Kamil Perry
There are many opinions on the best way to make a grilled cheese sandwich, but one of the most important factors is the heat level. If the heat is too high, the bread will burn before the cheese melts. If it's too low, the bread will become soggy, and the cheese will only half-melt. The type of bread and cheese used will also affect the heat level required. For example, thicker breads like Texas Toast or whole grain breads may require higher heat to melt the cheese without burning the bread. Sharper cheeses like Swiss are also harder to melt and may require a lower heat setting.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of stove | Electric skillet |
| Temperature | 275-300°F |
| Bread | Sliced white, sourdough, Texas Toast, rosemary, garlic herb, ciabatta, focaccia, whole grain, rye, brioche, potato, whole wheat, pumpernickel |
| Butter | 1/2 tablespoon per slice of bread |
| Cheese | American, mild or medium cheddar, Colby Jack, pepper jack, Havarti, mozzarella, Swiss, fontina, gouda, gruyere, Monterey jack, muenster, provolone, smoked gouda, brie |
| Other ingredients | Mayonnaise, mustard, olive oil, chilli oil, coconut oil, Parmesan, pickles, spinach, caramelized onions, broccoli, roasted red peppers, tomatoes, apples, fig jam, red onion |
| Heat | Medium-low |
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What You'll Learn
- Bread type: sliced white, sourdough, Texas Toast, ciabatta, or focaccia
- Cheese type: mild or medium cheddar, Colby Jack, pepper jack, Havarti, mozzarella, or American
- Butter or mayo: butter is traditional, but mayo helps bread brown better
- Temperature: 275°F to 300°F, or medium-low to medium heat
- Cooking time: 15 minutes total, flipping the sandwich halfway through
Bread type: sliced white, sourdough, Texas Toast, ciabatta, or focaccia
When making grilled cheese, the bread type you choose is important. The bread should be thick and sturdy, with a soft-but-hearty texture and even slices of medium thickness. It should also have a tight crumb structure to ensure it crisps up nicely and doesn't absorb too much butter.
Sliced white bread is a popular choice for grilled cheese. It is light, toasts well, and pairs with a variety of cheeses. Sourdough is another great option as its sturdy slices can withstand a long sear in the pan, creating a crunchy texture. Its tangy flavour also adds a nice contrast to the richness of the cheese and butter. Look for country-style sourdoughs with a tighter crumb to prevent cheese from leaking out.
Texas Toast is a thicker option that requires more heat to adequately melt the cheese without burning the bread. Ciabatta is another bread with a similar thickness, which can be used for grilled cheese, but may require adjustments to ensure the cheese melts without burning the bread.
Focaccia can also be used for grilled cheese sandwiches, but its soft texture may result in a less crispy sandwich. If you prefer a softer texture, this could be a good option.
When cooking grilled cheese, it is recommended to use medium heat to ensure the cheese melts and the bread becomes toasted without burning. Adjust the heat as needed, especially when using thicker breads like Texas Toast or ciabatta.
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Cheese type: mild or medium cheddar, Colby Jack, pepper jack, Havarti, mozzarella, or American
Grilled cheese sandwiches are a quick and easy meal that can be made with a variety of cheeses, including mild or medium cheddar, Colby Jack, pepper jack, Havarti, mozzarella, or American. The key to a perfect grilled cheese sandwich is to use good quality bread, softened butter, and room temperature cheese. While the type of cheese used is a matter of personal preference, some cheeses work better than others for grilled cheese sandwiches.
For those who prefer a sharper, nuttier flavor, sharp cheddar is a great option. It melts beautifully and can be combined with other cheeses like Gruyère or raclette, both of which are salty and nutty with a bit of funk. Medium or mild cheddars tend to melt even better than sharper cheddars, so keep that in mind when selecting your cheese.
Colby Jack is another excellent choice for grilled cheese sandwiches due to its top-notch meltiness. It can be combined with other cheeses like sharp cheddar or Gruyère for added flavor and texture. Colby Jack is a semi-soft cheese, so it melts quickly and easily, making it a great option for those who want a stretchy, gooey grilled cheese sandwich.
Pepper Jack is a variety of Jack cheese with a kick of heat. It is a great option for those who like a little spice in their grilled cheese sandwiches. When using Pepper Jack, it is best to grill the sandwich over medium heat to prevent the cheese from burning.
Havarti is a semi-soft cheese that is perfect for plain grilled cheese sandwiches. It is creamy and melts easily, making it a good choice for those who want a classic, simple grilled cheese. When using Havarti, it is important to cook the sandwich over low heat to prevent the bread from burning before the cheese has melted.
Mozzarella is a stretchy, melty cheese that can be used to make a flavorful grilled cheese sandwich when paired with other ingredients like basil and garlic butter. It is important to use a softer bread when making a mozzarella grilled cheese sandwich, as it can stand up to the fillings and easily crisp up in the pan.
American cheese is a classic choice for grilled cheese sandwiches. It is creamy and melts well, making it a popular option for those who want a simple, comforting meal.
