Randy Chandler
The grilled cheese sandwich is a classic American dish that has been a favourite since 1920. It is a simple recipe, but there are many ways to make it. The key to a great grilled cheese sandwich is achieving the perfect melt, a golden crust, and a crisp texture. The type of bread and cheese used, as well as the cooking method and fat, can all impact the final result. Some people prefer butter, while others swear by mayonnaise to achieve the perfect grilled cheese.
Characteristics of the best grilled cheese recipe:
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Bread | Sourdough, Texas toast, white bread, thicker sliced bread, rye bread |
| Butter | Use a generous amount, softened |
| Cheese | American, Mozzarella, Gruyere, Raclette, Cheddar, Pepper Jack, Swiss, Monterey Jack, Provolone |
| Other ingredients | Mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, sliced ham, sliced onion, sliced tomato, jalapeño, garlic salt, chilli crisp |
| Cooking method | Pan, skillet, electric griddle, oven, microwave, toaster |
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What You'll Learn
The best type of bread for grilled cheese
The bread you choose for your grilled cheese sandwich is just as important as the cheese and other fillings. The right bread can make or break your sandwich. For the ideal grilled cheese, look for bread with a soft-but-hearty texture and even slices of medium thickness (about 1/4 inch). The bread should be sturdy enough to hold the melted cheese, take on a great sear in the pan, and bring its own flavour to the sandwich.
Sourdough is a popular choice for grilled cheese sandwiches. It has a tangy flavour that stands up to but won't overwhelm the cheese. Its sturdy slices can hold up to a long sear in the pan, and the crust and thorough toasting create a great crunch. However, sourdough has irregular holes that can make it difficult to prevent cheese from dripping. For this reason, it is recommended to look for country-style sourdoughs that have a tighter crumb.
Other good options for grilled cheese include brioche, rye, and challah. These breads have a dense crumb, or pattern of holes, so they are easy to spread with butter or mayonnaise, and the melted cheese won't drip through. They will also get nicely golden as they sear in the pan. Because of their softer texture, however, they may burn more easily if left too long in the pan.
When making a grilled cheese, it is generally recommended to use pre-sliced bread, as this helps ensure even heat distribution while cooking. If your bread is not pre-sliced, take care to slice it evenly and not too thickly. Bread that is too thick may prevent the cheese from melting properly, while bread that is too thin or too soft may get squished by the cheese or fall apart.
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Butter vs. Mayonnaise
The classic grilled cheese sandwich is a hot sandwich made with buttered and toasted bread, filled with melted cheese. However, the debate over whether butter or mayonnaise is the best spread to use persists.
Butter is the traditional choice for grilled cheese, with its creamy, decadent texture and sweet milk solids that, when cooked, transform into a nutty, toasty flavour. It is also argued that butter is a better choice as it complements the cheese, regardless of the type used.
Mayonnaise, on the other hand, is a more modern alternative. It is a combination of oil and acid (usually vinegar or lemon) with egg, creating a thick and creamy spread. Mayonnaise has a similar fat content to butter and is spreadable straight from the fridge. It is also less likely to burn as it has a higher smoke point than butter, making it a more foolproof option. Mayonnaise also adds a slight extra flavour and crispness to the sandwich. Celebrities like Joanna Gaines, Antoni Porowski, and Martha Stewart swear by mayonnaise for their grilled cheese sandwiches.
Some people prefer to use a combination of both butter and mayonnaise, spreading the mayonnaise on the outside of the sandwich and adding a small tab of butter to the skillet for cooking. This combination provides the best of both worlds, with the crispness of the mayonnaise and the nutty flavour of the butter.
Ultimately, the choice between butter and mayonnaise comes down to personal preference. While some prefer the traditional flavour and decadence of butter, others opt for the convenience and crisp texture that mayonnaise provides.
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The best cheeses to use
The best grilled cheese sandwiches are made with cheeses that melt well. Some popular options include mozzarella, cheddar, gruyere, raclette, havarti, Monterey Jack, and pepper jack. For a more complex flavour profile, you can combine two or more types of cheese. For example, a combination of sharp cheddar and gruyere or raclette will create a grilled cheese with a nutty, salty taste and a gooey texture. Another option is to pair mozzarella with gruyere or cheddar for a sandwich that has the perfect balance of flavour and melting qualities.
