Frederic Melton
A grilled cheese sandwich is the ultimate comfort food, evoking childhood memories of a simple yet perfect treat. While there are endless variations, the key to a great grilled cheese is the right combination of bread and cheese. The bread should be sturdy, such as sourdough or ciabatta, with a soft and tender texture that can withstand the weight of the cheese without becoming too squished. The cheese, on the other hand, should be a type that melts smoothly and evenly, creating the perfect gooey and stretchy texture.
Characteristics of the best cheese for a grilled cheese sandwich
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of cheese | Mozzarella, Gruyere, Cheddar, American, Swiss, Monterey Jack, Brie, Havarti, Gouda, Raclette, Fontina, Muenster |
| Number of cheeses | Two |
| Bread type | Sourdough, Ciabatta, White, Rye, Whole-wheat, Brioche |
| Bread texture | Soft yet sturdy |
| Bread thickness | No more than 1/2-inch thick |
| Bread preparation | Buttered, Mayonnaise |
| Cheese preparation | Freshly grated |
| Cooking method | Stove, Pan, Skillet, Griddle |
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What You'll Learn
The best cheeses for a grilled cheese sandwich
The best grilled cheese sandwich is the one that's made with your favourite cheese, but some cheeses are better melters than others, and some have more flavour. It's also important to get the right balance between bread and cheese, and to choose a bread that will stand up to the cheese's melting point.
Chefs agree that the cheese is the most important element of a grilled cheese sandwich. Yohann Le Bescond, an executive pastry chef, says that "mixing your cheeses creates a rich and complex flavour profile". He recommends choosing a cheese that melts smoothly and evenly, creating the perfect gooey and stretchy texture.
John Martinez, an award-winning chef, agrees that the right ratio between bread and cheese is essential. Too much cheese and it will ooze out; too little and you'll be left wanting. He also notes that flavour balance is key. Thomas Carrig, an executive chef, prioritises bread, saying that it meets the mouth first and adds texture, complexity and variety to each bite.
When it comes to choosing a cheese with a good melting point, you can't go wrong with a classic like American cheese or cheddar. For a more complex flavour, try mixing mild, melty cheeses. Raclette, Gruyère, and young gouda are all excellent melters with a salty, nutty flavour. If you want to spice things up, try pepper jack, a crowd-favourite with red pepper flakes. For a simple, single-cheese sandwich, sharp cheddar is a gooey, classic option.
If you're looking for a more creative combination, try pairing a mild-flavoured, stretchy cheese with a flavourful melting cheese. Chef Giselle Park recommends shredded mozzarella with Maple Leaf pepper jack. Another option is to use two types of cheese: mozzarella for stretch and another for flavour (like gruyere and vintage cheddar).
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The best bread for a grilled cheese sandwich
When it comes to grilled cheese sandwiches, the bread you choose is just as important as the cheese itself. The right bread can make or break your sandwich. For the ideal grilled cheese, you should look for bread with a soft-but-hearty texture and even slices of medium thickness (about 1/4 inch or 0.6 cm).
Sourdough is a popular choice for grilled cheese sandwiches. It has a slightly sharp flavour that pairs well with rich, melty cheese. Its tanginess is a great contrast to the richness of the cheese and butter in the sandwich. Sourdough is also incredibly versatile and works well with a variety of cheeses, from mild cheddar to extra sharp cheddar.
Brioche is another excellent option for grilled cheese sandwiches. It has a soft, buttery texture that adds a touch of decadence to your sandwich. Brioche is an enriched bread that includes ingredients like eggs and sugar, which give it a golden brown colour when toasted. It is sturdy enough to hold up during pan-frying but still soft enough to bite into.
If you're looking for a heartier option, rye bread is a great choice. Rye bread has a distinct flavour that comes from rye berries and the addition of caraway seeds. It pairs particularly well with mild cheeses like Swiss, Gruyère, or Gouda.
For those who prefer a thicker slice of bread, Texas Toast is a popular option. Texas Toast is a thick-cut bread that can stand up to a variety of cheeses and toppings. Potato bread is another option in this category, which is often slept on according to some grilled cheese enthusiasts.
Ultimately, the best bread for a grilled cheese sandwich comes down to personal preference. Whether you choose sourdough, brioche, rye, Texas Toast, or potato bread, the key is to ensure your bread is sliced evenly to a medium thickness to allow for even cooking and melting of the cheese.
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The best cooking methods for a grilled cheese sandwich
The best grilled cheese sandwich is one that is golden and crispy on the outside, with a gooey, molten centre. To achieve this, you'll need to select the right cheese, bread, and cooking method.
Choosing the right cheese
The best cheeses for grilled cheese sandwiches are those that melt well and have good flavour. Classic options include American and cheddar, but you can also use gouda, havarti, mozzarella, or a combination of cheeses. For a nuttier flavour, try gruyère, raclette, or aged gouda. If you want to spice things up, opt for pepper jack.
