Kamil Perry
Grilling cheese is a fun and versatile way to cook with cheese. It can be done on a grill, in a pan, or even in a sandwich press. There are many types of cheese that can be grilled, including halloumi, panela, and kasseri. Grilled cheese sandwiches are a popular choice, with endless combinations of cheese, bread, and toppings. Some people prefer to use butter or mayonnaise on the outside of the bread to create a crisp, golden exterior. Others experiment with different types of cheese, vegetables, fruits, and sauces to create unique flavour profiles. Grilling cheese can also be done directly on a grill, creating delicious seared crusts. Overall, grilling cheese offers a range of creative culinary possibilities for cheese lovers.
Characteristics of grilling cheese
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cheese type | Halloumi, Grill & Eat Cheese, Bread Cheese, Panela, Kasseri, Mozzarella, Gruyere, Fontina, Gouda, Cheddar, Havarti, Pepper Jack, Provolone, Swiss, American |
| Cooking method | Griddle, skillet, pan, charcoal grill, cast-iron pan, sandwich press, oven, microwave, jaffle maker, air fryer |
| Temperature | Medium heat, 275˚F, 400˚F |
| Time | 3 minutes per side, 5-6 minutes total, 10 minutes |
| Bread type | Sourdough, rye, rosemary chiabata, Texas toast |
| Bread preparation | Spread butter or mayonnaise on the outside of the bread, spread mustard on the inside |
| Add-ins | Spinach, caramelized onions, steamed broccoli, roasted red peppers, roasted tomatoes, apples, fig jam, pickled red onions, pickled radishes, pickled jalapeños, pesto, ham |
| Serving suggestion | With tomato soup or ketchup |
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What You'll Learn
Grilled cheese sandwich recipes
Grilled cheese sandwiches are a classic American dish that has existed since 1920. They are made with buttered and toasted bread with melted cheese inside. While the original recipe used American cheese, you can now commonly find grilled cheese sandwiches with one or more types of cheese. Here are some ideas for grilled cheese sandwiches:
Classic grilled cheese
For this recipe, you will need two slices of bread, butter, and cheese. You can use any type of melting cheese, such as American, Muenster, or Swiss. Spread butter on one side of each slice of bread and place them butter-side down in a hot pan. Divide the cheese evenly between the two slices and cook until the cheese is melted and the bread is golden brown.
Grilled cheese with mayo
Mayonnaise is a popular alternative to butter for grilled cheese sandwiches. It adds crispness and a slight touch of extra flavor. Spread mayonnaise on the outside of the bread and place the slices in a hot pan. Add the cheese and cook until melted.
Grilled cheese with veggies
You can add a variety of vegetables to your grilled cheese sandwich, such as sautéed spinach, caramelized onions, chopped steamed broccoli, roasted red peppers, or roasted tomatoes. Simply add the vegetables to the sandwich before cooking.
Grilled cheese with fruit
For a gourmet twist, try using a mix of Gruyere and brie cheese with thinly sliced apples or a slather of fig jam. You can also add pickled red onions, pickled radishes, or pickled jalapeños for a fun pop of flavor.
Mac and cheese grilled cheese
This unique twist on the classic grilled cheese sandwich involves using two pieces of bread with melted cheese and mac and cheese pasta sandwiched between them.
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Grilling cheese types
Grilling cheese is typically defined as a cheese that holds its shape when cooked directly on an indoor or outdoor grill without the need for a coating of flour or breadcrumbs. While there is no official definition of grilling cheese, there are several types of cheese that are commonly used for grilling and that produce desirable results.
Halloumi is widely considered the king of grilling cheese. This salty, semi-hard cheese is made from a combination of cow's, sheep's, and/or goat's milk. It has a high melting point, allowing it to brown on the grill without melting, which makes it ideal for grilling. Halloumi can be grilled on its own or used in sandwiches, salads, skewers, or wraps.
Kefalotyri is another Greek cheese similar to halloumi, made from sheep's or goat's milk. It is harder and saltier than halloumi, with a high melting point that allows it to be grilled without turning into a gooey mess. Its salty flavour and chewy texture make it a unique and tasty option for grilling.
Grilling Cheese (the actual name!) is a type of cheese commonly found in Central and South American grocery stores. It is manufactured specifically for grilling and has a softer texture than halloumi or kefalotyri. Its mild flavour pairs well with fresh and spicy toppings, making it a versatile option for tacos and other grilled dishes.
In addition to these grilling cheeses, other types of cheese that can be used for grilling include mozzarella, cheddar, gouda, gruyere, fontina, and blue cheese. These cheeses may require a coating of flour or breadcrumbs to prevent melting and can be used in grilled cheese sandwiches or melted on top of dishes.
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Grilled cheese sandwich cooking methods
Grilled cheese sandwiches are a delicious and easy meal to make. Here are some tips and methods to help you achieve the perfect grilled cheese sandwich.
Firstly, choose the right bread. Sourdough is a popular choice due to its tang and thickness, which prevents the bread from becoming too squished. However, any bread will work, as long as it is not too thick, thin, soft, or holey, as these can affect the melting of the cheese.
Next, select your cheese. Good melting cheeses are key to a great grilled cheese sandwich. Popular choices include cheddar, gouda, Gruyere, fontina, Swiss, mozzarella, pepper jack, and Havarti. You can also experiment with different combinations of cheeses to find your favourite blend. Grated cheese tends to melt more evenly than sliced cheese, so consider grating your cheese before adding it to your sandwich.
