Randy Chandler
Grilled cheese is a classic American sandwich that has been around since 1920. It is traditionally made with buttered and toasted bread and filled with American cheese. However, there are many variations of grilled cheese sandwiches, and you can use different types of bread, cheese, and additional ingredients to suit your taste preferences. In this article, we will explore the different ingredients and methods you can use to make the perfect grilled cheese sandwich. We will also provide tips and tricks for achieving the ideal balance of crispy, buttery bread and melted, gooey cheese.
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the right bread
It is important to note that the bread should not be too thick, as this may prevent the cheese from melting evenly. Similarly, bread that is too thin or too soft may become soggy and squished by the weight of the cheese. A good rule of thumb is to choose a bread that is between 3/4" to 1" thick. This will ensure that the sandwich has a crispy exterior without compromising the melting of the cheese.
When preparing the bread for a grilled cheese sandwich, it is common to butter one side and place it butter-side down on a hot skillet or non-stick pan. This helps to create a crispy, golden-brown exterior. Some recipes also suggest spreading mayonnaise on the outside of the bread, as it enhances browning and adds a rich flavour. Alternatively, olive oil or softened butter can be used for a similar effect.
The type of bread chosen can also depend on personal preference and the desired flavour profile of the sandwich. For a more indulgent option, brioche or ciabatta can be used. These breads have a richer, more buttery flavour that can elevate the grilled cheese sandwich. However, it is important to ensure that the bread is not too delicate or flaky, as it needs to hold up to the melting cheese and grilling process.
Lastly, it is worth mentioning that while the choice of bread is important, the success of a grilled cheese sandwich also relies on the combination of cheese, butter, and other ingredients. Experimenting with different types of bread and cheeses can lead to unique and delicious flavour profiles. Ultimately, the key to choosing the right bread is to ensure it complements the other ingredients and creates a harmonious grilled cheese sandwich.
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Selecting the best cheese
First, it is important to choose a cheese that melts well. Dry, crumbly, and fresh cheeses like goat cheese, as well as overly aged cheeses like Parmesan or hard pecorino, don't melt properly and are therefore less suitable for grilled cheese sandwiches. Instead, opt for cheeses with good melting characteristics, such as classic American, young cheddar, Swiss-style cheeses like Gruyère or its French cousin Comté, or young Italian and French cheeses like Taleggio or Brie. These cheeses will create that desirable gooey, melted cheese texture inside your sandwich.
Another factor to consider is the flavour of the cheese. This depends entirely on your personal preference and the other ingredients you plan to use. If you want a classic grilled cheese sandwich, American cheese or cheddar are popular choices. For a more complex flavour profile, you can experiment with different combinations of cheeses. Some popular combinations include medium cheddar, gouda, and Havarti; mozzarella and feta; or fontina with Parmesan. Adding a second cheese can give your sandwich a richer taste.
The type of bread you use can also influence your cheese choice. For example, thicker-sliced bread, such as Texas toast, may require a heartier cheese that can stand up to the thicker bread. On the other hand, if you're using a softer bread, you might want to choose a softer cheese like Brie, which can be easily sliced and melted.
Lastly, consider the other ingredients you plan to include in your sandwich. If you're adding fruits or jams, you might want to choose a milder cheese that won't overpower the sweetness of those ingredients. If you're adding vegetables or spices, you might opt for a cheese with a stronger flavour that can stand up to those bolder flavours.
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Butter, mayo, or oil?
Let's start with butter. Butter is the traditional choice for grilled cheese, and for good reason. It adds a creamy, nostalgic flavour to the sandwich and helps to create a golden, buttery crust. However, butter has its drawbacks. Firstly, it burns quickly, which can lead to a barely toasted cheese melt or, worse, a burnt sandwich. Secondly, it needs to be softened before spreading, which can be time-consuming. Finally, some find that butter's richness can feel heavy and overpower the other flavours in the sandwich.
Now, let's consider mayo. Mayonnaise has gained popularity as a secret ingredient for grilled cheese sandwiches, with celebrities like Joanna Gaines, Antoni Porowski, and Martha Stewart swearing by it. The main benefit of mayo is its high smoke point. Unlike butter, mayo is an oil-based fat that can withstand high temperatures without burning, giving you more time to achieve the perfect level of browning. Mayo is also more convenient than butter as it is already soft and spreadable, and you tend to need less of it to achieve the same results. Additionally, mayo has a more neutral flavour profile, allowing the cheese and other fillings to shine.
