Randy Chandler
There are many types of bread that can be used for grilled cheese sandwiches, and the best option depends on the type of cheese used and personal preference. Sliced bread is a good option as even slices allow the sandwich to cook evenly, preventing unmelted pockets of cheese. Breads with a uniform texture are also preferable, as an open crumb or holes in the interior can cause melted cheese to leak out of the sandwich. Pre-sliced sandwich bread is a popular choice as it is soft and light, and its uniform thickness helps ensure even heat distribution. White bread is a classic option, but whole-wheat, multigrain, oatmeal, and potato bread can also be used. Sourdough is another popular choice, as its sturdy slices can hold up to a long sear in the pan, and its tangy flavour stands up to rich cheeses. For those who like sweeter grilled cheese sandwiches, pumpernickel bread, made with molasses and brown sugar, pairs well with mild cheeses like young cheddar or Colby. Brioche is also a good option, as it is soft yet sturdy, and its dense crumb prevents melted cheese from dripping through.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Bread type | Brioche, focaccia, sourdough, rye, whole grain, white bread, potato bread, multigrain, pumpernickel, cranberry walnut bread |
| Texture | Sturdy, uniform, soft, light, fluffy, crispy, dense, hearty |
| Flavour | Tangy, sweet |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Sliced bread for even cooking
Sliced bread is the way to go for a grilled cheese sandwich with even cooking. While you can use any type of bread, from a baguette to focaccia, the uniformity of sliced bread ensures that your sandwich cooks evenly. If you're slicing the bread yourself, make sure the slices are even and not too thick.
Sandwich bread is a great option for grilled cheese because it tends to be soft and light. It's also usually pre-sliced, which makes it convenient and ensures uniformity. You can use white sandwich bread, but don't be afraid to branch out and try other types of sandwich bread, such as whole-wheat, multigrain, oatmeal, or potato bread. Just make sure to choose a loaf with a uniform texture and avoid breads with large holes, as they can allow melted cheese to leak out.
If you're looking for a more sturdy option, consider sourdough bread. Sourdough has a tangy flavor that pairs well with cheese, and its sturdy slices can withstand a long sear in the pan. However, keep in mind that sourdough tends to have irregular holes, so you may need to be more careful with the amount of cheese you use to avoid drips.
For those who want a sweeter grilled cheese, brioche is a good choice. Brioche is a rich, buttery bread that includes eggs and sugar, giving it a dense crumb structure that can hold up to melted cheese. Just be aware that brioche browns more quickly than other breads due to the sugar content, so you may need to cook it over lower heat to avoid burning.
Ultimately, the best bread for grilled cheese is the one you like the most. Experiment with different types of sliced bread and find the one that suits your taste and cooking preferences. Whether it's a classic sandwich bread, a tangy sourdough, a sweet brioche, or something else entirely, the possibilities are endless!
Cheese Toastie: Friend or Foe in Dieting?
You may want to see also
Sourdough for a tangy taste
Sourdough bread is a fantastic choice for grilled cheese sandwiches, offering a tangy taste and a unique texture. Sourdough is made with a fermented starter instead of yeast to rise, resulting in a crispier crust and a tangier flavour than other types of bread. This tanginess is a great complement to the rich, buttery flavour of grilled cheese.
When selecting sourdough for grilled cheese, look for a loaf with a uniform texture and smaller holes. The large holes in a rustic loaf may cause your melted cheese to leak out, creating a mess and potentially leading to uneven cooking. Country-style sourdoughs tend to have a tighter crumb, making them ideal for grilled cheese.
Sourdough's sturdy slices can withstand a long sear in the pan, developing a satisfying crunch without becoming too flat. Its flavour stands up to the cheese without overwhelming it, making it a versatile choice for a range of grilled cheese recipes.
For an extra flavour boost, try adding a crispy Parmesan crust to your grilled cheese, or experiment with different cheeses like cream cheese, shredded cheese blends, or even spicy jalapeños. Sourdough also pairs well with toppings like sliced tomatoes, pickles, or mango chutney.
While sourdough is a popular choice, it's not the only option for grilled cheese enthusiasts. Other types of bread, such as brioche, challah, rye, and even cranberry walnut bread, can also enhance your grilled cheese experience with their unique flavours and textures.
Cheese, Bacon, and the Melt: What's the Verdict?
