Patrick Oconnell
The grilled cheese sandwich is a popular dish, especially in the United States, where it became common during the Great Depression and World War II. It is made with sliced bread, butter, and cheese, cooked on a skillet or pan. The bread is typically buttered on the outside and fried until golden brown, while the cheese inside melts. While some people prefer to keep it simple, others like to experiment with different types of bread and cheese, and add extra ingredients such as vegetables, fruits, sauces, and meats. However, some argue that the addition of meat takes the focus away from the cheese, and that a grilled cheese should primarily be a cheese sandwich.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Bread | Any sliced bread, preferably sourdough |
| Cheese | Mozzarella, cheddar, Gruyère, raclette, havarti, Monterey Jack, pepper jack, Swiss, American |
| Other ingredients | Butter, mayo, mustard, vegetables, fruits, sauces, pickles |
| Cooking method | Stovetop, skillet, griddle, pan, sandwich press, toastie maker |
| Texture | Crispy, golden, and gooey |
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What You'll Learn
Is a grilled cheese sandwich grilled?
The grilled cheese sandwich is a popular dish in America, but its name has caused some confusion in other parts of the world, particularly in the UK. This is because, in the UK, a "grilled cheese" would typically be cooked on a grill, whereas in the US, it is usually made in a skillet or pan. So, while the sandwich is grilled in the sense that it is cooked with dry heat applied to its surface, it is not grilled in the sense that Americans do not typically use an outdoor grill to make it.
The grilled cheese sandwich is typically made with sliced bread, butter, and cheese. The bread is buttered on both sides and placed in a skillet or pan over medium-low heat. The sandwich is then cooked until the bread is golden and the cheese is melted. Some variations include adding different types of cheese, such as mozzarella, cheddar, or gruyere, or spreading mayonnaise or mustard on the bread.
While the classic grilled cheese sandwich consists only of bread and cheese, some people like to add other ingredients such as meat, vegetables, or fruit. However, opinions differ on whether a sandwich with additional ingredients can still be considered a grilled cheese. Some people believe that as long as the focus remains on the cheese, it can still be called a grilled cheese, while others argue that adding meat, in particular, changes the nature of the sandwich.
The method of cooking the sandwich is also a point of contention. While Americans typically cook grilled cheese sandwiches in a skillet or pan, some people argue that using a sandwich press or toastie maker produces a superior result, as the sandwich is cooked more evenly and the cheese doesn't ooze out. However, others prefer the crispy, buttery exterior and molten cheese interior that can be achieved by cooking the sandwich in a pan.
In conclusion, the answer to the question "Is a grilled cheese sandwich grilled?" is somewhat complex. While the sandwich is cooked with dry heat applied to its surface, which fits one definition of "grilled," Americans typically do not use an outdoor grill to make it. Ultimately, the name "grilled cheese sandwich" may be more about tradition and culture than the specific method of cooking.
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What type of bread is best?
When it comes to grilled cheese sandwiches, there are many options for the type of bread to use. The best bread will depend on your personal preference and the other ingredients used. Here are some options to consider:
Sourdough: Sourdough bread is a popular choice for grilled cheese sandwiches due to its tanginess and versatility. It pairs well with a variety of cheeses, especially a blend of mild and extra sharp cheddar. While sourdough can elevate a classic grilled cheese, some people may prefer a simpler option like regular white bread.
White Bread: Thinly sliced soft white bread is a classic choice for grilled cheese sandwiches. It is easily accessible and simple to work with. This type of bread pairs well with American cheese slices and other standard cheeses. If you're looking for convenience and a traditional taste, white bread may be the best option.
Multigrain Bread: Thick slices of nutty multigrain bread add flavor and a boost of fiber to your grilled cheese. Multigrain bread can stand up to a variety of cheeses and toppings. It goes well with gooey mozzarella, tomatoes, basil, and even pungent, creamy blue cheese with fig jam.
Brioche: Airy and buttery, brioche bread creates an extra-decadent grilled cheese sandwich. It has a rich flavor and texture that pairs beautifully with mild, melty cheeses like young Gouda or thin slices of Brie. Brioche can take your grilled cheese to the next level, especially when combined with sweet accompaniments like raspberry jam.
Potato Bread: Potato bread is another option that some people feel is underappreciated for grilled cheese. It has a unique texture and flavor that work well with extra sharp cheddar, creating a satisfying grilled cheese experience.
Other Options: There are no hard and fast rules when it comes to grilled cheese bread. You can experiment with various breads, such as crusty baguettes, ciabatta, focaccia, or even morning muffins. Day-old breads can be transformed into delicious grilled cheese sandwiches. Cranberry walnut bread, for example, offers a super crunchy texture and a slight sweetness that marries well with the richness of cheeses. Don't be afraid to get creative and use whatever bread you have on hand!
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What cheese should you use?
