Andy Montoya
Grilled cheese sandwiches are a simple pleasure and a comfort food classic. But what if you want to mix it up? There are endless ways to riff on the grilled cheese, from swapping butter for mayo to adding jalapeño, onion, or mustard. You can also experiment with different types of cheese, like a combo of sharp cheddar and raclette, or even a five-cheese grilled cheese. If you're feeling really adventurous, try adding pesto, tzatziki sauce, or even ghost pepper jack. And don't forget the classic side of tomato soup for dipping!
Characteristics and their values for grilled cheese sandwiches:
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Bread | Sourdough, white bread, Pullman bread, onion hamburger buns |
| Butter | Irish butter, ghee, olive oil |
| Cheese | American, Swiss, cheddar, mozzarella, havarti, Monterey Jack, pepper jack, Gruyère, raclette, fontina, gouda, blue cheese, brie |
| Sauces | Mayonnaise, dijon mustard, tzatziki, pesto, dill puree |
| Vegetables | Spinach, onions, steamed broccoli, roasted red peppers, roasted tomatoes, arugula, green onions, garlic, pickled jalapeños, pickled red onions, pickled radishes |
| Meat | Pepperoni |
| Fruit | Apples, fig jam |
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Mayonnaise and butter
Butter
Butter is a popular choice for grilled cheese as it has a creamy and decadent texture and a sweet, nutty flavour. It is also said to complement the cheese well. However, it can be more difficult to spread than mayonnaise and may burn more easily.
Mayonnaise
Mayonnaise has become an increasingly popular alternative to butter for grilled cheese sandwiches. It has a similar fat content to butter but is spreadable straight from the fridge. It also has a higher smoke point, which means it can withstand higher temperatures and is less likely to burn. Mayonnaise also has a lighter, tangier flavour than butter, which some people prefer as it means the flavour of the cheese is not overpowered. However, some people dislike the taste of mayonnaise in grilled cheese sandwiches, finding it too tangy.
Combined
Some people have experimented with using both butter and mayonnaise in their grilled cheese sandwiches. One suggestion is to spread mayonnaise on the outside of the bread and butter in the pan. This is said to create a crispy sandwich with a soft inside.
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Mustard and pickled jalapeños
The classic grilled cheese sandwich is a pinnacle of comfort food, and while it is delicious on its own, adding mustard and pickled jalapeños can take it to the next level. This combination adds a kick of spice and a bright, tangy flavour to the rich, oozy cheese. Here's how you can make it:
Ingredients
- Bread (Pullman, white, country-style, or sourdough)
- Butter
- Mayonnaise
- Cheese (American, cheddar, or a combination of both)
- Pickled jalapeños
- Mustard (optional)
Instructions
- Spread mayonnaise on one side of each slice of bread.
- Place the bread, mayonnaise side down, in a skillet.
- Top with cheese, ensuring it stays within the confines of the bread.
- For added spice, create a scallion-jalapeño relish by combining chopped scallions and pickled jalapeños. Spread this relish over the cheese.
- Top with another slice of bread, mayonnaise side up.
- Heat the skillet over medium heat and cook the sandwich until the underside is golden brown, about 4-7 minutes.
- Flip the sandwich and add butter to the skillet if needed.
- Press down gently on the sandwich to encourage even browning and help the cheese melt.
- Cook until the second side is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
- Cut the sandwich diagonally and serve immediately.
Variations
You can also experiment with different types of mustard, such as whole-grain or Dijon, and serve the sandwich with extra mustard on the side for dipping. If you want to make a jalapeño popper grilled cheese, combine cream cheese, sour cream, and pickled jalapeños, and spread this mixture on the bread before adding the cheese. You can even add crushed chips for an extra crunch!
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Roasted vegetables
Roasted Vegetable Grilled Cheese Sandwich
A roasted vegetable grilled cheese sandwich is a delicious and healthy option for a grilled cheese sandwich. This sandwich is a great way to include vegetables in your diet while still enjoying the comfort of a grilled cheese sandwich. Here is a step-by-step guide to making this mouth-watering sandwich.
Ingredients
- Vegetables of your choice (such as broccoli, bell peppers, onions, Brussels sprouts, asparagus, mushrooms, spinach)
- Olive oil
- Dried dill (or fresh dill)
- Salt and pepper
- Bread (sourdough or whole grain)
- Butter
- Cheese (American, cheddar, gouda, dill havarti, or a combination)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables
Chop your chosen vegetables into bite-sized pieces, ensuring that the sizes are relatively uniform to allow for even cooking. If you are using vegetables that take longer to cook, make them slightly smaller than the quicker-cooking vegetables.
