Randy Chandler
Sourdough grilled cheese is a delicious and comforting meal that can be made in just a few simple steps. The key to a perfect grilled cheese sandwich is to have a crunchy exterior and a gooey, cheesy interior. Sourdough bread is the best option for grilled cheese sandwiches due to its thick, dense, and sturdy texture, which can withstand the weight of various fillings and hold its own if dipped in soup. In addition, the soft and tangy flavour of sourdough makes it a perfect match for cheeses such as gouda, cheddar, and gruyere. This recipe can be made healthier by using a variety of cheeses, such as goat cheese, which has lower levels of lactose and casein, and adding gut-healthy ingredients like coconut oil, mustard, and fresh thyme.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Bread | Sourdough |
| Bread texture | Crispy, crunchy, thick, dense, and sturdy |
| Bread preparation | Toasted, coated in butter or mayonnaise |
| Cheese | Cheddar, gouda, gruyere, havarti, parmesan, swiss, goat, brie, Camembert, muenster, monterey jack, soft goat, gouda, cheddar, mozzarella |
| Cheese preparation | Freshly grated, shredded, melted |
| Other ingredients | Butter, mayonnaise, coconut oil, dijon mustard, thyme, basil, parsley, green onions, Calabrian chili peppers, tomatoes, spinach, caramelized onions, sautéed mushrooms, sliced apples, honey-glazed ham, roasted spatchcock turkey, sliced roasted chicken, grilled chicken, turkey, bacon, prosciutto, salami, bologna, ham, pesto, bacon jam, strips of grilled chicken, thin slices of turkey, tomato, basil |
| Health benefits | Probiotic-rich, brain and gut-health promoting, fat-burning, brainiac polyphenols |
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What You'll Learn
- Sourdough grilled cheese is a healthy gut and brain food when made with goat cheese and coconut oil
- Using butter on both sides of the bread prevents it from drying out and sticking to the pan
- Sourdough is the best bread for grilled cheese because of its thick, dense, and sturdy texture
- Freshly grate your own cheese for the best flavour and texture
- Adding meat, veggies, and fruit to your sandwich can make it a complete meal
Sourdough grilled cheese is a healthy gut and brain food when made with goat cheese and coconut oil
Sourdough grilled cheese is a delicious comfort food that can be made healthier by using goat cheese and coconut oil. While a traditional grilled cheese sandwich is made with butter, switching to coconut oil can be beneficial for your health in several ways. Coconut oil has been touted to reduce belly fat, strengthen the immune system, prevent heart disease, and even stave off dementia. However, these claims are not backed by scientific evidence, and coconut oil is high in saturated fat, which can increase the risk of heart disease. Nevertheless, coconut oil can be a better choice than animal fats and trans fats, and its unique flavor can enhance the taste of your grilled cheese.
Sourdough bread is the best option for grilled cheese sandwiches due to its superior flavor, texture, and ability to hold various sandwich ingredients without becoming soggy. It crisps up beautifully when cooked with a small amount of coconut oil, creating a crunchy exterior that complements the gooey, cheesy interior.
Goat cheese, also known as chèvre, is a popular alternative to cow's milk cheese due to its mild and earthy flavor and ease of digestion. It contains beneficial probiotics, which improve digestive health, reduce inflammation, and boost immunity by competing with unhealthy bacteria in the intestines. Goat cheese is also a good source of calcium, selenium, magnesium, niacin (vitamin B3), and riboflavin (vitamin B2), which offer protection against cancer, diabetes, and high blood pressure.
In addition, goat cheese contains healthy fats, including medium-chain fatty acids, which can improve satiety and aid in weight loss. These fatty acids have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, and they are metabolized faster than those in cow's cheese, leading to increased feelings of fullness and reduced hunger.
Therefore, when made with goat cheese and coconut oil, sourdough grilled cheese becomes a healthier option that can support gut and brain health while still providing the comfort and flavor of a classic grilled cheese sandwich.
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Using butter on both sides of the bread prevents it from drying out and sticking to the pan
Sourdough grilled cheese is a delicious, comforting meal that can be made in a variety of ways. To make the perfect grilled cheese sandwich, it is important to ensure that the bread is toasted evenly and has a crunchy exterior, while the inside remains gooey and cheesy.
One way to achieve this is by using butter on both sides of the bread. Buttering both sides of the bread not only adds flavour but also helps to prevent the bread from drying out during the cooking process. This is because butter acts as a moisture barrier, keeping the moisture inside the bread from escaping. When the bread is placed in a hot pan, the butter melts and forms a thin layer that prevents the bread from sticking to the pan. This creates a crispy, golden brown exterior while keeping the inside of the bread soft and moist.
Using butter on both sides of the bread is a simple technique that can elevate your grilled cheese sandwich. It ensures that the bread cooks evenly and prevents it from drying out or burning. This results in a sandwich that is crispy on the outside, yet soft and gooey on the inside – the perfect grilled cheese texture!
In addition to butter, using a lid while cooking can also help prevent the bread from drying out. Covering the pan traps the heat and creates steam, which helps to melt the cheese evenly and keeps the bread from burning. This is especially useful if you are cooking at a higher temperature or if your bread is thicker than average.
