to prevent it from crumbling too much. You can also pre-slice the cheese into palm-size squares to prevent random pieces from breaking off.
There are a few different techniques you can use to grate the cheese. One is to hold the box grater vertically and grate the cheese into a bowl. However, this method can be messy and can result in grated cheese flying everywhere. A better method is to turn the box grater on its side and move the block of cheese horizontally across the grater. This way, the shredded cheese falls into the body of the grater, making it easier to collect, and your fingers are less likely to come into contact with the sharp metal grates.
If you're looking for an alternative to the box grater, you can try an electric rotary grating tool or a Vremi cheese grater, which comes with four different blades and a storage container that doubles as a basin for the shredded cheese.
Once you're done grating the cheese, it's important to clean the grater right away. Soak it in warm soapy water, or use a lemon wedge to clean it.
Elevating the Classic: Grilled Cheese Makeover Ideas
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Melting the cheese
Firstly, choose the right cheese. Cheddar is a popular choice, and you can use mild, medium, sharp, or a blend. Other options include gouda, Swiss cheese, mozzarella, gruyere, havarti, and American cheese. You can also get creative and mix different types of cheese. For example, you can use one cheese for stretch, such as gouda or mozzarella, and another for flavour, like cheddar or gruyere. If you're feeling adventurous, try using manchego, Monterey jack, pepper jack, Colby, fontina, provolone, or even easy-melting pre-sliced American cheese. Just avoid pre-shredded cheese, as it is coated with anti-caking agents that prevent it from melting properly.
Next, prepare the cheese. Grate or slice the cheese to ensure even melting. Some people prefer slicing, while others insist on grating, as pre-grated cheese often doesn't melt as well due to additives. If you're feeling indulgent, you can sprinkle some Parmesan cheese on the buttered bread before adding your main cheese for an extra flavour boost.
Now, it's time to melt the cheese. Butter your bread generously on both sides, as this will give your sandwich a crispy exterior. Place the bread, butter-side down, in a hot skillet or non-stick pan over medium-low heat. If using a griddle, set it to 275˚F. Let the bread toast for about a minute to create a light crust. Then, add your cheese. If you're making an open-faced grilled cheese, simply top the bread with cheese. If you're making a sandwich, stack the cheese on one slice of bread and cover it with another slice, butter-side up. Close the sandwich and cook it for about 6-7 minutes, flipping it halfway through, until the bread is golden and the cheese is melted. Keep the heat low to prevent burning the bread and give the cheese time to melt. Covering the pan with a lid will also help the cheese melt faster.
Finally, serve your grilled cheese sandwich immediately for the best flavour and texture. Cut it in half on the diagonal, and enjoy the perfect combination of crispy, buttery bread and gooey, stretchy cheese.
Smoke Cheese Like a Pro on Your Pit Boss Pellet Grill
You may want to see also
Serving suggestions
Grilled cheese sandwiches are versatile and can be served in many ways. Here are some serving suggestions:
With Soup
The classic grilled cheese sandwich can be served with a bowl of creamy tomato soup, cream of asparagus soup, or homemade marinara sauce. The sandwich can be dipped into the soup, creating a savoury French toast experience. For an extra flavour boost, the sandwich can be dunked into a mixture of tomato soup, egg, and seasonings before cooking.
As a Side
Grilled cheese sandwiches also make a great side dish. They can be served alongside a fresh green salad or crunchy homemade coleslaw. For a contrast in texture and flavour, pair the sandwich with pickled cucumbers or other pickled vegetables.
With Add-ons
For a unique twist, add-ons can be included inside the sandwich. Some suggestions include pesto, thinly sliced raw onion, or a thin layer of malt vinegar mixed with the grated cheese. For a sweet and savoury combination, try spreading Nutella or melted milk chocolate on the bread with some Brie.
With Drinks
Grilled cheese sandwiches can be enjoyed with a variety of drinks. For a classic combination, pair the sandwich with a glass of milk. For adults, a glass of wine or a beer can complement the flavours of the sandwich.
Storing and Reviving Grilled Cheese: Tips for Best Taste
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Thick-sliced bread is best for grilled cheese. Texas toast is a popular choice, as it is about twice as thick as normal sandwich bread. Sourdough, brioche, or even ciabatta also work well. Avoid thinly sliced, delicate breads as they will fall apart easily.
Cheddar, gouda, and havarti are a great combination for grilled cheese. Other good options include gruyere, gouda, swiss cheese, mozzarella, and american cheese.
Use a generous amount of butter to get a crispy exterior. About 1/2 tbsp of butter on each slice of bread should be enough.
Grilled cheese can be cooked in a skillet, griddle, or pan. Heat the skillet or pan over low to medium-low heat. Place the bread butter-side down, add the cheese, and then place the other slice of bread on top (butter-side up). Cook until the bottom slice is lightly browned, then flip and continue cooking until the cheese is melted.
