Randy Chandler
Grilling cheese is a type of cheese that can be cooked directly on a grill without melting. While there is no official definition of grilling cheese, it is generally understood to be a cheese that stays intact when exposed to high temperatures. Popular varieties include halloumi, kefalotyri, and feta, which are all Greek cheeses made from sheep's and/or goat's milk. These cheeses have a high melting point, allowing them to develop a crispy, golden-brown exterior and a soft interior when grilled. Grilling cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used in salads, sandwiches, tacos, and more.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cheese Type | Halloumi, kefalotyri, queso panela, feta, kefalograviera, mastelo, kasseri, paneer, juustoleipa |
| Texture | Dense, hard, semi-hard, compact, soft, crumbly, rubbery, waxy |
| Taste | Salty, tangy, bland, sweet, nutty, mild |
| Colour | Yellow, white |
| Source | Cow's milk, sheep's milk, goat's milk |
| Melting Point | High |
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What You'll Learn
Grilled cheese sandwiches
The first step is to choose your cheese. Halloumi is a popular choice, as it has a high melting point, allowing it to brown on the grill without becoming a gooey mess. Other options include kefalotyri, paneer, and provolone. If you're making a meatless sandwich, you might want to try a vegetarian option like grilled vegetables with provolone.
Once you've selected your cheese, it's time to choose your bread. Some people prefer fancy, crusty bread for their grilled cheese sandwiches, but you can use any type of bread you have on hand. White sandwich bread, crusty Italian bread, or plain white sandwich bread all work well.
Now it's time to assemble your sandwich. If you're feeling adventurous, you can try an Italian grilled cheese sandwich, which combines the classic Italian sub with a grilled cheese. This sandwich typically includes three types of cured meats, such as salami, prosciutto, and pepperoni, along with a slice of provolone cheese. You can also add toppings like roasted red peppers, pickles, sliced tomatoes, fresh basil, or sliced red onion.
For a simpler sandwich, just add a slice of cheese between two slices of bread. You can also add toppings like sliced roasted red peppers, pickles, sliced ham, sliced turkey, sliced tomatoes, fresh basil, sliced red onion, or pulled pork.
Before cooking your sandwich, you might want to spread butter on the outside of the bread. Some people prefer to use mayonnaise instead. You can also try melting butter in the pan before adding your sandwich.
Finally, it's time to cook your sandwich. You can cook it in a skillet over medium-low heat for three to four minutes per side, or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese has melted. Alternatively, you can bake your sandwiches on a sheet pan in the oven, which is a great option if you're making sandwiches for a crowd. Place the sandwiches on a buttered baking sheet and bake at 450 degrees Fahrenheit for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the bread is golden brown and crispy.
To ensure your grilled cheese sandwich has a perfect crispness, let it rest on a wire rack or an elevated surface for a few minutes before slicing into it. This allows the steam to escape and prevents condensation from building up, which can make your sandwich soggy.
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Grilled cheese recipes
Grilled cheese is a classic comfort food, and there are endless ways to make it your own. Here are some tips and recipes to help you make the perfect grilled cheese sandwich.
Cheese Options
The best cheeses for grilled cheese are those that melt well, such as mozzarella, havarti, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack. You can also try a combination of two cheeses, such as mozzarella and cheddar, or mozzarella and gruyere, for a more complex flavour. Other popular combinations include gruyere and raclette, or mozzarella and blue cheese. If you want to spice things up, you can add some jalapeños or pickled jalapeños.
Bread Options
When it comes to bread, it's best to use sliced sandwich or loaf bread. Avoid slices that are too thick, thin, soft, or holey. Sourdough is a popular choice for grilled cheese, but regular white bread will also work.
Cooking Tips
To achieve the perfect grilled cheese, it's important to use a generous amount of butter or an alternative source of fat, like mayonnaise, in the pan. This will ensure that your sandwich is crispy and golden, not dry. Spread butter or mayonnaise on both slices of bread, and place them in a pan over low heat. Use your palms to press the bread into the pan and promote even browning. Cover the pan to help melt the cheese, and take your time to ensure even cooking.
Recipe Variations
There are endless ways to customise your grilled cheese sandwich. Here are some ideas:
- Add vegetables like spinach, caramelised onions, roasted red peppers, or roasted tomatoes.
- For a gourmet touch, try a mix of gruyere and brie with thinly sliced apples or fig jam.
- Layer in pickled vegetables like red onions, radishes, or jalapeños for a fun pop of flavour.
- Experiment with different sauces like pesto, mustard, or aioli.
- Try different types of bread, like ciabatta or baguette.
- For a healthier option, grill slices of tofu and brush them with a zesty puree of cilantro, ginger, jalapeno, scallions, lime, and oil.
- If you're feeling adventurous, try grilling cheese on its own, like halloumi, kefalotyri, or queso panela. These cheeses have a high melting point and can be grilled until browned on the outside and softened on the inside.
