Bushra Griffith
There are many types of cheese that can be used to make a grilled cheese sandwich, from American cheese to Monterey Jack, and even Smoked Gouda. However, the best grilled cheese sandwiches are made with a combination of two types of cheese: one for stretch, like mozzarella, and another for flavour, like Gruyere or vintage cheddar. For the perfect grilled cheese, it is also important to use freshly grated cheese, thick-sliced bread, and salted butter.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of cheeses | 1 or 2 |
| Cheese combinations | Mozzarella and Gruyere or Cheddar, or American Cheese, Yellow Cheddar and White Cheddar |
| Cheese with good melting qualities | Mozzarella, Monterey Jack, Swiss, Fontina, Gouda, American Cheese, Havarti, Pepper Jack, Provolone |
| Cheese with strong flavour | Gruyere, Cheddar, Blue Cheese, Vintage Cheddar |
| Cheese to avoid | Aged Gouda |
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What You'll Learn
Mozzarella for stretch, another for flavour
Mozzarella is a great cheese to use for grilled cheese sandwiches due to its stretchiness and melting qualities. However, it has a very mild flavour, so it is often paired with another cheese to add more flavour to the sandwich.
Mozzarella's stretchiness and melting qualities make it perfect for achieving the desired cheese pull when making grilled cheese. Its non-greasy melting abilities allow it to stretch without becoming oily or waxy. This is why it is often paired with a cheese that has a stronger flavour but may not have the same meltability, such as Gruyere or vintage cheddar.
Mozzarella's mild flavour means it can be paired with a wide variety of cheeses. Some popular combinations include mozzarella with Gruyere, vintage cheddar, or gouda. Mozzarella also works well with other cheeses such as Havarti, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack.
When making a grilled cheese sandwich with mozzarella, it is important to use freshly grated cheese instead of pre-shredded or sliced cheese. This is because pre-shredded cheese can contain additives that hinder melting, resulting in a gloopier and rubberier texture. Grating your own cheese will result in a smoother, more even, and softer melt.
In addition to the type of cheese, there are other important factors to consider when making a grilled cheese sandwich. The bread should be thick enough to withstand the weight of the cheese without becoming soggy, but not too thick that the cheese doesn't melt properly. Sourdough is a popular choice for grilled cheese sandwiches due to its tang and sturdiness. Another key ingredient is butter, which should be spread on the outside of the bread to create a golden, buttery crust. Some people also like to add mayonnaise to the outside of the bread, as it helps the sandwich achieve a crisp, browned exterior without drying out the bread.
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Sourdough bread
When selecting the right sourdough bread for your grilled cheese, look for a loaf with a slightly open crumb. This will ensure that the cheese melts through, creating the perfect cheese pull. Most sourdough breads will work, but a classic country loaf is an excellent choice for its balanced tang, chewy interior, and crispy crust. If you're making your own sourdough bread, bake it and let it cool before slicing to achieve the ideal texture. You can also use store-bought bread, including pre-sliced sandwich bread or a whole-grain option like rye sourdough.
To prepare the bread for grilling, butter both sides of each slice, not just the outer sides. This adds flavour and prevents the bread from drying out during cooking, which can cause sticking. You can also spread mayonnaise on the outer sides of the bread, which helps achieve an even, golden brown crust. Mayonnaise has a higher smoke point than butter and won't burn as easily. It adds richness and contributes to the browning process, resulting in a crispy crust. If you're not a fan of mayonnaise, rest assured that you won't taste it in the final product.
When it comes to grilling, use a cast-iron skillet or stainless steel frying pan over medium to medium-low heat. This ensures even cooking and prevents hotspots that can cause bread to brown too quickly. Place the sandwich in the pan and cook for 2-4 minutes per side, keeping an eye on it to prevent burning. If you want an even crispier sandwich, toast the inside of the bread before adding the cheese. Covering the skillet with a lid or foil helps the cheese melt more evenly and prevents burning. For the perfect cheese melt, let the sandwich rest for a couple of minutes after cooking before digging in!
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Freshly grated cheese
When it comes to the type of cheese to grate, the options are endless, but some varieties are better melters than others. For the perfect cheese pull, opt for a semi-hard cheese such as mozzarella, which has excellent melting qualities and a mild flavour. To boost the flavour, pair it with a stronger cheese like vintage cheddar or gruyere. Other flavourful options include gouda, havarti, Monterey Jack, pepper jack, Swiss, fontina, or even blue cheese for a tangy kick. If you're feeling creative, experiment with flavoured cheeses like dill havarti, chipotle havarti, or horseradish havarti for an extra punch of flavour.
For the best melting results, grate your cheese on the large holes of a box grater. This will ensure that the cheese melts evenly and quickly, creating the perfect gooey centre for your sandwich. The key to a great grilled cheese is patience; cook your sandwich over medium-low heat to allow the cheese to melt fully while the bread develops a golden, crispy crust.
With freshly grated cheese, you can create a grilled cheese sandwich that is not only delicious but also has the perfect texture. So, grab a block of cheese and get grating for the ultimate comfort food experience!
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Salted butter
Some recipes suggest spreading mayonnaise on the outside of the bread instead of butter, as it helps the bread brown better and creates a crunchier texture. However, butter is still typically used in these recipes, spread on the inside of the bread. Mayonnaise also adds a richer flavour to the sandwich.
When making grilled cheese, it is important to use a pan on the stove for the best results. A cast-iron skillet or non-stick pan is ideal for achieving an even golden crust. The sandwich should be cooked over medium-low heat to ensure the cheese melts fully and the bread becomes crispy without burning.
For the best grilled cheese, it is recommended to grate your own cheese, as pre-shredded cheese may contain additives that hinder melting. Freshly grated cheese melts more evenly and creates a smoother texture. A combination of two types of cheese is often suggested, with one providing the stretch or melt and the other adding flavour. For example, mozzarella for its stretch and vintage cheddar or Gruyere for flavour.
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American cheese
When making a grilled cheese sandwich, it is recommended to use two types of cheese—one for stretch and one for flavour. Mozzarella is a popular choice for its stretch and non-greasy melting qualities, but it has a very mild flavour. Therefore, it is often combined with a more flavourful cheese such as vintage cheddar or gruyere.
To achieve the perfect grilled cheese, it is important to use the right bread and cooking techniques. Sourdough is a popular choice for its tang and crunch, but regular white bread can also be used, especially for grilled cheese purists. Mayonnaise can be spread on the outside of the bread to help achieve a crisp, golden brown exterior, and butter can be used in the pan. Cooking the sandwich at a low heat ensures that the cheese melts at the same rate as the exterior browns, creating the perfect grilled cheese sandwich.
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Frequently asked questions
There are many great cheese options for grilled cheese, including cheddar, mozzarella, Swiss, gouda, gruyère, Monterey Jack, and pepper jack.
Grated cheese melts quicker and more evenly than sliced cheese, so grated cheese is recommended for grilled cheese.
Sourdough is a popular choice for grilled cheese, but any sliced bread will work as long as the slices are not too thick, thin, soft, or holey.