By following these tips and using butter on both sides of the bread, you can create a delicious and crispy grilled cheese sandwich with a moist, soft interior and a golden brown exterior – the hallmark of a perfect sourdough grilled cheese!
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Sourdough is the best bread for grilled cheese because of its thick, dense, and sturdy texture
The key to a perfect grilled cheese is to ensure the cheese is melted and gooey, without burning the bread. Sourdough's dense and sturdy texture helps to prevent the bread from burning or becoming soggy too quickly, allowing the cheese to melt thoroughly. This is especially important if you are adding a variety of fillings, as they will add weight and moisture to the sandwich.
To get the perfect grilled cheese with a crispy exterior, it is recommended to butter both sides of the sourdough bread. This adds flavour and helps to prevent the bread from drying out during cooking, which can cause it to stick to the pan. Another trick is to use mayonnaise, which helps the bread brown evenly without affecting the taste of the sandwich.
Sourdough's thick and dense texture also provides a nice contrast to the gooey, cheesy interior of the grilled cheese. This contrast in textures elevates the sandwich, making it a more sophisticated and gourmet version of the classic comfort food.
Overall, the thick, dense, and sturdy texture of sourdough makes it the ideal bread for grilled cheese sandwiches. It can hold up to the weight of fillings, prevents sogginess, and provides a delicious contrast in textures, resulting in a sandwich that is both comforting and sophisticated.
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Freshly grate your own cheese for the best flavour and texture
When making a sourdough grilled cheese sandwich, freshly grate your own cheese to achieve the best flavour and texture. Pre-shredded cheese often contains additives, preservatives, and anti-clumping agents like potato starch, cellulose, and natamycin, which hinder its melting ability and can leave a slight aftertaste. These preservatives also add moisture, which can affect the flavour and texture of the cheese.
Freshly grated cheese, on the other hand, will melt quicker and more evenly, resulting in a smoother and creamier texture. It also has a better flavour because it lacks the additives found in pre-shredded cheese. Additionally, you get more cheese out of a block than you do from a bag of pre-shredded cheese, making it a more economical option.
By grating your own cheese, you also open up a world of possibilities for different types of cheeses. Pre-shredded cheese usually comes in a limited number of options, while there are hundreds of varieties of cheese available in block form. This allows you to experiment with different flavours and create a unique grilled cheese sandwich.
While grating your own cheese may seem like an extra step, it is worth the effort for the superior flavour and texture it provides. The process of grating can even be enjoyable, providing a satisfying arm workout and filling your kitchen with the tantalising aroma of freshly grated cheese.
However, it is important to note that freshly grated cheese has a shorter shelf life than pre-grated cheese and should be used within three days or frozen for later use.
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Adding meat, veggies, and fruit to your sandwich can make it a complete meal
Sourdough grilled cheese is a delicious comfort food that can be made in several ways, with various healthy ingredients. The classic grilled cheese sandwich is a basic recipe that can be elevated with crisp sourdough and a variety of fillings. Sourdough is a great choice for grilled cheese sandwiches due to its thick, dense, and sturdy texture. It can hold various fillings without becoming soggy, making it a perfect base for a complete meal.
Adding meat, veggies, and fruit to your sandwich can indeed make it a complete meal. For meat, you can add protein with options like crispy bacon, prosciutto, honey-glazed ham, or sliced roasted chicken. If you're looking for something lighter, try cold cuts like salami, turkey, bologna, or roasted spatchcock turkey. For vegetarians, there are plant-based cheese options made from nuts like cashews, and you can add protein with shredded free-range chicken.
Veggies are a great way to add freshness and crunch to your sandwich. Try juicy sliced tomatoes, green onions, baby spinach, arugula, jalapenos, sautéed caramelized onions, or cooked mushrooms. If you're feeling adventurous, you can even add some fruit like thin slices of apple or pears for a sweet and savoury combination.
To make your sandwich even more nutritious, opt for probiotic-rich sourdough bread and use gut-friendly cheeses like goat or sheep cheese, which have lower levels of lactose and casein. You can also add healthy fats with brain-boosting coconut oil and spices like fresh thyme, which is rich in polyphenols.
With these ingredients, you can create a delicious and healthy sourdough grilled cheese sandwich that is a complete meal. It's a perfect blend of comfort food and nutritious ingredients, satisfying your cravings and providing a well-rounded dining experience.
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Frequently asked questions
Sourdough grilled cheese can be a healthier alternative to traditional grilled cheese as sourdough is a probiotic-rich bread. However, the healthiness of the sandwich depends on the ingredients used. For example, using butter and cheese can increase the fat content of the sandwich.
To make a healthier sourdough grilled cheese, you can substitute butter with mayonnaise as it helps the bread brown evenly. You can also use freshly grated cheese instead of pre-shredded cheese as it melts quicker and evenly, and doesn't contain additives, preservatives, and anti-clumping agents.
Goat and sheep cheese are healthier alternatives to traditional cheese as they have lower levels of lactose and casein, which some people may be sensitive or allergic to. You can also use whole food vegan cheese options made from nuts, such as cashews, which are free from preservatives, fillers, binders, and chemicals.
Fresh herbs such as basil, parsley, and green onions can add flavour and health benefits to your sandwich. You can also add vegetables like spinach, tomatoes, and mushrooms, or fruit such as apples or pears.
