Andy Montoya
There are many ways to make a grilled cheese sandwich, but what should you spread on the bread? The most common answer is butter. Some recipes suggest using salted butter, while others recommend unsalted butter. You can melt the butter and spread it on the bread, or you can spread it on the bread and then melt it in the pan. However, some people prefer to use mayonnaise, which can make the sandwich taste richer and help the bread brown better. You can also use olive oil, spraying the outside of the sandwich. If you want to get creative, you can try mustard, labneh (a creamy strained yoghurt spread), or even combine a non-melting cheese like feta with a melting cheese like mozzarella.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of spread | Butter, Mayonnaise, Olive oil, Mustard, Stoneground mustard, Labneh |
| Type of cheese | Cheddar, Mozzarella, Gruyere, Raclette, Gouda, Havarti, Monterey jack, Pepper jack, Fontina, Swiss, Parmesan, Feta, American, Sharp cheddar |
| Type of bread | Sourdough, White sandwich bread |
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What You'll Learn
Butter
When spreading butter on the inside of a grilled cheese sandwich, it is typically spread on one side of each slice of bread, with the buttered sides of the bread facing inward toward the cheese. This helps to create a crisp, golden exterior and a gooey, melty, cheesy middle. Some recipes recommend spreading softened butter on the bread, while others suggest melting the butter in the pan first and then placing the sandwich inside.
When spreading butter on the outside of a grilled cheese sandwich, it can be spread directly onto the bread or melted in the pan first. Spreading butter on the outside of the sandwich helps to create a crispy, golden brown crust. Some recipes recommend sprinkling salt onto the butter to enhance the flavour.
The type of butter used can also vary, with some recipes calling for salted butter, while others suggest unsalted butter. Ultimately, the choice of butter and how it is spread is a matter of personal preference, and grilled cheese sandwiches can be customised to suit individual tastes.
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Mayonnaise
Some people are hesitant to try mayonnaise on their grilled cheese sandwiches, as they think it will make the sandwich taste like mayonnaise. However, many people who have tried it say that the mayonnaise is not detectable and that it makes a better sandwich overall. The sandwich cooks better and has a nicer colour.
If you want to add mayonnaise to your grilled cheese sandwich, you can spread it on the outside of the bread before cooking, or add a dollop after cooking. You can also try using a garlic mayonnaise for extra flavour or spreading tzatziki thinly on the bread.
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Mustard
Dijon mustard is a common choice, adding a subtle tangy flavour to the sandwich. It can be spread on the inside of the sandwich, or on the outside for a crisp, browned exterior. If spreading on the outside, it is recommended to use butter to cook the sandwich.
For those who like a little spice, mustard is a great option as it has a tangy kick. It can also be combined with other sauces or spreads, such as mayonnaise, butter, or pesto, to create a unique flavour profile. Some people also like to add sliced onions or pickles to their mustard grilled cheese sandwiches.
When making a mustard grilled cheese sandwich, it is important to use freshly grated cheese, as it melts more evenly and creates a smoother, softer texture. A combination of two types of cheese is often recommended, such as mozzarella and cheddar, to give the sandwich a stretch and a richer taste.
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Labneh
To make your own labneh, you will need full-fat yoghurt and a clean tea towel or muslin cloth. Simply line a sieve with the cloth, place the sieve over a bowl, and add the yoghurt. Leave this to strain in the fridge for 24 hours, and you will be left with a thick, creamy cheese. You can also add salt to the yoghurt to enhance the flavour.
For an extra indulgent twist, try dipping your labneh grilled cheese sandwich in a thick tomato soup. This combination is a match made in heaven, with the tangy, creamy labneh and the rich, acidic tomato soup. It's the perfect comfort food!
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Cheese
When it comes to grilled cheese sandwiches, the cheese is key. While you can use your favourite cheese or a mix of cheeses, there are a few classic combinations that are popular. One combination is medium cheddar, gouda (smoked or regular) and Havarti. Another is mozzarella for stretch, and another for flavour – Gruyère and vintage cheddar are a great pairing.
For the ultimate melt, grate your own cheese. Pre-grated cheese is coated with anti-caking agents that can prevent it from melting well, resulting in a subpar gloopiness. If you're using softer cheeses, like brie, you'll need to slice them.
For a classic grilled cheese sandwich, you can't go wrong with American cheese or Swiss. If you want to get a little more adventurous, try sharp cheddar, gouda, fontina, Monterey jack, Gruyère, pepper jack, or even brie. Play around to find your perfect combo – the amount of cheese you use will depend on the size of your bread.
If you want to get really fancy, you can make a cheese-crusted grilled cheese. Create a Parmesan cheese crust on one side of the sandwich and a crispy cheddar cheese crust on the other, with lots of melty cheddar on the inside.
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Frequently asked questions
Cheddar, gouda, Havarti, Gruyère, Raclette, Mozzarella, Monterey jack, pepper jack, fontina, Swiss, American, or a combination of these.
Sourdough, Texas toast, or another thick-sliced bread.
You can spread butter, mayonnaise, or a combination of the two on the outside of the sandwich. For the inside, you can spread mustard.
This depends on your heat source and cookware. In a skillet on medium-low heat, cook the sandwich for 2-4 minutes on each side, or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted. In the oven, bake the sandwich at 400˚F for 10 minutes, flipping halfway.
Many people recommend serving grilled cheese sandwiches with tomato soup. You can also dip your sandwich in yellow mustard or serve it with fresh fruit or vegetables on the side.
