Bushra Griffith
Grilled cheese is a classic, comforting dish that many people have enjoyed since childhood. However, there is an ongoing debate about whether using mayonnaise or butter produces the best results. Some people swear by the traditional method of butter, while others advocate for the use of mayonnaise to achieve a crispier, golden-brown crust without the risk of burning. Mayonnaise has a higher smoke point than butter, which means it can withstand higher temperatures without burning and can lead to a fluffier interior. Additionally, the tangy flavour of mayonnaise can complement the cheese and bread without overwhelming them. On the other hand, butter provides a rich, creamy flavour that pairs well with certain types of cheese. Combining mayonnaise and butter is also an option, providing the benefits of both spreads. Ultimately, the choice between mayonnaise and butter may come down to personal preference, but understanding their unique contributions can help create the perfect grilled cheese sandwich.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Taste | Mayo has a more neutral, light, and tangy flavour profile compared to butter. |
| Burning | Mayo has a higher smoke point than butter and does not burn as easily, reducing the risk of a burnt sandwich. |
| Texture | Mayo creates a crisp, crunchy, and golden brown crust. |
| Preparation | Mayo is more convenient than butter as it is already smooth and spreadable. |
| Time | Mayo reduces preparation time as it eliminates the need to wait for butter to soften. |
| Customization | Mayo can be combined with butter or mixed with shredded cheese or pesto for added flavour. |
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What You'll Learn
Mayo vs. Butter
The Case for Mayo
Mayo has a similar fat content to butter, but it is spreadable straight from the fridge, making it more convenient. Mayo also has a higher smoke point, so it can withstand higher temperatures without burning, giving you more time to achieve the perfect level of brown on your sandwich. This also means you don't have to worry about burning milk solids, which can be an issue when using butter. Mayo has a more neutral flavour profile, allowing the cheese and other fillings to shine. It also adds a tangy flavour to the grilled cheese, which some people enjoy.
The Case for Butter
Butter has a distinct, traditional flavour that many associate with grilled cheese. It provides a nutty fragrance and flavour when browned in the skillet, which is highly desirable for some. Butter also has better coverage, creating a nicer-looking sandwich. It browns more evenly, resulting in a crispier sandwich.
The Combination Approach
Some people have found success by using a combination of both mayo and butter. This approach takes advantage of the flavour benefits of butter and the practical benefits of mayo. One method is to combine equal parts of softened butter and mayo, then spread it on the exterior of the sandwich. Another method is to spread mayo directly on the bread and then place a pat of butter in the pan for added decadence. This combination approach results in a crispy sandwich without the issue of burning butter solids.
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Pros and Cons
Pros of using mayonnaise in grilled cheese
Mayonnaise is a popular alternative to butter in grilled cheese sandwiches. It has a higher smoke point than butter, which means it doesn't burn as easily, allowing you to cook the sandwich over slightly higher heat for a crisp exterior and fluffier interior. It also has a more neutral flavour profile, allowing the flavours of the cheese and other fillings to shine through. Mayonnaise is also more convenient than butter as it is already smooth and spreadable, and it can help create a crunchy texture and a nice tang to the sandwich.
Cons of using mayonnaise in grilled cheese
Some people may not like the idea of using mayonnaise in grilled cheese due to its association with other foods like salads and sandwiches. It may be seen as an unusual or unconventional ingredient for grilled cheese. Additionally, some people may prefer the taste of butter in grilled cheese as it adds a rich, creamy flavour that complements the cheese and bread. Butter also has a slightly salty taste, which can enhance the overall flavour of the sandwich.
Pros of using butter in grilled cheese
Butter has a rich, creamy flavour that can enhance the taste of the grilled cheese sandwich. It also has a slightly salty taste, which can complement the cheese and bread. Butter also has a lower smoke point than mayonnaise, which means it can be used to showcase temperature control skills.
Cons of using butter in grilled cheese
Butter has a lower smoke point, which means it burns more easily and requires more attention during cooking to prevent burning. It also has a stronger flavour that may overpower the taste of the cheese and other fillings.
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Taste
Using mayonnaise in grilled cheese is a popular alternative to butter. Mayonnaise has a higher smoke point than butter, which means it doesn't burn as quickly and can withstand higher temperatures. This makes it a more foolproof option for achieving a golden brown crust without burning the sandwich.
Mayonnaise also has a more neutral flavour profile than butter, which can be advantageous if you want the flavours of the cheese and other fillings to shine through. The light, tangy flavour of mayonnaise complements the cheese and bread without overwhelming their taste.
