Frederic Melton
Grilled cheese sandwiches are a beloved comfort food, but the name is a bit of a misnomer. While they are indeed sandwiches with melted cheese, they are usually made in a skillet or pan, not on an outdoor grill. This has led to some confusion, especially among those in the UK, who sometimes grill their cheese toasties. Nevertheless, the name grilled cheese has stuck, and these sandwiches have become a staple in the US, with various methods and ingredients to make them unique.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| What did the grilled cheese sandwich say to the other | Leave me provolone! |
| Preparation | Bread, butter, and cheese |
| Bread | Thick slices, crusty, chewy, golden-brown |
| Butter | Room temperature, even smear, cultured |
| Cheese | Cheddar, shredded |
| Optional | Mayonnaise, scallions, fig jam, meat |
| Cooking method | Stovetop skillet, oven, grill |
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What You'll Learn
Grilled cheese sandwich recipes
What did one cheese say to the other cheese when he entered his room? "Leave me provolone!"
Now, onto the recipes!
The Classic
The classic grilled cheese sandwich is a simple combination of butter, two slices of bread, and cheese. Grill it open-faced or cook both sides at once. You can use any melting cheese, such as American, Muenster, or Swiss, and a thicker variety of bread, like Texas toast or sourdough.
The Mayo Innovation
Some grilled cheese enthusiasts suggest spreading mayonnaise on the outside of the bread slices, claiming that it adds crispness and a slight touch of extra flavor. You can also try using a combination of butter and mayonnaise.
The Creative Crowd-Pleaser
For those who like to experiment, try adding freshly sliced jalapeños, blackberry or black currant jam, Swiss cheese, and bacon to your sandwich. Or, if you're feeling indulgent, try a melty, gooey Brie topped with spicy jam on a baguette or sourdough bread.
The Hearty Option
For a more filling option, try a Mac and cheese grilled cheese. Simply sandwich melted cheese and macaroni pasta between two slices of bread. You can also add thin slices of onion, meatballs, or marinara sauce for an extra kick of flavor.
The Simple Twist
If you're looking for a simple twist on the classic, try using pimento cheese or cheddar with thinly sliced tomatoes on brown or rye bread. You can also add a bit of seasoning, like chili oil, or grated Parmesan on the outside of the sandwich for an extra crispy texture.
There you have it! Grilled cheese recipes to satisfy a variety of tastes and preferences. Whether you stick to the classic or get creative, don't be afraid to experiment and find your perfect grilled cheese combination.
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Grilled cheese sandwich history
The grilled cheese sandwich is a hot sandwich made by heating slices of cheese between slices of bread with a cooking fat such as butter or mayonnaise on a frying pan, griddle, or sandwich toaster. The sandwich is typically heated until the bread browns and the cheese melts.
Although the exact origin of the grilled cheese sandwich remains a mystery, food historians have noted that humans have been pairing bread with cheese for centuries. Even ancient Roman cookbooks advised combining the two! However, cooking bread and cheese together is a more recent phenomenon. The first dependable reference to a grilled cheese sandwich in print is from 1926, and the sandwich became very popular in the 1920s and 1930s. During the Great Depression, grilled cheese sandwiches were a staple of the American diet as they were inexpensive and provided enough nutrition to get people through tough times. By this time, Kraft had introduced processed cheese in 1916, and sliced bread had been introduced in the 1920s, making grilled cheese sandwiches more accessible. During World War II, the grilled cheese sandwich was a particular favorite of the Allied Armed Forces, and it soon became a regular part of school cafeterias and home cooking.
The grilled cheese sandwich has come a long way since its humble beginnings. Today, it can be found on menus for both delis and five-star restaurants, with innovators experimenting with various breads, cheeses, and additional ingredients such as meat, peppers, tomatoes, or onions. The grilled cheese sandwich remains a beloved comfort food for both kids and adults alike.
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Grilled cheese sandwich toppings
Grilled cheese sandwiches are a classic, comforting meal. While some purists may prefer to stick to the traditional grilled cheese, there are endless possibilities for toppings and additions that can elevate this simple sandwich. Here are some ideas for grilled cheese sandwich toppings to inspire your next creation:
Cheese Variations:
While the classic grilled cheese typically uses American or cheddar cheese, don't be afraid to experiment with different types of cheese. Try using sharp cheddar, gouda, mozzarella, parmesan, pecorino, or even a combination of several cheeses for a unique flavour profile.
Meats:
Adding meat to your grilled cheese can make it more substantial and savoury. Popular options include ham, pepperoni, bacon, or pulled pork. For a unique twist, consider bologna or green olive loaf, or serve your grilled cheese with a fried egg on top.
