Frederic Melton
Grilled cheese sandwiches are a comfort food classic, but what's the best cheese to use? While personal preference plays a big part, some cheeses are better suited to the grilled cheese than others. A good grilled cheese needs a cheese that melts well and has a strong flavour. Popular choices include American cheese, cheddar, gouda, gruyere, mozzarella, and havarti. For the perfect grilled cheese, it's recommended to use two types of cheese – one for stretch, like mozzarella, and another for flavour, like vintage cheddar or gruyere.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Bread | Sourdough, white bread, sandwich bread, loaf, whole-grain oat and seed bread, rye bread |
| Butter | Salted butter, softened butter |
| Cheese | Mozzarella, Gruyere, vintage cheddar, Monterey Jack, Colby, Swiss, Havarti, Fontina, Gouda, American, Pepper Jack, Provolone, Parmesan |
| Other ingredients | Mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, pickles, jalapeños, spinach, caramelized onions, steamed broccoli, roasted red peppers, roasted tomatoes, apples, fig jam, bacon, ham |
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What You'll Learn
- Mozzarella and a flavoured cheese, like vintage cheddar or gruyere, are a good combination
- American cheese slices are a popular choice for grilled cheese sandwiches
- Mayo instead of butter can help achieve a crispier grilled cheese sandwich
- Sourdough is a good choice of bread for grilled cheese sandwiches
- Other cheese options include gouda, havarti, fontina, or pepper jack
Mozzarella and a flavoured cheese, like vintage cheddar or gruyere, are a good combination
Mozzarella is a good choice for grilled cheese sandwiches because it has a high melting point and stretches easily. It also has a mild flavour, so it can be paired with a stronger-flavoured cheese like vintage cheddar or gruyere. These two cheeses are a good combination because they balance each other out, and the result is a sandwich with a rich taste and a gooey texture.
Vintage cheddar is a good choice for grilled cheese sandwiches because it has a strong flavour that can stand up to the other ingredients in the sandwich. It also has a sharp taste that pairs well with the mildness of mozzarella. Gruyere is another good option for a flavoured cheese. It has a nutty, warm, and sweet flavour that can add depth to the sandwich. It is a hard cheese, so it will not melt as easily as some other cheeses, but it can still be grated and melted in a pan.
When making a grilled cheese sandwich with mozzarella and a flavoured cheese, it is important to use freshly grated cheese instead of pre-shredded or sliced cheese. This is because pre-shredded or sliced cheese can contain additives that hinder melting. It is also important to use a bread that is not too thick, too thin, or too soft, as this can affect the melting of the cheese. A good option is sourdough bread, which has a tang that pairs well with the cheeses.
To assemble the sandwich, spread mayonnaise or butter on the outside of the bread, which will help it to brown and crisp up in the pan. Then, add a layer of Dijon mustard to one slice of bread, followed by a mound of grated cheese. Use equal parts of each cheese, or adjust the ratio to your taste preferences. Finally, cook the sandwich in a pan over medium-low heat until the bread is golden and the cheese is melted.
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American cheese slices are a popular choice for grilled cheese sandwiches
American cheese is often sold pre-packaged and portioned in individual slices, making it convenient for layering in grilled cheese sandwiches. Its superior melting ability and gooey texture make it ideal for this purpose. American cheese slices are also a popular choice because they are versatile and can be paired with a variety of other ingredients, such as tomato soup or ketchup for dipping.
While some people may prefer to use "real" cheeses like cheddar or gouda for their grilled cheese sandwiches, American cheese slices are a common option due to their affordability and ease of use. They are also a good choice for those who want a simpler, more nostalgic sandwich.
Some people may have concerns about the quality of American cheese slices, as they are highly processed and may not contain a high percentage of real cheese. However, the processing of American cheese is precisely what makes it so meltable and convenient for grilled cheese sandwiches.
In conclusion, American cheese slices are a popular choice for grilled cheese sandwiches because of their affordability, ease of use, melting abilities, and versatility. While some may prefer more expensive, less processed cheeses, American cheese slices remain a classic and convenient option for this comfort food.
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Mayo instead of butter can help achieve a crispier grilled cheese sandwich
A grilled cheese sandwich is a classic, comforting meal that can be made with a variety of cheeses and breads. While some people prefer to use butter on the outside of the bread to achieve a golden, buttery crust, others have found that using mayonnaise can result in a crispier sandwich.
