Patrick Oconnell
Grilled cheese sandwiches are a staple comfort food, and one of the best combinations for this classic dish is a mix of cheddar and Gruyère cheese. The sharpness of cheddar and the nutty sweetness of Gruyère complement each other perfectly, creating a gooey, melty, and drool-worthy cheese filling. The slight tang of sourdough bread pairs beautifully with the strong, salty umami hit from the Gruyère, making for a flavour bomb in your mouth. To elevate this grilled cheese sandwich, you can add caramelized onions, mustard, rosemary, thyme, or even a drizzle of honey.
Characteristics and Values of Grilled Gruyere Cheese
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Bread | Sourdough, Artisan, Thick-cut, Crust |
| Butter | Unsalted, Savory Rosemary |
| Cheese | Cheddar, Muenster, Swiss, Emmental, Parmesan, Goat Cheese, Mozzarella, Brie, Provolone, Asiago, Manchego |
| Seasoning | Chives, Black Pepper, Thyme, Fresh Herbs, Salt, Sugar, Honey |
| Accompaniments | Caramelized Onions, Mustard, Jam, Beef Bacon |
| Cooking Method | Medium Heat, No Lid, Grated Cheese |
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What You'll Learn
The best bread for grilled gruyere cheese sandwiches
When it comes to grilled cheese sandwiches, the bread you choose is just as important as the cheese itself. While some people prefer the classic, thin-sliced soft white bread, there are many other options to consider, especially when making a grilled Gruyere cheese sandwich.
Sourdough is a popular choice for grilled cheese sandwiches, as its slight tanginess complements the strong, salty, and nutty flavour of Gruyere. Ideally, the sourdough should be made from scratch and allowed to ferment for a day or so before baking to achieve the perfect flavour and texture. However, if you don't have access to a good sourdough loaf, any crusty bread will do. Thick, nutty multigrain bread, for example, can add fibre and extra flavour to your sandwich, and its sturdiness can stand up to a variety of cheeses.
For a more indulgent option, consider using a day-old baguette or ciabatta. The crusty exterior and soft interior of these breads make them perfect for grilled cheese sandwiches. You can also use stale focaccia, slicing it horizontally and stuffing it with Gruyere and your favourite fillings. If you're feeling adventurous, try using cranberry walnut bread, which adds a slight sweetness that pairs well with the savouriness of the cheese.
Ultimately, the best bread for a grilled Gruyere cheese sandwich is a matter of personal preference. Whether you choose a classic sourdough, a hearty multigrain, or something a little more unusual, the key is to ensure your bread is not too thick (which can prevent the cheese from melting properly) or too thin and soft (which can cause it to get squished by the cheese). So, experiment with different breads, find the perfect combination of flavours and textures, and enjoy the ultimate comfort food!
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The best cheese to pair with gruyere
Gruyere is a versatile cheese that can be paired with several other cheeses to create a flavourful dish. The best pairings depend on the age of the Gruyere, as the flavours change as the cheese ages. For instance, a 6-month-old Gruyere has mild flavours of cooked milk, grass, and a slight apple taste, while a 12-month-old Gruyere has more savoury notes of caramelised onions, broth, and roasted meat.
Cheddar
Cheddar and Gruyere are a classic combination for a grilled cheese sandwich. The sharp flavour of cheddar complements the nuttiness of Gruyere, and both cheeses melt beautifully when heated, creating a gooey and crispy sandwich.
White Cheddar
White cheddar is a popular addition to grilled cheese sandwiches that feature Gruyere. The combination of these two cheeses creates an ultra-savoury and gourmet flavour profile.
Muenster
Muenster is a good choice for those who want to add a bit of extra cheese to their grilled Gruyere sandwich. It has a mild, buttery flavour that can enhance the overall creaminess of the dish.
Prosciutto and Pears
While not a cheese, prosciutto is often paired with 12-month-old Gruyere to enhance its savoury notes. The saltiness of the prosciutto is balanced by the fruity, juicy crunch of pears, creating a delicious flavour combination.
Caramelised Onions
Caramelised onions are a popular addition to grilled cheese sandwiches and can be paired with Gruyere. The sweet and savoury onions complement the nuttiness of the Gruyere, creating a complex and flavourful dish.
In addition to these pairings, Gruyere can also be combined with other cheeses such as mozzarella, Emmentaler, or Comte to create unique flavour profiles. Experimenting with different combinations can lead to some delicious discoveries!
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How to get the perfect melt
Grilled cheese sandwiches are a gift from the culinary gods and a true comfort meal. The perfect grilled cheese sandwich has a holy trinity of the perfect melt, gooey cheese, two crisp slices of bread, and the fat that enables all the beautiful browning to occur. The key to getting the perfect melt is to choose a cheese with exceptional melting properties, such as Gruyère, and to use the right cooking technique.
Gruyère is a popular cheese from Switzerland, commonly used in cheese fondue and French onion soup. It is known for its exceptional melting properties, making it a favourite among cheese lovers and chefs alike. The cheese melts beautifully, acquiring a creamy and smooth texture, perfect for grilled cheese sandwiches. Its ability to melt evenly while maintaining its flavour profile makes it an ideal choice for savoury dishes. When melted, Gruyère has a smooth, buttery texture, and its strong, salty umami flavour combines perfectly with sourdough bread.
