The Best Cheeses For A Grilled Cheese Sandwich

There are many different types of cheese that can be used to make a grilled cheese sandwich. The best option is a matter of personal preference, but some popular choices include cheddar, mozzarella, gouda, and American cheese. Some people like to use a combination of cheeses, such as mozzarella with a sharper-tasting cheese like Gruyère or vintage cheddar. Other factors to consider when making a grilled cheese sandwich include the type of bread and whether to use butter or mayonnaise on the bread.

Mozzarella for the stretch, another for flavour

Mozzarella is a great choice for grilled cheese due to its stretchiness and melting qualities. However, it is mild in flavour, so it is often paired with another cheese to add taste.

Mozzarella is a soft cheese that is known for its stretchy, stringy consistency when melted. This makes it ideal for grilled cheese sandwiches, as it provides the desired "cheese pull" effect. In addition, mozzarella melts smoothly and evenly, without becoming greasy.

However, mozzarella has a very mild, subtle flavour. Therefore, it is often combined with another cheese to add taste and depth to the grilled cheese sandwich. Good options to pair with mozzarella include:

• Vintage cheddar—a personal favourite of one source, which praises its sharp, nutty flavour and melting qualities.
• Gruyere—a type of Swiss cheese known for its salty, nutty flavour with a hint of "funk".
• Raclette—another type of Swiss cheese, similar to Gruyere, that is salty and nutty.
• Sharp cheddar—a classic, iconic choice for grilled cheese, with a sharp, nutty flavour.
• Old cheddar—provides a tangy flavour.
• American cheese—a classic, melting option that is not too melty.

When making a grilled cheese sandwich with mozzarella, it is recommended to grate the cheese yourself, rather than using pre-shredded cheese, as this will result in a smoother, more even melt. In addition, it is best to use fresh, high-quality mozzarella for the best flavour and melting qualities.

Mayo on the outside of the bread

Mayonnaise on the outside of grilled cheese sandwiches is a great alternative to butter. It has a higher smoke point than butter, meaning it can be cooked at higher temperatures without burning. This allows you to turn up the heat and get a crispy, golden exterior without the risk of burning your sandwich.

Mayo is also more convenient than butter as it is already soft and spreadable, and a little goes a long way. It also has a lighter, tangier flavour than butter, which can better complement the cheese and bread.

To use mayo on your grilled cheese, simply spread it on the outside of each slice of bread instead of butter. You can also mix in some shredded Gruyere or Parmesan to add extra flavour to the exterior of your sandwich.

Cheese Recommendations

When it comes to the cheese for your grilled cheese, the options are endless. However, some popular choices include:

• Sharp cheddar: a classic, nutty-flavoured cheese that melts beautifully.
• Mozzarella: adds a great cheese pull and has non-greasy melting qualities.
• Gruyere: a type of Swiss cheese that is a great melter and adds a salty, nutty flavour.
• Monterey Jack: a good melting cheese with bold, savoury flavours.
• Pepper Jack: adds a kick to your grilled cheese.
• American cheese: a classic, creamy choice.

For the best results, it is recommended to use a combination of two types of cheese: one for flavour and one for stretch, such as mozzarella.

Other Tips

• Use freshly grated cheese instead of pre-grated or sliced cheese for a smoother, more even melt.
• Use salted butter on the inside of the sandwich for extra flavour.
• Cook your grilled cheese in a skillet or frying pan on medium-low heat for a golden, buttery crust.
• Cover the pan when cooking to trap in steam and help melt the cheese.
• Use sourdough bread for a tangier flavour.

Now you're ready to make the ultimate grilled cheese sandwich!

Sharp cheddar for its nutty flavour

Sharp cheddar is a popular choice for grilled cheese sandwiches due to its sharp, nutty flavour and excellent melting capabilities. When making a grilled cheese sandwich, it is important to use a cheese that melts well, and sharp cheddar does exactly that while also providing superior flavour.

To make the perfect grilled cheese sandwich with sharp cheddar, follow these steps:

Start by grating your sharp cheddar cheese. Freshly grated cheese melts more evenly than pre-sliced or pre-shredded cheese, which may contain anti-caking agents that can affect melting.

Next, prepare your bread. While you can use any type of bread, it's important to choose one that is soft yet sturdy and not too thick or thin. Sourdough is a popular choice for grilled cheese sandwiches because of the tang it adds, but you can also use white sandwich bread, whole wheat, rye, potato bread, or even brioche.

