Andy Montoya
There are many ways to make a grilled cheese sandwich, but what's the best method? The Kitchn decided to find out by trying four popular recipes from A Cozy Kitchen, Cookie & Kate, Natasha's Kitchen, and Taste of Home. The Taste of Home recipe included five types of cheese, while Natasha's Kitchen's recipe called for sliced cheese and a lot of butter. Cookie & Kate's recipe included Dijon mustard and green onions. The Kitchn also tried different fats to see which one created the ultimate grilled cheese, and found that a combination of butter and mayonnaise worked best. The air fryer was also recommended for achieving crispy bread and gooey cheese.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Best cheese for a classic grilled cheese sandwich | Sliced American cheese |
| Best cooking fat for grilled cheese | Butter and mayonnaise |
| Best grilled cheese recipe | Taste of Home's Best Ever Grilled Cheese |
| Best air fryer grilled cheese | Sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack |
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What You'll Learn
Taste of Home's 5-Cheese Grilled Cheese
When making this sandwich, it is important to consider the type of bread, cheese, fat, pan, and cooking time. Classic white bread is perfect for grilled cheese sandwiches, but other options include pumpernickel or brioche. For the fat, salted butter gives the sandwich a flavour boost and helps to achieve a crispy, golden surface. It is also important to ensure that the butter is easily spreadable so that it does not tear the soft bread.
To make the sandwich, start by spreading the butter on the outside of the bread. Then, assemble the sandwich by layering the five cheeses inside. Place the sandwich in a preheated pan or skillet and cover with a lid to help the cheese melt faster and prevent the outside from charring. Cook the sandwich for 5 to 6 minutes per side, or until the cheese is melted and the bread is toasted to your liking.
Some reviewers of this recipe found that the cooking time was too long, resulting in hard and charred bread. They suggested covering the skillet with a lid and adding more butter to the skillet between batches to help prevent this issue.
Overall, while Taste of Home's 5-Cheese Grilled Cheese may not have lived up to the hype for some, it is certainly a decadent and indulgent take on the classic grilled cheese sandwich.
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Natasha's Kitchen's Ultimate Grilled Cheese
The recipe calls for a 1/2 tablespoon of butter on one side of each slice of Texas toast. The bread is then placed in a skillet or griddle heated to 275˚F, with the buttered side down. The cheese is layered on top of one of the slices, starting with cheddar, then Havarti, and finally, Gouda.
While the recipe calls for sliced cheese, some people who have tried the recipe suggest grating the cheese instead. This allows for a more even distribution of flavours and optimal melting. Additionally, covering the skillet while cooking can help the cheese melt faster and create a more even melt.
Some people who have tried the recipe also suggest adding a thin spread of mayonnaise to the bread instead of butter, as it adds crispness and a slight touch of extra flavour. Serving the grilled cheese sandwich with a creamy tomato soup for dipping is also recommended.
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A Cozy Kitchen's Fancy-Ass Grilled Cheese
Grilled cheese is a classic comfort food, and while there are many variations, a simple, well-made grilled cheese sandwich is hard to beat. A Cozy Kitchen's Fancy-Ass Grilled Cheese is a great example of this beloved classic done right.
The first notable feature of this recipe is the use of brioche. Brioche is a rich, buttery bread that adds a touch of decadence to the sandwich. It's a unique choice that sets this grilled cheese apart from the rest. The recipe also calls for grated cheese, which ensures an even melt and a gooey, cheesy centre.
The author of this recipe recommends using a combination of butter and mayonnaise on the bread to achieve the perfect golden-brown, crispy exterior. This combination is a well-kept secret of grilled cheese enthusiasts, and it's a game-changer. The butter adds flavour, while the mayonnaise promotes even browning and a deliciously crispy texture.
When it comes to cheese selection, the recipe suggests using a combination of sharp cheddar and a good melting cheese like Monterey Jack, Gruyère, or low-moisture mozzarella. These cheeses offer a balance of flavour and meltability, resulting in a sandwich that's both tasty and visually appealing.
To elevate your grilled cheese experience even further, consider serving it with a bowl of roasted tomato soup. This classic pairing is a match made in heaven and is sure to satisfy your comfort food cravings.
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The best cooking fat for grilled cheese
There are several options for the best cooking fat to use when making a grilled cheese sandwich. The most popular option is butter, with many people advocating for its use due to its ability to add a touch of saltiness and flavour that meshes well with most cheeses. It also creates a great colour on the bread when cooked correctly. Some people also add minced garlic to the butter for extra flavour.
Another option is to use mayonnaise, which some people believe helps achieve an even golden browning and a crispy exterior. Some cooks have started to advocate for cooking grilled cheese in mayo instead of butter. However, some people dislike mayo because of its distinct taste. A combination of butter and mayo can also be used, which some say is the best method.
A healthier option is to use olive oil, which can be used in place of butter to reduce the amount of unhealthy saturated fat in the sandwich. Olive oil is also a good option for browning the bread without burning it, and it goes well with certain cheeses and breads, like focaccia with garlic and mozzarella or provolone.
Other options include ghee, which some say gives the crispiness of mayo with the flavour of butter, bacon fat, or a combination of butter and olive oil.
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The best air fryer grilled cheese
The air fryer is the answer to always having crispy, gooey grilled cheese sandwiches. They're incredibly easy to make and pair well with tomato soup for a quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
- Unsalted butter, softened at room temperature
- Sharp cheddar cheese
- Monterey Jack cheese
- Bread
Method
- Heat an air fryer to 375ºF.
- Grate 4 ounces each of sharp cheddar cheese and Monterey Jack cheese.
- Toss the grated cheese together in a medium bowl.
- Assemble the sandwiches. (If your air fryer can only fit one sandwich at a time, butter the bread and assemble the second sandwich after the first sandwich is cooked.)
- Spread the softened butter onto one side of each slice of bread.
- Flip over 2 slices of bread and divide the cheese evenly over these slices.
- Place the sandwiches in the air fryer and cook until the bread is toasted and the cheese is melted.
Tips
- For smaller slices of bread, use less butter and cheese.
- If you want to get ahead, grate the cheese and set the butter at room temperature up to a day in advance.
- If you're using frozen bread, remember to thaw it ahead of time.
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Frequently asked questions
The best cheese for a grilled cheese sandwich is a matter of personal preference. However, American cheese is a popular choice due to its reliable meltability. Other options include cheddar, mozzarella, smoked cheddar, and Manchego.
White sandwich bread is a classic choice for grilled cheese sandwiches. However, some people prefer sourdough or brioche.
The best cooking fat for a grilled cheese sandwich is a combination of butter and mayonnaise. Butter adds flavour, while mayonnaise ensures even browning and a crispy exterior.
Yes, there are many variations to the classic grilled cheese sandwich. Some examples include pimento grilled cheese, jalapeño popper grilled cheese, and spinach-artichoke grilled cheese.
The cooking time for a grilled cheese sandwich can vary depending on the recipe and method used. However, a typical range is between 2 and 12 minutes.
