Andy Montoya
The ultimate comfort food, the grilled cheese sandwich, is a simple yet perfect treat. While there are many options for melty cheeses, not all cheeses will give you the gooey melt that is desired. The best cheese for a grilled cheese sandwich depends on personal preference, but some cheeses that work well include cheddar, gouda, Gruyère, raclette, blue cheese, and feta. Using two types of cheese is recommended, with one cheese having a high-fat content to melt through the bread and the other to provide a gooey centre. Sourdough is a versatile bread option that works well with grilled cheese sandwiches, but any bread can be used as long as it is not too thick, thin, soft, or holey.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Bread | Sourdough, White bread, Ciabatta, Brioche, Jewish rye, Pumpernickel |
| Cheese | Cheddar, Mozzarella, Gruyère, Gouda, Comte, Monterey Jack, Raclette, Brie, Camembert, Blue Cheese, Feta |
| Technique | Use freshly grated cheese, Use a pan on the stove, Toast bread, butter, cheese, grill, sandwich together |
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What You'll Learn
Mozzarella for stretch, and another for flavour
Mozzarella is a great choice for a cheese toastie, providing that signature stretch when you pull the two halves of your sandwich apart. However, it is not known for its flavour, so you may want to pair it with another cheese. Gruyère and vintage cheddar are popular choices, as they have strong flavours that complement the mozzarella's stretch.
Mozzarella is a soft cheese, so it is best to slice it thinly or grate it to ensure it melts evenly and quickly. This will help you achieve the perfect synchrony of toasted bread and melted cheese. Grated cheese also piles onto the bread more easily, allowing you to fit more cheese into your sandwich.
When making a grilled cheese sandwich, it's important to consider the type of bread you use. Sourdough is a popular choice, as it has a slightly sour flavour that pairs well with sweet and salty cheeses. It also holds up well in a hot sandwich. If you're using mozzarella, which can be watery, you may want to opt for a heartier bread like rye to prevent your sandwich from getting soggy.
To get that desirable stretch from your mozzarella, it's crucial to cook your sandwich at the right temperature. If the heat is too high, the cheese will burn before it has a chance to melt. On the other hand, if the heat is too low, the cheese may not melt at all. A stovetop pan is a popular choice for cooking grilled cheese sandwiches, as it allows you to control the temperature and achieve a golden, buttery crust.
When assembling your sandwich, consider adding some extras to enhance the flavour of your mozzarella. Freshly grated garlic or chopped herbs can be mixed into the cheese to add a punch of flavour. You could also try layering on some sliced tomatoes or cured meats, such as bacon, to create a savoury contrast to the mildness of the mozzarella.
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Grated cheese melts better
When making a grilled cheese sandwich, you want the cheese to be melted to perfection. There are several factors that determine how well a cheese melts, such as its fat content, age, and how it's made.
Firstly, grated cheese melts better because it has a higher surface area. When cheese is grated, it exposes more of the cheese's surface to heat, allowing it to melt faster and more evenly. This is especially important if you want to avoid overcooking your sandwich. Grated cheese also helps to distribute the cheese more evenly throughout the sandwich, ensuring every bite is gooey and delicious.
Secondly, the type of cheese you choose matters. Younger, high-moisture cheeses like mozzarella, Brie, Camembert, Gruyère, Emmental, and Jack are known for their superior melting abilities. These cheeses have a higher water content, which makes them softer and more pliable, even at room temperature. When heated, they quickly transform into that desired lava-like, gooey consistency.
Additionally, the fat content of the cheese plays a crucial role in its melting abilities. Cheeses with higher fat content, such as Red Leicester, tend to melt more easily and smoothly than their lower-fat counterparts. This is because fat melts at a lower temperature than protein, so when you heat high-fat cheese, the fat melts first, resulting in a creamier texture.
Lastly, the way the cheese is processed also affects its melting properties. Some cheeses, like mozzarella and provolone, are stretched during production, which can make them more likely to become stretchy or oily when melted, rather than thick and creamy. On the other hand, American cheese, often maligned for its processed nature, is one of the best melters due to the emulsification process it undergoes, which discourages clumping and stringiness.
So, the next time you're crafting the perfect grilled cheese sandwich, remember to grate your cheese, opt for younger, high-moisture varieties, consider the fat content, and pay attention to how the cheese is made. By following these tips, you'll ensure your sandwich has the perfect, gooey cheese pull.
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Use two types of cheese
The best grilled cheese sandwich is a matter of personal preference, but there are some tips to follow to ensure you get the right combination of flavours and textures. Using two types of cheese is a great way to achieve this.
Firstly, you want a cheese that will provide that all-important stretch when you pull the two halves of your sandwich apart. For this, mozzarella is a great option. It has a high moisture content, which means it melts well and provides that gooey, stretchy texture.
