Bushra Griffith
Grilled cheese sandwiches are a classic, comforting dish, and a great grilled cheese sandwich is a thing of beauty. The perfect grilled cheese sandwich should have a crisp, golden exterior and a gooey, melty, cheesy middle. While there are many ways to make a grilled cheese sandwich, the basic recipe is simple: butter some bread, add cheese, and grill. However, there are endless ways to adapt this simple recipe to your taste, from the type of bread and cheese you use to adding extra ingredients like vegetables, fruit, or meat.
Characteristics of a grilled cheese sandwich recipe
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Bread | Sourdough, white sandwich bread, brioche, ciabatta, whole-wheat, rye, potato bread, Texas toast, French bread, or any bread that is soft yet sturdy and no more than about 1/2-inch thick |
| Butter | Salted or unsalted butter, softened or melted, with a generous amount on each slice of bread |
| Mayonnaise | Spread a thin layer or a teaspoon on each slice of bread, or use it instead of butter for a crisp, non-greasy texture |
| Cheese | Cheddar, American, mozzarella, Gruyère, Raclette, vintage cheddar, gouda, havarti, Monterey Jack, pepper jack, Swiss, or any cheese that melts well |
| Other ingredients | Sauteed spinach, caramelized onions, chopped steamed broccoli, roasted red peppers, roasted tomatoes, thinly sliced apples, fig jam, pickled red onions, pickled radishes, or jalapeños |
| Cooking method | Cook in a skillet, sandwich press, or panini press, or toast the bread and place it on a rack |
| Serving suggestions | Pair with tomato soup or tomato-based soups and stews, or dip in ketchup |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the right bread
It's important to avoid bread that is too thin or delicate, as it may fall apart in the pan. Bread that is too thick may prevent the cheese from melting properly, and bread that is too soft may get squished by the weight of the cheese. Additionally, bread with large holes may create "cheese escape routes," resulting in a messy sandwich.
For the perfect grilled cheese experience, it is recommended to use freshly baked sourdough bread. The slight tang of sourdough adds a unique flavour to the sandwich. If you don't have sourdough on hand or prefer a more traditional option, regular white sandwich bread will also work well.
When preparing the bread, it is essential to butter both sides generously. This ensures a crispy, buttery exterior and helps the cheese adhere to the bread without sticking to the pan. Some recipes suggest using mayonnaise in addition to, or as a substitute for, butter. Mayonnaise adds a delicate crispness to the sandwich without the greasiness of butter, and it is virtually tasteless. For extra flavour, consider using salted butter.
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Selecting the best cheese
Another popular choice is cheddar, which comes in different varieties like mild, medium, and sharp. Sharp cheddar, in particular, has a distinct sharp and nutty flavour and melts beautifully. It pairs well with other cheeses like Gruyère or raclette, both of which are Alpine-style Swiss cheeses known for their excellent melting qualities and salty, nutty flavours. This combination creates a sandwich with a classic, nostalgic feel but with a touch of complexity.
If you're feeling adventurous, you can experiment with other cheeses like brie, blue cheese, or even cream cheese. These cheeses can add a unique twist to your sandwich, offering different textures and flavours. For a truly indulgent experience, you might consider using multiple cheeses in your grilled sandwich. This could mean combining mozzarella, known for its excellent stretch, with another cheese that packs more flavour, such as Gruyère or vintage cheddar.
While selecting the cheese, it's also important to consider the other ingredients in your sandwich. For example, if you plan to add vegetables like sautéed spinach, caramelised onions, or roasted red peppers, you might want to choose a cheese that complements those flavours. Similarly, if you're serving your grilled cheese sandwich with a side of tomato soup, you might want to choose a cheese that pairs well with those flavours. Ultimately, the best cheese for your grilled sandwich is the one that suits your taste preferences and creates the perfect balance of flavour and texture.
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Butter or mayo?
If you're a traditionalist, you'll want to use butter. A generous amount of butter is key to achieving the perfect grilled cheese sandwich. It encourages the cheese to stick to the bread instead of the pan and gives the sandwich a crispy, buttery exterior. You can use salted or unsalted butter, but some people prefer salted butter as it adds a touch more flavour.
However, if you're looking for a crispy sandwich without the grease, you might want to try using mayonnaise. By spreading a thin layer of mayo on your bread, you can achieve a delicate, crispy bite that's not possible with butter alone. And don't worry, you won't be able to taste the mayo.
Some people even swear by a combination of butter and mayo. They claim that this duo, along with covering the pan while cooking, is the secret to a sandwich with perfectly golden bread and fully melted, gooey cheese.