Mayonnaise, an emulsion of oil, acid, and egg, has a similar fat content to butter but can be spread straight from the fridge. This means that when making a grilled cheese sandwich, you don't have to wait for the butter to soften before spreading it on the bread. Mayonnaise also has a higher smoke point than butter, which means it can withstand higher temperatures without burning. This gives you more time to achieve the perfect level of browning on your sandwich.
In addition, some people find that the tanginess of mayonnaise adds a pleasant flavour to the sandwich, while others appreciate its more neutral flavour profile, which allows the cheese and other fillings to shine. For those who want the best of both worlds, combining equal parts mayonnaise and softened butter and spreading it on the exterior of the sandwich can result in a crisp, golden sandwich with the creamy, nostalgic flavour of butter.
When making a grilled cheese sandwich, it's important to use a bread that is not too thick, thin, soft, or holey, as this can affect the melting of the cheese and the overall texture of the sandwich. A combination of cheeses is also recommended, with mozzarella being a popular choice for its stretch and non-greasy melting qualities, paired with a cheese that has more flavour, such as vintage cheddar or Gruyère.
While some people swear by mayonnaise for a crispier grilled cheese sandwich, others still prefer the traditional method of using butter. Ultimately, the choice between mayo and butter comes down to personal preference and the specific characteristics desired in a grilled cheese sandwich.
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Sourdough is a good choice of bread for grilled cheese sandwiches
Sourdough is a great choice of bread for grilled cheese sandwiches. It is a sturdy bread that can hold up to the weight of the cheese and grilling process without getting too squished. It also has a distinct tangy flavour that pairs well with melted cheese. Sourdough slices should be around 1/2 inch thick to prevent the cheese from escaping and to ensure the cheese melts properly.
Sourdough grilled cheese sandwiches are also a perfect match for a bowl of tomato soup. The soup can be a great addition to the sandwich, especially if you are using cheddar cheese.
Sourdough bread can be purchased from a bakery or store, but it can also be made at home and frozen in slices for grilled cheese at any time. If you don't have sourdough on hand, other types of bread such as brioche, multigrain, rye, or classic white bread can be used as substitutes.
When making a grilled cheese sandwich with sourdough, it is recommended to spread butter or mayonnaise on the outside of the bread to help it brown and crisp up. The inside of the bread can be spread with Dijon mustard for added flavour. Grilled cheese sandwiches are best eaten right after making, but they can be stored in the refrigerator for a few days and reheated in a toaster oven.
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Other cheese options include gouda, havarti, fontina, or pepper jack
While the classic grilled cheese sandwich is made with American cheese, there are many other varieties of cheese that can be used to create this classic comfort food. Other cheese options include gouda, havarti, fontina, or pepper jack.
Gouda is a Dutch cheese with a mild, caramel-like flavour when young, and a stronger, saltier, crystalline texture similar to Parmesan when aged. While aged gouda may not melt as well, it is a great flavour addition to a grilled cheese sandwich. Smoked gouda is also a popular variety, often paired with gruyere, fig jam, and red onion on sourdough.
Havarti is a semi-soft Danish cow's milk cheese that melts well and has a subtle flavour. It is similar to provolone or mild cheddar and shreds well, making it a versatile option for grilled cheese sandwiches. It pairs well with sautéed peppers and onions, turkey, and cranberry.
Fontina is a mild, cow's milk cheese from Italy that melts very well, creating a gooey, stringy cheese pull. It is a great option for grilled cheese sandwiches, especially when combined with sautéed mushrooms, truffle oil, and arugula on sourdough bread.
Pepper jack is a variety of Monterey Jack cheese with the addition of red pepper. It has the buttery taste and creamy texture of Monterey Jack with a spicy kick, making it a great flavour addition to grilled cheese sandwiches. It pairs well with grilled peppers and onions, meats such as chicken or pulled pork, and chutney or jalapeño jelly.
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Frequently asked questions
For a classic grilled cheese, American cheese slices are the quintessential choice. Other good melting cheeses include cheddar, mozzarella, and jack/ Colby. For a more gourmet option, you can try a mix of Gruyere and brie with thinly sliced apples or fig jam.
While any sliced bread will work, it's important to ensure the slices are not too thick (which may prevent the cheese from melting), too thin or soft (which may cause the bread to get squished by the cheese), or too holey (which may lead to cheese escaping). Sourdough is a popular choice for its tang and crunch, but white sandwich bread is also a common option.
Some popular additions include butter, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and various fillings such as vegetables, fruit, pickles, or meat.
