Andy Montoya
Sliced cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes. While it is commonly used in sandwiches, there are many other ways to incorporate sliced cheese into your meals. For instance, you can add it to quesadillas, grilled cheese sandwiches, cheeseburgers, or even use it as a topping for spaghetti. If you're looking for something more substantial, sliced cheese can be used to make mac and cheese, nachos, or a cheesy dip. For breakfast, you can use sliced cheese in omelettes or hash brown and egg skillets. So, whether you're looking for a quick snack or a hearty meal, sliced cheese can be a great option to add flavour and texture to your dishes.
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What You'll Learn
Melted cheese sandwich
A grilled cheese sandwich is a classic American sandwich that has existed since the 1920s. It is a hot sandwich made with buttered and toasted bread and melted cheese.
Ingredients
- Butter
- Bread (sliced sandwich bread, loaf, sourdough, or Texas toast)
- Cheese (mozzarella, vintage cheddar, Gruyere, Monterey Jack, Colby, Swiss, gouda, Havarti, pepper jack, fontina, sharp cheddar, or American cheese)
Instructions
- Butter both sides of the bread.
- Heat a skillet or non-stick pan over low to medium-low heat. Place the bread in the pan, buttered side down.
- Add cheese to one slice of bread. Cover it with the other slice of bread, with the buttered side facing up.
- Cook for 3 minutes or until the bread is evenly golden and crisp, pressing down lightly with a spatula. If it is browning too quickly, remove from the heat and lower the heat.
- Flip the sandwich and cook for another 3 minutes or until the bread is golden and the cheese is melted.
- Transfer to a cutting board and cut in half. Serve with tomato soup.
Variations
- For extra flavour, sprinkle some Parmesan cheese on the buttered bread before putting it into the skillet.
- Instead of butter, spread mayonnaise on the bread.
- Use two types of cheese, with one being mozzarella for its stretch and the other for flavour.
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Cheese dip
Sliced cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes, including sandwiches, burgers, and even dips. Here are some tips and recipes for creating delicious cheese dips using sliced cheese:
Classic Cheese Dip
This simple yet tasty dip is a great way to use up sliced cheese. Start by slowly heating two cups of milk in a saucepan. For a richer texture, go for whole milk, but skim milk will also work. Add a pinch of nutmeg, mustard powder, salt, and pepper to the milk and stir well. When the mixture starts to thicken, gradually add two cups of grated cheese of your choice. A combination of sharp cheddar and gouda works wonderfully. Keep stirring until the cheese is completely melted, being careful not to let it boil, as this can cause the cheese to separate. Once melted, transfer the dip to a serving bowl and enjoy with crackers, tortilla chips, or vegetables.
Poor Man's Nacho Cheese Dip
For a quick and easy nacho cheese dip, grab your sliced cheese and let's get started! In a saucepan, melt the cheese with a small amount of milk. Add chili powder, red pepper flakes, and a pinch of cumin to taste. Keep stirring until you have a smooth, creamy cheese sauce. If you want to take it up a notch, add some ground beef and salsa. Serve with tortilla chips for dipping or pour it over a bed of nachos.
Creamy Onion Dip
Combine mayonnaise, Monterey Jack cheese, and sliced onions in a blender or food processor. Blend until smooth, adding a little milk or cream to adjust the consistency if needed. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Transfer the dip to a serving bowl and sprinkle with chopped chives or green onions. This dip pairs well with crackers, chips, or fresh vegetables.
Pimento Cheese Dip
Pimento cheese is delicious on its own, but it also makes an excellent dip. In a bowl, mix together softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, and diced pimentos. For a kick of heat and a smoky flavor, add some chipotle in adobo sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve this dip with crackers, tortilla chips, or raw vegetables.
Cheesy Spinach Dip
In a saucepan, heat a tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add some chopped onions and sauté until translucent. Throw in a clove or two of minced garlic and cook for another minute. Next, add a block of softened cream cheese and a cup of sliced cheese of your choice. Keep stirring until the cheese is melted and well combined. Finally, stir in a package of frozen spinach that has been thawed and drained. Season with salt and pepper, and maybe a dash of nutmeg. Serve this warm dip with crusty bread, crackers, or raw vegetables.
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Mac and cheese
Using sliced cheese in mac and cheese
Ingredients
You can use sliced cheese such as American cheese slices or deli slices. You will also need pasta (macaroni, cavatappi, or even broken-up spaghetti), butter, milk, and seasonings like salt, pepper, and flour.
