Kamil Perry
The grilled cheese sandwich is a classic, comforting dish, but the addition of bacon has sparked debate about whether it should be considered a melt. Some argue that a melt is simply a grilled cheese with meat or fish, while others claim that a grilled cheese with bacon is still a grilled cheese, as long as the cheese remains the main ingredient. The definition of a melt is disputed, with some asserting that it is an internet meme rather than a legitimate culinary term. However, the consensus seems to be that if the bacon is in small pieces or bits, it can be considered a seasoning, and the sandwich remains a grilled cheese. On the other hand, larger slices of bacon or multiple additional ingredients may push the sandwich into melt territory.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Definition of a melt | A grilled cheese with the addition of meat or fish |
| Grilled cheese | Consists of cheese, bread with spread (usually butter) |
| Bacon grilled cheese | Golden toasted bread with two different melted cheeses and crispy diced bacon |
| Bread type | White, Sourdough, Multigrain, Pullman Bread, Pumpernickel, Dark Rye |
| Bacon grilled cheese | Can be made with mayo instead of butter |
| Bacon grilled cheese | Can be made with leftover bacon |
| Grilled cheese | If cheese is not the main ingredient, it is a melt |
| Grilled cheese | If the mass of ingredients that are not bread or cheese exceeds the mass of the bread or cheese, it is not a grilled cheese sandwich |
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What You'll Learn
A melt is a grilled cheese with meat or fish
The definition of a melt is a grilled cheese sandwich with the addition of meat or fish. This means that a grilled cheese sandwich with bacon falls into the category of a melt. However, some people disagree with this, arguing that as long as the cheese is the main ingredient, it can still be called a grilled cheese.
The grilled cheese sandwich is a classic, and it is hard to improve upon something that is already so good. But many people think that adding bacon to a grilled cheese sandwich does just that. Adding bacon to a grilled cheese sandwich is a simple change, but it transforms the sandwich into something heavenly.
There are several recipes for a bacon grilled cheese sandwich. One recipe recommends using two types of cheese, such as mild or medium cheddar and provolone, and five strips of bacon. The bacon is cut into small pieces and cooked on a griddle for 5-7 minutes until brown and crispy. The bacon is then removed from the pan and placed on a paper towel to absorb the excess grease. Butter is then spread on one side of each slice of bread, and the bread is placed butter-side down on the griddle. Two slices of cheese are laid on top of the bread, followed by half of the bacon crumbles, and then two more slices of cheese. The final slice of bread is placed on top, butter-side up, and the sandwich is cooked for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden.
Another recipe recommends cooking the bacon in a frying pan until crisp and then setting it aside on a paper towel to remove excess grease. A cast-iron skillet is preheated to 350 °F. Butter is spread on one side of each slice of bread, and the bread is placed butter-side down on a cutting board. Half of the cheddar cheese is placed on one slice of bread, followed by a sharp cheese spread, and then the other half of the cheddar cheese. The bacon is then placed on top, and the sandwich is closed and cooked in the skillet until golden brown on both sides and the cheese has melted. The sandwich is then opened, and maple syrup is poured evenly on the inside before serving.
Some people argue that a grilled cheese sandwich should only contain cheese, bread, and spread (usually butter). According to this definition, adding bacon to a grilled cheese sandwich would make it a melt. However, others argue that as long as the cheese is the main ingredient, other ingredients can be added without changing the name of the sandwich. Ultimately, the name of the sandwich is less important than the taste, and whether it is called a grilled cheese or a melt, a bacon grilled cheese sandwich is a delicious and comforting meal.
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Bacon bits are a seasoning, like rosemary or basil
Some people consider bacon bits to be a type of spice or seasoning, similar to rosemary or basil. These individuals argue that if you can put something in a sandwich by itself without cheese, then it's not a grilled cheese; it's a melt. Therefore, adding bacon bits to a grilled cheese sandwich would still qualify it as a grilled cheese since bacon bits cannot stand alone as a sandwich filling.
On the other hand, some people argue that adding any meat to a grilled cheese sandwich automatically makes it a melt. By this definition, a grilled cheese with bacon bits would be considered a melt.
Ultimately, the definition of a melt is a grilled cheese sandwich with the addition of meat or fish. So, if you add bacon bits to a grilled cheese sandwich, it would still be considered a grilled cheese sandwich, as bacon bits are more like a seasoning or spice and do not constitute a separate food item.
However, if you were to add large pieces of bacon to a grilled cheese sandwich, it would then become a melt, as the bacon is a separate food item and can be the main focus of the sandwich.