Some people prefer the taste of butter in grilled cheese, as it adds a rich, creamy, and slightly salty flavour. Butter is also better at masking any "plasticky" flavours from melting American cheese and complements the nutty notes of sharp cheddar.
Combining mayonnaise and butter is another option that offers the best of both worlds. This technique involves spreading a mixture of equal parts mayonnaise and softened butter on the exterior of the sandwich, resulting in a crispy texture without burning.
Additionally, mayonnaise can be mixed with shredded Gruyere or Parmesan or blended with pesto to add extra flavour to the grilled cheese sandwich.
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Recipe
If you want to make a grilled cheese sandwich with mayonnaise, you can follow this recipe.
First, get your ingredients together. You will need two slices of bread (ideally white), two tablespoons of mayonnaise, one tablespoon of butter, and two ounces of cheese. You can use American cheese, cheddar, or a mix of both. If you want to experiment with other cheeses, go for a young, soft, or semi-soft variety like Swiss, Gruyère, or Havarti. You could also add some shredded Gruyere or Parmesan to your mayonnaise, or blend in some pesto for a herbal flavor.
Next, spread one tablespoon of mayonnaise on the non-cut side of each slice of bread. Warm a small skillet over medium heat and add half a tablespoon of butter. Once the butter has melted, place one slice of bread in the skillet, mayonnaise side down. Top with your chosen cheese and season with black pepper.
Place the second slice of bread on top, mayonnaise side up. When the underside is golden brown (after about four minutes), turn the sandwich and add the remaining butter to the skillet. Press down on the sandwich gently to encourage even browning and help the cheese melt. Cook until the second side is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
Finally, cut the sandwich diagonally and serve immediately. Grilled cheese sandwiches go well with tomato soup.
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Celebrity Endorsements
Kylie Jenner, Chrissy Teigen, Antoni Porowski, and Joanna Gaines are some celebrities who have shared their grilled cheese recipes with their fans. Gaines, in particular, has received praise for her double-layer cheese sandwich, which features a combination of savory Gruyere and buttery leeks on country-loaf bread. Porowski, known for his role on "Queer Eye," also offers a unique take on the grilled cheese sandwich, although the specific steps to his recipe remain a mystery.
These celebrities have not only shared their love for grilled cheese but have also showcased their creativity in the kitchen. Their influence can inspire their fans to experiment with different ingredients and elevate the simple grilled cheese sandwich into a more sophisticated culinary experience.
While some celebrities promote specific recipes, others simply express their love for cheese and grilled cheese sandwiches. For example, Taylor Swift and Jimmy Kimmel are known cheese enthusiasts, and it wouldn't be surprising if they enjoy a good grilled cheese now and then.
Now, let's talk about the role of mayonnaise in grilled cheese. Some people may be hesitant to use mayonnaise instead of butter, but several testimonials suggest that it creates a beautifully browned and crunchy texture on the outside of the sandwich. The mayonnaise itself is not detectable, but it lends a nice tang to the grilled cheese.
Although some celebrities have not specifically endorsed the use of mayonnaise in grilled cheese, their general affinity for mayonnaise or unique mayonnaise-based recipes may imply an indirect endorsement. For instance, Guy Fieri, known for his "Donkey Sauce," which is just aioli or mayonnaise with some added ingredients, has referred to mayonnaise as "Food Lube." Celebrities like Blake Lively and the Kardashian sisters have also shared some interesting uses for mayonnaise, though these may not be directly related to grilled cheese.
In conclusion, while there may not be explicit celebrity endorsements for the use of mayonnaise in grilled cheese sandwiches, the combination of celebrities' love for cheese, grilled cheese sandwiches, and in some cases, mayonnaise, creates an opportunity for promoting this unique twist on a classic dish. By associating celebrities with the trend of using mayonnaise in grilled cheese, it may spark curiosity and encourage people to give it a try.
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Frequently asked questions
Mayo is less likely to burn than butter, as it has a higher smoke point. This means you can cook your sandwich over slightly higher heat to achieve a crisp exterior and fluffier interior without burning the bread. Mayo also has a more neutral flavour profile, allowing the flavours of the cheese and other fillings to shine.
Simply spread mayo on the outside of your sandwich before placing it in the pan. You can also experiment with adding shredded Gruyere or Parmesan to your mayonnaise, or blending in some pesto for a bright herbal flavour.
No, light mayo has a higher water content and will steam your bread rather than toast it. Be sure to use full-fat, traditional mayo.
This is a matter of personal preference. Some people prefer the taste of butter, while others prefer the convenience and crispy texture that mayo lends to a grilled cheese sandwich. You can also combine the two by mixing equal parts mayo and softened butter, or spreading mayo on your bread and adding a pat of butter to the pan.
