Patrick Oconnell
There are many ways to elevate a grilled cheese sandwich beyond the classic combination of buttered bread and cheese. For instance, you could try adding mayonnaise to the outside of the bread to help it crisp up and brown, or spreading the inside of the sandwich with Dijon mustard. You could also experiment with different types of bread, such as sourdough or rye, and different cheeses, such as gouda, gruyère, or a combination of cheeses.
Characteristics and their values
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Bread | Sourdough, White, Whole-wheat, Rye, Potato, Brioche, Texas Toast |
| Butter | Salted, Unsalted |
| Mayonnaise | |
| Cheese | Cheddar, Mozzarella, Gruyère, Raclette, Havarti, Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, Gouda, Swiss, American |
| Others | Dijon Mustard, Tomato Soup |
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Butter and mayo
The Benefits of Butter
Butter is a classic choice for grilled cheese, and for good reason. It adds a rich, creamy flavor that complements the cheese beautifully. When spread on the bread, it helps to create a golden, crispy exterior while keeping the interior soft and tender. Using salted butter can add a nice touch of extra flavor. However, one challenge with butter is that it needs to be at room temperature or softened to be easily spread onto the bread. Otherwise, you risk tearing the bread or ending up with uneven chunks of butter.
The Perks of Mayonnaise
Mayonnaise, an emulsion of oil and acid, brings its own set of advantages to the table. Firstly, it has a higher smoke point than butter, which means it's less likely to burn and can withstand higher temperatures. This gives you more flexibility in the kitchen as you don't have to constantly monitor your sandwich to avoid burning. Mayonnaise also has a neutral flavor profile, allowing the flavors of the cheese and other ingredients to truly shine through. Additionally, its creamy texture makes it easy to spread directly onto the bread, saving you time and effort.
Combining Butter and Mayo: A Match Made in Heaven
Using both butter and mayonnaise together is like a culinary symphony. By spreading mayonnaise on the outside of the sandwich and adding a small amount of butter to the pan, you get the best of both worlds. The mayo helps create an incredibly crispy, golden crust, while the butter adds a touch of rich, creamy flavor. This combination also eliminates the challenge of spreading cold butter, as the mayo takes care of the spreadability, and the butter enhances the overall taste. It's a win-win situation!
The Technique
To execute this masterpiece, start by spreading a generous amount of mayonnaise on the exterior of your sandwich. Then, heat up your skillet or pan and add a small tab of butter. Place your sandwich in the pan, cover it, and cook for a few minutes until the bread is golden and crispy. Flip the sandwich, add more butter if needed, and cook the other side until it reaches the same level of perfection. The result will be a grilled cheese sandwich that's crispy on the outside, gooey and cheesy on the inside, and packed with flavor.
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Sliced or grated cheese
The choice between sliced or grated cheese for your grilled cheese sandwich depends on the type of cheese you are using and the texture you want to achieve. Some cheeses, such as American cheese, are commonly used in sliced form, while other cheeses, like cheddar, are often grated to achieve the best melting consistency.
Sliced cheese
Sliced cheese is convenient and easy to use, especially if you are short on time. It melts reasonably well and can create a nice, gooey texture in your grilled cheese sandwich. Sliced American cheese is a popular choice for grilled cheese sandwiches and is known for its creamy, mild flavour. It pairs well with buttered sourdough or white bread, creating a well-balanced sandwich.
Grated cheese
Grating your own cheese is recommended if you want to achieve the ultimate melt. Pre-shredded cheese from the store often contains anti-caking agents that can prevent it from melting smoothly, resulting in a gloopier texture. Grating your cheese allows you to control the consistency and ensures a smoother, more even melt. Cheddar cheese, for example, is commonly grated for grilled cheese sandwiches as it has excellent melting properties and a sharp, nutty flavour.
Combining sliced and grated cheese
For an even more indulgent grilled cheese sandwich, you can combine sliced and grated cheese. For instance, you could use sliced American cheese with grated cheddar, or mix grated mozzarella with a flavoured cheese like Gruyère or Raclette. This combination creates a sandwich with a gooey, molten centre and a complex flavour profile.
