Randy Chandler
Grilled cheese sandwiches are a classic comfort food, perfect for dipping into warm tomato soup. The key ingredients are sliced bread, butter, and cheese. The best cheeses for grilled cheese are those that melt well, such as mozzarella, cheddar, gouda, havarti, Monterey Jack, and gruyere. To make a grilled cheese, butter is spread on the outside of two slices of bread, which are then placed butter-side down in a hot pan. Cheese is then placed on one slice, and the sandwich is closed once the bread is toasted.
Ingredients for Grilled Cheese
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Bread | Sourdough, White, Wheat, Rye, Potato, Brioche, French, Chiabatta, or any sliced bread |
| Butter | Salted or Unsalted |
| Cheese | Mozzarella, Gruyere, Cheddar, Monterey Jack, Colby, Swiss, Havarti, Gouda, Raclette, Fontina, Pepper Jack, Provolone, American |
| Other | Mayonnaise, Dijon Mustard, Spinach, Caramelized Onions, Broccoli, Roasted Peppers, Fruits, Pickles, Sauces (Pesto), Salty Spices |
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What You'll Learn
Bread: Sourdough, white, or whole-wheat
When it comes to grilled cheese, the bread you choose is important. You want something that is soft yet sturdy and no more than about 1/2-inch thick.
Sourdough is a popular choice for grilled cheese sandwiches. It adds a tangy flavour to the sandwich and produces a nice golden, buttery crust. However, it's best to avoid the super fancy sourdoughs with a thick, tough crust, as this may be too hard to bite through.
White bread is another classic option for grilled cheese. Go for a soft and tender variety, but make sure it's sturdy enough that it won't fall apart in the pan.
Whole-wheat bread is also an option for grilled cheese sandwiches. It will give your sandwich a slightly nuttier flavour and is a good choice if you're looking for something a little healthier.
Other types of bread that can work for grilled cheese sandwiches include rye, potato bread, brioche, and even French bread. Just make sure the slices aren't too thick, as this can prevent the cheese from melting properly, or too thin, as this can cause the bread to get squished by the cheese.
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Butter: Salted or unsalted
When making grilled cheese, the type of butter you use is a matter of personal preference. You can use either salted or unsalted butter, depending on what you have available. If you use unsalted butter, you may want to add a light sprinkle of salt to enhance the flavour.
Butter is an essential ingredient in grilled cheese, as it encourages the cheese to stick to the bread rather than the pan, creating a crispy, golden crust. It also helps to achieve the perfect level of browning. To get the best results, it is recommended to use a generous amount of butter in the pan.
Some recipes suggest using a combination of butter and mayonnaise, which can add extra flavour and crispness to the sandwich. Mayonnaise can also be spread directly on the bread before grilling, which some people believe helps the sandwich brown better. However, others prefer to stick to butter only, spreading it on the outside of the bread and in the pan.
If you want your butter to be easier to spread, you can let it sit at room temperature until softened, or you can place it in a microwave-safe bowl and heat it for 5 to 10 seconds.
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Cheese: Mozzarella, cheddar, or gouda
When it comes to grilled cheese, the cheese you choose is important. While some people prefer the classic American cheese, you can elevate your grilled cheese experience by opting for mozzarella, cheddar, or gouda.
Mozzarella is a popular choice for grilled cheese due to its excellent melting properties and the coveted "cheese pull" it provides. It has a mild flavour, so it is often paired with another cheese to boost the taste profile. For instance, a mozzarella grilled cheese sandwich can be enhanced with the addition of basil, parmesan, and garlic butter. The basil adds a fragrant touch, while the parmesan and garlic butter create a crispy, golden exterior. This combination results in a sandwich that is not only delicious but also visually appealing.
Cheddar is another excellent option for grilled cheese. It melts beautifully, providing the desired stringiness that makes grilled cheese so satisfying. Vintage cheddar, in particular, has a more pronounced flavour that can take your sandwich to the next level. When paired with another cheese, such as Gruyere, it creates a rich and indulgent experience. For those who enjoy a more robust flavour, a 100% cheddar grilled cheese sandwich is a must-try.