Next, you want a cheese that will pack a punch in the flavour department. Gruyere is a popular choice, with a rich, nutty flavour. It's also a good melting cheese, so will complement the mozzarella well. Vintage cheddar is another excellent option for flavour. The Ghetto Grillz blend two cheddars, Sussex Charmer and Singleton, to achieve the perfect combination of a high-fat content cheese that will melt through the bread, and a gooey, piquant cheese that will remain in the centre.
For a more unusual option, try blue cheese. It has a crumbly texture and a strong flavour, so a little goes a long way. It won't melt like other cheeses, but if you combine it with a mild cheddar, you'll get that gooey texture.
If you want to add a sweet element to your sandwich, young gouda has a slightly sweeter flavour and melts well. Pair it with mozzarella for the perfect blend of sweet and stretchy.
Don't forget, you can always mix in small amounts of non-melty cheeses like Parmesan or feta with your other cheeses to incorporate them without sacrificing that gooey texture.
Now you have the perfect cheese combination, it's time to cook. For the best results, use freshly grated cheese, a pan on the stove, and sourdough bread.
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Avoid crumbly, fresh cheeses
When it comes to crafting the perfect grilled cheese sandwich, there are a plethora of options to choose from. However, it is important to avoid crumbly, fresh cheeses. While there are no hard and fast rules, selecting the wrong type of cheese can result in a less-than-satisfactory sandwich.
Fresh cheeses, such as mozzarella, are best avoided when crafting a grilled cheese sandwich. While mozzarella is beloved for its stretch and gooey factor, it is not the ideal choice for a grilled cheese sandwich. Fresh cheeses tend to be softer and more delicate, with higher moisture content. When melted, these cheeses can become watery and may not bind well with other ingredients.
Similarly, crumbly cheeses like feta or blue cheese should be approached with caution. These varieties tend to have a drier texture and can further crumble or dry out when heated. While they may add a flavourful punch to salads or cold dishes, they are less than ideal for a grilled cheese sandwich.
When selecting the perfect cheese for your sandwich, it is crucial to consider its melting properties. Cheeses that melt well, such as cheddar, gouda, or gruyere, are excellent choices. They provide that desirable gooey, stretchy texture without becoming too runny or watery.
Additionally, the type of bread used can also impact the overall success of your grilled cheese sandwich. Opt for thicker slices of bread, such as Texas toast or sourdough, to provide a sturdy base for your cheese. Thicker bread also allows for a crispier exterior without becoming too soggy or flimsy.
Lastly, don't be afraid to experiment with different combinations of cheeses to find your perfect match. While a single type of cheese can be delightful, using two types of cheese can elevate your sandwich. For example, combine mozzarella for that stretchy, gooey factor with another cheese, like cheddar or gruyere, for added flavour.
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Yeasty, meaty taleggio
Taleggio is a semi-soft, washed-rind, smear-ripened cow's milk cheese. It has a strong aroma and a rich, tangy flavour. It is named after the Taleggio valley near Milan, Italy, where it was first made. The cheese is produced in this area, as well as in the Bergamo valleys of Italy.
Taleggio is an excellent melting cheese, which is key for a good toastie. Cheeses that are too dry or crumbly won't melt properly. Aged cheeses like parmesan or hard pecorino, for example, won't melt well.
When making a grilled cheese sandwich, it's also important to grate the cheese rather than use slices. Grated cheese melts more evenly and quickly, ensuring the bread is toasted and the cheese is melted at the same time.
Taleggio is a versatile cheese that can be used in a variety of dishes, both cooked and uncooked. It pairs well with a variety of ingredients, such as fruit, charcuterie, and roasted vegetables.
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Frequently asked questions
There are many options for cheese to use in a toasted sandwich, also known as a grilled cheese sandwich. The best cheese for you will depend on your taste preferences and the type of bread you are using. Some popular options include:
- Cheddar
- Mozzarella
- Gruyere
- Gouda
- Comte
- Monterey Jack
- Brie
- Camembert
- Raclette
The best bread for a toasted cheese sandwich will depend on the type of cheese and other ingredients you are using. Some popular options include:
- Sourdough
- White bread
- Ciabatta
- Brioche
- Rye
- Pumpernickel
In addition to cheese, you can add many other ingredients to a toasted cheese sandwich. Some popular options include:
- Bacon
- Ham
- Caramelised onions
- Tomatoes
- Arugula
- Apples
- Honey
- Mustard
- Hot sauce
There are several methods for making a toasted cheese sandwich, including using a sandwich press, toastie maker, skillet, griddle, or pan. Some people prefer to grill their sandwiches, while others use a frying pan.
Yes, you can use more than one type of cheese in your toasted sandwich. Using two types of cheese can improve the flavour and texture of the sandwich. For example, you could use mozzarella for stretch and another cheese for flavour.