Now, it's time to assemble your sandwich. Spread mayonnaise or softened butter on the outside of the bread. Mayonnaise will give your sandwich a richer flavour and a more mouthwatering crunch, but be aware that it might make your sandwich taste like mayo. If you prefer, you can use salted butter instead for a more buttery flavour. Add your chosen cheese to one slice of bread, creating a small mound. You can also add other ingredients, such as vegetables, fruits, or pickles, to change it up. Close the sandwich with the other slice of bread, ensuring the buttered or mayo-ed side is facing outwards.
Finally, it's time to cook your sandwich. You can use a pan, skillet, griddle, or sandwich press. Heat your cooking utensil to a medium or medium-low heat. Place your sandwich inside and cook for 3 minutes or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted. If using a griddle, ensure it is heated to 275˚F. Flip the sandwich and cook the other side for another 3 minutes. If the sandwich is browning too quickly, remove it from the heat and allow the pan to cool down before continuing to cook.
Once your sandwich is golden brown and the cheese is melted, transfer it to a cutting board and cut it in half. Enjoy the cheese pull and dig in!
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Grilled cheese sandwich serving suggestions
Grilled cheese sandwiches are a delicious and comforting meal, perfect for a quick lunch or a more indulgent dinner. The key to a great grilled cheese is a combination of crispy, golden bread and a gooey, melted cheese centre. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your grilled cheese sandwich:
Tomato Soup
The classic pairing for a grilled cheese sandwich is tomato soup. The warmth and acidity of the soup complement the rich, crisp sandwich, creating a satisfying meal. For an extra indulgent twist, try dipping your sandwich into the soup!
Mix and Match Cheeses
Experimenting with different cheeses is a great way to elevate your grilled cheese. Try a combination of cheeses for a more complex flavour. For example, a blend of medium cheddar, gouda, and Havarti creates a delicious mix of textures and tastes. You could also try a mix of mozzarella and Gruyere for the perfect cheese pull and a non-greasy melt. For a more pungent flavour, add some blue cheese, or use 100% cheddar for a classic, comforting taste.
Add-Ins
Don't be afraid to add some extra ingredients to your sandwich to take it to the next level. Sliced tomatoes, sautéed spinach, caramelised onions, or roasted red peppers can add a depth of flavour and a nutritional boost. For a gourmet touch, try thinly sliced apples or fig jam with your cheese. Pickles, such as pickled red onions, radishes, or jalapeños, can also add a fun pop of flavour.
Sauce It Up
While the classic combination of butter and bread is delicious, you can experiment with different sauces and spreads. Mayonnaise, for example, can add a rich flavour and help the bread achieve a beautiful golden brown colour. Alternatively, try mustard, pesto, or even a smear of fig jam for a sweet and savoury bite.
Bread Options
The type of bread you use can also make a difference. Sourdough is a popular choice for grilled cheese sandwiches, as it adds a tangy flavour and has a good thickness that prevents the bread from getting too squished. However, any bread can work, as long as it's not too thick (which can prevent the cheese from melting) or too thin and soft (which can lead to a cheesy mess).
With these serving suggestions, you can take your grilled cheese sandwich to the next level and create a meal that's both comforting and delicious!
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Grilled cheese sandwich dipping sauces
Grilled cheese sandwiches are a delicious, comforting meal, and there are many ways to elevate them. One way to do this is to add a dipping sauce. Here are some ideas for grilled cheese sandwich dipping sauces:
Firstly, a classic combination is grilled cheese with tomato soup. The acidity of the tomatoes pairs well with the richness of the cheese, and the soup is perfect for dipping. You can also try a balsamic dipping sauce. To make this, heat vinegar in a saucepan until it is reduced by half, then remove it from the heat and add butter. This sauce will add a tangy, sharp flavour to your sandwich.
If you like spice, Sriracha is a great option for a dipping sauce. Alternatively, you could try ketchup or pesto. For a fruity option, mango chutney is a great choice and will add a sweet, tangy flavour. You could also try peach chutney, or ahi verde, for a herby, fresh taste.
For a more indulgent option, why not try a cheese and sauce combination? For example, sharp cheddar with BBQ sauce, or classic American cheese with tomato soup or puree. If you want something a little sweeter, try pepper jack cheese with apricot jam.
There are many ways to elevate a grilled cheese sandwich, and these sauce options are a great place to start. You can also experiment with different types of cheese, bread, and other additions such as vegetables, fruits, and pickles.
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Frequently asked questions
Grilling cheese is a Greek cheese made from a combination of cow's, sheep's, and/or goat's milk. It is semi-hard and similar to halloumi, but it does not brown as easily. It is relatively bland in flavor and can be grilled or fried.
To grill cheese, brush both sides with olive oil and place on a grill or grill pan. You can also cook it in a skillet on the stove. If cooking in a skillet, melt butter in the pan first and place your bread butter-side down. Stack cheese on one piece of toast and close the sandwich once the bread is golden brown. Continue cooking until the bread is a rich golden brown and the cheese is melted.
In addition to grilling cheese, other good cheeses for grilling include halloumi, panela, bread cheese, and cheese curds. For grilled cheese sandwiches, good melting cheeses like cheddar, gouda, havarti, mozzarella, fontina, and gruyere are popular.
Grilled cheese is often served with tomato soup. You can also add vegetables like onions, spinach, or roasted tomatoes to your grilled cheese sandwich, or experiment with sauces and condiments like mustard, pesto, or fig jam.