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Bread type
The bread you use for your grilled cheese sandwich can make or break the dish. The type of bread you choose will depend on your personal preference, but there are some key considerations to keep in mind. Firstly, the bread should be soft yet sturdy, with a thickness of around 1/2 inch to ensure even cooking and prevent the sandwich from falling apart.
There are several types of bread that fit this description, including whole wheat, rye, potato bread, brioche, and, of course, the classic choice of white bread. Sourdough is a popular option for grilled cheese sandwiches, as its tang adds a unique flavour to the dish. If you opt for sourdough, it's best to choose a loaf with a normal crust thickness to avoid an overly tough texture. Texas toast is another variety that works well, as its thicker slices can withstand the weight of the cheese and provide a hearty base for the sandwich.
While less conventional, some people also experiment with different types of bread to add their own twist to the classic grilled cheese sandwich. These options may include bread stored in the freezer, which can be thawed ahead of time, or even pre-toasted bread for a crunchier texture.
Ultimately, the choice of bread for your grilled cheese sandwich is versatile, allowing you to customise your sandwich to your liking. Whether you stick with a classic or get creative, the key is to ensure your bread is fresh, soft, and sturdy enough to hold all the delicious melted cheese!
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Cheese type
When it comes to the cheese type for a grilled cheese sandwich, there are several options to choose from. The classic choice is sliced American cheese, which gives you a gorgeous cheese pull and a nostalgic taste. Another classic option is cheddar, which can be used in its sharp, nutty-flavoured sharp variety, or as mild or medium cheddar. You can also use a blend of mild and sharp cheddar to suit your taste. For a more complex flavour, you can combine cheddar with Gruyère or raclette, both of which are types of Alpine-style Swiss cheese known for their excellent melting ability and salty, nutty taste.
If you're looking for a different blend, you can try combining mozzarella with a flavoured cheese, as mozzarella has a very mild flavour and excellent melting qualities. Some popular flavoured cheeses to pair with mozzarella are gouda, which can be used in its smoked variety, and havarti. You can also use Monterey jack, pepper jack, or Swiss cheese. For a more distinct flavour, you can try a combination of mayonnaise and butter on the bread, which adds a rich flavour and helps the sandwich brown beautifully.
While the above combinations are popular choices, you can make a great grilled cheese sandwich with any type of cheese that melts well. This includes other varieties such as fontina and Swiss cheese. Ultimately, the type of cheese you choose for your grilled cheese sandwich depends on your personal preference and taste.
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Serving suggestions
A classic grilled cheese sandwich is a great snack on its own, but you can also serve it with a bowl of creamy tomato soup for dipping. This is a comforting and popular combination.
For a more indulgent grilled cheese, you could try sprinkling some Parmesan cheese on the buttered bread before grilling. You could also add some sliced jalapeños, spinach, or artichoke to the sandwich for a flavour kick.
If you're making a grilled cheese sandwich as part of a larger meal, you could serve it with a hot sandwich, such as a Philly cheesesteak or a crispy chicken sandwich. Alternatively, you could serve it with a bowl of Italian sausage soup or chilli.
Finally, if you're looking for a lighter option, a simple side salad could be a good choice.
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Frequently asked questions
You can use any sliced bread for a grilled cheese sandwich, but the best options are those that are soft yet sturdy and around 1/2-inch thick. Sourdough is a popular choice, but you can also use white bread, whole-wheat, rye, potato bread, or even a brioche loaf.
The best cheeses for grilled cheese sandwiches are those that melt well, such as mozzarella, gouda, havarti, Monterey Jack, pepper jack, Gruyère, raclette, or cheddar. You can use just one type of cheese or a combination of several.
Besides cheese, bread, and butter, you can add mayonnaise, dijon mustard, sliced jalapeños, spinach, artichoke, or pimento to your grilled cheese sandwich.
Grilled cheese sandwiches go well with creamy tomato soup.