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If cheese isn't the main ingredient, it's a melt
The definition of a melt is a grilled cheese sandwich with the addition of meat or fish. So, if you add meat to a grilled cheese sandwich, you're in melt territory. However, there are some nuances to this.
Some people argue that a grilled cheese with bacon bits is still a grilled cheese, whereas a grilled cheese with sliced bacon is a melt. The reasoning is that bacon bits are a seasoning, like rosemary or basil, and are acceptable in a grilled cheese sandwich. However, large pieces of bacon are a separate food item, and thus make the sandwich a melt.
Another perspective is that a grilled cheese can have additional ingredients as long as cheese is the main ingredient. So, if you add a protein source that you would use to make a sandwich on its own, it becomes a melt. For example, a BLT with cheese is a melt, not a grilled cheese.
Some people also argue that a grilled cheese is specifically when you cook the sandwich cheese-side-down in a pan, grilling the cheese. A melt, on the other hand, is any sandwich where the cheese is between two slices of bread and is melted.
In conclusion, while there is no clear consensus, the general rule of thumb is that if cheese is not the main ingredient in a grilled cheese sandwich, it becomes a melt.
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The type of bread matters
The type of bread used in a grilled cheese sandwich is a matter of personal preference, but some options are better suited for this classic comfort food than others. The bread should be able to withstand the weight of the cheese and any other ingredients without becoming soggy or falling apart.
Sourdough is a popular choice for grilled cheese sandwiches due to its tang and texture. It has a denser structure than some other types of bread, which helps to prevent the cheese from escaping and creates a satisfying crunch when toasted. Other types of bread with a denser structure, such as Pullman bread or Italian sandwich bread, can also be good options for grilled cheese.
White bread is another common choice for grilled cheese sandwiches. It has a softer texture than sourdough, which can make it more susceptible to squishing or tearing under the weight of the cheese. However, its mild flavor and soft texture can also be advantages, as they allow the flavors of the cheese and other ingredients to shine through.
When choosing a bread for a grilled cheese sandwich, it's important to consider the thickness of the slices. Slices that are too thick may prevent the cheese from melting evenly, while slices that are too thin may not be able to withstand the weight of the cheese and become soggy. It's also important to avoid bread with large holes, as this can allow the cheese to escape and burn on the bottom of the pan.
In addition to the type of bread, the spread used on the outside of the sandwich can also affect the flavor and texture of a grilled cheese sandwich. Butter is a classic choice, providing both flavor and crispness to the bread. However, some people prefer to use mayonnaise, as it has a higher smoke point than butter and can help the bread to brown more evenly.
Ultimately, the best type of bread for a grilled cheese sandwich with bacon is the one that suits your personal preferences and tastes. Whether you choose sourdough, white bread, or something else entirely, the most important factor is enjoying the melted, cheesy goodness that a grilled cheese sandwich has to offer.
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The cheese must complement the bread and other ingredients
When crafting the perfect grilled cheese sandwich, the cheese you choose should complement the bread and any other ingredients you add. You can use any type of cheese, bread, and spread (like butter or mayo) that you have on hand, but some combinations will work better than others. For example, popular bread choices include white, sourdough, multigrain, Pullman bread, pumpernickel, and dark rye. Each of these breads has its own textures, density, and flavor profile, so consider these characteristics when selecting your cheese. Bacon, for instance, is a versatile flavor that pairs well with many different kinds of cheese.
Some people argue that a grilled cheese sandwich should only include cheese, bread, and spread, usually butter. However, others believe that a grilled cheese can include additional ingredients as long as the cheese remains the main ingredient and the total mass of ingredients other than bread and cheese does not exceed the mass of the bread or cheese. According to this rule, adding a small amount of bacon to a grilled cheese would still qualify it as a grilled cheese, but adding too much bacon might make it a melt.
The definition of a melt is less clear, with some sources stating that it is simply a grilled cheese with the addition of meat or fish, while others claim that a melt is any sandwich where the cheese is between the bread and melts. This broader definition would include many sandwiches that are not typically referred to as melts, such as grilled cheese sandwiches with common additions like pesto or caramelized onions.
Ultimately, whether you call your sandwich a grilled cheese or a melt may depend on the specific ingredients you use and how much of each ingredient you include. The key is to choose a cheese that complements the other flavors in your sandwich so that each ingredient has a chance to shine.
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Frequently asked questions
No, bacon bits are a seasoning, like rosemary or basil, and are acceptable. Large pieces of bacon are a separate food item, and thus make it a melt.
A melt is a grilled cheese with the addition of meat or fish.
A grilled cheese consists of cheese, bread with spread (usually butter), and the cheese must be melted when prepared.
