Frederic Melton
Grilled cheese is a classic American sandwich that has existed since 1920. It is made with buttered and toasted bread with cheese sandwiched between the slices. The best type of bread for grilled cheese is a thicker variety, such as Texas toast or sourdough. The choice of cheese is subjective, but it should melt well. Popular options include cheddar, gouda, mozzarella, Monterey Jack, and pepper jack. Some people prefer a combination of cheeses, such as mozzarella with a flavoured cheese, or American cheese with cheddar.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cheese Combinations | Mozzarella, Gruyère, Cheddar, Fontina, Gouda, Parmesan, American, Swiss, Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, Smoked Cheddar, Blue Cheese, Double Gloucester, Smoked Gouda, Brie, Provolone, Havarti, Muenster |
| Bread | Sourdough, White Bread, Rye Bread, Baguette, Ciabatta |
| Additional Ingredients | Mayonnaise, Butter, Olive Oil, Salt, Nutmeg, Black Pepper, Tomato, Spinach, Caramelized Onions, Broccoli, Roasted Red Peppers, Fig Jam, Pickles, Pesto, Dijon Mustard, Garlic, Basil, Oregano, Bacon, Ham, Jalapeños, Chutney, Apple Slices, Tomato Soup |
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What You'll Learn
Mozzarella and Gruyère
For the best results, it is recommended to grate the cheeses yourself, as pre-grated store-bought cheese can have additives to prevent clumping. You can also shred the mozzarella to add a little more texture to your sandwich. When preparing your sandwich, be sure to use a generous amount of cheese to ensure a good melt and an even distribution of flavour.
When it comes to bread, a slightly thicker slice is recommended to balance out the cheese. Sourdough is a popular choice for grilled cheese sandwiches, as it adds a tangy flavour and crisps up nicely. However, any type of bread will work, including regular sandwich bread, rustic bread like pane de casa, or even rye bread. Just be sure to avoid bread that is too thick, too thin, too soft, or too holey, as this can affect the melting of the cheese and the overall structure of the sandwich.
To cook your grilled cheese, heat a skillet or frying pan to medium heat. Butter both sides of the bread, or, for a richer flavour, spread mayonnaise on the outside of the bread instead. This will give your sandwich a golden crust and a superior flavour. Place your sandwich in the pan and cook until the bread is golden and the cheese is melted. If the sandwich is browning too quickly, lower the heat and allow it to cook more slowly.
Finally, when your sandwich is done, transfer it to a cutting board and cut it in half with a swift motion to reveal the perfect cheese pull. Serve immediately and enjoy the combination of stretchy mozzarella and sweet, nutty Gruyère!
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Cheddar and gouda
Grilled Cheese with Cheddar and Gouda
A grilled cheese sandwich is a simple yet delicious dish that can be made with a variety of cheeses, including cheddar and gouda. Here is a guide to help you create a mouthwatering grilled cheese sandwich with these two cheeses.
Ingredients
- Sliced bread (sourdough, rye, or thick-sliced bread like Texas toast)
- Butter or mayonnaise
- Cheddar cheese (medium or sharp)
- Gouda cheese (regular or smoked)
- Optional: Dijon mustard, pesto, caramelized onions, garlic confit aioli, tomato sauce, and vegetable chips
Instructions
- Spread butter or mayonnaise on the outside of each slice of bread. Butter is traditional, but mayonnaise creates an extra crispy crust and adds a richer flavour.
- If desired, spread Dijon mustard on the inside of one slice of bread.
- Stack your cheeses on one slice of bread. You can use a blend of medium or sharp cheddar and regular or smoked gouda, adjusting the quantities to your taste.
- Close the sandwich with the crisp sides on the outside.
- Place a cast-iron skillet or heavy non-stick pan over medium/low heat. You can also use a griddle at 275˚F.
- Put the sandwich in the skillet with the buttered/mayo side down.
- Cook until the bread is golden brown, then flip and cook the other side for about 3 minutes or until the bread is golden and the cheese is melted.
- Transfer to a cutting board and cut in half. Enjoy the cheese pull!
Tips and Variations
- For a lighter option, spray the outside of the bread with olive oil and sprinkle with salt instead of using butter or mayonnaise.
- If using mayonnaise, lower the pan temperature slightly to prevent burning.
- Add sliced tomatoes inside the sandwich to cover both sides of the cheese, and sprinkle with black pepper.
- Try a blend of cheddar and gouda with pesto, caramelized onion, and garlic confit aioli, served with parmesan tomato sauce and vegetable chips.
- Experiment with adding other cheeses to your grilled cheese, such as havarti, gruyere, or American cheese.
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Blue cheese and double Gloucester
When making a grilled cheese sandwich with blue cheese, you can combine it with other cheeses to balance out its strong flavour. For example, you could pair it with a milder cheese like mozzarella, which has an excellent melting quality and creates a desirable "cheese pull". You could also try mixing blue cheese with a stronger cheese like cheddar, which is a popular choice for grilled cheese sandwiches and will complement the blue cheese well.
