Randy Chandler
A grilled cheese sandwich is a simple yet delicious comfort food. While you can use just about any semi-hard cheese, some cheeses work better than others to achieve a signature gooey cheese pull. The best grilled cheese sandwiches use a combination of cheeses, with one cheese providing the stretch and the other adding flavour. The amount of cheese used depends on the size of the bread.
Characteristics of cheeses that go together for grilled cheese
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of cheeses | 2 or more |
| Cheese types | Mozzarella, Gruyere, Cheddar, Monterey Jack, Gouda, Havarti, Provolone, Fontina, Swiss, American, Brie, Parmesan, Muenster, Smoked Gouda, Tillamook Cheddar, Mozzarella, Raclette |
| Bread type | Sourdough, Texas toast, White bread, Thick-sliced bread |
| Bread thickness | 3/4" to 1" |
| Bread texture | Sturdy, not too thick, thin, soft or holey |
| Spread | Mayonnaise, Butter, Mustard, Pesto, Jam |
| Seasoning | Salt, Pepper |
| Cooking method | Skillet, Pan, Stovetop, Griddle, Broiler/grill, Microwave |
| Cooking temperature | Low |
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What You'll Learn
Mozzarella and Gruyere
When making a grilled cheese sandwich with these two cheeses, it is recommended to shred or grate them yourself, as pre-shredded cheese can contain additives that hinder melting. You can use any type of bread you enjoy, but if you want to add a little extra flavour, opt for sourdough. If you want to take your grilled cheese to the next level, spread the outside of the bread with butter or mayonnaise before grilling to achieve an even crispier crust.
For an extra special touch, try drizzling honey and sprinkling fresh thyme leaves over your grilled cheese sandwich. This will create a delicious salty-sweet combination that is sure to impress. If you're feeling adventurous, you can also experiment with adding other ingredients, such as sliced tomatoes, avocados, caramelized onions, or even a slice of bacon.
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Sharp cheddar and gouda
When making a grilled cheese sandwich with these two cheeses, it is important to consider the type of bread and the cooking technique. Sourdough bread is a popular choice for grilled cheese sandwiches as it provides a crunchy texture and a tangy flavour that complements the cheeses well. To enhance the flavour and texture even further, you can try encrusting the bread with parmesan and mayonnaise before grilling.
To achieve the perfect melt, it is recommended to cook the sandwich at a low heat, allowing the cheese to melt slowly and evenly. This ensures that the bread becomes golden brown and crispy without the cheese turning oily or waxy. Shredding the cheese or using thin slices can also help to achieve the ideal melt.
The combination of sharp cheddar and gouda in a grilled cheese sandwich creates a flavourful and indulgent experience. The sharpness of the cheddar is balanced by the creaminess of the gouda, resulting in a sandwich that is comforting and satisfying. This classic combination is a favourite for a reason, and with the right techniques, it can be elevated to new heights.
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American cheese
When making a grilled cheese sandwich with American cheese, it is recommended to use a slice of white American cheese on four pieces of bread and a slice of yellow American cheese on the other four pieces of bread. The sandwiches are then buttered on both sides and grilled until golden brown.
For a more gourmet feel, you can use smoked American cheese, or pair it with ground black pepper and shredded mozzarella.
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Monterey Jack and cheddar
A combination of Monterey Jack and cheddar is a classic grilled cheese sandwich. Both are melting cheeses with mild flavours and creamy textures, which makes them a perfect match.
When making a grilled cheese sandwich, it is important to get the right texture and flavour from the bread. Sourdough is a good option for a sturdier, crunchier sandwich with a more complex flavour. White bread, on the other hand, is a classic option for a lighter and fluffier interior. To achieve a crispy crust, brush the outside of the bread with mayonnaise or butter before grilling.
For the filling, shredded cheese or thin slices of cheese are recommended to ensure even melting. To prevent the cheese from becoming greasy, toss it with a teaspoon of cornstarch before grilling. In addition to Monterey Jack and cheddar, you can add other cheeses to the sandwich, such as gouda, for extra flavour.
To take your grilled cheese sandwich to the next level, add toppings such as sliced tomatoes, caramelised onions, or roasted red peppers. For a touch of sweetness, add thin slices of apple or pear. If you're feeling adventurous, try spreading whole-grain mustard, basil pesto, or even jam on the inside of the sandwich.
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Brie and cured meats
Brie is a great choice for grilled cheese because it has a low melting point, resulting in a soft and gooey texture. Its subtle flavour also makes it a good base for adding extra ingredients.
When it comes to pairing brie with cured meats, prosciutto or shaved ham are classic choices that complement the cheese's richness. You can also try brie with cured meats such as salami, pepperoni, or chorizo for a more intense flavour. For a heartier sandwich, add some arugula or spinach leaves, which will provide a nice texture contrast and a bit of bitterness to balance the richness of the cheese and meat.
To enhance the flavour even further, consider adding some sweet and savoury elements. A drizzle of honey or a spread of fig jam or blackberry jam can add a touch of sweetness that pairs well with the savoury notes of the cured meats. You can also try adding some sliced apples or pears, which will provide a similar sweet contrast to the savoury flavours.
For the bread, a sturdy variety like sourdough or a crusty loaf is recommended. These options will provide a nice crunch and hold up well to the weight of the ingredients. If you want to take it up a notch, spread the outside of the bread with mayonnaise or butter before grilling to achieve a golden crust.
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Frequently asked questions
Some good combinations include:
- Mozzarella and Gruyere or Raclette
- Mozzarella and a flavoured cheese like vintage cheddar or Gruyere
- Mozzarella and Provolone
- Medium cheddar, gouda, and Havarti
- Sharp cheddar, Monterey Jack, and Gouda
- Sharp cheddar, Gruyere, and Raclette
- American cheese and Swiss
Sourdough is a popular choice for grilled cheese, but any sliced bread should work. If you want a crunchier exterior, go for a crusty loaf like sourdough or Texas toast. If you want a classic grilled cheese, use white bread.
You can add veggies like spinach, caramelized onions, roasted red peppers, or roasted tomatoes. For fruit, thinly sliced apples or pears can add a touch of sweetness. You can also add cured meats like prosciutto or ham, or pickles.