Method
Start by boiling the pasta in a pot of lightly salted water until it is al dente, stirring occasionally. Drain the pasta and set it aside. In a separate saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add flour, salt, and pepper, stirring until smooth. Slowly pour in milk, whisking continuously until the mixture thickens and bubbles. This mixture is called a roux and serves as a thickening agent for the sauce.
Now, it's time to add the cheese! Chop up the sliced cheese into small pieces and sprinkle them into the pan, stirring vigorously as they melt into the sauce. If you're using American cheese, you can also add an extra slice or two for a stronger flavour. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and consider adding a pinch of cayenne or a dash of hot sauce for some spice.
Finally, combine the cooked pasta with the cheese sauce, stirring gently until the pasta is thoroughly coated. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Customizations
Feel free to experiment with different types of sliced cheese or add some extra ingredients to your mac and cheese. You can try using a combination of cheeses, such as cheddar, smoked gouda, gruyere, or mozzarella, for a more luxurious flavour profile. Additionally, you can top your mac and cheese with breadcrumbs, bacon bits, crushed crackers, or even some chopped green onions or broccoli for added texture and flavour.
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Cheese on burgers
Sliced cheese is a popular topping for burgers, and there are many types to choose from. The most common variety is American cheese, which is made by blending a cheese base (usually Colby) with other ingredients such as cream, water, salt, spices, and an emulsifying agent. It has a fast melting time and a mild flavour that pairs well with burgers. However, some people prefer other varieties of sliced cheese, such as cheddar, provolone, mozzarella, gouda, or blue cheese.
Cheddar cheese is another popular choice for burgers and is available in white or yellow varieties ranging from mild to sharp (or aged). Young (mild) cheddars melt the best, while sharper cheddars have a stronger flavour. If you're looking for a cheese with a bold orange colour and a signature bite of flavour, cheddar is a great option.
Mozzarella is another excellent melting cheese that develops a silky texture when melted. It has a mild flavour that won't overpower your burger but adds a slightly sweet contrast to the savoury meat.
Provolone is a buttery cheese with a smooth and mild flavour. It melts quickly, in about 45 seconds, creating a soft, even layer on your burger. However, some people find that the meat overpowers the mellow notes of this cheese.
If you're looking for something more adventurous, blue cheese is a pleasantly pungent and creamy option that pairs well with high-end bacon. It can be stuffed inside the burger or melted on top, and a little goes a long way in terms of flavour.
You can also get creative and experiment with different types of cheese, such as goat's milk cheese (chèvre) or mixed-milk cheeses combining goat, sheep, and cow milk. These cheeses add a creamy tang to your burger and pair well with toppings like caramelized onions or homemade onion jam instead of ketchup.
When using sliced cheese on your burger, the general method is to place the cheese on top of the patty and cover it with a lid or grill press, cooking over medium heat until the cheese is melted. The melting time will vary depending on the type of cheese and the thickness of the slice.
You can also make your own burger cheese slices at home by blending different types of cheese and forming them into thin, round slices. Homemade slices can be a fun way to customize your burger with your favourite flavours and ingredients.
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Cheese and garlic loaf
Sliced cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes beyond the classic sandwich. One option is to make a cheese and garlic loaf, a quick and easy side dish that pairs well with soups, stews, pasta, or salad. Here is a step-by-step guide to making a delicious cheese and garlic loaf using sliced cheese:
Ingredients:
- Sliced cheese (such as Colby Jack, mozzarella, or a combination of both)
- Butter (softened or melted)
- Garlic (fresh cloves or garlic powder)
- Italian seasoning or dried herbs
- Bread (French bread, Ciabatta, or any soft loaf)
- Optional: Parsley for garnish
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to a temperature between 320°F and 400°F (160°C to 200°C).
- Combine softened butter, minced garlic or garlic powder, and Italian seasoning or dried herbs in a small bowl. You can also add salt to taste. Mix well.
- Cut your bread in half horizontally. Drizzle or spread the garlic butter mixture generously over the cut surfaces of the bread, making sure to cover all areas.
- Place the bread halves on a baking sheet, buttered side up. Some recipes suggest sprinkling Parmesan cheese or another type of cheese on top of the butter before adding the main cheese layer.
- Top the bread with sliced cheese. You can use a single type of cheese or a combination, such as Colby Jack and mozzarella.
- Bake in the oven for 7-15 minutes. Keep an eye on it to ensure it doesn't burn. The bread is ready when the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the edges are crispy.
- Remove from the oven and sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley if desired.
- Cut the loaf into slices and serve immediately. This cheesy garlic bread can be a delicious side dish or an upgrade to any meal.
Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese and herbs to create your own unique version of this classic dish!
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