Andy Montoya
There are endless options when it comes to choosing the best cheese for a sandwich, and everyone has their own idea of what constitutes the ultimate grilled cheese sandwich. While some prefer the classic mild or medium cheddar, others opt for mozzarella, a stretchy cheese with a delicate flavour, especially when paired with tomatoes and pesto. For those who like their grilled cheese with a hint of spice, pepper jack is a crowd favourite. If you're feeling adventurous, try a caprese-style grilled cheese with fresh mozzarella, or melty brie with tart cherry jam. For a simple option, American or cheddar cheeses are always a safe bet.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Best cheese for grilled sandwiches | Cheddar, Mozzarella, Pepper Jack, American Cheese, Brie, Monterey Jack, Gruyère, Comte, Provolone, Swiss, Munster, Gouda |
| Best cheese for turkey sandwiches | Swiss |
| Best cheese for steak sandwiches | Provolone |
| Best cheese for Italian sandwiches | Smoked Muenster |
| Best cheese for a basic sandwich | Monterey Jack |
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$1.72
What You'll Learn
Mozzarella, tomato and basil
To make this sandwich, you'll need:
- Fresh mozzarella cheese
- Ripe tomatoes
- Fresh basil leaves
- Bread (any type will work, but a nice Italian bread, crusty sourdough, ciabatta, or focaccia are great options)
- Olive oil
- Balsamic vinegar or glaze
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Here's how to make it:
- Drizzle olive oil on one side of each slice of bread.
- If desired, rub a garlic clove on the oiled side of the bread while it's still warm for extra flavour.
- Layer tomato slices, basil leaves, and mozzarella on one slice of bread.
- Season with salt and pepper and drizzle with balsamic vinegar or glaze.
- Top with the other slice of bread.
- Toast the sandwich until the bread is golden and the cheese is melted.
- Cut the sandwich in half and enjoy!
Feel free to experiment with additional ingredients. Some suggestions include prosciutto, salami, grilled chicken or other meats, pesto, arugula, or even fruit like peaches. For a spicy kick, add some crushed red pepper or chilli crisp.
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Sharp cheddar
Cheddar is a versatile cheese that can be shredded, sliced, or melted, making it a popular choice for sandwiches. Sharp cheddar, in particular, has a strong and tangy flavour that can enhance the taste of a sandwich. The ageing process of cheddar cheese directly impacts its flavour, with older cheddars like sharp cheddar having a more concentrated and intense taste due to the breakdown of fats and the evaporation of water during ageing.
When it comes to grilled cheese sandwiches, sharp cheddar is a favourite among those who prefer a more robust flavour. Its melting properties also make it ideal for this type of sandwich, creating a gooey and comforting texture when paired with buttered bread. Professional chef and cookbook author Tiffany LaForge, for example, prefers mild or medium cheddar for her grilled cheese sandwiches, keeping things classic and reminiscent of childhood favourites.
For those who enjoy a nuttier flavour, sharp cheddar can also be a great option for sandwiches. Some sharp cheddars have a nutty taste and a salty, crystalised texture similar to aged Goudas or Parmesan. This variety can add an extra layer of complexity to a simple sandwich.
When choosing the best sharp cheddar for sandwiches, it is important to consider the brand and variety. For example, Kerrygold, a well-known producer of cheddar cheese, offers several varieties, including the bold and intense Reserve, aged for two years, and the Skellig and Dubliner cheddars, which offer a true taste of Irish cheddar. Cracker Barrel, another classic cheddar brand, is known for its convenient slicing shape, making it easy to pile on top of crackers or bread.
In conclusion, sharp cheddar is a versatile and flavourful choice for sandwiches. Its strong and tangy flavour, melting properties, and versatility make it a popular option for grilled cheese and other sandwich creations. When paired with simple ingredients, sharp cheddar can create a comforting and classic sandwich experience.
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Smoked gouda
While the best cheese for a sandwich is a matter of personal preference, smoked gouda is a popular choice for grilled cheese sandwiches. Smoked gouda is a semi-hard cheese with a smoky flavour and a creamy, nutty body. It is often compared to American cheese, but smoked gouda has a more robust flavour and a superior texture. The best smoked gouda has a fantastic texture and a super smoky flavour that doesn't taste bitter or acrid.
For a more sophisticated sandwich, layer smoked gouda with sliced red pepper, baby arugula, and muenster cheese. This combination creates a complex flavour profile that is sure to impress. If you're looking for a more indulgent option, try adding some sliced tomato and a generous layer of baby arugula, finishing with a second layer of smoked gouda.
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Pepper jack
For a simple yet satisfying grilled cheese, layer slices of pepper jack cheese between buttered bread and grill to perfection. The result is a gooey, stretchy, and mildly spicy sandwich. For a more complex flavour profile, try adding roasted sweet mini peppers and pastrami to your sandwich. The sweetness of the peppers and the savouriness of the pastrami will complement the spicy notes of the pepper jack cheese.
If you're feeling adventurous, experiment with different types of bread. Sweet potato yeast bread, for example, pairs wonderfully with pepper jack cheese, giving the sandwich a golden colour and a subtle sweetness. Alternatively, try a classic combination of pepper jack cheese with mozzarella, basil, and thick slices of fresh heirloom tomato for a flavourful twist on a caprese sandwich.
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Brie and cherry jam
While there are many different types of cheese that work well in sandwiches, such as cheddar, mozzarella, and pepper jack, brie is also a popular choice. In particular, brie and cherry jam sandwiches are a continental delight, offering a unique combination of sweet, salty, gooey, and crunchy textures and flavours.
To make a brie and cherry jam sandwich, start by spreading a thin layer of butter on both slices of bread. Next, spread a layer of cherry jam on one slice of bread. On the other slice, add a few slices of brie. If you're feeling adventurous, you can also add some sliced ham or prosciutto to the sandwich for an extra savoury kick. Close the sandwich and spread the top slice of bread with more butter.
When cooking the sandwich, heat a skillet or pan over medium-low heat. Place the sandwich butter-side down and spread butter on the new top. Cook for around three minutes on each side or until the bread is a golden brown colour. If the bread starts to get too crispy before the cheese has melted, try lowering the heat. Once the sandwich is cooked to your liking, turn off the heat, cover the pan, and let the sandwich sit for a minute. Finally, remove the sandwich from the pan, slice it diagonally, and enjoy!
For an extra special touch, consider using a French baguette or sourdough bread for your sandwich. The crispiness of the baguette's crust and the softness of the inside make it a perfect choice for this type of sandwich. You can also add some fresh spinach or peppery arugula for a pop of colour and a nutritional boost. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and you've got yourself a gourmet brie and cherry jam sandwich!
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Frequently asked questions
Medium cheddar is balanced, melty, and endlessly customisable, making it a great choice for grilled cheese sandwiches.
Other cheeses that melt well and are popular in grilled cheese sandwiches include gouda, American cheese, and pepper jack.
Yes, you can use cheeses that don't melt well, such as Parmesan or feta, by grating or breaking them up and mixing them with other cheeses.
Grilled cheese sandwiches made with cheddar pair well with tomato-based soups.
Swiss cheese goes well with turkey sandwiches.
