Randy Chandler
A grilled cheese sandwich is a classic, simple, and delicious meal. The basic recipe calls for sliced cheese and buttered bread cooked in a pan, sandwich press, or toastie maker. However, there are endless variations and techniques to elevate this humble sandwich to something special. From the type of bread and cheese to the addition of condiments and toppings, each ingredient and step can be tailored to personal preference to create the perfect grilled cheese sandwich.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Bread | Sourdough, Texas toast, white sandwich bread, brioche, ciabatta, whole-wheat, rye, potato bread |
| Butter | Unsalted or salted, softened |
| Cheese | Cheddar, gouda, havarti, mozzarella, gruyere, American, Swiss, Monterey jack, pepper jack |
| Other ingredients | Mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, Parmesan cheese, sliced apples, fig jam, pickled red onions, pickled radishes, pickled jalapeños, pesto |
| Cooking method | Stove, skillet, griddle, pan, sandwich press, toaster |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the right bread
When it comes to the type of bread, you have a lot of options. White sandwich bread is a classic choice and will give you that soft and tender texture. However, you can also experiment with other varieties such as whole wheat, rye, potato bread, brioche, or even ciabatta. Sourdough is another popular option that adds a tangy flavour to the sandwich, but make sure it doesn't have an overly thick or tough crust. Texas toast is a good choice if you're looking for thicker-sliced bread, as it's about twice as thick as regular sandwich bread.
It's important to consider the texture and sturdiness of the bread, as you want to ensure it can handle the heat and weight of the cheese without falling apart. Delicate, thinly sliced breads should be avoided, as they will quickly fall apart. Look for bread that is soft yet sturdy enough to hold up during cooking.
While the type of bread is important, don't be afraid to experiment and find what works best for you. Ultimately, the "right" bread depends on your personal preferences and the overall flavour profile you want to achieve.
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Butter or mayonnaise?
Butter is the classic option for grilled cheese. It has a creamy, decadent texture and a lightly sweet flavour from its milk solids. When cooked, these milk solids transform into brown butter, giving the sandwich a nutty, toasty flavour. However, buttering the bread can be a challenge if your butter is cold and hard. You'll need to wait for it to soften or melt it in the microwave first. Butter also has a lower smoke point than mayonnaise, so you'll need to keep a close eye on your sandwich to ensure the butter doesn't burn.
Mayonnaise, on the other hand, is a more modern alternative that has gained popularity in recent years, even being favoured by celebrities like Joanna Gaines, Antoni Porowski, and Martha Stewart. It has a similar fat content to butter but is spreadable straight from the fridge, making it easier to work with. Mayonnaise also has a higher smoke point, so you can take your time to achieve the perfect level of browning on your sandwich without worrying about burning it. The egg in the mayonnaise also helps to create a golden brown crust.
Some people even swear by using a combination of both butter and mayonnaise for the ultimate grilled cheese sandwich. For example, you could spread mayonnaise on the outside of the sandwich and add a small tab of butter to the skillet before cooking, adding more butter when you flip the sandwich.
Ultimately, the choice between butter and mayonnaise comes down to personal preference and the specific results you're looking for. If you're a traditionalist who loves the flavour of browned butter, go for it. But if you're looking for a foolproof method that's less likely to burn, mayonnaise might be your best bet.
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Selecting the perfect cheese
Start with a sturdy bread: The foundation of a good grilled cheese sandwich is the bread. Opt for a thicker-sliced bread, such as Texas toast or sourdough, which can withstand the weight of the cheese and provide a nice crunch. Sourdough, in particular, adds a tangy flavour to the sandwich. If you don't have sourdough, regular white bread or even Ciabatta can work too.
Choose a melting cheese: The key to a gooey, stretchy grilled cheese is choosing a cheese that melts well. Fresh mozzarella, with its stretchy texture and delicate flavour, is an excellent choice. American cheese, known for its nostalgic flavour and picture-perfect cheese pull, is another popular option. For a more sophisticated taste, try young fontina, which has a softer and smoother texture, resulting in a sweet and creamy melt.
Combine cheeses for flavour: To elevate your grilled cheese, combine two or more cheeses for a richer taste. A classic combination is mozzarella for stretch and another cheese for flavour, such as Gruyere or vintage cheddar. You can also experiment with other pairings like gouda and Havarti, or Monterey Jack and pepper jack. For a more basic sandwich, a mild melting cheese like plain Monterey Jack is a good choice.
