Randy Chandler
Cheddar cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes, including sandwiches. When making a grilled cheese sandwich, it is recommended to use a combination of cheeses to enhance the flavour. For instance, cheddar cheese can be paired with mozzarella, which has excellent melting properties and provides a stretchy texture. To prepare the sandwich, butter can be spread on the bread slices, followed by the addition of shredded or sliced cheddar cheese. The sandwich can then be grilled on a skillet or pan until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted. Cheddar cheese can also be combined with other ingredients such as apples, shallots, and rosemary to create unique grilled cheese sandwiches. Additionally, it can be used in various dishes like macaroni and cheese, quesadillas, and snacks.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Bread | Sourdough, soft sandwich bread, thick-cut bread, white bread, whole wheat, pumpernickel, oatmeal, rye |
| Butter | Salted butter, generously applied |
| Cheese | Cheddar, mozzarella, gruyere, gouda, parmesan |
| Other ingredients | Apple butter, apples, shallots, rosemary, salt, pickles, chutney, chipotle mayo, salsa, tomato soup, beer |
| Cooking method | Grilled, toasted, cooked in a pan or skillet |
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What You'll Learn
Melting cheddar cheese: use sharp cheddar for a gooey, soft texture
Melting cheddar cheese is a great way to add a gooey, soft texture to your sandwich. For the best melt, it is recommended to use a younger, sharper cheddar as aged cheddars have less moisture and don't melt as well.
To make the perfect grilled cheese sandwich with melting cheddar, start by selecting the right bread. Sourdough is a popular choice for grilled cheese sandwiches as it provides a sturdy base that can hold all the cheese without becoming too soft. Thick-cut bread works best, creating a crispy crust. Butter is also key to achieving the right texture. Spread butter on both sides of the bread to give your sandwich a crispy exterior. You can also add a few tablespoons of mayonnaise to the inside of the sandwich for an extra kick of flavour.
When it comes to the cheese, shredding or grating your own cheese will help it melt more evenly. A combination of cheeses will give you the best flavour and texture. Mozzarella is a popular choice to pair with cheddar as it has excellent melting qualities and creates a good cheese pull. You can also experiment with other cheeses like Gruyere, Gouda, or vintage cheddar.
Once you have your bread and cheese ready, it's time to assemble and cook your sandwich. Spread butter on a skillet or frying pan and place the sandwich inside. Cook the sandwich for about 3-5 minutes on each side until it turns a deep golden brown and the cheese is melted. Cut the sandwich in half and enjoy the perfect cheese pull!
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Bread: choose thick-cut, soft bread for a crispy crust
To make a grilled cheese sandwich with cheddar cheese, choosing the right bread is essential. Thick-cut, soft bread is ideal for achieving a crispy crust.
Thick-cut bread provides a substantial base for the sandwich, ensuring it can withstand the weight and moisture of the melted cheese. It also allows for a crisp exterior without becoming overly tough or chewy. Soft bread, on the other hand, contributes to the overall texture and mouthfeel of the sandwich. It ensures that the sandwich remains tender and easy to bite into, even after grilling.
When selecting thick-cut, soft bread, look for options with a delicate crumb and a slightly chewy texture. Breads like sourdough, soft sandwich loaves, white bread, soft pumpernickel, or rye bread can be excellent choices. These varieties offer a balance between thickness and softness, creating a crispy crust while remaining tender on the inside.
To enhance the crispiness of the crust, it is recommended to butter both sides of the bread generously. This step not only adds flavour but also contributes to the golden, crispy exterior that grilled cheese sandwiches are known for.
By choosing thick-cut, soft bread and buttering it generously, you can create a grilled cheddar cheese sandwich with a crispy crust and a delightful texture that elevates the overall dining experience.
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Butter: use salted butter for a crunchy exterior
To make a delicious cheddar cheese sandwich with a crunchy exterior, it is important to use the right ingredients and follow a few simple steps. Here's a guide to help you achieve that perfect, crunchy, and cheesy delight:
Ingredients
- Choose a good quality bread as the base for your sandwich. Sourdough bread is an excellent option, providing a nice crispy crust and a sturdy structure to hold all the cheese. You can also use sandwich bread or any sliced bread, ensuring it's not too thick, thin, soft, or holey.
- For the cheese, a combination of mozzarella and vintage cheddar is a match made in heaven. Mozzarella provides that perfect cheese pull and melting quality, while vintage cheddar adds a burst of flavour. You can also experiment with other flavoured cheeses like Gruyere, Gouda, or Monterey Jack.