Combining butter and mayo is also an option. This technique, known as "cooking with oil and butter," aims to combine the flavour benefits of butter with the practical appeals of oil. To do this, simply mix equal parts mayo and softened butter, then spread it on the exterior of your sandwich. This method can be more time-consuming than using mayo or butter alone, but it can result in a crisp, golden sandwich without the worry of burning.
Finally, while not technically butter, mayo, or oil, some people choose to use olive oil for their grilled cheese sandwiches. This can be sprayed or brushed onto the outside of the bread and is often paired with a sprinkling of salt.
So, which is the best choice? The answer may depend on your personal preferences and how much time you want to spend making your sandwich. If you're looking for a low-effort, high-reward option, mayo is a good choice. If you prefer the traditional flavour of butter, you can use it on its own or combine it with mayo for the best of both worlds.
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Condiments and extras
There are many ways to elevate a grilled cheese sandwich with condiments and extra ingredients. Jams, chutneys, and other condiments that go well with a cheese plate will also work well in a grilled cheese. Sweet and tangy jams like guava paste, cranberry relish, or fig jam are great options. Red pepper jelly, olive tapenade, honeycomb (especially with blue cheese), ketchup, grainy mustard, apricot preserves, strawberry or raspberry preserves, orange marmalade, sliced preserved lemons, and sriracha can also be used. For something more unusual, try crushed-up pretzels or potato chips, or even crushed-up Cheez-Its. Melted milk chocolate or Nutella are also options, especially when paired with Brie.
If you want to stick to more savoury options, you could add fresh herbs, fruits, and vegetables. Fresh, juicy vegetables with a distinctive sweet or tart flavor are ideal. Sliced tomatoes, figs, tart apples like Granny Smiths, pears, grapes, or even kiwi can be added. Hot peppers like serrano, jalapeño, or habanero can be used, as well as avocado, fresh basil leaves, chopped tarragon, or rosemary. Dried fruits like cranberries, raisins, currants, or prunes can also be added—to get extra fancy, soak them in sweetened brandy first.
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Cooking methods
There are several ways to cook a grilled cheese sandwich. The most common method is to use a non-stick pan on a stove. You can also use a skillet, a griddle, a sandwich toaster, a jaffle maker, a broiler/grill, or a microwave.
When using a non-stick pan, heat it to a low to medium-low heat. Add butter to the pan and let it melt. You can also use mayonnaise or olive oil instead of butter. Some recipes call for spreading butter, mayonnaise, or olive oil on the bread instead of adding it to the pan.
Once the butter in the pan has melted, add your bread slices. Most recipes call for two slices of bread, but you can add more if desired. It is important to choose a type of bread that can handle the heat. Thicker-sliced bread, such as Texas toast, works well. Sourdough is also a popular choice, but any type of bread can be used as long as it is not too thick, too thin, too soft, or too holey.
After adding the bread to the pan, stack cheese on top of one of the slices. Any type of cheese that melts well can be used, such as mozzarella, havarti, Monterey Jack, pepper jack, Gruyere, fontina, Swiss, or American. You can also use a combination of cheeses for a richer taste. If using a softer cheese like brie, it is best to slice it rather than grate it. Once the cheese is stacked, cover it with the other slice of bread and flip the sandwich over.
Cook the sandwich for a total of 6-7 minutes, flipping once, until both sides are golden brown and the cheese is melted. If the bread is browning too quickly, lower the heat.
Once the sandwich is cooked to your liking, transfer it to a cutting board and cut it in half. Serve immediately.
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Frequently asked questions
You can use any sliced bread, but it shouldn't be too thick, thin, or soft. Thick bread may prevent the cheese from melting, while thin or soft bread may become soggy. Sourdough, brioche, ciabatta, and Texas toast are popular choices.
You should use a cheese with good melting characteristics, such as American, cheddar, gouda, mozzarella, Gruyère, or fontina. Dry, crumbly, or overly aged cheeses like Parmesan or goat cheese won't melt properly.
You'll need butter or mayonnaise to spread on the outside of the bread for added flavour and to help the bread brown. You can also add condiments like mustard, chutney, or jam, as well as vegetables or fruits.
