Bushra Griffith
Grilled cheese is a classic, easy-to-make sandwich with few ingredients and a lot of flavour. The perfect grilled cheese sandwich has a crispy, salty, buttery exterior and a warm, gooey, molten cheese interior. While there are many ways to make a grilled cheese sandwich, the best method seems to be grilling the bread on both sides, adding cheese, and closing the sandwich so that the cheese is sandwiched between the browned surfaces. The type of bread and cheese used can be changed according to preference, but the bread should not be too thick or too thin, and the cheese should be grated for a smoother melt.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Bread | Sourdough, Texas toast, whole-grain, white bread |
| Butter | Salted, unsalted, mayonnaise |
| Cheese | Mozzarella, vintage cheddar, Gruyère, Raclette, Monterey Jack, Colby, Swiss, Fontina, Gouda, Havarti, Blue Cheese, Provolone |
| Other ingredients | Pickles, deli meats, potato chips, chocolate, Nutella, mustard, pesto, tomatoes, spinach, caramelized onions, broccoli, roasted red peppers, apples, fig jam, olives, cornichons, capers, pretzels, Cheez-Its |
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What You'll Learn
The best type of bread for grilled cheese
The best grilled cheese sandwiches are made with bread that is sturdy, thick, and able to withstand the weight of melted cheese without falling apart. The bread should be able to take on a good sear in the pan and add its own flavour to the sandwich. Breads with a tight crumb structure are preferable as they crisp up nicely and don't absorb too much butter.
Sourdough
Sourdough is a popular choice for grilled cheese sandwiches due to its sturdy slices, which can hold up to a long sear in the pan. Its tangy flavour is a great contrast to the richness of the cheese and butter in the sandwich. However, some sourdoughs have irregular holes that can create cheese drips, so look for country-style sourdoughs with a tighter crumb.
Brioche
Brioche is a rich, buttery bread made with eggs and sugar. Its dense crumb structure makes it easy to spread with butter or mayo, and its soft yet sturdy texture can hold up during pan-frying without the cheese dripping through. However, because of its softer texture, it may not get extra crispy and could burn more easily if left too long in the pan.
Rye
Rye bread has a hearty texture that toasts well and adds a bold flavour to balance out the richness of the cheese. It is also a good option for those with gluten sensitivities. However, some may find the flavour too strong. Light rye is made with rye flour, while dark rye uses rye flour and additional ingredients like molasses.
White Bread
For a more classic grilled cheese, regular white sandwich bread will do the trick. It is soft and light, allowing it to pair well with a variety of cheeses. However, some may prefer a bread with a more distinct flavour that can stand up to the cheese.
Other Options
Other bread options for grilled cheese include whole wheat, multigrain, oatmeal, and potato bread. Cinnamon raisin bread is an unorthodox choice but can add a unique mix of sweet and savoury to your sandwich.
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The best cheese to use
The best grilled cheese sandwich is made with a combination of two types of cheese. Mozzarella is a popular choice for its stretchiness and non-greasy melting qualities, but it has a mild flavour, so it is often combined with a stronger cheese. Vintage cheddar and gruyere are commonly used in combination with mozzarella. Other popular combinations include gouda and gruyere, or gouda and gruyere with white cheddar.
Some people prefer to use a single type of cheese in their grilled cheese sandwiches. Sharp cheddar is a common choice, as it has a sharp, nutty flavour and melts beautifully. Other options include muenster, American cheese, and Swiss cheese.
For the ultimate grilled cheese sandwich, it is recommended to grate your own cheese, as store-bought pre-grated cheese is coated with anti-caking agents that can prevent it from melting properly. Freshly grated cheese will give you a smoother, softer, and more even melt.
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How to get the perfect golden crust
The perfect grilled cheese sandwich has a golden, crispy, buttery crust. To achieve this, you'll need to use butter. While some people prefer to spread softened butter on the bread, others recommend melting butter in the pan first and then adding the bread. You can also try using mayonnaise—this will help the bread brown well and create a crunchy texture. If you want to cut down on fat, you can try using a creamy spread that is lower in fat, such as reduced-fat mayonnaise or sour cream.
The type of bread you use also matters. While classic grilled cheese is made with white bread, whole-grain breads or a country-style loaf can give you a better flavour and a crispier crust. If you want to go with white bread, choose a thicker slice, such as Texas toast. Sourdough is another popular choice for its tang and unique flavour.
To get the perfect golden crust, you'll need to cook your sandwich on low to medium-low heat. This will give the cheese time to melt and the bread time to turn golden and crisp. If you're using a skillet, cook your sandwich for about 5 minutes, swirling and pressing it occasionally with your hand or a cooking weight. If you're using a griddle, set it to 275˚F.
