Andy Montoya
There are many ways to make a grilled cheese sandwich, and enthusiasts have opinions about every component, from the type of bread to the perfect mixture of cheeses. The most hotly debated topic, however, is whether to use butter or mayonnaise to achieve the perfect grilled cheese. Both have their pros and cons, and some people even advocate for using a combination of the two. So, which is better?
Mayo vs Butter for Grilled Cheese
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Taste | Butter is preferred for its nutty flavour and the tanginess of mayo is off-putting to some |
| Browning | Mayo browns faster and has a higher smoke point |
| Crisping | Mayo crisps up better and has a nicer texture |
| Ease of use | Mayo is easier to spread and can be used straight from the fridge |
| Cost | Mayo is generally less expensive than butter |
| Appearance | Butter has a more even browning |
| Bread type | Soft, white bread is best for grilled cheese |
| Cheese type | A good melting cheese like American, cheddar, mozzarella or fontina is best |
| Combination | Using a combination of mayo and butter can achieve the best of both worlds |
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What You'll Learn
Mayo's higher smoke point
Mayonnaise has a higher smoke point than butter, which means it can withstand higher temperatures without burning. This is due to its similar fat content to butter but in a spreadable form straight out of the fridge. This makes it ideal for grilled cheese sandwiches as it gives the cook more time to achieve the perfect level of brown on the outside of the sandwich.
Some people prefer to use a combination of mayo and butter when making grilled cheese sandwiches, spreading the mayo on the inside of the sandwich and butter on the outside. This allows them to benefit from the high smoke point of mayo and the rich, buttery flavor.
In addition to its functional benefits, mayonnaise is generally less expensive than butter, making it a more cost-effective option for grilled cheese sandwiches.
While mayo's higher smoke point offers practical advantages, some people may still prefer the traditional flavor and aroma of butter in their grilled cheese sandwiches. Ultimately, the choice between mayo and butter depends on personal preference, and some people experiment with different combinations of the two to achieve the best of both worlds.
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Tangy mayo vs nutty butter
Tangy mayo or nutty butter? That is the question when it comes to grilled cheese. Butter is the classic choice for grilled cheese, with its rich, nutty flavour and decadent texture. Its high milk-fat content gives it a deeper flavour when cooked, as the milk solids separate from the fat, creating a toasted taste. However, butter has its drawbacks. It needs to be softened before use, which can be time-consuming, and it has a lower smoke point than mayonnaise, so it requires careful monitoring during cooking to avoid burning.
Mayonnaise, on the other hand, has a more neutral flavour profile, allowing the cheese and other fillings to shine. It is also more spreadable straight out of the fridge, making it a more convenient option. Mayonnaise has a higher smoke point than butter, so it can withstand higher temperatures without burning, giving you more time to achieve the perfect level of browning on your grilled cheese.
Those who prefer butter often cite its superior taste as the reason, arguing that the nutty flavour of browned butter is essential to a grilled cheese sandwich. However, others find the tanginess of mayonnaise more appealing, especially when combined with the cheese. Some people even use a combination of both butter and mayonnaise, spreading the mayonnaise on the inside of the sandwich and buttering the outside, to get the best of both worlds.
When it comes to cost, mayonnaise is generally the more economical option, with butter costing almost double the price per ounce in some cases. So, if you're looking to save money on your grilled cheese, mayonnaise is the way to go.
Ultimately, the choice between tangy mayo and nutty butter comes down to personal preference. Both options have their pros and cons, and combining them might just be the key to the perfect grilled cheese sandwich.
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Mayo-butter combo
The classic method of making grilled cheese involves using butter. However, some cooks prefer to use mayonnaise instead. Both have their pros and cons. Butter is naturally rich due to its high milk-fat content, and the flavour deepens when it's cooked. On the other hand, butter can burn, and it needs to be softened before use, which can be time-consuming.
Mayonnaise, on the other hand, has a more neutral flavour profile, which is great if you want the cheese and other fillings to shine. It is also easier to spread straight out of the fridge. However, some people dislike the tangy taste of mayonnaise and find it off-putting.
Combining the two spreads can be a good way to get the best of both worlds. This technique involves mixing equal parts of mayonnaise and softened butter and then spreading the mixture on the exterior of the sandwich. While this method can be more time-consuming than using either spread alone, it can result in a sandwich with the flavour benefits of butter and the practical appeals of oil. The mayonnaise-butter combo can also help achieve crispy edges without worrying about burning milk solids.