Consider add-ons: Enhance the flavour of your grilled cheese by adding complementary ingredients. For a caprese-style sandwich, pair mozzarella with fresh tomatoes and pesto. If you're feeling fancy, try a combination of brie and thinly sliced apples or tart cherry jam. Pickled red onions, pickled radishes, or pickled jalapeños can also add a fun pop of flavour.
Don't be afraid to experiment: While some cheeses are classic choices for grilled cheese sandwiches, don't be afraid to get creative and use whatever cheese you have on hand. After all, a grilled cheese is a versatile dish that can accommodate a variety of cheeses. Experiment with different combinations to find your perfect match.
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Grilling techniques
Grilled cheese sandwiches are typically made on the stove in a skillet, griddle, or pan. While sandwich presses or toastie makers are also an option, these can often lead to the bread being squished and the cheese oozing out.
When using a skillet, griddle, or pan, it is recommended to use low to medium-low heat. This will allow the cheese to melt fully while achieving the desired golden brown colour on the bread. For a crispier sandwich, some recipes suggest using a higher heat setting.
Before placing the sandwich in the pan, it is important to butter the bread. Buttering the bread will give the sandwich a crispy, golden exterior. While some recipes suggest spreading butter on the bread, others recommend using mayonnaise, as it helps the bread brown better and gives the sandwich a richer flavour. Some recipes also suggest sprinkling Parmesan cheese on the buttered bread before placing it in the skillet.
When preparing the sandwich, it is important to use the right type of bread. Sourdough, brioche, and ciabatta are all popular choices, but any sliced bread should work. However, it is important to ensure that the bread is not too thick, as this may prevent the cheese from melting properly. Similarly, bread that is too thin may result in a flimsy and soggy sandwich.
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Serving suggestions
A grilled cheese sandwich is a versatile dish that can be served in many ways. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your grilled cheese experience:
Soups
Grilled cheese sandwiches are commonly paired with soups, especially tomato-based ones. A creamy tomato soup or a tomato basil soup complements the sandwich's buttery and cheesy flavours. The sandwich can be dipped into the soup, creating a comforting and indulgent meal.
Condiments
Adding condiments to your grilled cheese can enhance its flavour. Try spreading some mayonnaise or Dijon mustard inside the sandwich before grilling. You could also squirt some yellow mustard on the plate and dip your sandwich as you go.
Vegetables
Adding vegetables to your grilled cheese can provide a contrast in textures and flavours. Try sautéed spinach, caramelised onions, steamed broccoli, roasted red peppers, or roasted tomatoes. If you're feeling adventurous, add some sliced hot peppers like jalapeños or even a habanero.
Fruits
Fruits can add a sweet and tangy dimension to your grilled cheese. Try thinly sliced apples, especially Granny Smith or other tart varieties. You could also use fruits like figs, pears, grapes, or even kiwi. For a gourmet touch, pair Gruyere and brie cheese with apples and a slather of fig jam.
Pickles
Pickles add a fun and tangy twist to your grilled cheese. Try layering in pickled red onions, pickled radishes, or pickled jalapeños for an extra punch of flavour.
Extra Cheese
While grilled cheese sandwiches are already cheesy, you can experiment with different types of cheese to create unique flavour profiles. Try a combination of mozzarella and feta, or Fontina and Parmesan. You could also swap the Gruyere for Fontina or Gouda, or sprinkle in some blue cheese.
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Frequently asked questions
You can use any sliced bread, but thicker-sliced bread works best. Sourdough, brioche, and ciabatta are good options, but Texas toast is the ideal thickness. Avoid bread that is too thick, thin, soft, or holey.
You can use any cheese that melts well. Cheddar, gouda, gruyere, mozzarella, and American cheese are popular choices. Using two types of cheese is recommended for a richer taste.
You will need butter or mayonnaise to spread on the outside of the bread. You can also add dijon mustard, spinach, caramelized onions, or roasted tomatoes for extra flavor.
Grilled cheese sandwiches are typically cooked on a stove in a skillet, griddle, or pan. You can also use a sandwich press, toastie maker, or broiler/grill if you don't want to use the stove.
It usually takes around 6-7 minutes to cook a grilled cheese sandwich over low to medium/low heat. Be patient and give the cheese time to fully melt for the best results.
