Kamil Perry
Grilled cheese sandwiches are a beloved comfort food, and while they're simple to make, the type of bread you use can make or break your sandwich. The ideal grilled cheese bread should be sturdy enough to hold the melted cheese and stand up to a long sear in the pan, with a soft-but-hearty texture and even slices of medium thickness. While you can use any sliced bread, some of the best options include sourdough, brioche, rye, and multigrain.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Bread Type | Sourdough, Brioche, Rye, Potato, White, Multigrain, Pullman Loaf, Baguette, Ciabatta, Focaccia, Muffin |
| Texture | Soft, Light, Hearty, Sturdy, Crispy, Craggy, Airy |
| Thickness | Medium, Thick, Not Too Thick or Thin |
| Shape | Long, Rectangular |
| Flavour | Tangy, Sweet, Savoury |
| Preparation | Pre-sliced, Evenly Sliced, Grated Cheese, Butter or Mayo on the Outside |
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What You'll Learn
Bread type: sliced white bread, pre-sliced for even cooking
Sliced white bread is a popular choice for grilled cheese, and for good reason. The even slices of pre-sliced bread ensure uniform thickness, which is key to achieving even heat distribution and cooking throughout the sandwich. This helps to avoid unmelted pockets of cheese and ensures that every bite is oozing with cheesy goodness.
When selecting sliced white bread for your grilled cheese, opt for a loaf with a soft-but-hearty texture and a uniform crumb. Bread with an open crumb or holes can cause your cheese to leak out, resulting in a messy sandwich. A loaf with a consistent texture will also ensure that your sandwich toasts evenly, achieving that desirable golden-brown crust.
While sliced white bread is a classic choice, don't be afraid to experiment with different types of bread to find your perfect grilled cheese. Sourdough, for example, offers a tangy flavour and sturdy slices that can withstand a long sear in the pan. If you're feeling indulgent, buttery brioche adds a touch of decadence to your sandwich, pairing well with mild, melty cheeses like young gouda or brie.
Ultimately, the beauty of a grilled cheese sandwich is its versatility. Whether you stick with sliced white bread or branch out to other varieties, the key to success lies in achieving that perfect balance of crispy, golden-brown exterior and a deliciously melty interior. So, fire up your skillet, gather your favourite ingredients, and get ready to indulge in the ultimate comfort food!
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Sourdough: a versatile, tangy option with a sturdy texture
Sourdough is a versatile and tangy option with a sturdy texture, making it an excellent choice for grilled cheese. Its slightly sharp flavour adds a tangy twist to the classic comfort food, complementing the rich, creamy cheeses and butter in the sandwich. Sourdough's sturdiness means it can withstand a long sear in the pan, resulting in a crunchy, golden crust and a delicious melt-in-your-mouth interior.
Sourdough bread is made with a fermented starter instead of yeast, resulting in a crispier crust and a unique flavour profile. Its open crumb structure, characterised by a larger pattern of holes, can be a double-edged sword. While the holes may allow melted cheese to leak out, they also contribute to the bread's sturdiness and provide a satisfying textural contrast to the gooey cheese. To minimise cheese leakage, opt for country-style sourdoughs with a tighter crumb or look for loaves with a more uniform texture.
When crafting your grilled cheese masterpiece, remember that the bread's thickness matters. Aim for slices that are neither too thick nor too thin, ensuring even heat distribution and melting cheese throughout. Sourdough's versatility extends to cheese pairings. While some prefer the classic combination of mild and extra sharp cheddar, others experiment with blends like cream cheese and shredded cheese or fontina and gouda.
To elevate your sourdough grilled cheese, consider adding crispy toppings like a Parmesan crust or bacon bits. If you're feeling adventurous, incorporate jalapeños for a spicy kick. For a heartier meal, include sliced tomatoes, pickles, or even mango chutney. Don't forget to butter your pan or the outside of your bread generously before cooking. The perfect grilled cheese sandwich should be crisp and golden on the outside, with melted cheese oozing from within.
Sourdough bread is an excellent choice for grilled cheese sandwiches due to its tangy flavour, sturdy texture, and ability to pair well with various cheeses. With its unique characteristics, sourdough adds a delightful twist to the classic comfort food, resulting in a satisfying and mouthwatering culinary experience.
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Rye bread: a bold, flavourful choice for grown-up tastes
Rye bread is a bold and flavourful choice for a grilled cheese sandwich. While it may be an unorthodox option, it adds a distinctive, savoury taste to the comfort food classic. Rye bread gets its unique flavour from rye berries and the addition of caraway seeds. Light rye is made with rye flour, while dark rye uses both rye flour and additional ingredients like molasses.
