Andy Montoya
Grilled cheese is a beloved comfort food, but is it Italian? The answer is yes, with a twist! The Italian version of a grilled cheese sandwich involves a few key differences, including the use of olive oil, a variety of meats, and a mix of cheeses. It is also known as mozzarella in carrozza and is a far cry from the classic diner-style grilled cheese. This Italian take on the sandwich is grilled to perfection with a golden crust and a meltingly soft slab of cheese inside.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Bread | White bread, ciabatta, sourdough, any bread from pantry |
| Cheese | Mozzarella, feta, asiago, provolone, fontina |
| Meat | Salami, prosciutto, pepperoni, Italian deli meat, ham |
| Oil | Vegetable oil, seed oil, olive oil |
| Other ingredients | Butter, garlic, oregano, sun-dried tomatoes, anchovies, egg, breadcrumbs |
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What You'll Learn
Italian grilled cheese sandwiches
Grilled cheese sandwiches are a beloved comfort food, and there are many ways to prepare them. One variation is the Italian grilled cheese sandwich, which combines the classic grilled cheese with elements of the Italian sub.
A classic Italian sub typically contains at least three kinds of cured Italian deli meats and three types of cheese, such as provolone, mozzarella, and asiago. The Italian grilled cheese sandwich is a more compact version of the Italian sub, with the same ingredients melted between two slices of bread.
To make an Italian grilled cheese sandwich, start by melting butter in a pan over medium-low heat. Place a slice of bread in the pan and top it with a slice of provolone, followed by a layer of salami, prosciutto, and pepperoni. Finish with another slice of provolone and a second slice of bread. Cook the sandwich for 3-4 minutes on each side until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
For an extra Italian twist, you can spread butter and garlic powder on the outside of the bread before toasting, or dip the sandwich in an egg coating made with eggs, milk, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and Parmesan cheese. Serve with a side of salty pickled veggies, olives, or marinara sauce for dipping.
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Mozzarella in carrozza
The name "mozzarella in carrozza", or "mozzarella in carriage", comes from the resemblance of the strands of melted mozzarella that pull from the sandwich to the reins of a horse and carriage. The sandwich is typically made with older, leftover bits of mozzarella, which was originally for economical reasons but also serves a practical purpose as mozzarella that is too fresh and soft can make the sandwich soggy. In Naples, buffalo milk mozzarella is typically used, while the Roman version uses fior di latte.
To make mozzarella in carrozza, start by topping four slices of white bread with a single slice of mozzarella each, trimming the cheese to avoid overhang, and topping with four more slices of bread. Dip both sides and all the edges of the sandwich in egg, followed by breadcrumbs, and place on a large plate. Repeat with any remaining sandwiches and transfer the plate to the refrigerator. In a large skillet, heat 1/4 inch of olive oil over medium heat and test by dropping in a few breadcrumbs, which should bubble gently. Fry each sandwich for 1 to 2 minutes per side until the outsides and edges are golden brown and the cheese has melted. Drain on paper towels, season with salt, halve diagonally, and serve.
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Bread options
When it comes to bread options for grilled cheese sandwiches, there are several ways to go about it. While some people insist on using fancy, crusty bread, others opt for simpler options like plain white sandwich bread. Ultimately, the choice of bread depends on personal preference and what is available.
For those who want to elevate their grilled cheese experience, crusty bread can add a nice texture contrast to the gooey, melted cheese. A firm, white bread provides a good base for the sandwich, especially when paired with garlic butter and oregano. French bread is another popular choice, as its crusty exterior and soft interior create a satisfying bite.
On the other hand, some people prefer to use plain white sandwich bread, which can be just as delicious. This option is more accessible and may be a better choice if you're feeding a large group or making multiple sandwiches. It's also a good choice if you're adding a lot of fillings, as the bread takes a back seat to the other ingredients.
If you're looking for an Italian twist, crunchy Italian bread or garlic bread can be a great option. Italian bread provides a nice crunchy texture, while garlic bread adds a punch of flavor to the sandwich. For an even more authentic Italian experience, you can try using stale white bread with the crusts removed, which is the traditional choice for "mozzarella in carrozza," an Italian grilled cheese sandwich.
Additionally, there are some creative bread options that can take your grilled cheese to the next level. For instance, you can dip the bread in egg and coat it with seasoned breadcrumbs before frying, resulting in a crispy, golden shell. This technique, used in "mozzarella in carrozza," gives the sandwich a unique texture and flavor.
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Meat options
While grilled cheese sandwiches are a classic, you can easily elevate them by adding some meat. The most popular option seems to be to add Italian cured meats such as salami, prosciutto, and pepperoni. You can also add ham, hot capicola, or even shredded beef. If you're making a pesto grilled cheese sandwich, you could add some sliced turkey.
For the Italian grilled cheese sandwich, you can use any kind of bread you like. Some suggestions include sourdough, ciabatta, crusty bread, or plain white sandwich bread. If you want to make the sandwich gluten-free, use your favourite gluten-free bread.
To make the sandwich, spread butter on the bread. You can add Italian seasoning to the butter for an extra burst of flavour. Then, add the meat and cheese. For the cheese, you can use provolone, which is creamy and nutty and melts well. You could also use fontina, which is soft and melts easily. If you're making a pesto grilled cheese, you can use mozzarella, smoked mozzarella, Gruyere, Swiss, or even white cheddar.
Finally, grill the sandwich until the cheese is melted and the outside is golden brown. You can grill the sandwich in a pan with butter or olive oil, or use a sandwich press or George Foreman-style grill.
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Oil temperature
The Italian grilled cheese sandwich, also known as "mozzarella in carrozza", is a specialty of the Campania region, particularly Naples. It is constructed like a basic grilled cheese sandwich, with the addition of flour, beaten egg batter, and breadcrumbs. The sandwich is then shallow-fried in oil.
When making an Italian grilled cheese sandwich, it is important to heat the oil to the correct temperature before adding the sandwich. While olive oil is typically associated with Italian cuisine, seed and vegetable oils are recommended for this dish as they leave less of a distinct flavour.
In general, when making grilled cheese sandwiches, it is recommended to cook at a medium-low to medium heat setting. This ensures the bread becomes golden and crispy, while the cheese melts to a gooey consistency. Cooking at a lower temperature allows the cheese to melt evenly and retain its creamy texture, resulting in a more enjoyable eating experience. It also gives the Maillard reaction—the browning and development of complex flavours—time to occur, resulting in a more evenly browned and flavourful sandwich.
To achieve the perfect grilled cheese sandwich, it is important to consider the type of bread used. Thinly sliced, delicate breads will quickly fall apart, so a sturdy loaf is recommended. Soft, porous sandwich bread, such as a Pullman loaf or sliced crusty Italian bread, works well as it soaks up the oil and butter.
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Frequently asked questions
An Italian grilled cheese sandwich is a combination of grilled cheese and garlic bread. It is made with mozzarella, feta, and asiago cheese, and sometimes cured meats like salami, prosciutto, and pepperoni. The sandwich is grilled in olive oil and can be served with a simple marinara sauce for dipping.
To make an Italian grilled cheese sandwich, melt butter in a pan and add fresh chopped garlic. Place the bread in the butter, add the cheeses and meats, and top with another slice of bread. Grill each side until brown and serve immediately.
For the bread, you can use any type of bread you have on hand, from plain white sandwich bread to crusty artisan sourdough. Ciabatta is also a good option. As for the cheese, provolone is a popular choice as it melts well and has a mild flavor. Other options include mozzarella, fontina, and asiago.
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