Frederic Melton
There are many ways to make a cheese sandwich, and many opinions on the best way to do so. A cheese sandwich can be grilled, toasted, or served cold. The type of bread, cheese, and additional ingredients can vary depending on personal preference. Some people prefer to use butter, mayonnaise, or another spread on their bread, while others like to add extra ingredients such as crisps, tomatoes, or spices. The cheese used can be a single variety or a combination of cheeses, and it can be sliced, grated, or shaved. The sandwich can be cooked in a pan, oven, or toaster, and the cooking time and temperature will depend on the specific ingredients and equipment used.
Characteristics of a Cheese Sandwich
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Bread | Sourdough, wheat, white, rye, Texas toast, French bread |
| Butter | Salted, unsalted, mayonnaise |
| Cheese | Cheddar, Red Leicester, Double Gloucester, White Cheshire, Shropshire Red, Gruyère, Gouda, Havarti, Monterey Jack, Mozzarella, Muenster, Pepper Jack, Fontina, Swiss, Sharp Cheddar, American |
| Other fillings | Crisps, tomato, nutmeg, black pepper, oregano, red chilli flakes, thyme, basil, dill, pickled jalapeños, garlic salt, colby jack cheese |
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What You'll Learn
- Bread: Sourdough, soft sandwich bread, Texas toast, or French bread
- Butter: Salted or unsalted, Lurpak, or mayonnaise instead
- Cheese: Cheddar, Red Leicester, Gruyère, Monterey Jack, Mozzarella, or multiple
- Seasonings: Black pepper, oregano, red chilli flakes, nutmeg, or fresh herbs
- Extras: Crisps, tomato, jalapeños, or onion
Bread: Sourdough, soft sandwich bread, Texas toast, or French bread
When it comes to the bread for your cheese sandwich, there are several options to choose from, each with its own unique characteristics and appeal. Here are some popular choices:
Sourdough
Sourdough bread is a terrific option for a cheese sandwich, offering a slightly tangy flavour and a chewy texture. Its thick slices provide a sturdy base for the sandwich, ensuring the cheese doesn't overwhelm the bread. Sourdough also toasts well, resulting in a crispy exterior and a soft interior. It pairs particularly well with sharper cheeses like cheddar or gouda, enhancing their flavour.
Soft Sandwich Bread
If you're looking for a more traditional and nostalgic option, soft sandwich bread is the way to go. This type of bread is soft and fluffy, often sticking to the roof of your mouth—a characteristic that some find comforting. It's perfect for a simple, no-fuss cheese sandwich. Soft sandwich bread is versatile and can be paired with various cheeses, from mild cheddar to more adventurous options like mozzarella or Havarti.
Texas Toast
Texas toast is a thicker-sliced bread, making it ideal for a hearty and indulgent cheese sandwich. Its thickness provides a generous bite and ensures the sandwich feels substantial. Texas toast is well-suited for grilled cheese sandwiches, as it can withstand the heat and melting cheese without becoming soggy. It's a popular choice for those who prefer a more robust and filling sandwich experience.
French Bread
French bread, with its crispy crust and airy interior, adds a certain je ne sais quoi to a cheese sandwich. It's an excellent choice for those who want a lighter, more delicate sandwich. French bread toasts beautifully, creating a crunchy exterior that contrasts perfectly with the melted cheese. This type of bread works well with creamy cheeses like Brie or Camembert, adding a touch of sophistication to your sandwich.
Ultimately, the choice of bread depends on your personal preference and the overall experience you're aiming for. Each type of bread offers a unique texture, flavour, and aesthetic to your cheese sandwich, allowing you to create a truly customised and satisfying meal.
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Butter: Salted or unsalted, Lurpak, or mayonnaise instead
When making a cheese sandwich, the type of butter you use is a matter of personal preference. Some recipes recommend salted butter, specifically Lurpak. However, others suggest using unsalted butter. Ultimately, the choice between salted and unsalted butter depends on your taste preference and the other ingredients in your sandwich. For example, if you are using a salty cheese or adding crisps to your sandwich, you may prefer to use unsalted butter to balance the flavours.
If you want to skip butter altogether, you can use mayonnaise instead. Mayonnaise can be spread on the outside of the bread and cooked in a pan or sandwich press. It gives the sandwich a superior flavour and crust. However, it is important to lower the pan temperature when using mayonnaise to prevent burning. Additionally, some people believe that using mayonnaise makes the sandwich taste too much like mayonnaise, so you may want to consider this before deciding how much to use.
The amount of butter or mayonnaise you use will depend on your personal preference and the size and shape of your bread. Some recipes suggest using a generous amount, while others recommend a thinner layer. Ultimately, you should use enough to create a crispy exterior and prevent the cheese from sticking to the pan.
When making a grilled cheese sandwich, you can also add butter to the pan to toast the bread and prevent sticking. This technique involves melting butter in a hot pan and spreading it with a spatula before adding the bread slices. You can also smear softened butter directly onto the bread slices before placing them in the pan.
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Cheese: Cheddar, Red Leicester, Gruyère, Monterey Jack, Mozzarella, or multiple
There are many types of cheese that can be used in a cheese sandwich, including Cheddar, Red Leicester, Gruyère, Monterey Jack, and Mozzarella.
