Randy Chandler
Grilled cheese is a classic comfort food, evoking childhood memories of a simple yet satisfying combination of melted cheese and toasted bread. While the traditional choice of soft white bread is always a reliable option, there are numerous alternatives that can elevate this humble sandwich into a more sophisticated creation. From the tang of sourdough to the decadence of brioche, the nuttiness of multigrain, or the chewiness of ciabatta, each type of bread brings its own unique texture and flavour to the grilled cheese experience. For those seeking a truly indulgent treat, buttery brioche pairs well with mild, melty young gouda or thin slices of brie and raspberry jam. Alternatively, a crusty baguette or focaccia can provide a crispy exterior to contrast the oozing cheese within. For a more substantial bite, pretzel buns offer a salty, doughy texture that complements creamy cheeses beautifully.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Bread type | Sourdough, Pullman, Multigrain, English muffins, Italian white bread, Pumpernickel, Multigrain, Baguette, Ciabatta, Focaccia, Pretzel buns, White sandwich bread, Texas toast, Rye, Potato bread |
| Texture | Sturdy, Soft, Airy, Pliable, Spongy, Crust, Crispy, Tangy, Crunchy, Chewy, Soft, Fluffy |
| Taste | Savory, Sweet |
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What You'll Learn
Sourdough
To get the perfect grilled cheese, the bread should be a little buttery, evenly toasted, and have a crunchy exterior. These qualities will offset the gooey, cheesy interior and will help it hold its own if it's dipped in tomato soup. Plus, it’ll retain other sandwich ingredients like tomatoes.
When it comes to cheese, it's best to use a combination of cheeses that melt well and have great flavour. Some good options are sharp cheddar, gouda, Monterey Jack, and Gruyère. It's also recommended to grate your own cheese instead of using pre-shredded cheese, as freshly grated cheese will melt quicker and more evenly.
To make the perfect sourdough grilled cheese, start by heating a skillet over medium-low heat and spreading butter or mayonnaise on both sides of each slice of bread. Then, add your cheese in layers, sprinkling shredded Parmesan on top. Place the sandwich in the skillet and grill on low heat until both sides are golden brown and the cheese has melted. Enjoy your delicious and crispy sourdough grilled cheese!
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White bread
Additionally, white bread is often associated with sandwiches due to its long, rectangular shape, which creates perfect square slices. This makes it a popular choice for grilled cheese sandwiches, as it is easy to work with and fits nicely in a skillet or sandwich press.
Overall, white bread is a versatile, accessible, and simple option for grilled cheese sandwiches, making it a popular choice for those seeking a classic, comforting meal.
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Multigrain
For a classic combination, opt for gooey mozzarella, fresh basil leaves, and ripe tomato slices. The nutty flavour and chewy texture of multigrain bread complement the creamy, melted mozzarella, while the basil and tomato add a refreshing touch. If you're feeling adventurous, try swapping out the basil for pesto for an extra flavour kick.
If you prefer stronger flavours, multigrain bread also pairs well with pungent, creamy blue cheese and sweet fig jam. The slight sweetness of the bread enhances the flavour of the blue cheese, while the jam adds a delightful contrast. For an extra indulgent twist, try grilling your sandwich with a drizzle of honey or a sprinkle of chopped nuts.
For a more savoury option, fill your multigrain grilled cheese with sliced apples and a mild cheese like young cheddar or Colby. The natural sweetness of the apple will be balanced by the nutty bread, while the cheese adds a creamy texture. If you're feeling fancy, add some baby spinach leaves or a spread of whole-grain mustard for an extra bite.
With its robust texture and versatile flavour, multigrain bread is an excellent choice for grilled cheese sandwiches, accommodating a wide range of ingredients and satisfying all taste buds.
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$4.69
Ciabatta
When making grilled cheese with ciabatta, it's important to cut the bread into slices that are about 1-2 inches thick. This allows for better airflow in the oven, ensuring that the bread gets nice and crispy. If you cut the ciabatta sandwich-style, the thick crust can trap the butter and garlic, resulting in soggy bread.
To make a delicious grilled cheese sandwich with ciabatta, start by spreading a thin layer of softened butter on one side of the bread. You can also mix the butter with garlic paste or minced garlic for extra flavour. Then, top the bread with your favourite cheese. A combination of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese works well, but you can also use cheddar, American cheese, or any other variety you prefer.
Place the bread in a skillet or oven and cook until the cheese is melted and the bread is golden brown. For an extra crispy crust, you can also grill the sandwich. Ciabatta grilled cheese sandwiches go well with various dishes, including pasta, pizza, soup, or salad.
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Potato bread
When making a grilled cheese sandwich with potato bread, it's important to consider the type of potato bread you're using. There are many different types of potato bread available, including white, wheat, and multigrain. White potato bread will give you a softer sandwich, while wheat or multigrain potato bread will give you a chewier texture.
If you're looking for a classic grilled cheese sandwich, you can simply butter the outside of the potato bread and place it in a skillet over medium heat. Sprinkle some shredded cheese directly onto the pan, about the surface area of a slice of bread. Top it with a slice of potato bread, buttered side up. Cook the sandwich until the cheese is melted and the bread is golden brown.
For a more indulgent option, you can try a baked potato grilled cheese sandwich. This sandwich includes fried potatoes, bacon, cheese, sour cream, and chives. To make this sandwich, fry bacon and potatoes in a pan, and then assemble the sandwich with buttered bread, sour cream, shredded cheese, potato slices, bacon, and chives. Grill the sandwich in a non-stick pan over medium-low heat until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
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Frequently asked questions
White bread is a classic choice for grilled cheese.
Sourdough is a good choice for a more sophisticated grilled cheese sandwich due to its rich tang and crust.
Airy, buttery brioche makes for an extra-decadent grilled cheese sandwich.
Tender, typically white Pullman loaves are naturally associated with sandwiches thanks to their long, rectangular shape, which makes for perfect square slices.
Multigrain bread is a good option for a grilled cheese with a boost of nutty texture and a slightly healthier profile.