Now it's time to assemble the sandwich. Spread butter on one side of each slice of bread. You can use unsalted or salted butter, but salted butter can add a bit more flavour to your sandwich. Then, spread a thin layer of mayonnaise on the other side of each slice of bread. The mayonnaise will help create a crisp, golden exterior when grilled.

Place your grated sharp cheddar cheese on one slice of bread, topping it with the other slice, making sure the buttered sides are facing outwards.

Heat a skillet over medium-low heat and melt some butter in the pan. Place your sandwich in the pan and cover it with a lid. The lid will help trap steam and ensure even melting of the cheese. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the bottom slice of bread is golden brown and crisp. Then, flip the sandwich, replace the lid, and cook for another 1-3 minutes until the other slice of bread is golden and the cheese is melted.

Finally, cut your grilled cheese sandwich diagonally and serve immediately to enjoy the ultimate comfort food!

Feel free to experiment with adding other ingredients to your grilled cheese sandwich, such as different types of cheese, vegetables, or even fruit. For example, you could pair sharp cheddar with Gruyère or raclette, creating an even more complex and flavourful sandwich.

Sourdough bread

When making a grilled cheese sandwich with sourdough, it is important to slice the bread to a thickness of about half an inch. This will ensure that the crusts do not burn before the cheese has melted. It is also important to use freshly grated cheese, as pre-shredded cheese often contains additives that can hinder melting.

Step 1: Choose your cheese

The best cheeses for a grilled cheese sandwich are those that melt well and have a strong flavour. Good options include:

• Sharp cheddar
• Gouda
• Havarti
• Monterey Jack
• Gruyere
• Mozzarella
• Parmesan

Step 2: Prepare the bread

Spread mayonnaise or butter on the outside of each slice of bread. This will help the bread to brown evenly and give it a crispy texture. You can also mix grated parmesan and garlic powder into softened butter and spread this on the outside of the bread for extra flavour.

Step 3: Assemble the sandwich

Place your chosen cheese on one slice of bread. If using multiple types of cheese, layer them on top of each other. You can also add other ingredients such as sliced green apple, caramelized onions, or prosciutto. Then, place the second slice of bread on top, with the buttered/mayonnased side facing up.

Step 4: Cook the sandwich

Heat a skillet to medium-low heat and place the sandwich in the pan. Cook for 2-4 minutes on each side, or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese has melted. If your cheese is not melting quickly, you can cover the skillet with a lid to help trap the heat.

Step 5: Serve and enjoy!

Grilled cheese sandwiches are best served immediately, but they can also be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a few days. To reheat, place the sandwich in a frying pan over medium-low heat until warmed through.

Butter both sides of the bread

Butter is a key ingredient in the grilled cheese-making process. While some recipes suggest using mayonnaise, butter is the classic option for a reason. It gives the sandwich a crisp, golden exterior and a deliciously molten interior.

How to do it

First, you'll need to gather your ingredients. You'll need two slices of bread (sourdough is a popular choice), butter, and cheese. You can use a variety of cheeses, but classic options include cheddar, American cheese, mozzarella, and Gruyère.

Once you have your ingredients, it's time to start assembling your sandwich. Take your bread and butter both sides of each slice. Yes, that's right—both sides! This step is key to achieving the perfect grilled cheese. The butter will help the bread toast up nicely and give it a delicious, crispy texture.

After buttering the bread, it's time to add the cheese. You can use shredded or sliced cheese, but grated cheese tends to melt more evenly. Pile on a generous amount of cheese onto one slice of bread, then place the other slice of bread on top, buttered side up.

Cooking the sandwich

Now it's time to cook your sandwich. Heat a skillet or frying pan over medium-low heat. You don't want the pan to get too hot, or the bread will burn before the cheese has a chance to melt. Place your sandwich in the pan and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and crispy. Then, flip the sandwich and cook for another 2-3 minutes on the other side.

Tips for success

• Be generous with the butter. Don't be shy—really slather it on there! This will ensure that your bread gets nice and toasty.
• Use a lid. Covering the pan with a lid will help trap the heat and melt the cheese more effectively.
• Keep an eye on the heat. If the pan gets too hot, the bread can burn before the cheese has a chance to melt. Lower the heat if necessary.
• Use a combination of cheeses. Try using two different types of cheese for a richer, more complex flavor. A classic combination is mozzarella for stretch and another cheese for flavor (like Gruyère or vintage cheddar).
• Don't be afraid to experiment! While the basic formula for a grilled cheese is bread, butter, and cheese, you can add other ingredients like Dijon mustard, sliced tomatoes, or caramelized onions to make it your own.

By following these tips and buttering both sides of your bread, you'll be well on your way to grilled cheese greatness!

Frequently asked questions