For an even crispier crust, you can try using a panini maker or mimicking a panini press at home. Heat a teaspoon of canola oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Place your sandwich in the pan and then place another medium skillet on top of the sandwich, weighting it down with cans. Cook for about 2 minutes, or until golden, then flip the sandwich, replace the top skillet and cans, and cook for another 1 to 3 minutes.
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The best toppings and condiments
For a savoury grilled cheese, consider adding deli meats, such as salami or prosciutto, or cured items like pickles, which offer a salty, acidic bite that cuts through the richness of the cheese. Other savoury toppings include sautéed spinach, caramelised onions, chopped steamed broccoli, roasted red peppers, roasted tomatoes, and pickled red onions, radishes, or jalapeños. If you're feeling adventurous, try crushed pretzels or potato chips, or even a grilled cheese with crushed Cheez-Its.
For a sweet grilled cheese, jams, chutneys, and honey pair well with cheese. Try fig jam, guava paste, cranberry relish, red pepper jelly, olive tapenade, apricot preserves, strawberry or raspberry preserves, or orange marmalade. Melted milk chocolate or Nutella also work well with cheese, especially with Brie.
Fruit can also be a delicious addition to a grilled cheese. Try thinly sliced apples with Gruyere and Brie, or sliced tomatoes with sharp white cheddar and mozzarella.
If you're looking for a creamy texture, spread mayonnaise, sour cream, or softened butter on the outside of the bread. Mayonnaise helps the bread brown and creates a crunchy texture when you bite into the sandwich. Butter, of course, is a classic option that creates a crispy, golden exterior, but if you're looking for a healthier option, you can use a panini maker or hot skillet to achieve a similar effect without the added fat.
For an extra flavour boost, try adding herbs and spices, like garlic powder, parsley, or basil, or a spread of Dijon mustard inside the sandwich.
And don't forget the classic pairing of grilled cheese with tomato soup for dunking!
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How to make grilled cheese healthier
Grilled cheese is a delicious comfort food, but it's not always the healthiest option. Here are some tips to make your grilled cheese sandwich a little more nutritious:
Bread
The type of bread you use can make a big difference. Instead of refined white bread, opt for whole-grain or whole-wheat bread. This will boost the fiber content of your sandwich and give it a nutty flavor. Look for a loaf that is not too thick, thin, or soft, as this can affect the melting of the cheese. A nice, regular sourdough is a good choice.
Cheese
Choose a flavorful cheese with a strong flavor, such as sharp cheddar, Gruyère, or raclette. This way, you'll need less cheese to get a good taste. Grating your own cheese will also improve the melt and reduce the need for multiple slices. Consider using a combination of cheeses, like mozzarella for stretch and another for flavor. If you're looking to cut back on fat, go for a reduced-fat option like 2% cheddar or part-skim mozzarella, but be mindful of the sodium levels.
Cooking Method
Instead of butter, try cooking your sandwich in olive oil or mayonnaise. Olive oil reduces the amount of unhealthy saturated fat, and mayonnaise helps the bread brown well, creating a mouthwatering crunch. If you're open to it, you can also try leaving out the butter and spreading mayonnaise on the inside of the sandwich before cooking.
Add-Ins
Add fruits or vegetables to boost the nutritional value of your sandwich. Try avocado slices for healthy fats, spinach for fiber, or apples, broccoli, asparagus, or tomato for extra vitamins and minerals. If you're feeling adventurous, use zucchini instead of bread for a veggie-filled spin on the classic. You can also include seasoned carrots, roasted red peppers, caramelized onions, or pickled jalapeños for a fun pop of flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your grilled cheese with a side of edamame or a chickpea salad to boost the protein and fiber content of your meal. If you're having soup on the side, opt for a nutritious tomato soup, which is a classic pairing.
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Frequently asked questions
Sourdough bread is a great option for grilled cheese, but you can also use Texas toast or whole-grain bread. Avoid bread that is too thick, thin, soft, or holey.
For the best grilled cheese, use a combination of cheeses. Mozzarella is a good option for its melting qualities, and you can pair it with a cheese like vintage cheddar or gouda for flavour. Grate your own cheese for a smoother melt.
Butter is important for achieving a crispy, golden exterior. Use around 1/2 tablespoon of butter on each slice of bread. You can use salted or unsalted butter, but be sure to add a sprinkle of salt if using unsalted.
Cook your grilled cheese over low to medium-low heat for 6-7 minutes. This will give the cheese enough time to melt and the bread enough time to become golden brown and crispy.