Step 2: Season and Roast the Vegetables
Preheat your oven to 400°F (or 425°F if using a recipe with balsamic vinegar). Toss the chopped vegetables with olive oil, dried dill, salt, and pepper. Spread the seasoned vegetables on a baking sheet and roast them in the oven until they are slightly softened.
Step 3: Assemble the Sandwich
Butter one side of each slice of bread. Place the first slice, buttered side down, in a skillet or pan over medium-low heat. Add a layer of cheese, followed by the roasted vegetables. Top with another layer of cheese and the second slice of bread, buttered side up.
Step 4: Grill the Sandwich
Cook the sandwich slowly to allow the cheese to melt without burning the bread. Once the cheese starts to melt, carefully flip the sandwich and cook until the second side is golden brown and the cheese is fully melted.
Tips and Variations
- When choosing cheese, consider a combination of flavours and melting abilities. For example, dill havarti and gouda pair well with roasted vegetables and melt beautifully.
- If you want to add a tangy twist, try using balsamic vinegar in your roasted vegetable grilled cheese sandwich. Drizzle balsamic vinegar over the vegetables before roasting, along with the olive oil and seasonings.
- To achieve the perfect melt, keep an eye on the heat and cook the sandwich slowly. A slower cooking process will allow the cheese to melt evenly without burning the bread.
- For an extra crispy exterior, spread mayonnaise on the outside of the bread before grilling.
- Serve your roasted vegetable grilled cheese sandwich with a side of classic tomato soup for a comforting and satisfying meal.
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Pesto
You can use either homemade or store-bought pesto, but it is recommended to use a reputable brand as the difference in quality is notable. If you are using a pesto that is particularly oily, you can remove some of the oil by gently passing the pesto through a sieve. This will prevent the sandwich from becoming greasy.
To make your own pesto, you can use a food processor to pulse basil, parmesan cheese, olive oil, pine or walnuts, garlic, and salt and pepper. You can also add arugula to the mix.
When constructing the sandwich, it is recommended to spread butter on the outside of the bread and to spread the pesto on the inside, between the cheese, to prevent the bread from becoming soggy. A classic pairing with pesto is mozzarella, but provolone and American cheese are also popular choices. You can also add other ingredients such as sun-dried tomatoes and bacon.
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Sauces
Mayonnaise
Mayonnaise is a popular choice for grilled cheese. It helps to create a crisp, golden exterior and adds a rich flavour. Some people prefer to spread it on the outside of the bread, while others use it inside the sandwich. Mayonnaise has a higher smoke point than butter and contains oil and egg yolks, which contribute to browning. It is a key ingredient in creating a golden, delectable crunch.
Butter
Butter is a classic grilled cheese ingredient and is often used in the pan to create a crispy, golden exterior. Some people also choose to spread it on the bread, either on the inside or outside. Using softened butter on the bread can help achieve a deliciously melty texture.
Mustard
Mustard can add a tangy flavour to your grilled cheese. Dijon mustard is a popular choice, spread on the inside of the bread. You can also experiment with different types of mustard, such as whole grain or powdered mustard.
Pesto
Pesto is another sauce that pairs well with cheese. It can add a burst of flavour to your sandwich, especially when combined with mozzarella and provolone cheese. You can make your own pesto with basil and arugula for a unique touch.
Tzatziki
Although it may sound like an unusual combination, tzatziki sauce can be a refreshing addition to a grilled cheese sandwich. Spread it on top or add it to the middle of the sandwich for a creamy, tangy twist.
Garlic
Garlic is a versatile ingredient that can be added to butter or mayonnaise to create a garlic Parmesan spread. This spread can be slathered on the outside of the bread for a golden, crispy exterior. Alternatively, you can add garlic powder to your sauce of choice for a more subtle garlic flavour.
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Frequently asked questions
Some sauces and spreads to add to a grilled cheese sandwich include mayonnaise, mustard, pesto, tzatziki, and garlic.
Some vegetables you can add to a grilled cheese sandwich include spinach, onions, broccoli, roasted red peppers, roasted tomatoes, arugula, and green onions.
Some meats you can add to a grilled cheese sandwich include pepperoni and bacon.
Some types of cheese that can be used in a grilled cheese sandwich include American, cheddar, Swiss, Gruyère, raclette, fontina, gouda, mozzarella, and havarti.