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Grilling cheese types
Grilling cheese is a slab of cheese that can be cooked on a grill until browned on the outside and softened on the inside. There are several types of cheese that are suitable for grilling, including:
Halloumi
Halloumi is a popular choice for grilling cheese. It is a salty, semi-hard goat's and sheep's milk cheese that hails from Cyprus. It has a high melting point, allowing it to be grilled without turning into a gooey mess. When grilled, halloumi develops a crispy, golden-brown exterior while the inside softens, resulting in a pleasantly squeaky, chewy texture. It is a versatile cheese that can be used in a variety of dishes, such as salads, skewers, and sandwiches.
Kefalotyri
Kefalotyri is a Greek cheese made from sheep's or goat's milk. It is similar to halloumi but is harder and saltier, with a slightly milder tang. It also has a high melting point, making it suitable for grilling. Kefalotyri has a creamy texture when cooked and a strong salty flavour, making it a good choice for appetizers or as a topping for grilled vegetables.
Queso Panela
Queso panela, also known as grilling cheese or frying cheese, is a Mexican basket cheese made from cow's milk. It is softer than halloumi or kefalotyri, with a very fine texture. It has a mild flavour and pairs well with bold seasonings and fresh, spicy toppings like pico de gallo and avocado.
Juustoleipa or "Bread Cheese"
Juustoleipa, also known as "bread cheese," is a buttery and slightly sweet cheese that originated in Scandinavia. It gets its name from the crust that forms on the outside of the cheese when baked in special ovens. Bread cheese can be cubed and fried, making it a good option for grilling.
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Grilled cheese alternatives
Grilled cheese is a delicious and simple meal, but sometimes you may want to change things up a little. Here are some alternatives to the traditional grilled cheese sandwich:
Alternative Cheeses
If you are cutting down on dairy, there are non-dairy cheese substitutes that melt well and taste similar to the real thing. Chao Slices from Field Roast are a good example. If you are looking for a lighter cheese, you could try grass-fed mozzarella made from grass-fed bison milk. You could also try mashed avocado on your sandwich, which is creamy and helps lower LDL while raising HDL.
Alternative Fillings
If you want to add extra flavour to your grilled cheese sandwich, you could try adding sliced deli meat, fried apple slices, or tomatoes. You could also grill mushrooms, peppers, and sweet onions in sesame oil before putting them in your sandwich.
Alternative Recipes
There are many alternative recipes that build on the basic grilled cheese sandwich. You could try a grilled cheese and omelette, with spinach, mushrooms, and tomatoes. Alternatively, you could try a sweet and savoury combination, such as a sandwich with brie, pear, and cranberry sauce.
Grilled Cheese Without the Bread
If you are avoiding bread, you could try "bread cheese", which is designed to be fried directly in a pan. This salty cheese develops a crispy crust on its own and can be dipped in soup or drizzled with honey and topped with pistachios.
Grilled Cheese Without the Cheese
If you are avoiding cheese, you could try grilling other foods such as asparagus, portobello mushrooms, or tofu. You could also make a sandwich with other grilled vegetables, such as eggplant, zucchini, and tomatoes.
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Grilled cheese toppings
Some popular grilled cheese toppings include:
- Halloumi, a salty, semi-hard goat's and sheep's milk cheese from Cyprus, is a popular choice for grilling. It has a high melting point, allowing it to brown on the grill without melting. It is versatile and can be used in salads, sandwiches, or skewers.
- Kefalotyri, a Greek cheese also made from sheep's or goat's milk, is harder and saltier than halloumi. It has a high melting point and a creamy texture when grilled, making it a tasty topping.
- Paneer is a less salty alternative to halloumi that is often used for grilling.
- Parmesan, especially when mixed with a spice blend of dried lime zest, salt, and smoky chipotle chile powder, can be a tasty topping for grilled corn.
- Mozzarella and blue cheese are also a great combination for grilled cheese sandwiches or salads.
- Provolone is a perfect melting cheese for vegetarian sandwiches.
- Goat cheese is a tasty alternative to the usual mozzarella on pizzas.
Other creative toppings for grilled cheese sandwiches include:
- Kimchi
- Pickled onion
- Chilli oil
- Chorizo
- Fresh fig slices
- Fried egg
- Brie and Nutella
- Hazelnuts
- Spring onions
- Apple or pear slices
- Pesto
- Pulled pork
- Pepperoni
- Tomato
- Basil
- Bacon
- Jammy onions
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Frequently asked questions
Grilling cheese is a cheese that stays intact when cooked directly on a grill without the help of coatings like flour or breadcrumbs.
Some examples of grilling cheese include halloumi, kefalotyri, queso panela, and kasseri.
Grilling cheese can be found at specialty cheese shops, Greek or Mediterranean markets, or online. It may also be available at large grocery stores, depending on your location.