To get the perfect melt, it is important to start with cheese at room temperature. Shredded cheese will also melt faster and more evenly than other forms, although pre-shredded cheese contains anti-clumping additives that may affect the melt. A good melting cheese will have a smooth, stringy, and buttery consistency when heated. High-moisture cheeses melt better than low-moisture cheeses but may release a lot of excess whey in the process. Aged cheeses, such as Parmesan, melt at much higher temperatures and may become stringy at high heat. Grilling cheeses like Halloumi will soften but hold their shape.
When making a grilled cheese sandwich, it is important to cook the sandwich long enough for the cheese to melt without covering the skillet or pan. Covering the pan may cause the sandwich to steam, resulting in bread that is not as crispy. To get the perfect melt and crispy bread, cook the sandwich over medium heat, flipping occasionally, until golden brown and crispy on both sides. Transfer the sandwich to a cutting board and allow it to rest for a minute before slicing and serving.
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The best toppings for grilled gruyere cheese sandwiches
A grilled cheese sandwich is a culinary masterpiece, and the right toppings can take it to the next level. Here are some of the best toppings to elevate your grilled gruyere cheese sandwiches:
Caramelized Onions
Caramelized onions add a sweet and savoury dimension to your grilled gruyere cheese sandwich. The slow cooking of the onions in butter, olive oil, and fresh herbs like thyme and rosemary gives them a soft, golden brown texture and a rich, sweet flavour. When paired with the salty gruyere, this combination creates a delightful contrast that will tantalize your taste buds.
Chives and Black Pepper
Chives bring a mild onion flavour and a splash of colour to your sandwich. Combined with freshly ground black pepper, they add a subtle spice that enhances the overall taste experience. Blending these ingredients with the cheese in a food processor creates a harmonious fusion of flavours.
Sourdough Bread
While not exactly a topping, the choice of bread is crucial. Sourdough bread, with its slight tang, pairs exceptionally well with the salty, nutty gruyere. Look for a good quality sourdough that's not too thick or thin, ensuring the perfect balance of texture and flavour.
Mayonnaise
Mayonnaise might seem like an unconventional choice, but it's a secret weapon for achieving the ultimate crispiness in your grilled cheese sandwich. Its higher fat and sugar content contribute to a richer golden-brown colour, and it spreads easily without the need for melting. Mayonnaise provides a delightful crunch and enhances the overall flavour of the sandwich.
Extra Cheeses
For an even more decadent sandwich, consider adding extra cheeses like vintage cheddar, white cheddar, or even a slice of Muenster. Each cheese brings its unique characteristics, with cheddar adding a sharp flavour and white cheddar providing an extra gooey factor.
Crispy Bacon
If you're feeling indulgent, add some crispy bacon to your grilled gruyere cheese sandwich. The savoury, smoky flavour of bacon pairs beautifully with the melted gruyere, creating a savoury sensation that's hard to resist.
Feel free to experiment with different combinations of these toppings to create your own ultimate grilled gruyere cheese sandwich!
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The best sides for grilled gruyere cheese sandwiches
Grilled Gruyere cheese sandwiches are a delicious comfort meal, with the salty, nutty Gruyere providing a strong umami flavour. The best sides to accompany grilled Gruyere cheese sandwiches should balance out the richness of the sandwich, and cut through the fat with something acidic, such as:
- Tomato Soup: A classic pairing with grilled cheese sandwiches, the acidity of the tomatoes balances the richness of the sandwich.
- Salad: A crisp, fresh salad with a tangy vinaigrette can cut through the fat of the sandwich, providing a refreshing contrast.
- Pickles: The sourness of pickles can help to refresh the palate between bites of the sandwich.
- Crudites and dip: Crunchy raw vegetables such as carrots, celery, and peppers with a tangy dip such as houmous or tzatziki can provide a fresh, healthy contrast to the grilled sandwich.
- Sliced apples or pears: The natural sweetness and crisp texture of these fruits can provide a refreshing bite between mouthfuls of the sandwich.
- Crisps: For a crunchy, salty contrast to the gooey cheese, a bag of crisps can be a great side to a grilled cheese sandwich.
Grilled Gruyere cheese sandwiches are a delicious and indulgent treat, and these sides can help to elevate the experience and provide a well-rounded meal.
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Frequently asked questions
Grilled gruyere cheese is a sandwich made with bread, butter, and gruyere cheese. It is cooked on a skillet or pan until the cheese melts and the bread turns golden brown and crispy.
Sourdough bread is a popular choice for grilled gruyere cheese sandwiches as it adds extra flavour and crisps up well. However, any type of bread can be used, including artisan bread and thick-cut crusty bread.
While butter is a traditional choice, some recipes suggest using mayonnaise as it is easier to spread, crisps up the bread without feeling greasy, and adds extra flavour.
Cheddar is a popular choice to pair with gruyere as it has a sharper flavour that balances the nuttiness of the gruyere. Other cheeses that can be used include white cheddar, muenster, manchego, asiago, provolone, parmesan, goat cheese, mozzarella, swiss, and brie.
Creative additions to grilled gruyere cheese sandwiches include meats, veggies, jams, and herbs. Caramelized onions, rosemary, thyme, and honey are popular choices that can enhance the flavour and texture of the sandwich.