So, which is it? Butter or mayo? Ultimately, it's up to you and your personal preference. Both options can give you a delicious, crispy grilled cheese sandwich, so why not experiment and see which one you like best?
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Grilling techniques
Grilled cheese sandwiches are a classic, comforting dish, and there are a few techniques to follow to ensure you get the perfect result. Firstly, the bread you use is important. You can use any sliced bread, but it should be soft yet sturdy, around half an inch thick, and not too fresh or it will be too soft. Sourdough is a popular choice, as is white sandwich bread, but you could also use whole wheat, rye, potato bread, brioche, or even ciabatta.
Next, you'll need to choose your cheese. The best cheeses for grilled cheese are those that melt well, such as cheddar, American cheese, mozzarella, gouda, havarti, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack. You can use just one type, but many people prefer to use a combination of two cheeses, such as mozzarella with a flavoured cheese, or a mild cheddar with a sharp cheddar.
When it comes to grilling your sandwich, you can use a skillet, sandwich press, electric griddle, or grill. If using a skillet, you'll need to melt a generous amount of butter in the pan before adding your sandwich. You can also spread butter on the outside of the bread, but this is optional. Covering the pan will help the cheese melt fully. If using a sandwich press, you can simply assemble your sandwich and place it inside, no butter needed. An electric griddle should be heated to 275 degrees before adding your sandwich.
Finally, the cooking time will depend on your heat source and your bread and cheese choices, but generally, you'll need to cook your sandwich for around 2-3 minutes on each side, or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
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Serving suggestions
Grilled cheese sandwiches are a classic comfort food, and there are endless ways to serve and customise them. Here are some serving suggestions to get you started:
Sides and Dips
Grilled cheese sandwiches are delicious on their own, but they can be even better when served with complementary sides and dips. One popular option is to pair the sandwich with a tomato-based soup or stew. The acidity of the tomatoes contrasts beautifully with the richness of the grilled cheese. For a simple yet satisfying combination, try dipping your sandwich into a bowl of warm tomato soup. If you're feeling adventurous, experiment with different types of tomatoes, herbs, and spices in your soup to find your perfect flavour profile.
If you're not in the mood for soup, consider serving your grilled cheese sandwich with a side of crispy, seasoned fries. The crunch of the fries pairs well with the gooey cheese, and the starch helps to balance the richness of the sandwich. For a more indulgent option, try sweet potato fries with a creamy dip, such as a ranch or a spicy mayo.
Salads
If you're looking for something lighter to accompany your grilled cheese, consider a fresh and vibrant salad. A crisp garden salad with leafy greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, and a tangy vinaigrette can help cut through the richness of the sandwich. For a heartier option, try a potato salad or a pasta salad with crunchy vegetables and a creamy dressing.
Pickles and Condiments
Pickles and condiments can add a burst of flavour to your grilled cheese sandwich. Try serving your sandwich with a side of dill pickles, bread and butter pickles, or spicy pickled jalapeños. You can also incorporate pickles into your sandwich by layering in pickled red onions, radishes, or pickled jalapeños. For an extra punch of flavour, spread some mustard on your bread before grilling, or serve your sandwich with a side of ketchup or hot sauce for dipping.
Beverages
When it comes to beverages, there are several options that can complement your grilled cheese sandwich. A cold glass of milk is a classic choice, especially for a more indulgent, comfort food experience. If you're looking for something more adult, a crisp lager or a full-bodied red wine can also pair well with the sandwich's rich, savoury flavours.
These are just a few suggestions to get you started, but the possibilities are endless. Feel free to experiment with different ingredients and combinations to find your perfect grilled cheese sandwich meal!
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Frequently asked questions
You will need bread, butter, and cheese. You can use any type of sliced bread, such as white bread, sourdough, brioche, or ciabatta, but make sure it's not too thick, thin, soft, or holey. For the cheese, you can use any type of cheese that melts well, such as cheddar, American cheese, mozzarella, gouda, or gruyere.
First, butter one side of a slice of bread and place it butter-side down in a hot skillet. Then, add the cheese and place another slice of bread on top, butter-side up. Cook the sandwich until the bottom slice is lightly browned, then flip it over and cook until the other slice of bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
Yes, you can use mayonnaise instead of butter, or a combination of both. Some people prefer mayonnaise because it adds crispness to the sandwich without making it greasy, and it doesn't affect the taste.
Yes, there are many variations and additions you can try. For example, you can add vegetables like spinach, caramelized onions, or roasted tomatoes, or fruit like thinly sliced apples or fig jam. You can also sprinkle Parmesan cheese on the buttered bread before putting it in the skillet, or add pickles like pickled red onions or radishes.