Selecting the perfect bread
Bread is just as important as cheese when it comes to grilled cheese sandwiches. Choose a soft yet sturdy bread that is no more than 1/2-inch thick. Options like sourdough, ciabatta, whole-wheat, rye, potato bread, or even a brioche loaf will work well. If you want to get fancy, try sprouted whole-grain bread with seeds.
Cooking methods
The traditional method for making a grilled cheese sandwich is to use a pan on the stove. Heat a nonstick or cast-iron skillet over medium-low heat and melt enough butter to coat the bottom of the pan. You can also try the "diner trick" and spread the outside of the sandwich with mayonnaise for an extra tangy, crispy exterior. Cover the pan while cooking to ensure the cheese melts fully.
If you have a sandwich press or toastie maker, you can use that instead, but be aware that the bread may become too squished and the cheese may ooze out. Another option is to use a broiler/grill, which is a good alternative for making multiple sandwiches at once. However, you may not achieve the same melding of buttery bread and molten cheese as you would in a pan.
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The best toppings for a grilled cheese sandwich
While a grilled cheese sandwich is delicious on its own, there are endless options for toppings and add-ins to elevate your sandwich.
When it comes to toppings, butter is a classic choice for grilled cheese. Not only does it help achieve that coveted golden crust, but it also adds a salty, buttery flavour to the exterior of the sandwich. If you're feeling adventurous, you can even try the "diner trick" of spreading mayonnaise on the outside of the bread for an extra tangy, crispy exterior.
In addition to butter or mayonnaise, there are numerous toppings and add-ins that can complement the cheese in your sandwich. Fresh vegetables like tomatoes, peppers, and avocados can add a juicy, sweet, or spicy kick to your sandwich. If you're looking for something fruitier, sliced apples, pears, or even berries can provide a sweet and tangy contrast to the savoury cheese. For those who prefer their grilled cheese with a bit of spice, hot sauces like sriracha, sambal, or harissa can be added to the sandwich or used as a dipping sauce.
If you're a fan of herbs, basil, thyme, and oregano can be added directly to your sandwich or blended into compound butters, infused oils, or sauces like pesto. For an extra savoury flavour, try incorporating ingredients like garlic, sautéed kale, roasted mushrooms, or olives. Pickles are also a popular choice, as the acidity helps to cut through the richness of the cheese while accenting its flavour.
Of course, you can also experiment with different types of cheese to create the ultimate grilled cheese sandwich. A combination of a stretchy cheese like mozzarella and a flavourful melting cheese like cheddar or gouda can result in the perfect gooey, stretchy sandwich. Don't be afraid to mix and match different cheeses and toppings to find your favourite combination!
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The best sides to serve with a grilled cheese sandwich
A grilled cheese sandwich is a tasty treat, but it's even better when paired with some sides. Here are some of the best sides to serve with a grilled cheese sandwich:
Soups
Soups are a classic pairing with grilled cheese, and there are several options to choose from. Tomato soup is a popular choice, and you can even dip your sandwich into the soup for an extra flavour boost. Other soup options include butternut squash soup, or a simple vegetable soup.
Salads
A simple green salad is a great way to balance out the richness of the grilled cheese. A fruit salad is another refreshing option, especially when tossed in a light dressing such as lime and honey.
Fries
French fries are a popular side dish for grilled cheese, but they can be a bit greasy and heavy. A healthier alternative is sweet potato fries, which provide a nice crunch and a sweet contrast to the sandwich. Baked sweet plantains are another fun option, offering a combination of crispy and creamy textures, and a mix of salty and sweet flavours.
Pickles
Dill pickles have a wonderful tart flavour that cuts through the savouriness of the sandwich, with a bit of added spiciness for a kick. You can also try other types of pickled vegetables, such as pickled onions, beets, or carrots, for added flavour and crunch.
Fresh Herbs
Depending on the type of cheese used, fresh herbs such as parsley, basil (especially with mozzarella), chives (with cheddar), or cilantro can be a great garnish for your grilled cheese.
Sliced Tomatoes
Tomatoes and cheese are a classic combination, so fresh sliced tomatoes are a great, healthy side dish to serve with grilled cheese.
Other Dips and Condiments
Grilled cheese can be dipped into various sauces, such as pizza sauce, marinara sauce, or tomato jam. Ketchup and mustard are also common condiments to pair with grilled cheese.
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Frequently asked questions
The best cheese for a grilled cheese sandwich is subjective and depends on personal preference. However, some popular options include cheddar, American cheese, mozzarella, gouda, and Swiss cheese.
It is recommended to use sturdy bread with a soft and tender texture for grilled cheese sandwiches. Popular options include sourdough, white sandwich bread, and ciabatta.
It is essential to achieve the right ratio between the bread and cheese. Using butter or mayonnaise on the bread can add to the crispiness and flavour of the sandwich. Additionally, combining two types of cheese can enhance the taste and texture.
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