- The key to a crunchy exterior lies in using salted butter. A few tablespoons will do the trick, creating a golden, crispy texture.
Instructions
- Start by grating your mozzarella and cheddar cheese. Freshly grated cheese melts better and creates a more uniform texture.
- Spread softened butter generously on the outside of both slices of bread. This step is crucial for achieving an even browning and that sought-after crunch.
- Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat. You want to give it a minute or two to reach the ideal temperature to prevent burning the bread.
- Place your buttered bread in the pan and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the bottom is golden brown and crisp. The butter will start to sizzle and give off a delightful aroma.
- Carefully flip the bread and add your grated cheese. Close the sandwich and cook for another 2-3 minutes, gently pressing down with a spatula for even contact with the heat.
- Once the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted, transfer your sandwich to a cutting board. Cut it decisively in half, and behold the glorious cheese pull!
- Serve your sandwich warm, perhaps with a side of salsa or tomato soup, and enjoy the perfect blend of crispy, salty, buttery exterior and oozy, molten cheese inside.
Feel free to experiment with additional ingredients, such as a spread of mayonnaise, a pinch of flaky sea salt, or even a dollop of chutney for a tangy twist. Remember, don't skimp on the butter—it's the key to that irresistible crunchy exterior!
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Combinations: mix cheddar with mozzarella for a melty sandwich
Mozzarella and cheddar cheese is a great combination for a grilled cheese sandwich. The two cheeses have very different textures and flavours. Mozzarella is a soft, mild cheese that melts beautifully, while cheddar is a firm, sharp cheese that adds a bold flavour to the sandwich. When you mix the two, you get a gooey, melty texture with a sharp, bold flavour.
To make a grilled cheese sandwich with this cheese blend, grate equal parts of mozzarella and cheddar cheese and combine them in a bowl. You can experiment with different ratios to find the perfect balance of flavours. Too much mozzarella can result in a bland, flavourless blend, while too much cheddar can overpower the dish with its sharpness.
Butter both sides of two slices of bread and spread mayonnaise on one side of each slice. You can use store-bought mayo or make your own chipotle mayo for a spicy kick. Place the shredded cheese mix on one slice of bread and close the sandwich.
Cook the sandwich on a skillet or frying pan over medium heat for 4-5 minutes on each side or until golden brown and the cheese has melted. You can also use a panini press or sandwich maker for a more even cook. Cut the sandwich in half and enjoy the cheese pull!
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Extras: add apple butter, pickles, or chipotle mayo for a kick
If you want to spice up your grilled cheese, consider adding apple butter, pickles, or chipotle mayo. Here are some ways to incorporate these ingredients:
Apple Butter
Try spreading some apple butter on your grilled cheese sandwich for a touch of sweetness. You can pair it with sharp cheddar cheese, apple slices, and pickled jalapeños for a sweet and savoury combination. If you're feeling adventurous, you can even add some chipotle sauce to the mix for an extra kick of spice.
Pickles
Pickles can add a tangy crunch to your grilled cheese sandwich. For this, you can use bread-and-butter pickles or Branston's pickle (a pickled vegetable chutney). Butter your bread, spread some mayo on the other side, layer on the pickles, and then top with cheddar cheese. If you want to get fancy, you can even add some Red Leicester cheese for an extra cheesy punch.
Chipotle Mayo
Chipotle mayo is a great way to add a spicy kick to your grilled cheese. You can make your own by blending an egg, oil, lemon juice, salt, and chipotle peppers until combined. Spread this spicy mayo on the outside of your bread, or mix it with softened butter for a more subtle spice level. This will give your sandwich a gorgeous caramelized orange colour and an even spread of chipotle flavour.
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Frequently asked questions
You will need sliced bread, butter, and sharp cheddar cheese. Butter both sides of the bread, add a single layer of cheese to each slice, and place the final slices of bread on top of the cheese. Toast the sandwiches for 2-4 minutes on each side until golden brown.
You can use sharp cheddar cheese or extra sharp cheddar cheese. The shorter-aged stuff melts better and works well for grilled cheese sandwiches.
You can make a cheddar-apple grilled cheese sandwich by spreading apple butter on the inside of the sandwich. You can also add mozzarella cheese to the sandwich for a better cheese pull.
You can use thick-cut bread, sourdough, or soft sandwich bread.
