Andy Montoya
Grilled cheese is a classic American sandwich that has existed since 1920. It is a hot sandwich made with buttered and toasted bread and filled with cheese. The type of bread and cheese used can be varied according to preference. While the original grilled cheese was made with American cheese, you can use one or more different types of cheese, such as cheddar, gouda, or Havarti. The bread can be white bread, sourdough, brioche, or even ciabatta, as long as it is sturdy enough to handle the heat. To make a grilled cheese sandwich, butter the bread, add cheese, and cook on low heat until the cheese is melted and the bread is golden and crisp.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Bread | Sourdough, white bread, brioche, ciabatta, Texas toast |
| Butter | Salted, unsalted |
| Cheese | Cheddar, gouda, havarti, gruyere, fontina, Swiss, mozzarella, American |
| Cooking method | Non-stick pan, skillet, oven, panini press |
| Cooking temperature | Low heat |
| Cooking time | 3-4 minutes |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the right bread
When it comes to grilled cheese, the bread you choose is just as important as the cheese itself. While it's true that you can use any type of bread, some are better suited to this classic sandwich than others. Here are some tips for choosing the perfect bread for your grilled cheese:
First, consider the thickness of the bread slices. You'll want to avoid slices that are too thick, as this can affect how well the cheese melts. Thick slices of bread can also make the sandwich feel less crispy. On the other hand, slices that are too thin may not be sturdy enough to hold the weight of the cheese and can fall apart easily. Look for slices that are around 1/2-inch thick—this will ensure a good balance between sturdiness and crispiness.
Next, think about the texture of the bread. You'll want to choose a bread that is soft yet hearty and sturdy. This will ensure that it can withstand the heat and weight of the cheese without falling apart or becoming too squishy. Breads like sourdough, brioche, ciabatta, and even white sandwich bread can be great options, as they offer a nice balance of softness and sturdiness.
The flavour of the bread is also important. Sourdough, for example, adds a tangy flavour that pairs well with the richness of the melted cheese. White bread, on the other hand, offers a more neutral flavour that lets the cheese shine. If you're feeling adventurous, you could even try whole-wheat, rye, or potato bread for a unique twist.
Lastly, preparation is key. Before grilling your sandwich, butter your bread slices generously. This will enhance the flavour and help achieve that coveted golden-brown crust. You can also try spreading a thin layer of mayonnaise on the bread, as it adds an extra crunch and a subtle tangy flavour. If you're feeling indulgent, sprinkle some Parmesan cheese on the buttered bread before grilling for an extra boost of flavour.
Remember, the key to choosing the right bread for your grilled cheese is finding a balance between flavour, texture, and sturdiness. With the right bread, you'll be well on your way to creating the perfect grilled cheese sandwich.
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Selecting the best cheese
A good rule of thumb is to use a combination of two types of cheese: one for the stretch and another for flavour. Mozzarella is a popular choice for its stretchiness and mild flavour, and it goes well with a wide range of other cheeses. Some people like to pair it with vintage cheddar or gruyere, while others prefer to combine it with fresh ingredients like tomatoes and pesto for a caprese-style grilled cheese sandwich.
Cheddar is another popular choice for grilled cheese sandwiches. It is perfect for melting and can be found in mild or moderately sharp variations. It is also a good option for those who want to add some extra ingredients to their sandwich, such as crispy bacon, caramelized onions, or spicy mayo.
Other cheeses that work well in grilled cheese sandwiches include American, Gruyère, havarti, Gouda, Brie, Muenster, and fontina. These cheeses have different flavours and textures, but they all melt well and can create a gooey, stretchy texture that is desirable in a grilled cheese sandwich.
When selecting the best cheese for a grilled cheese sandwich, it is important to consider the flavour, texture, and melting ability of the cheese. The key is to find a cheese that will complement the other ingredients in the sandwich and create a delicious, gooey, and stretchy texture.
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Using butter or mayo
Grilled cheese is a simple dish, but achieving the perfect balance of a crunchy crust and evenly melted cheese can be tricky. One of the most important steps is coating your slices of bread with butter or mayonnaise to encourage a golden brown crust.
Mayonnaise has become an increasingly popular alternative to butter for grilled cheese. Unlike butter, which can burn quickly, mayonnaise is an oil-based fat with a higher smoke point, making it less likely to burn. This means you can cook your sandwich over slightly higher heat for a crisp exterior and fluffier interior. Mayonnaise is also more convenient than butter, as it is already smooth and spreadable straight from the fridge, and you can use less to achieve the same results.
However, some grilled cheese purists prefer to stick with butter. Butter has a rich, slightly salty flavour that can complement the cheese in your sandwich. It can also help to cover up any plasticky flavours from American cheese.