Double Gloucester is a versatile cheese that pairs well with various ingredients. For a classic combination, you can use it with apples or pears, adding a sweet contrast to the savoury cheese. If you want to get creative, try blending Double Gloucester with chives and spring onions, which is marketed as Cotswold cheese. This combination has a unique flavour and is a favourite among grilled cheese enthusiasts.
To elevate your grilled cheese sandwich, consider using a spread like mayonnaise or mustard on the outside of the bread. Mayonnaise helps the bread brown nicely and adds a crunchy texture, while mustard adds a tangy flavour. You can also experiment with different types of bread, such as sourdough or rye, to find your preferred taste and texture.
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Monterey jack and pepper jack
Monterey Jack is a semi-hard cheese with a mild flavour and slight sweetness, made using cow's milk. It is a good melting cheese, which makes it perfect for grilled cheese sandwiches. It is often paired with cheddar to make a classic grilled cheese sandwich.
A popular recipe for a Monterey Jack grilled cheese sandwich includes layering the cheese with bacon, deli turkey, avocado, and pickled jalapeños. The sandwich is made by buttering one side of a slice of bread, then adding shredded Monterey Jack cheese, sliced jalapeños, turkey slices, bacon, and avocado slices. The sandwich is then topped with another slice of buttered bread, with the buttered side up. It is then placed in a preheated pan and cooked until golden brown.
Pepper Jack is a version of Monterey Jack that is flavoured with chilli peppers and herbs. It can be used in the same way as regular Monterey Jack in grilled cheese sandwiches, adding a spicy kick to the classic recipe.
When making a grilled cheese sandwich with Monterey Jack, it is important to use freshly shredded cheese, as this will melt more evenly than sliced cheese. The exact amount of cheese used will depend on the size and shape of the bread, but generally, it is best to use enough to create a small mound of cheese over one slice of bread.
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Brie and cured meats
Grilled cheese sandwiches are a popular comfort food, and while there are many types of cheese that can be used, brie is a unique and delicious option. Brie is a soft, creamy French cheese with a mild, earthy flavour and a creamy texture. It is a versatile cheese that pairs well with a variety of cured meats, making it an excellent choice for a grilled cheese sandwich.
When preparing a grilled cheese sandwich with brie, it is important to consider the type of bread and meat you will be using, as well as any additional toppings or spreads. For the bread, a thicker slice is generally preferred, as it will provide more structure and prevent the cheese from escaping while cooking. Sourdough is a popular choice for grilled cheese sandwiches due to its tang and texture. However, regular white bread or rye bread can also be used.
When it comes to cured meats, prosciutto is a classic pairing with brie. The salty, savoury flavour of prosciutto complements the creamy texture and mild earthy notes of the cheese perfectly. Salami is another option that can add a nice contrast in texture and flavour to the sandwich. Ham is also a popular choice, as its salty, meaty flavour pairs well with the creaminess of the brie. For an American twist, bacon can be added to the sandwich, providing a similar salty flavour that pairs well with the cheese.
In addition to the bread and meat, you may want to consider adding some toppings or spreads to your grilled cheese sandwich. Sliced tomatoes are a popular choice, as they can add moisture and a slight acidity to the sandwich. Caramelised onions can also add a depth of flavour and a slight sweetness. If you're looking for a crunchier texture, you can add sliced apples or a spread of fig jam. Pickled red onions, radishes, or jalapeños can also be added for a fun pop of flavour.
When assembling your grilled cheese sandwich, it is recommended to grate the brie cheese instead of slicing it, as this will help it melt more evenly. You can also add other types of cheese to complement the brie, such as mozzarella or cheddar. Spreading mayonnaise on the outside of the bread can help create a crispier texture and a richer flavour. Finally, when cooking your sandwich, it is important to keep an eye on it to ensure the bread is golden brown and the cheese is fully melted.
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Frequently asked questions
There are many different cheeses that can be used for grilled cheese, including mozzarella, cheddar, gouda, gruyere, havarti, provolone, Colby Jack, American cheese, and Swiss cheese.
To melt cheese for a grilled cheese sandwich, it is recommended to cook the sandwich at a low heat to ensure the cheese melts at the same rate as the exterior browns. Shredded cheese or thin slices of cheese melt faster than thicker slices.
Sourdough is a popular choice for grilled cheese sandwiches because of the tang it adds to the sandwich. However, any sliced bread should work, as long as the slices are not too thick, too thin, too soft, or too holey.
Some people add vegetables like spinach, caramelized onions, broccoli, roasted red peppers, or roasted tomatoes to their grilled cheese sandwiches. Others add cured meats like prosciutto or ham, or even mac and cheese.
