Frederic Melton
There are many ways to elevate a grilled cheese sandwich, from experimenting with different types of cheese and bread to adding toppings like Parmesan cheese or garlic powder. However, one of the simplest ways to improve your grilled cheese is to butter the bread. While some people prefer to butter the pan, buttering the bread instead can add extra flavor and better browning to your sandwich. You can even try adding a thin layer of mayonnaise to the outside of your sandwich for a hint of tanginess.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Standard procedure | Butter the outsides of the bread |
| More flavor | Butter both sides, inside and out |
| Even better option | Thin layer of Mayonnaise on the outside |
| Best of both worlds | Butter on the inside and mayonnaise on the outside |
| Bread type | White bread, sourdough, brioche, ciabatta, homemade, bakery loaf, whole wheat, whole grain, rye, pumpernickel, cinnamon swirl |
| Cheese type | American cheese, fontina, Gruyere, Comté, young cheddars, Taleggio, jack cheeses, feta, Parmesan, gouda, gouda, manchego |
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What You'll Learn
Butter or mayonnaise?
The classic grilled cheese sandwich is a simple yet mouth-watering comfort food. It is made with sliced cheese and bread toasted in butter. However, there are many ways to elevate this simple sandwich and unlock a mind-blowing culinary experience. One such way is to experiment with the fat you use to brown the bread.
Butter
Butter is the traditional choice for grilled cheese sandwiches. It is a purist's choice, adding flavour and better browning to the sandwich. It also helps prevent the sandwich from burning and sticking. To use butter, simply spread it on the bread and place the bread, buttered-side down, in a hot skillet. You can also sprinkle some Parmesan cheese on the buttered bread before placing it in the skillet for an extra boost of flavour.
Mayonnaise
Mayonnaise is a less conventional but surprisingly effective alternative to butter. It is inherently spreadable, even when cold, which can save time and effort. Mayonnaise adds a hint of tangy flavour and helps achieve an even, golden brown colour on the bread. To use mayonnaise, spread it on the bread and follow the same cooking method as you would with butter.
Combining Butter and Mayonnaise
For the best of both worlds, you can use both butter and mayonnaise on your grilled cheese sandwich. Spread butter on the inside of the sandwich to add flavour and prevent burning. Then, spread mayonnaise on the outside of the sandwich for improved browning and a hint of tanginess.
In conclusion, whether you choose butter or mayonnaise for your grilled cheese sandwich depends on your personal preference. Butter is the classic choice, providing a delicious, buttery flavour. Mayonnaise, on the other hand, offers convenience and a subtle tanginess. Combining both can also lead to an exceptional grilled cheese sandwich.
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The best type of cheese
While there is no definitive answer to what the best type of cheese is for a grilled cheese sandwich, there are a few factors to consider when choosing the cheese for your sandwich. The cheese you choose should be one that melts smoothly and evenly, creating a gooey and stretchy texture. It should also complement the bread and any other ingredients you choose to add to your sandwich.
Some popular choices for grilled cheese sandwiches include American cheese, cheddar, mozzarella, Swiss, brie, fontina, Gruyère, havarti, gouda, muenster, and young cheddars. Some people also like to mix two types of cheese, such as mozzarella with a flavoured cheese, or mozzarella with vintage cheddar or Gruyère. Using more than one type of cheese can create a rich and complex flavour profile.
It's important to consider the quality and freshness of the cheese, as well as its melting point and flavour. Fresh cheeses like feta and aged cheeses like Parmesan won't melt as well as other cheeses, but can still be used in combination with a melting cheese. It's also important to use the proper amount of cheese. There should be enough cheese to make the sandwich sufficiently cheesy, but not so much that it spills out the sides. The ratio of cheese to bread is crucial, and most recipes call for around 1/3 cup of cheese per sandwich.
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Bread options
When it comes to grilled cheese, the bread you choose can make a big difference in how your sandwich turns out. While you can use any type of bread you like, it's important to consider its sturdiness and how well it will hold up to the heat.
White bread is a classic choice for grilled cheese sandwiches. It's readily available and typically quite affordable. However, if you want to elevate your grilled cheese, you can try using homemade bread or a loaf from a bakery. Experiment with different types of bread, such as whole wheat, whole grain, rye, sourdough, pumpernickel, or even something sweeter like cinnamon swirl. These options can add more flavour and texture to your sandwich.
Sourdough, in particular, is a popular choice for grilled cheese sandwiches. It has a tangy flavour and a chewy texture that can add interest to your sandwich. Brioche and ciabatta are also good options, but keep in mind that they are more delicate and may require a gentler hand when grilling.
