Patrick Oconnell
Grilled cheese sandwiches are a classic comfort food, but there are endless ways to elevate this simple dish into a gourmet meal. The key to a great grilled cheese is the cheese itself—a good melting cheese with a strong flavour will take your sandwich to the next level. A combination of two cheeses, such as mozzarella with a sharper cheddar or Gruyère, will give your sandwich a rich and complex taste. The type of bread is also important; a crispy, buttery exterior made with sourdough or artisan bread will provide a delicious contrast to the molten cheese inside. To really take your grilled cheese to new heights, experiment with adding fresh herbs, fruit, roasted vegetables, and fun condiments.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Bread | Sourdough, Artisan loaf, Pullman loaf, Crispy, Buttery, White sandwich bread, Regular white bread |
| Cheese | Mozzarella, Gruyère, Raclette, Swiss, Smoked Mozzarella, Sharp Cheddar, White Cheddar, Soft Camembert, Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, Brie |
| Other ingredients | Caramelized onions, Herbs, Crispy bacon, Prosciutto, Arugula, Baby arugula, Tomatoes, Butternut squash, Bitter radicchio, Lemon zest, Apples, Thyme, Dijon mustard, Mayo, Butter, Thousand Island dressing, Onion jam, Broccoli, Potato chips, Salads |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Cheese types: cheddar, gruyere, raclette, mozzarella, and more
A grilled cheese sandwich is a thing of beauty, and there are endless ways to elevate this classic comfort food. While a simple grilled cheese can be made with any cheese that melts well, such as mozzarella, havarti, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack, there are several types of cheese that can take your sandwich to the next level.
Cheddar is a classic choice for grilled cheese, and for good reason. Its sharp, nutty flavour and excellent melting qualities make it a popular option. For an even sharper taste, opt for a longer-aged variety. Vintage cheddar, in particular, is a favourite among grilled cheese enthusiasts.
Gruyere, a type of Swiss cheese, is another excellent option. It has a salty, nutty flavour with a bit of funk, and its melting abilities are unparalleled. Combining gruyere with cheddar is a popular choice, as it adds a touch of sophistication to the classic grilled cheese.
Raclette, another Swiss cheese, is also a superb melter. It has a similar flavour profile to gruyere, making it an ideal candidate for a grilled cheese sandwich.
Mozzarella is a must-have for anyone seeking that perfect cheese pull. Its mild flavour and non-greasy melting qualities make it an excellent choice for grilled cheese. Combining mozzarella with a more flavourful cheese, such as cheddar or gruyere, is a popular way to create a sandwich with both taste and texture.
Other types of cheese worth considering for your gourmet grilled cheese include smoked mozzarella, which melts just as well as regular mozzarella and adds a smoky flavour, and camembert, a rich and creamy cheese that pairs well with sharper cheeses like cheddar. If you're feeling adventurous, you could even try something like Swiss cheese, grated over roasted butternut squash and radicchio leaves.
Tomato Soup and Grilled Cheese: An American Classic?
You may want to see also
Bread: sourdough, artisan, rosemary, and cranberry
Sourdough bread is a popular choice for grilled cheese sandwiches due to its flavour, texture, and ability to hold various sandwich ingredients without becoming soggy. Sourdough grilled cheese sandwiches are best served with a bowl of creamy tomato soup. To make a classic sourdough grilled cheese, butter the outer sides of each sourdough slice and place them buttered-side down in a pan. Spread about 1/4 to 1/3 cup of mixed shredded cheeses onto the bread, and cover with another slice of buttered bread, with the buttered side facing up. Cover the pan with a lid to help the cheese melt, and grill each side until golden brown.
Artisan bread is another option for grilled cheese sandwiches, and it pairs well with herbed caramelized onions, rosemary, and various cheeses such as Gruyère and white cheddar. To prepare the onions, add butter and olive oil to a skillet on medium-low heat, and then add diced onions, salt, pepper, fresh thyme, and rosemary. Sauté until the onions are soft and slightly browned. Next, stir in some brown sugar and cook for another minute before transferring the onions to a plate. Spread mayonnaise on the bread slices and add butter and rosemary to the skillet. Once the butter has melted, place the bread in the skillet, mayonnaise-side down, and cook until golden brown.
Rosemary bread can also be used as a base for a gourmet grilled cheese sandwich. The addition of rosemary enhances the flavour of the sandwich and complements other ingredients such as caramelized onions, thyme, and beef bacon.
For a unique twist on a classic, cranberry bread can be used to make a cranberry and brie grilled cheese sandwich. This combination is perfect for using up leftover cranberry sauce and cheese from Thanksgiving.
Grilled Cheese: Healthy Pregnancy Snack or Not?
You may want to see also
Condiments: dijonnaise, mustard, mayo, and onion jam
When it comes to condiments, there are several options to elevate your gourmet grilled cheese sandwich. Dijonnaise, a combination of Dijon mustard and mayonnaise, is a tangy and rich spread that pairs well with shredded Gruyère cheese. You can also use store-bought dijonnaise for convenience. Alternatively, spread a generous amount of mayonnaise on the outside of the bread for a mouthwatering crunch and a richer flavour. Mayonnaise helps the bread brown beautifully in the skillet. On the inside of the sandwich, a layer of Dijon mustard or onion jam can be added for extra flavour. If you're feeling adventurous, swap the onion jam for homemade bacon jam, which takes your sandwich to the next level.