If you're looking for a more unique flavour, you can try using smoked gouda, Swiss cheese, or American cheese. You can also experiment with different types of bread, such as sourdough, Texas toast, or rye, and add condiments like mayonnaise, mustard, or pesto to enhance the flavour and texture of your sandwich.
Ultimately, the best cheese for a grilled cheese sandwich is a matter of personal preference, and you can experiment with different combinations of cheese, bread, and condiments to find your favourite.
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How to get the perfect melt
Achieving the perfect melt for your grilled cheese sandwich is an art. It is a delicate balance of cheese, bread, and heat. Here are some tips to help you master the perfect melt:
Start with the right type of cheese. You want a cheese that will melt smoothly and give you that gooey, stretchy texture. Classic options include mozzarella, cheddar, Gruyère, raclette, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack. You can use a single type of cheese or a combination of two or more varieties for added depth of flavour.
Next, consider the bread. Choose a bread that is sliced thick enough to hold the cheese without becoming soggy. Sourdough, Texas toast, and regular white bread are popular choices. You want the bread to be lightly toasted and crisp, providing a textural contrast to the melted cheese.
Now, let's talk about the cooking process. The key to a perfect melt is low and slow cooking. Place your buttered bread in a pan over low heat, using your palms to press the bread into the pan for even browning. Add the cheese to both slices and cover the pan with a lid to create a steamy environment. This will help the cheese melt evenly without drying out the sandwich. Keep the heat low and give the cheese time to melt.
Finally, don't be afraid to experiment with additional ingredients. A small amount of mayonnaise spread on the bread can add crispness and a subtle tang to your sandwich. A pinch of garlic salt, jalapeños, or raw onions can also enhance the flavour and provide a nice crunch.
Remember, the beauty of a grilled cheese sandwich is in its simplicity and comfort. With a little patience and the right techniques, you'll be enjoying the perfect melt in no time!
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What to serve with grilled cheese
When it comes to grilled cheese, there are endless possibilities for what to serve alongside it. Here are some ideas to elevate your grilled cheese experience:
Soups
A classic pairing, grilled cheese goes exceptionally well with a variety of soups. A bowl of warm tomato soup is a popular choice, with some even dipping their sandwiches into the soup for an indulgent bite. Other soup options include lobster or crab bisque, or a spicy option like chilli.
Salads
If you're looking for something lighter, a seasonal salad can be a refreshing companion to grilled cheese. Try a simple crisp salad with vegetables, or add some fruit like apples, berries, or pears for a sweet touch.
Pickles
Pickles are a common choice to serve with grilled cheese, offering a tangy and crunchy contrast. Dill pickles are a favourite, but feel free to experiment with sweet pickles or other pickled vegetables like onions, beets, carrots, or even pickled green tomatoes.
Dips and Sauces
For an extra indulgent treat, serve your grilled cheese with a variety of dips and sauces. Basil aioli, sriracha aioli, or a simple pizza sauce are all excellent choices. If you're feeling adventurous, try a maple bacon onion jam, or a spicy jalapeno ranch dip.
Sides
There are numerous side dishes that can complement grilled cheese. From the classic choice of crispy steak fries with ketchup to a refreshing fruit salad, the options are endless. Baked spiced apple slices, salt and vinegar chips, or even a soft drink and vanilla ice cream can round out your meal.
Dessert
If you're looking for something sweet to finish your meal, chocolate chip cookies or rice paper candy straws can satisfy your sugar cravings.
The key to pairing sides with grilled cheese is to experiment and find combinations that suit your taste. Whether you prefer classic comfort food or adventurous flavour profiles, there's a side dish that will enhance your grilled cheese sandwich.
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Frequently asked questions
There are many ways to make a grilled cheese sandwich, but the best recipe is a matter of personal preference. However, a classic grilled cheese sandwich is made with buttered and toasted bread and filled with American cheese. You can experiment with different types of bread and cheese, and add-ins like sliced ham, jalapeño, onion, or tomato.
The type of bread you use for grilled cheese is important. Thicker-sliced bread, such as Texas toast or sourdough, works well because it can stand up to the weight of the cheese and won't get squished. However, some people prefer thinner bread, like white sandwich bread, for a crispier sandwich.
The best cheese for grilled cheese is one that melts well. Good options include American cheese, mozzarella, cheddar, Gruyère, or Monterey Jack. You can use just one type of cheese or a combination of two or more cheeses for a richer taste.