When it comes to the cheese, you can use almost any type of cheese that melts well. The cheese you choose will depend on your personal preference and what you have available. A classic grilled cheese sandwich is made with American cheese or cheddar, but you can experiment with other varieties. Mozzarella, for instance, is a good option for its stretchiness and non-greasy melting qualities. You could pair it with a cheese that has more flavour, like a vintage cheddar or gruyere. Other options include gouda, havarti, Monterey Jack, pepper jack, fontina, Swiss, sharp cheddar, or even a combination of cheeses. If you're feeling adventurous, you can even try a combination of mozzarella and feta, or fontina with Parmesan.
To ensure your grilled cheese sandwich has the perfect texture, it's important to consider the meltability of your cheese. Dry, crumbly, fresh cheeses like goat cheese and overly aged cheeses like Parmesan or hard pecorino won't melt properly. Instead, opt for cheeses that are known for their melting characteristics, such as young Italian and French cheeses like Taleggio or Brie. Grated cheese also tends to melt more evenly than sliced cheese, so consider grating your chosen cheese before adding it to your sandwich.
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Should you add other ingredients?
There are a variety of opinions on whether or not other ingredients should be added to a grilled cheese sandwich. Some people believe that a grilled cheese sandwich should only contain bread, butter, and cheese. They argue that adding other ingredients takes away from the simplicity and beauty of the classic combination of melted cheese and toasted bread.
However, others believe that it is perfectly acceptable to add additional ingredients to a grilled cheese sandwich, as long as the focus remains on the cheese. This could include different types of cheese, such as a mix of mozzarella, cheddar, Gruyère, or raclette. Some people also like to add vegetables like sautéed spinach, caramelized onions, or roasted tomatoes, or even fruit like thinly sliced apples or fig jam. Pickles, such as pickled red onions, radishes, or jalapeños, can also add a fun pop of flavor.
Some people draw the line at adding meat to a grilled cheese sandwich, arguing that it then becomes more of a meat sandwich with cheese, rather than a grilled cheese. However, others are more flexible and see no issue with adding meat as long as there is still a significant amount of cheese in the sandwich. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference and how one defines a "grilled cheese sandwich."
It's worth noting that adding additional ingredients can change the name of the sandwich. For example, a grilled cheese with tuna becomes a tuna melt, and a grilled cheese with pulled pork might be considered a "melt" rather than a grilled cheese. However, some people argue that language is descriptive and adding other ingredients doesn't take away from the fact that it is still a grilled cheese sandwich, it just adds to the name.
In conclusion, while there are varying opinions on whether or not other ingredients should be added to a grilled cheese sandwich, it seems that as long as cheese remains the primary ingredient and focus of the sandwich, some experimentation with additional ingredients is acceptable. After all, grilled cheese sandwiches can be much more than just two pieces of bread and a slice of cheese!
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Is a grilled cheese a melt?
The grilled cheese sandwich is a popular comfort food, but some people wonder if it is a type of melt sandwich. While the two sandwiches have similarities, they are distinct in several ways.
A grilled cheese sandwich is made with sliced bread, with cheese in between. The bread is usually buttered on the outside and cooked in a skillet or on a griddle. The bread can be toasted before adding the cheese, or cooked with the cheese inside. The type of bread and cheese used can vary according to preference, but the bread should not be too thick, as this may prevent the cheese from melting, and not too thin or soft, as it may get squished by the cheese.
A melt, on the other hand, is a sandwich that is similar to a grilled cheese but with additional ingredients. These can include meats, vegetables, or sauces. The bread used in a melt is typically a hearty variety like rye, sourdough, or wheat, and it is not toasted before assembly. The sandwich is assembled with the ingredients on top of the cheese, and then broiled or cooked until the cheese melts and the other ingredients are cooked through.
In summary, a grilled cheese sandwich is a simpler dish, with just bread and cheese, and sometimes other minor ingredients like tomatoes, basil, or caramelized onions. A melt, however, has more ingredients and is a heartier sandwich. The main difference is that a grilled cheese is primarily cheese, whereas a melt has other ingredients that take centre stage.
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Frequently asked questions
A grilled cheese sandwich is made with sliced bread, butter, and cheese. The bread is buttered on both sides and cooked on a stove, skillet, griddle, or pan until the cheese melts.
Any sliced bread will work, but it shouldn't be too thick, thin, soft, or holey. Common bread choices include sourdough, French bread, and white bread. As for cheese, you can use any type that melts well, such as mozzarella, cheddar, Gruyère, or American cheese.
Yes, you can add other ingredients to your grilled cheese, but the primary filling should be cheese. Some popular additions include vegetables, fruits, sauces, and meats, but adding meat is controversial as it may be considered a "melt" or a meat sandwich with cheese.
A grilled cheese is made on a stove, skillet, or pan, while a cheese toastie is made using a sandwich press or toastie maker. In the UK, a grilled cheese is called a "cheese toastie," and they sometimes grill their toasties, unlike Americans who rarely broil their grilled cheese.