For a more sophisticated flavour profile, consider substituting half of the cheddar with Gruyère, as recommended by food stylist Tina DeGraff Martinez. This simple swap gives your sandwich a more mature feel. If you're looking for a unique combination, try grated Swiss cheese with grainy mustard and roasted butternut squash. The sweetness of the squash is beautifully balanced by the bitterness of the radicchio leaves. A drizzle of chilli oil can also enhance this flavourful sandwich.
When choosing condiments, don't be afraid to experiment and personalise your sandwich. You can elevate your grilled cheese with fun condiments, fresh fruits, or roasted/sautéed vegetables. For a classic combination, the sharpness of cheddar pairs exceptionally well with the tanginess of Dijon mustard and the richness of mayonnaise. If you're feeling creative, try blending some chopped fresh tarragon into your Dijon mustard for an extra flavour boost.
While the focus is on condiments, selecting the right cheese and bread is also crucial for a gourmet grilled cheese sandwich. Opt for high-quality, flavourful cheeses, as the longer a cheese is aged, the sharper its taste. For a dynamic duo, pair a sharp cheddar with a rich, creamy cheese like Camembert. When it comes to bread, choose a thick-cut artisan loaf, preferably sourdough, for that tangy flavour and a golden, buttery crust.
Grilled Cheese: Breakfast or Lunch?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Meat: prosciutto, bacon, and beef bacon
When it comes to crafting a gourmet grilled cheese sandwich with meat, prosciutto, bacon, and beef bacon are all excellent choices that can take your sandwich to the next level. Each of these meats pairs exceptionally well with a variety of cheeses, and when combined with the right ingredients and preparation techniques, they can create a truly mouth-watering grilled cheese experience.
Let's start with prosciutto, a type of Italian dry-cured ham known for its delicate flavour and salty taste. When incorporating prosciutto into your grilled cheese sandwich, it's best to place it in the middle, between layers of cheese. This ensures that the prosciutto blends seamlessly with the melted cheese. For a classic combination, opt for mild gouda and aged cheddar—the sharpness of the cheddar and the mild creaminess of the gouda complement the prosciutto's savoury notes. You can also experiment with provolone, a mild and slightly sweet cheese that goes well with prosciutto and salami for a heartier sandwich. To elevate your prosciutto grilled cheese, consider using kalamata olive bread or herbed Italian bread instead of a traditional white loaf. The briny flavour of the olives or the blend of herbs will add a unique twist to your sandwich.
Bacon and beef bacon, on the other hand, offer a different set of flavour profiles to work with. When crafting a bacon grilled cheese, the key is to prepare the bacon in a way that prevents it from pulling out in strips when you take a bite. Cut the bacon into small pieces and cook them until they are brown and crispy. For the cheese, a combination of mild cheddar and Monterey Jack is a perfect match for bacon's savoury flavour. You can also experiment with Colby, Muenster, or Provolone, depending on your preference. Don't be afraid to mix and match cheeses to find your favourite combination.
When assembling your bacon grilled cheese sandwich, layer the bread with butter, cheese, bacon crumbles, and then more cheese before topping it with another slice of bread. This ensures that the bacon is securely embedded within the melted cheese. For an extra touch of flavour, consider adding a spread of mayonnaise or even a drizzle of honey to the bread before grilling. These condiments can enhance the overall taste of your sandwich.
Best Bread for Grilled Cheese Perfection
You may want to see also
Vegetables: butternut squash, radicchio, and caramelised onions
Butternut Squash, Radicchio, and Caramelised Onions
Butternut Squash
For a gourmet grilled cheese with butternut squash, you can make a butternut squash purée to spread inside the sandwich. First, preheat the oven to 425°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place the halved squash, drizzled with olive oil and seasoned with salt and pepper, cut-side up. Roast the squash until soft and then mash or blend until smooth. You can also add vinegar to the mashed squash, as well as spices like rosemary or thyme.
For the cheese, you can use cheddar, goat's cheese, provolone, blue cheese, asiago, parmesan, or mozzarella. Fried sage leaves also work well with butternut squash, adding a savoury element to the sandwich. Drizzle with honey for a touch of sweetness.
Radicchio
Radicchio is a type of bitter leaf vegetable, and grilling it can soften its bitterness. When paired with a creamy cheese, the result is a winning combination. Look for the elegant, long Treviso radicchio, which is easier to grill. For the cheese, a creamier option like Brillat-Savarin or Camembert is recommended to balance the bitterness of the radicchio.
Caramelised Onions
Caramelising onions can take around 45-60 minutes, so this recipe requires some patience. You can add a splash of sherry, red wine, or white wine vinegar to the onions to balance out the buttery flavours of the grilled cheese. For the cheese, a strong Gruyère is a good option, and you can also add bacon or kimchi for extra flavour and texture.
Jack Cheese: Perfect for Grilled Cheese?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Some good cheese options include a combination of mozzarella with a flavoured cheese such as vintage cheddar, gruyere, or raclette. You can also try Monterey Jack, Swiss, or Camembert.
Sourdough is a popular choice for grilled cheese sandwiches, but you can also try artisan bread, Pullman loaf, or even cranberry bread.
Yes! You can add sliced apples, fresh thyme, lemon zest, caramelized onions, herbs, roasted butternut squash, wilted bitter radicchio leaves, or prosciutto slices.
You can serve your sandwich with a warm veggie soup, such as tomato soup, butternut squash and pear soup, or cashew cream tomato soup. It also goes well with a simple green salad or potato chips.
Spread mayonnaise on the outside of the bread instead of butter. This helps the bread brown better and gives it a richer flavour.