Some people prefer to use mayonnaise on the inside of the sandwich, as they enjoy the way it tastes with cheese, and butter on the outside, as they like the taste of bread and butter. Others prefer to grill the sandwich in butter after spreading mayonnaise on the outside, as this can result in a sandwich with a delicious texture and a buttery, smooth taste.
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Cost comparison
The cost of butter and mayonnaise can vary depending on the brand and type. For instance, at a particular grocery store, an 8-ounce stick of butter costs $5.49, while an 18-ounce bottle of mayonnaise costs $5.99. This puts the butter at roughly $0.69 per ounce and the mayonnaise at $0.33 per ounce. Generic butter is cheaper at $2.40 for the same quantity (or $0.30 per ounce), while generic mayonnaise is also less expensive than a name brand at $3.29 for a 15-ounce squeeze bottle (or $0.22 per ounce).
Comparatively, mayonnaise is generally less expensive than butter. If you're looking to save money, using mayonnaise may be a more cost-effective option for grilled cheese sandwiches. However, it's important to note that the prices of these products can vary significantly across different brands and retailers.
In addition to the cost of the butter or mayonnaise, other ingredients for a grilled cheese sandwich should be considered. The type of bread and cheese can impact the overall cost of the sandwich. For example, soft, white bread is typically more affordable than artisanal or specialty breads. Similarly, certain types of cheese may be more expensive than others.
When making a cost comparison, it's worth mentioning that while butter and mayonnaise are the most popular choices for grilled cheese sandwiches, other alternatives exist. For instance, some people use olive oil or a combination of butter and mayonnaise to achieve the desired taste and texture. The cost of these alternatives should also be factored in when considering the overall expense of making grilled cheese sandwiches.
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Bread and cheese type
When it comes to the bread and cheese type for a grilled cheese sandwich, there are several options to consider. Firstly, the type of bread can vary depending on personal preference and the desired texture and flavour of the sandwich. Here are some popular choices:
- Sourdough: Sourdough bread is a versatile option that adds a tangy flavour to the sandwich. It pairs well with a blend of mild and extra sharp cheddar cheese.
- White bread: Regular white bread is a classic choice for grilled cheese sandwiches. It is easily accessible and simple to use, making it a popular option for those seeking convenience.
- Multigrain bread: Thick slices of nutty multigrain bread add fibre and flavour to the sandwich. It goes well with a variety of cheeses, such as mozzarella, blue cheese, and sweet accompaniments like tomatoes and fig jam.
- Brioche: Airy, buttery brioche adds a touch of decadence to the sandwich. It pairs well with mild, melty cheeses like young Gouda or thin slices of Brie and raspberry jam.
- Pullman loaf: Tender, white Pullman loaves are commonly used for sandwiches due to their long, rectangular shape, which creates perfect square slices.
- Baguette, ciabatta, focaccia: These crusty breads provide a crispy exterior and a bubbly interior, making them ideal for grilled cheese sandwiches.
As for the cheese, the key is to choose a type that melts well and complements the flavour of the bread. Here are some popular choices:
- American cheese: American cheese is known for its excellent melting properties, making it a classic choice for grilled cheese sandwiches.
- Cheddar: Sharp cheddar adds a nutty, rich flavour to the sandwich and melts beautifully. Vintage cheddar is a popular option.
- Mozzarella: Mozzarella provides stretch and gooeyness to the sandwich. It pairs well with other cheeses to enhance the flavour.
- Gruyère: Gruyère is a type of Swiss cheese with a rich, nutty flavour. It melts well and is often combined with other cheeses like Raclette or cheddar.
- Havarti: Havarti is a mild, semi-soft cheese that melts easily, making it a suitable choice for grilled cheese sandwiches.
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Frequently asked questions
Butter is the conventional choice for grilled cheese. It has a rich, nutty flavour and a high milk-fat content, which deepens when cooked. It also has similar ingredients to cheese, so the two complement each other well.
Butter can burn more easily than mayonnaise, as it has a lower smoke point. It can also be harder to spread than mayonnaise, as it needs to be softened first.
Mayonnaise is more spreadable than butter, as it can be used straight from the fridge. It also has a higher smoke point, so it's less likely to burn. Mayonnaise also has a more neutral flavour, so it won't overpower the other ingredients in the sandwich.
Some people find the tangy taste of mayonnaise off-putting, especially when combined with other cooked mayo flavours. It can also be more expensive than butter.
