Andy Montoya
A grilled cheese sandwich is a beloved meal that is incredibly easy to make. The key to a great grilled cheese sandwich is the cheese itself, which should melt and stretch to give the sandwich a precise balance between crunchy and creamy textures. The best melting cheeses tend to be young, high in fat, high in moisture, and low in acid. There are many types of cheese that can be used in grilled cheese sandwiches, including classic American, cheddar, Swiss, mozzarella, and gouda.
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What You'll Learn
Mozzarella, Swiss, and vintage cheddar are great for a cheese pull
For a sandwich with a cheese pull, you need a cheese that melts and stretches. The meltability of cheese depends on the amount of moisture, fat, and acid in the cheese. Young cheeses tend to have higher moisture content and are therefore better melters.
Mozzarella, Swiss, and vintage cheddar are great choices for a cheese pull. Mozzarella, whether fresh or low-moisture, has a very mild flavour and is extremely adaptable. It is known for its non-greasy melting qualities and is the champion of the cheese pull scenario. Swiss cheese, or Swiss Gruyere, has a premium flavour and consistency, and is known to melt smoothly, richly, and fattily. Vintage cheddar is a good melter, but younger cheddars tend to melt better due to their higher moisture content.
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American cheese is a nostalgic, melty classic
American cheese is a processed cheese made by combining multiple cheeses with other dairy products, food colourings, salt, and emulsifiers. It is then extruded into slices. While some may turn their noses up at American cheese, it is a nostalgic, melty classic.
American cheese is a popular choice for grilled cheese sandwiches, providing that tell-tale orange stripe of melted goo. It is also a very adaptable cheese, pairing well with other ingredients such as bacon, onions, and spicy mayo.
American cheese is also a great option for those who want a simple, quick, and easy sandwich. It is a versatile cheese that can be used in a variety of sandwich combinations, from classic grilled cheese to more adventurous creations.
The key to a great grilled cheese sandwich is the cheese's ability to melt and stretch, giving the sandwich a balance of crunchy and creamy textures. American cheese's unbeatable meltability is due to its high moisture and fat content, and low acidity. This makes it ideal for creating that gooey, stretchy, and creamy texture that is so desired in a grilled cheese sandwich.
While some may argue that American cheese is not a "real" cheese due to its processing and low percentage of actual cheese, it is a beloved classic for many. Its nostalgic flavour and texture make it a popular choice, especially for those seeking a comforting and familiar taste.
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Earthy gouda is sweet and melts well
When making a grilled cheese sandwich, it's important to choose a cheese that melts and stretches, providing a balance between crunchy and creamy textures. Young gouda, with its high fat and moisture content and moderate acidity, checks all the boxes. It can be paired with sweet and savoury ingredients, such as jam or honey, or even bacon jam and roasted mushrooms for an umami flavour.
For a simple grilled cheese sandwich, butter your bread and add gouda slices. If you want to get more creative, try using a sturdy bread like sourdough or ciabatta, and add complementary ingredients. For example, you could make a caprese-style grilled cheese with gouda, fresh tomatoes, and pesto. Or, for a more savoury take, pair gouda with slow-roasted tomatoes or artichoke hearts.
If you're feeling adventurous, try mixing different types of cheese in your grilled cheese sandwich. Gouda combines well with other cheeses like mozzarella, which has a mild flavour and a stretchy, non-greasy melt. You can also experiment with adding extras like mustard, sliced apple, or spicy mayo to elevate your grilled cheese sandwich to the next level.
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Yeasty taleggio has a savoury egg custard flavour
Taleggio is a meaty, yeasty cheese with a savoury egg custard flavour. It is a great choice for grilled cheese sandwiches, especially when paired with slow-roasted tomatoes or artichoke hearts for an Italian panini feel. For a more dessert-like option, try spreading fig jam on your sandwich.
Taleggio is a versatile cheese that can be used in a variety of grilled cheese sandwich combinations. Its unique flavour and texture make it a popular choice for those looking for a more sophisticated grilled cheese experience. The key to a perfect grilled cheese sandwich is the cheese itself, which should melt and stretch to give the sandwich a precise balance between crunchy and creamy textures.
The meltability of cheese depends on how easily the protein structures denature, which is influenced by factors such as moisture, fat, and acid content. Young, high-fat, high-moisture, and low-acid cheeses tend to be the best melting cheeses. Taleggio, with its high fat and moisture content, fits these criteria, making it an excellent choice for grilled cheese sandwiches.
When creating a grilled cheese sandwich with taleggio, it is important to consider the type of bread used. Sourdough or Ciabatta are popular choices for their sturdiness and ability to hold up to the melting cheese. Buttering the bread can also add a nice golden crunch to the sandwich.
To enhance the flavour of the taleggio, consider adding complementary ingredients. For a savoury option, slow-roasted tomatoes or artichoke hearts can provide an Italian twist. Alternatively, a smear of fig jam can give the sandwich a more dessert-like feel. Experimenting with different combinations can lead to unique and delicious grilled cheese sandwiches.
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Fontina is nutty and versatile, pairing well with sweet and savoury ingredients
Fontina is a semi-hard, Italian-style cow's milk cheese with a rich and creamy texture and a nutty, buttery flavour. Its flavour is often described as both sweet and pungent, with subtle tones of butter and roasted nuts. When cooked, Fontina becomes gooey and is an excellent melting cheese. Its versatility extends beyond its flavour and texture; it is also an excellent source of protein and calcium.
Fontina's nutty flavour is enhanced when it is paired with fruits like apples, pears, grapes, and apricots. The crispness of an apple and the creamy richness of Fontina offer a perfect balance, creating a delectable duo. The sweetness of the fruit provides a refreshing, mildly sweet contrast to the savoury and creamy flavour of the cheese.
Fontina is also delicious with honey or fruit jams, which provide a fruity contrast to the cheese's savouriness. For a more indulgent treat, pair Fontina with chocolate. The sweetness of the chocolate will complement the subtle sweetness of the cheese, creating a harmonious flavour profile.
In addition to fruit, Fontina pairs well with nuts such as almonds, walnuts, and hazelnuts, which can highlight the nuttiness of the cheese while adding a pleasing crunch. The combination of creamy and crunchy textures with sweet and savoury flavours makes for a delightful sensory experience.
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Frequently asked questions
Some popular cheeses to use in a sandwich are Swiss, Havarti, Fontina, Mozzarella, American, and Cheddar.
Swiss cheese goes well with crusty ciabatta bread and something sweet like jam. You can also add some ham to make it a meal.
Havarti is a very versatile cheese that goes well with sautéed broccoli rabe, sautéed spinach, or artichoke hearts. For a more unique combination, try lobster and avocado.
Fontina is a great cheese to use for a truffle grilled cheese sandwich. Combine it with sautéed mushrooms, truffle oil, and arugula on sourdough bread.
Mozzarella makes a great caprese-style grilled cheese sandwich when paired with fresh tomatoes and pesto.