Cheddar is a popular choice for sandwiches and can be paired with avocado, chorizo, eggs, and sourdough bread. It is also a key ingredient in macaroni and cheese.
Red Leicester, similar to Cheddar but with a crumbly texture, is typically aged for 6 to 9 months. It has a slightly sweet, mellow flavour that becomes stronger as it matures.
Gruyère is a type of Swiss cheese that can be used in grilled cheese sandwiches. It pairs well with a tiny sprinkle of nutmeg, salt, and pepper.
Monterey Jack is a mild, fresh-tasting cheese that can be used in sandwiches, casseroles, and tacos. It complements shrimp and can be served over pasta or rice.
Mozzarella is a popular choice for grilled cheese sandwiches, especially when paired with fresh tomatoes, roasted red peppers, and walnut pesto on sourdough bread.
Feel free to experiment with different combinations of these cheeses and add your favourite sandwich ingredients to create your perfect cheese sandwich!
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Seasonings: Black pepper, oregano, red chilli flakes, nutmeg, or fresh herbs
Seasonings are a great way to elevate a simple cheese sandwich. Black pepper, oregano, red chilli flakes, and nutmeg are all excellent options to add a kick of flavour. When it comes to black pepper, a generous amount can be stacked on top of a tomato slice placed in the middle of the cheese. This not only adds flavour but also creates a delightful texture contrast. Oregano, a versatile herb, pairs well with various cheeses and can be sprinkled on the sandwich to add an earthy, aromatic touch. For those who enjoy a spicy kick, red chilli flakes will bring a nice punch of heat to the sandwich. Additionally, a tiny sprinkle of nutmeg can be combined with salt and pepper to create a unique blend of spices that complement the cheese.
Fresh herbs are another way to enhance the flavour of a cheese sandwich. Basil, for instance, pairs beautifully with mozzarella, creating a refreshing taste experience. Thyme is another herb that goes well with cheddar, offering a subtle yet distinctive flavour. Fresh dill, when combined with Havarti cheese, provides a delightful combination. Oregano and provolone is another winning duo, adding a distinct aroma and taste to the sandwich.
When it comes to cheese selection, the classic choice is cheddar, which can be either mature or mild. Red Leicester is also a popular option, as it adds a pop of colour and a slightly different flavour profile. For those feeling adventurous, a combination of cheddar and Red Leicester or other British hard cheeses like Double Gloucester, White Cheshire, or Shropshire Red can be considered.
While butter is the traditional choice for grilled cheese sandwiches, some prefer mayonnaise, which adds a unique flavour and a crisp crust. However, it's essential to lower the pan temperature when using mayonnaise to prevent burning. Additionally, a combination of softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, garlic salt, and shredded Colby Jack cheese can be used as a spread for a nuanced flavour profile.
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Extras: Crisps, tomato, jalapeños, or onion
A cheese sandwich is a versatile meal that can be customised with a variety of toppings and extras. Here are some ideas for adding crisps, tomatoes, jalapeños, or onions to your cheese sandwich:
Crisps
Adding crisps to a cheese sandwich is a popular choice, especially in the UK. The crispiness of the crisps provides a satisfying texture contrast to the softness of the bread and cheese. When choosing crisps for your sandwich, consider plain or salted varieties. In terms of flavour, ready-salted crisps are a favourite, but you can also experiment with other flavours like cheese and onion crisps or even more adventurous options. Just be mindful of avoiding strong flavours like Marmite, Worcester sauce, or pickled onion, as these may overpower the taste of the cheese.
Tomatoes
Tomatoes can be a refreshing and tasty addition to a cheese sandwich. They provide a juicy contrast to the melted cheese and can be used in a variety of ways. Try sliced tomatoes for a simple approach, or get creative with sun-dried tomatoes for a more intense flavour. You could even pair your cheese sandwich with a side of roasted tomato soup for a comforting meal.
Jalapeños
For those who enjoy a spicy kick, jalapeños are a fantastic extra to include in your cheese sandwich. Fresh jalapeño slices add a crunchy texture and a spicy flavour that pairs well with the cheese. If you prefer a milder heat, you can use pickled jalapeño peppers, or even replace them with pepperoni slices. For an extra spicy punch, sprinkle some red pepper flakes on top.
Onion
Onions are a classic pairing with cheese in sandwiches. They add a pungent kick and a crunchy texture, especially when used in combination with spring onions. Finely diced red onions are a popular choice, but you can also experiment with different types of onions to find your preferred flavour. If you're feeling creative, you can even make your own cheesy onion crisps to add to your sandwich or enjoy as a side snack.
These are just a few ideas to enhance your cheese sandwich with crisps, tomatoes, jalapeños, or onions. Feel free to experiment with different combinations to find your favourite flavour profiles and textures.
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Frequently asked questions
You can use any type of bread for a cheese sandwich. However, if you're making a grilled cheese sandwich, a thicker sliced bread like Texas toast or sourdough is recommended.
The classic option is cheddar, but you can also use Red Leicester, Double Gloucester, White Cheshire, or Shropshire Red. If you're making a grilled cheese sandwich, a combination of sliced medium cheddar, gouda, and Havarti cheese is recommended.
You can add butter, mayonnaise, crisps, black pepper, red chilli flakes, oregano, basil, thyme, or fresh dill to a cheese sandwich. If you're making a grilled cheese sandwich, you can also add jalapeños, onion, or garlic salt.