Fruits and Vegetables:
A slice of tomato is a classic addition to a grilled cheese, providing sweetness and acidity to balance the creaminess of the cheese. You can also try other vegetables like roasted peppers, caramelised onions, or thinly sliced raw onions. For a touch of fruit, add some sliced apple, sautéed pineapple, or even a smear of mango chutney or lime pickle.
Condiments and Seasonings:
Experiment with different condiments and seasonings to elevate your grilled cheese. Pesto, made with parmesan and pecorino, is a perfect pairing with your cheese. You could also try mustard, mayonnaise, or garlic in the form of roasted cloves or toasted garlic powder. For a sweet and tangy kick, spread some bacon onion jam on your sandwich.
Creative Combinations:
Don't be afraid to get creative with your grilled cheese toppings. Try a grilled cheese with pepperoni and mozzarella for an Italian-American twist, or add some sliced pickles and roasted chilies for a spicy, tangy kick. If you're feeling adventurous, experiment with combinations like cilantro lime sauce with avocado and bacon, or strawberry or raspberry jam with white cheese.
So, what did the grilled cheese sandwich say to the other? Well, it might have said, "Leave me provolone!" or perhaps, "Havarti been waited on!" Now, go forth and experiment with these toppings to create your own delicious grilled cheese combinations!
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Grilled cheese sandwich cooking methods
Grilled cheese sandwiches are a delicious and comforting meal, and there are several ways to cook them to perfection. The joke "What did the grilled cheese sandwich say to the other?" could be followed by "Leave me provolone!", but let's focus on the cooking methods to ensure your grilled cheese sandwich is the cheesiest!
Firstly, choose your bread. While white sandwich bread is a popular choice, you can also opt for sourdough, brioche, or even ciabatta. Just ensure the loaf is sturdy enough to handle the heat and won't fall apart.
Now, time for the assembly. Spread butter on one side of each slice of bread. Some recipes suggest adding mayonnaise over the butter for a crispier exterior and a richer flavour. You can also sprinkle garlic powder or Parmesan cheese on the buttered bread for an extra kick of flavour. Next, layer your cheese. Cheddar, American cheese, and Gruyère are popular choices, but feel free to experiment with mozzarella, gouda, havarti, or even blue cheese. If you're feeling adventurous, try a combination of cheeses for a richer taste. You can also add sliced veggies like sautéed spinach, caramelized onions, or roasted tomatoes, or fruit like thinly sliced apples or fig jam.
Once your sandwich is assembled, heat a small skillet or nonstick pan over medium-low heat. You can add butter to the pan to prevent sticking and enhance the golden-brown exterior. Place your sandwich in the pan, cover it, and cook until the bottom is golden-brown and the cheese is partially melted, which should take around 2 to 4 minutes. Then, flip the sandwich and cook the other side until it reaches the same level of golden perfection.
Finally, remove the sandwich from the pan when both sides are browned and the cheese is melted. Slice it into triangles and serve! Grilled cheese sandwiches go well with a variety of sides, but they pair exceptionally well with tomato-based soups and stews. Enjoy your cheesy creation!
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Grilled cheese sandwich-related jokes
Grilled cheese sandwiches are a popular and beloved food item, especially in North America. They are made with melted cheese and toasted bread, often with butter or mayonnaise. While the name suggests grilling, they are typically made in a skillet or pan, and the term "grilled" refers to the style and technique of preparation.
Now, here are some grilled cheese sandwich-related jokes to tickle your funny bone:
- What did the grilled cheese sandwich say to the other sandwich? "Leave me provolone!" A playful pun on the cheese variety, Provolone.
- Why did the grilled cheese sandwich go to the doctor? Because it was feeling a little toasted! Toasting is a term often used to describe browning bread in a toaster or oven.
- How did the grilled cheese sandwich become a spy? It went undercover! A clever play on the word "cover," referring to both the bread covering the cheese and the act of going undercover.
- What did the grilled cheese sandwich say when it won the race? "I was made for this!" A reference to the sandwich's toasty exterior and cheesy interior.
- Why did the grilled cheese sandwich cross the road? To get to the other slice! A slice of bread, that is. A cheesy joke about the sandwich's essential ingredients.
- What do you call a grilled cheese sandwich that is also a detective? The great cheese-tive! A fun combination of "cheese" and "detective," highlighting the sandwich's cheesy goodness.
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Frequently asked questions
Leave me provolone!
Grilled cheese sandwiches became popular in America during the Great Depression and World War II. They were called "toasted cheese sandwiches" or "melted cheese sandwiches" back then. It was only in the 1960s that they started being called "grilled cheese".
The standard way to make a grilled cheese sandwich in America is to use a skillet or pan. The bread is toasted or lightly fried, and the sandwich is made with melted cheese and butter.