Gouda, especially the smoked variety, is a fantastic choice for grilled cheese enthusiasts. It has a unique flavour that can enhance the overall taste of the sandwich. Smoked gouda pairs exceptionally well with other cheeses, such as cream cheese, Monterey Jack, and American cheese. The smoky flavour of the gouda adds depth and complexity to the grilled cheese, making it a popular choice for those seeking something a little more adventurous.
Ultimately, the choice of cheese for your grilled cheese sandwich depends on your personal preference. Experimenting with different combinations of mozzarella, cheddar, and gouda can lead to some delightful discoveries. Don't be afraid to get creative and find the perfect blend of cheeses that suits your taste buds.
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Extras: Mustard, mayo, or pickles
While the classic grilled cheese sandwich is a delicious combination of bread, butter, and cheese, you can elevate your sandwich with some extra ingredients. The most popular additions are mustard, mayo, and pickles, which can add a tangy, savoury, or crunchy kick to your grilled cheese.
Mustard is a great way to add a subtle tang to your grilled cheese. While traditional yellow mustard is a common choice, Dijon mustard is also a popular option, adding a slightly more sophisticated flavour profile to your sandwich. If you're feeling adventurous, you can even experiment with different types of mustard, such as whole grain or spicy brown mustard, to find your perfect flavour.
Mayo is another secret weapon for taking your grilled cheese to the next level. Spreading a layer of mayonnaise on the outside of the bread can help it cook up with a crisp, beautifully browned exterior. It's a great alternative to butter and can give your sandwich a unique flavour and texture. Some people even swear by a combination of butter and mayo, claiming that it creates the perfect golden bread and fully melted, gooey cheese centre.
Pickles are a fantastic way to add a crunchy texture and tangy flavour to your grilled cheese. You can use traditional cucumber pickles or get creative with pickled red onions, radishes, or jalapeños. Pickles can also help to cut through the richness of the cheese, creating a more balanced sandwich. If you're feeling adventurous, you can even experiment with different types of pickles, such as bread-and-butter pickles or spicy dill pickles, to find your perfect pairing.
While mustard, mayo, and pickles are some of the most popular extras, don't be afraid to experiment with other ingredients. You can try adding different types of cheeses, vegetables, or sauces to create a grilled cheese sandwich that's uniquely yours. Get creative, and you might just discover your new favourite combination!
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Sides: Tomato soup or ketchup
A grilled cheese sandwich is a delicious snack, but it can be made even better with the right sides. While grilled cheese can be enjoyed with a variety of soups and stews, tomato soup is a classic pairing. The tanginess of the tomatoes perfectly complements the richness of the grilled cheese, and the soup is also great for dipping your sandwich into. If you're looking for something a little more indulgent, try adding some shredded cheddar cheese to the soup, for an extra gooey and creamy texture. You can also sprinkle some Parmesan cheese on your soup, taking it to the next level.
If you don't have soup, ketchup can be a great alternative dip for your grilled cheese. It adds a tangy sweetness to the sandwich and is perfect if you're looking for something a little more casual. For an extra kick, try a flavored ketchup, such as one with a spicy chili kick or a smoky barbecue flavor.
For a more gourmet experience, consider serving your grilled cheese with a side of roasted tomatoes. The sweetness of the roasted tomatoes pairs beautifully with the sharpness of the cheese. You could also add a twist to your grilled cheese by including sliced tomatoes in the sandwich, along with some pesto and mozzarella for a fresh, summery flavor.
Finally, if you're looking for a heartier meal, grilled cheese can be served with a variety of sides, such as a simple green salad, some crispy potato wedges, or even a bowl of chili. These sides will fill you up and provide a nice contrast to the warm, gooey sandwich.
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Frequently asked questions
The ingredients for a grilled cheese sandwich are bread, butter, and cheese.
You can use any sliced bread (sandwich, loaf, etc.) as long as the slices are not too thick, thin, soft, or holey. Sourdough is a popular choice for grilled cheese sandwiches because of the tang it adds to the sandwich, but regular white bread will also work.
You should use a cheese with good meltability. Cheddar, gouda, havarti, mozzarella, and pepper jack are all great options. For the best grilled cheese, use a combination of cheeses, such as mozzarella with a flavoured cheese like vintage cheddar or gruyere.
