Frederic Melton
A grilled cheese sandwich is a popular dish in which sliced cheese is placed between two slices of bread and heated until the bread browns and the cheese melts. Despite its name, a grilled cheese sandwich is rarely grilled and is usually pan-fried. The sandwich is known by different names in different countries, such as a cheese toastie in the UK and a jaffle in Australia. The type of bread and cheese used can vary, but the choice of cheese is considered the most important factor in determining the quality of the sandwich.
Characteristics of "Cheese Grilled" and "Grilled Cheese"
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Bread | Sourdough, Brioche, Ciabatta, White Bread, Loaf, Multigrain Bread |
| Cheese | Cheddar, American, Swiss, Mozzarella, Gruyère, Raclette, Fontina, Gouda, Blue Cheese, Provolone, Muenster, Smoked Mozzarella, Brie, Havarti, Parmesan |
| Other Ingredients | Butter, Mayonnaise, Mustard, Pickles, Fruits, Vegetables, Pesto, Sauces, Wood-fired Garlic Powder |
| Cooking Method | Pan-fried, Grilled, Sandwich Toaster, Oven |
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What You'll Learn
The best bread for grilled cheese
The bread you choose for your grilled cheese sandwich is just as important as the cheese itself. The bread needs to be sturdy enough to hold the melted cheese, take on a good sear in the pan, and complement the flavour of the cheese. Here are some of the best bread options for your grilled cheese:
Sourdough
Sourdough is a popular choice for grilled cheese sandwiches due to its sturdy slices, which can withstand a long sear in the pan without becoming too soft. Its tangy flavour is strong enough to stand up to the cheese without being overwhelming. Sourdough also has a delightful crust that adds a nice crunch to the sandwich. However, one downside is that the irregular holes in the bread can cause cheese to drip through. To avoid this, opt for a country-style sourdough with a tighter crumb.
White Sandwich Bread
Sometimes, classic is best. White sandwich bread is a traditional choice for grilled cheese that offers a simple, familiar taste and a soft texture that is easy to bite into.
Ciabatta
Ciabatta is a type of Italian bread known for its firm crust and soft interior. It toasts up beautifully without becoming too crispy, making it ideal for grilled cheese sandwiches. Its soft texture also allows for a variety of toppings without becoming overwhelmed.
Brioche and Challah
Brioche and challah are both rich, dense breads that are easy to spread with butter or mayonnaise. Their tight crumb structure prevents melted cheese from dripping through, making them excellent choices for grilled cheese sandwiches. Brioche has a slightly more buttery flavour due to the addition of butter in the dough, while challah is typically made without butter and has a similar texture.
Potato Bread
Potato bread may be an unexpected choice for a grilled cheese sandwich, but it can impart a surprisingly buttery and creamy flavour. Its soft texture also makes it ideal for melting cheese.
Multigrain Bread
For a slightly healthier option, consider using multigrain bread for your grilled cheese. This type of bread has a nutty texture and a chewy crust, making it a popular choice for classic sandwiches.
Artisan Bread
If you're feeling adventurous, try making your own artisan bread for your grilled cheese sandwich. Homemade bread will add a unique, gourmet touch to your sandwich and allow you to experiment with different flavours and textures.
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The best cheese for grilled cheese
Grilled cheese sandwiches are a classic comfort food, but the right combination of cheese can take your sandwich to the next level. While the type of cheese you use ultimately comes down to personal preference, there are a few factors to consider when choosing the best cheese for your grilled cheese sandwich.
First, you'll want to choose a cheese that melts well. Cheeses that melt particularly well include mozzarella, Monterey Jack, pepper jack, havarti, gouda, fontina, and raclette. A classic option is American cheese, which is known for its melting capabilities.
If you're looking for a cheese with a stronger flavour, consider using a sharp cheddar, which has a distinct sharp and nutty taste. Gruyère is another popular choice, as it adds a salty and nutty flavour to your sandwich. For an extra tangy flavour, you can pair these cheeses with mozzarella, which has a very mild flavour.
You can also experiment with different types of bread to elevate your grilled cheese sandwich. Sourdough bread is a popular choice for its tangy flavour, but any sliced bread will work as long as the slices aren't too thick, thin, soft, or holey.
Finally, don't forget the butter! Butter is essential for creating a crispy, golden exterior on your grilled cheese sandwich. You can use either salted or unsalted butter, but be sure to add a light sprinkle of salt to your sandwich if you opt for the unsalted variety.
Now that you know the key components, here's a recipe for a classic grilled cheese sandwich:
Ingredients:
- Sourdough bread
- Butter
- Cheddar cheese
- Gruyère or Raclette cheese
- Mayo
- Dijon mustard
Instructions:
- Spread mayo on the top side of one slice of bread.
- Spread Dijon mustard on the other side of the same slice of bread.
- Layer the cheddar and Gruyère or Raclette cheeses on top of the mustard.
- Place the other slice of bread on top of the cheese, mayo side out.
- Heat a nonstick or cast-iron skillet over medium-low heat and melt butter in the pan.
- Place the sandwich in the pan, cover, and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and crisp.
- Enjoy your grilled cheese sandwich!
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Grilled cheese in a sandwich toaster
A grilled cheese sandwich is a hot sandwich made by heating slices of cheese between slices of bread. While the sandwich is typically prepared in a frying pan, griddle, or sandwich toaster, it can also be made in a regular toaster. However, there are some important precautions to take when using a toaster to avoid damaging the appliance or causing a fire.