Ultimately, the choice between butter and mayonnaise for grilled cheese comes down to personal preference. Both options have their pros and cons, and some people even choose to use a combination of both.
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Oven vs. panini press
Grilled cheese is a classic American sandwich that has existed since 1920. While it was traditionally made with American cheese and buttered bread, grilled cheese sandwiches can now be made with a variety of cheeses and breads.
When making grilled cheese, you can use a pan on a stovetop or a panini press. Using a panini press is faster and easier than using a stovetop because the heat is evenly distributed from both sides, and there's no need to flip the sandwich. A panini press will also give your sandwich a crunchier crust with grill marks, and it will be flatter, allowing you to add more fillings. Depending on the size of your panini press, you may also be able to make multiple sandwiches at once.
However, if you don't have a panini press, you can easily make grilled cheese in a nonstick pan on a stovetop. To do this, start by gathering your ingredients: bread, cheese, and butter or mayonnaise. Any type of bread will work, but thicker slices, such as Texas toast or sourdough, are recommended for a crispier sandwich. As for cheese, a combination of medium cheddar, gouda, and Havarti is a great option, but you can also use American cheese, Monterey jack, pepper jack, Gruyere, fontina, Swiss, Mozzarella, sharp cheddar, or mild cheddar.
Once you have your ingredients, spread about 1/2 tablespoon of butter or mayonnaise on one side of each slice of bread. You can also add salt to your butter if you don't want to use mayonnaise. Then, place your cheese between the slices of bread, with the buttered or mayonnaise-coated sides facing outwards.
Finally, place your sandwich in a nonstick pan on low heat. This will allow the cheese to fully melt while the bread gets golden and crisp. Cook your sandwich for a few minutes on each side until the cheese has melted and the bread has crisped. Then, remove your sandwich from the pan and enjoy!
In conclusion, both a panini press and an oven can be used to make grilled cheese sandwiches. While a panini press offers some advantages, such as even heating and the ability to add more fillings, a stovetop is still a great option, especially if you don't have access to a panini press.
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Adding extra ingredients
Grilled cheese sandwiches are a versatile dish that can be adapted to include a variety of extra ingredients. While the classic grilled cheese is made with white bread, butter, and American cheese, you can experiment with different types of bread, cheese, and additional fillings to create a more elevated eating experience.
When it comes to bread, you can use any type of sliced bread, such as sandwich bread, sourdough, brioche, ciabatta, or Texas toast, as long as it is sturdy enough to handle the heat and not too thick, thin, soft, or holey. For the cheese, you can use a single type or a combination of cheeses, such as cheddar, gouda, Havarti, Monterey jack, pepper jack, Gruyere, fontina, Swiss, mozzarella, blue cheese, or American cheese.
To add extra ingredients to your grilled cheese sandwich, consider the following options:
- Veggies: Try adding sautéed spinach, caramelized onions, chopped steamed broccoli, roasted red peppers, or roasted tomatoes, or pickled vegetables like red onions, radishes, or jalapeños.
- Fruits: Create a gourmet grilled cheese by adding thinly sliced apples or a spread of fig jam, or use cranberry sauce for a sweet and tangy flavour.
- Meats: Include crispy, salty bacon, pulled pork, or ham for extra protein and flavour.
- Sauces and condiments: Experiment with different sauces and condiments, such as pesto, mustard, or mayonnaise, to add a unique twist to your sandwich.
- Spices and seasonings: Try adding Everything Bagel Seasoning or garlic-infused butter to your grilled cheese for an extra kick of flavour.
Remember, the key to a great grilled cheese sandwich is to find the right balance of flavours and textures. Whether you're adding extra ingredients or keeping it classic, make sure your bread is toasted to a golden brown and your cheese is melted to perfection.
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Frequently asked questions
You will need bread, butter, and cheese. You can use any type of bread, but thicker slices, such as Texas toast or sourdough, are recommended. For the cheese, a combination of medium cheddar, gouda, and Havarti works well, but you can use any type of cheese you like.
Spread butter or mayonnaise on the outside of the bread. You can also add Dijon mustard to the inside of one slice for extra flavour. Next, sandwich two slices of cheese between two slices of bread. Place the sandwich in a nonstick pan over low heat and cook until the bread is golden and the cheese is melted.
Preheat your oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit. Make one sandwich per person by spreading butter or mayonnaise on the outside of the bread and sandwiching two slices of cheese between two slices of bread. Place the sandwiches on a rimmed baking sheet in the middle rack of the oven and bake until the bread is golden and the cheese is melted.
Preheat your panini press to medium heat. Make a sandwich by spreading butter or mayonnaise on the outside of the bread and sandwiching two slices of cheese between two slices of bread. Place the sandwich in the panini press and cook until the bread is crispy and the cheese is melted.