You may want to see also
Brioche for a rich, buttery flavour
Brioche is a rich, buttery bread with a soft, pillowy texture that's perfect for grilled cheese sandwiches. The outside becomes golden and crisp when toasted, while the inside stays soft, sweet and fluffy. The enriched dough, which includes ingredients like eggs and sugar, gives it a hearty taste that complements the filling. Brioche is also soft yet sturdy, so it holds up during pan-frying.
However, because it includes ingredients like eggs and sugar, brioche browns more quickly than other breads. When making a grilled cheese with brioche, it's important to cook over a lower heat to avoid burning the exterior. It's also best to use sliced loaves, rather than rolls, which don't make great grilled cheese sandwiches.
For the perfect brioche grilled cheese, start with a good-quality loaf. Use a pan that's big enough to fit your sandwich with room to flip it. Coat the bottom of the pan in both butter and oil for a rich flavour that doesn't burn. Spread softened unsalted butter on one side of each slice of brioche—the bread and butter duo is a classic that never goes out of style. You can also swap in a thin layer of mayonnaise.
When it comes to cheese, the options are endless. A classic grilled cheese is made with cheddar, but you can use anything from mild to sharp, white or orange. Just be sure to grate it yourself for the best consistency. Another good melting cheese is gouda—plain or smoked. You can also try brie, gruyere, pepper jack, or a blend of multiple cheeses for the best flavour.
Get creative with your fillings! Try sliced tomato, caramelised onions, or crispy bacon. Spinach is also a great addition.
Grilled Cheese: Healthy Pregnancy Snack or Not?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
![Lance Captain's Wafers Grilled Cheese Sandwich Crackers [20-Count Caddy]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41lW-hh4tdL._AC_UY218_.jpg)
Rye bread for gluten-free diets
Rye bread is a great option for grilled cheese sandwiches, especially for those who want to add some extra flavor to their meal. The distinctive taste of rye bread comes 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.
However, rye bread inherently contains gluten, as rye is a gluten-containing grain. This means that those following a gluten-free diet should avoid traditional rye bread. But fear not, gluten-sensitive foodies! There are gluten-free alternatives to rye bread that can satisfy your cravings. These alternatives recreate the flavors and textures of rye bread without the gluten.
Gluten-free rye bread is typically made with buckwheat flour, caraway seeds, and cocoa powder or syrup. Caraway seeds are essential to achieving that distinctive rye bread flavor, even if the bread is gluten-free. Grinding the caraway seeds into a powder can help to intensify their flavor in the bread. Unsweetened cocoa powder is also added to the dough to give it the darker color typically associated with rye bread.
Some recipes for gluten-free rye bread also call for a gluten-free bread flour blend, date syrup or another sweetener, and hot water to create a psyllium gel. This gel helps to bind the ingredients together and give the bread a chewy texture. With these ingredients and a little creativity, you can enjoy the taste and texture of rye bread without the gluten.
Grilled Cheese for Toddlers: Healthy or Not?
You may want to see also
White bread for a classic grilled cheese
White bread is a classic choice for a grilled cheese sandwich. It's a popular option because it's accessible, simple, and easy to make at home. Soft and light, it's the perfect texture for grilled cheese.
When choosing your white bread, opt for sliced bread. Even slices will ensure your grilled cheese cooks evenly, and you don't want thick slices that will cook too slowly or thin slices that will cook too quickly. Choose a loaf with a uniform texture to avoid melted cheese leaking out of the sandwich. If your bread isn't pre-sliced, take care to slice it evenly yourself.
While white bread is a great option for grilled cheese, don't be afraid to branch out and experiment with other types of bread. Potato bread, for example, is a great option for grilled cheese, especially when paired with extra sharp cheddar. If you're looking for something with a bit more texture, try a heartier bread like whole-wheat, multigrain, or oatmeal. Sourdough is another popular choice for grilled cheese, known for its tangy flavor and sturdy slices that can hold up to a long sear in the pan.
Cheese Sandwiches: Healthy Grilled Option or Unhealthy Indulgence?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Sourdough, rye, brioche, focaccia, and sandwich bread are all popular options for grilled cheese.
Sourdough has a tangy flavor that complements the cheese without overwhelming it. Its sturdy slices can hold up to a long sear in the pan, creating a great crunch.
Breads with a tang, like sourdough or rye, add flavor to grilled cheese without overwhelming the cheese.
Breads like sourdough, rye, and brioche are known to toast well and hold up during pan-frying.
Breads with large holes, like rustic loaf, may cause melty cheese to leak out. Rolls are also not recommended because the exterior is all crust, which is not ideal for grilled cheese.