When choosing bread for your grilled cheese, it's important to consider the thickness of the slices. Thinner slices may not hold up as well to the weight of the cheese and can fall apart more easily. Look for a loaf that is sturdy and has a thick enough crust to withstand the heat and weight of the sandwich fillings.
Lastly, don't be afraid to experiment with different types of bread to find your favourite combination. You might be surprised by how much a simple change in bread can elevate your grilled cheese sandwich.
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How to grill
Grilled cheese sandwiches are a comfort food classic. While the basic recipe is simple—just bread, butter, and cheese—there are endless ways to elevate this humble sandwich. Here's a step-by-step guide to grilling the perfect sandwich:
Step 1: Choose your bread.
The type of bread you use can make or break your grilled cheese sandwich. You'll want to choose a loaf that is sturdy enough to handle the heat and not fall apart. Sourdough, brioche, and ciabatta are all great options, but you can also experiment with whole wheat, rye, or even sweeter options like cinnamon swirl.
Step 2: Butter your bread.
Butter is a key ingredient in a grilled cheese sandwich. It adds flavor and helps to brown the bread nicely. You can butter just the outside of the bread, or both the inside and outside for extra flavor. If you're feeling adventurous, you can even try using mayonnaise instead of butter. Mayonnaise adds a hint of tanginess and is surprisingly good for browning the bread. Just be sure to use full-fat mayonnaise, as light mayonnaise may result in a soggy sandwich.
Step 3: Choose your cheese.
The cheese is, of course, the star of the show in a grilled cheese sandwich. While American cheese is a classic choice, there are endless varieties to explore. Fontina, Gruyere, Comte, young cheddars, and Jack cheeses are all great options that melt well. If you want to add even more flavor, try using multiple types of cheese or adding a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese to your buttered bread before adding the other cheeses. Just be sure to avoid fresh cheeses like feta or aged cheeses like Parmesan as your main cheese, as they don't melt well.
Step 4: Assemble your sandwich.
Now it's time to put your sandwich together. Start by placing your buttered bread, butter-side down, in a hot skillet. Top with cheese, and then place another slice of bread on top, butter-side up.
Step 5: Grill your sandwich.
Cook your sandwich until the bottom slice is lightly browned, and then flip it over. Continue cooking until the cheese is melted and the sandwich is golden brown.
Step 6: Enjoy!
Your grilled cheese sandwich is now ready to enjoy! These sandwiches pair particularly well with tomato-based soups and stews, so serve them alongside a bowl of fresh tomato soup for the ultimate comfort food experience.
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Serving suggestions
A grilled cheese sandwich is a simple yet mouth-watering comfort food. The standard procedure is to butter the outsides of the bread before placing it in the pan, but some people prefer to butter both sides of the bread, inside and out, for extra flavour. Others prefer to use mayonnaise on the outside of the sandwich, as it browns the bread nicely and adds a tangy flavour. If you're using mayonnaise, make sure it's full-fat, as light mayonnaise won't work as well due to its lower fat content.
When it comes to the type of bread, you can use any type you like, but it should be sturdy enough to handle the heat. White bread is a classic choice, but you can also experiment with whole wheat, whole grain, rye, sourdough, pumpernickel, or even sweeter options like cinnamon swirl or brioche.
As for the cheese, there are many varieties to choose from that melt well, such as fontina, Gruyere, Comté, young cheddars, Taleggio, and any of the jack cheeses. You can also add fresh or aged cheeses like feta or Parmesan for extra flavour, but be sure to combine them with enough melting cheese. The chosen cheese should ideally have a pH level between 5.3 and 5.5 to maintain the gooey structure of the melted cheese and prevent curdling.
Grilled cheese sandwiches go well with a variety of sides and entrees, but they pair particularly well with tomato-based soups and stews. To elevate your grilled cheese, try sprinkling some Parmesan cheese on the buttered bread before putting it into the skillet, as suggested by Sheri Cooper.
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Frequently asked questions
Buttering the inside of a grilled cheese sandwich adds flavour and helps prevent burning and sticking.
Mayonnaise is a common alternative to butter for the inside of a grilled cheese sandwich. It is easier to spread and adds a tangy flavour.
American cheese is a classic choice for a grilled cheese sandwich, but other cheeses such as fontina, Gruyere, young cheddars, and jack cheeses are also suitable.
White bread is the classic choice for grilled cheese, but other types of bread such as sourdough, rye, or whole wheat can also be used.