Using a Sandwich Toaster
When using a sandwich toaster, the process is relatively straightforward. Simply place the cheese filling, typically cheddar or American cheese, between two slices of bread. You can also add additional ingredients such as peppers, tomatoes, or onions. Butter or mayonnaise is usually added to the outside of the bread for additional flavor and texture. Close the sandwich toaster and heat until the bread is browned and the cheese is melted.
Using a Regular Toaster
When using a regular toaster, it is important to turn the toaster on its side to avoid any cheese from falling into the hot toaster wires. You can then carefully insert a slice of bread with cheese on top into each slot. Once the bread is toasted, gently press the two slices together to form a sandwich. Alternatively, you can toast the bread first, place the cheese between the slices, and then heat the assembled sandwich in the microwave for a short time to melt the cheese.
Tips for a Great Grilled Cheese
- Use a combination of cheeses for the best flavor and melt, such as mozzarella for stretch and a flavored cheese like vintage cheddar or Gruyère for taste.
- Grate your own cheese for a smoother and more even melt.
- Use good quality bread, such as sourdough, for a tang that complements the cheese.
- Add a layer of butter or mayonnaise to the outside of the bread for a crisp, golden finish.
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Grilled cheese in a frying pan
Grilled cheese, toasted sandwich, cheese toastie, or jaffle—whatever you call it, this hot sandwich is a delicious treat. Despite its name, a grilled cheese sandwich is rarely grilled and is most often cooked in a frying pan.
To make a grilled cheese sandwich in a frying pan, you'll need sliced bread, cheese, and butter or mayonnaise. You can use any sliced bread, but it shouldn't be too thick, thin, or soft, and it should have a closed crumb to prevent the cheese from escaping. Sourdough is a popular choice for grilled cheese sandwiches, but regular white bread works too.
For the cheese, a classic choice is American cheese, which gives you a great cheese pull, or mild, medium, or sharp cheddar, which has a nutty flavor and melts beautifully. You can also use a combination of cheeses, such as mozzarella for its stretchiness and another for flavor, like Gruyère or Raclette, which are salty and nutty with a bit of funk. If you're using pre-sliced cheese, it's best to grate it yourself, as store-bought pre-grated cheese is coated with anti-caking agents that can prevent it from melting smoothly.
Now, for the cooking process! First, heat butter or mayonnaise in a non-stick or cast-iron skillet over medium-low heat. You can also add a light sprinkle of salt to your butter. Place the bread in the pan and let it toast for about a minute to create a light crust. Next, flip the bread and add your cheese. You can also add some extra ingredients at this stage, like peppers, tomatoes, or onions, or spinach, broccoli, or even a sprinkle of nutmeg. Cover the pan and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese has melted. Finally, slice your sandwich into triangles and serve with tomato soup for the full experience!
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Grilled cheese in the oven
Grilled cheese sandwiches are a delicious and simple meal, perfect for a quick snack or a more indulgent treat. While they are typically made in a frying pan, griddle, or sandwich toaster, you can also make grilled cheese in the oven. This is a great option if you are cooking for a group, as you can make multiple sandwiches at once.
To make grilled cheese in the oven, you will need:
- Bread (soft sandwich bread, sourdough, or gluten-free bread are good options)
- Butter (salted or unsalted)
- Cheese (cheddar, American, mozzarella, Gruyère, Raclette, or a combination of your favourites)
- Optional toppings (such as bacon, tomatoes, onions, spinach, broccoli, peppers, fruit, or pickles)
First, preheat your oven to around 400-450 degrees Fahrenheit. While the oven is heating up, assemble your sandwiches. Spread butter on the outside of each slice of bread, and place your chosen cheese and any desired toppings on one slice of bread. Then, place the other slice of bread on top, with the buttered side facing up.
Once your sandwiches are assembled, place them on a baking sheet. You can spray the baking sheet with non-stick cooking spray or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Bake the sandwiches for 5-6 minutes, then flip them over and bake for an additional 3-4 minutes, or until golden brown. For an extra crispy texture, you can broil the sandwiches for 15-30 seconds after baking.
Your oven-baked grilled cheese sandwiches are now ready to serve! They go well with soup, chicken, or a salad. Enjoy the comfort of hot and crispy sandwiches, made efficiently and easily in the oven.
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Frequently asked questions
A grilled cheese sandwich is made by placing a cheese filling, often cheddar or American cheese, between two slices of bread. The sandwich is then heated in a pan, sandwich toaster, or on a grill until the bread browns and the cheese melts.
Any sliced bread can be used for a grilled cheese sandwich, but it's important to ensure the slices are not too thick, thin, soft, or holey. Sourdough is a popular choice for grilled cheese sandwiches.
Mild cheeses with good melting points, such as cheddar, American cheese, or mozzarella, are popular choices for grilled cheese sandwiches. Using two types of cheese is recommended for a combination of flavour and stretchiness.
To make a grilled cheese sandwich, butter one side of each slice of bread. Place one slice butter-side down in a hot pan. Add cheese and any other fillings, then place the other slice of bread on top butter-side up. Cook until the bread is browned and the cheese is melted.
Grilled cheese sandwiches pair particularly well with tomato-based soups and stews, such as tomato soup or chili.