Rye bread is a great complement to mild cheeses like Swiss, Gruyère, or Gouda. For a gourmet grilled cheese, try a combination of Gouda, provolone, and artichoke hearts. If you're feeling especially adventurous, you can even add some sliced onions to the mix. Another option is to pair your grilled rye sandwich with a mild cheese like young cheddar or Colby, and add some savoury extras like ham or sauerkraut.
When selecting your rye bread, you can opt for light or dark rye, or go for the best of both worlds with a loaf of marbled rye. If you're feeling particularly bold, you can try cinnamon raisin bread for a unique mix of sweet and savoury flavours.
While rye bread is a less conventional choice for grilled cheese, it offers a sophisticated flavour profile for those with more grown-up tastes. The key to a successful grilled cheese is to ensure even heat distribution, so be sure to slice your rye bread evenly. With its distinct flavour and versatility, rye bread is a great option for those looking to elevate their grilled cheese experience.
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Brioche: a rich, buttery bread that browns quickly
Brioche is a rich, buttery bread with a soft, golden, and sweet interior and a tender, buttery, and golden brown crust. It is an enriched bread, including ingredients like eggs and sugar, which cause it to brown more quickly than other breads. This means that when making a grilled cheese with brioche, you may need to cook it over a lower heat to avoid burning the exterior.
Brioche's soft but sturdy texture makes it ideal for grilled cheese sandwiches. The bread holds up during pan-frying, ensuring that the sandwich is crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. The uniform texture of the bread also prevents melted cheese from leaking out of the sandwich.
When making a grilled cheese sandwich with brioche, it is best to use sliced bread rather than rolls. Sliced bread ensures even heat distribution and allows the interior of the bread to make contact with the pan, creating a crispy texture. Before grilling, butter should be spread on the outside of the bread to enhance the flavour and help achieve a golden brown crust.
Brioche grilled cheese sandwiches can be paired with a variety of cheeses, such as gouda, cheddar, brie, pepper jack, gruyere, mozzarella, and swiss cheese. For a vegetarian-friendly option, grilled vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, onions, and mushrooms can be added. The sandwich can also be customised with ingredients like crispy bacon, sliced tomatoes, basil, and pesto.
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Potato bread: pairs well with extra sharp cheddar
When it comes to grilled cheese, the bread you choose is just as important as the cheese and other fillings. While the classic combination of thinly sliced soft white bread and gooey American cheese is a favourite for many, there are several other options to consider. One such option is potato bread, which pairs exceptionally well with extra sharp cheddar.
Potato bread is a type of bread made with potatoes as one of the main ingredients. It has a soft and fluffy texture, making it perfect for grilled cheese sandwiches. The softness of the bread ensures even heat distribution while cooking, resulting in a crispy exterior and a melted cheese centre. The fluffy texture of potato bread also provides a nice contrast to the sharpness of the cheddar cheese.
When making a grilled cheese sandwich with potato bread and extra sharp cheddar, it is essential to slice the bread evenly. Uneven slices can lead to unmelted pockets of cheese in your sandwich. The ideal slice thickness for grilled cheese sandwiches is about 1/4 inch. Additionally, buttering the outside of the bread slices will enhance the flavour and help achieve the desired golden brown colour when grilled.
To elevate your grilled cheese sandwich, consider adding complementary ingredients such as sour cream, chives, and bacon. The tanginess of the sour cream and the savouriness of the bacon create a delicious combination with the potato bread and extra sharp cheddar. You can also experiment with other cheeses, such as a blend of mild and extra sharp cheddar, to find your perfect flavour profile.
Potato bread grilled cheese with extra sharp cheddar is a delicious and satisfying option for those seeking a comforting and indulgent sandwich experience. The soft and fluffy texture of the potato bread, paired with the sharpness of the cheddar, creates a unique and delectable flavour profile. So, the next time you're craving a grilled cheese, why not give potato bread and extra sharp cheddar a try?
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Frequently asked questions
The best bread for grilled cheese is one that is sturdy enough to hold the melted cheese, take on a good sear in the pan, and add its own flavour to the sandwich. Sourdough is a popular choice for its sturdiness, tanginess, and ability to toast well. Other options include white bread, whole-wheat, multigrain, oatmeal, potato bread, brioche, rye, and pumpernickel.
Any cheese that melts well can be used for grilled cheese, such as mozzarella, havarti, Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or cheddar. You can also try a mix of cheeses, such as mild and extra sharp cheddar, or gruyère and raclette.
You can add vegetables like spinach, caramelized onions, steamed broccoli, roasted red peppers, or roasted tomatoes. You can also add fruit like thinly sliced apples or a spread of fig jam. Pickles such as pickled red onions, radishes, or jalapeños can add a fun pop of flavour.