In general, it is recommended to cook grilled cheese sandwiches over medium to medium-low heat to allow the cheese to melt fully without burning the bread. The pan should be preheated, and butter or mayonnaise should be used to coat the bottom of the pan and the outside of the bread. The sandwich should be cooked for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
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Butter or mayo: butter is traditional, but mayo helps bread brown better
Grilled cheese sandwiches are a classic, comforting meal. The traditional method uses butter to achieve a golden brown crust, but some cooks prefer to use mayonnaise. So, which is better?
Butter is a solid fat that needs to be softened at room temperature to be easily spreadable. It has a relatively low smoke point, burning between 302 to 350 °F, and can burn quickly, so the timing of browning the butter and toasting the bread needs to be precise. Using salted butter or adding a sprinkle of salt to unsalted butter can accentuate the richness of the butter. Clarified butter or ghee can be used to avoid burning milk solids, but the dairy-forward sweetness of classic butter is lost.
Mayonnaise, on the other hand, is a soft spread that is easy to use straight from the refrigerator. It has a high oil content that promotes even browning and has a high smoke point, so you can take your time to achieve the perfect level of brown on your sandwich. Light mayonnaise should be avoided, as it will steam rather than toast the bread due to its high water content. Mayonnaise also has a more neutral flavour profile, allowing the fillings to shine.
Combining the two spreads is also an option, providing the flavour benefits of butter with the practical appeals of oil. This method can be more time-consuming, as the butter needs to be softened and stirred into the mayonnaise.
Ultimately, the choice between butter and mayonnaise for grilled cheese is a matter of personal preference. If you're looking for a low-effort, high-reward option, mayonnaise is a good choice. But if you prefer the traditional, creamy, nostalgic flavour of butter, it may be worth the extra effort.
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Temperature: 275°F to 300°F, or medium-low to medium heat
Grilled cheese sandwiches are a classic comfort food, and getting the temperature just right is essential to achieving that perfect combination of a crisp, golden exterior and a gooey, melty, cheesy middle.
When cooking grilled cheese, a temperature of 275°F to 300°F is recommended, which corresponds to medium-low to medium heat on a stovetop. This temperature range is ideal for melting the cheese without burning the bread. If using an electric skillet, a temperature of 275°F to 300°F is recommended. For a roomy saute pan, medium-low heat is best.
It's important to note that the type of bread and cheese used can also impact the cooking temperature. Thicker breads, such as Texas Toast, require more heat to adequately melt the cheese without burning the bread. Sharper cheeses, such as Swiss cheese, can be more challenging to melt and may require a lower temperature or a longer cooking time.
To ensure even melting, it is recommended to shred or grate the cheese instead of using pre-sliced cheese. Bringing the cheese to room temperature before cooking can also help it melt faster and more evenly. Additionally, using a lid or a "melting dome" can help trap the heat and promote even melting, especially when using harder or sharper cheeses.
Adjustments can be made during cooking by lowering the heat if the bread is browning too quickly or increasing the heat if the cheese is not melting adequately. With the right temperature and a little patience, you'll be rewarded with a perfect grilled cheese sandwich.
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Cooking time: 15 minutes total, flipping the sandwich halfway through
To make a grilled cheese sandwich, you'll need two slices of bread, about 1 1/2 ounces of cheese (or 2 ounces if you're feeling indulgent), and 2-3 teaspoons of butter. You can also add sauces like mustard or mayonnaise, and spices like rosemary or garlic.
Before you start cooking, take your butter and cheese out of the fridge to let them come to room temperature. This will make them easier to spread and help the cheese melt faster and more evenly. If you're using a harder cheese like cheddar, grate it rather than slicing it—this will also help it melt more easily.
When you're ready to cook, heat a skillet or griddle to medium heat (about 300 degrees Fahrenheit if you're using an electric skillet). If you're using a stovetop, aim for the low side of medium heat. You want to give the cheese enough time to melt and the bread enough time to toast without burning.
Butter one side of each slice of bread. Place your cheese on the unbuttered side of one slice, then top with the other slice, butter-side up. Place the sandwich on the preheated cooking surface and let it cook for about 5 minutes. Then, carefully flip the sandwich with a spatula and cook the other side for another 5 minutes.
After about 15 minutes of cooking over medium-low heat, increase the heat to medium. Flip the sandwich every so often and watch it carefully until the bread is perfectly toasted a golden brown. Then, remove the sandwich from the heat, cut it in half if you like, and enjoy!
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Frequently asked questions
The best temperature for a grilled cheese sandwich is medium heat, around 300 degrees Fahrenheit. This will ensure the cheese melts and the bread is toasted without burning.
Milder cheeses tend to melt better, so a medium or mild cheddar, Colby Jack, Pepper Jack, Havarti, Mozzarella, or American cheese are good options.
Freshly baked bread from a local bakery or grocery store is ideal. Rosemary or garlic herb varieties can add extra flavour.
Around 2-3 teaspoons of butter is enough for a grilled cheese sandwich. Softening the butter first for an even spread, and only buttering the outsides of the bread to achieve a crisp, golden crust without being too greasy.
