Best Butter Options For Grilled Cheese Perfection

There are many ways to make a grilled cheese sandwich, but what kind of butter should you use? The answer depends on your preferences. Some people swear by butter, while others prefer mayonnaise, and still, others use a combination of both. Butter adds a touch of saltiness and creates a nice golden colour on the bread. It also pairs well with most cheeses. However, butter can burn easily and may not be ideal if you want to avoid overcooking the bread. Mayonnaise, on the other hand, has a higher smoke point and is easier to spread, but it may not provide the same flavour as butter. Ultimately, the choice is yours, and you may need to experiment with different options to find your favourite.

Characteristics of Butter for Grilled Cheese

Butter vs. mayonnaise

When it comes to making grilled cheese, the choice of fat is crucial. While butter is the traditional choice, some people swear by mayonnaise, and others use a combination of the two. So, which is better?

Butter

Butter is the go-to fat for many home cooks when making grilled cheese. It adds a touch of saltiness and its flavour meshes well with most cheeses. When cooked, the milk solids in butter transform into brown butter, giving the grilled cheese a nutty, toasty flavour. However, butter can burn easily, leading to overcooked bread and a smoky kitchen. Butter is also a solid fat, so it needs to be softened before it can be easily spread on bread.

Mayonnaise

Mayonnaise has gained popularity as an alternative to butter for grilled cheese. It has a similar fat content to butter but is spreadable straight from the fridge. Mayonnaise also has a higher smoke point than butter, so there is less risk of burning. However, some people find that mayonnaise gives a less crispy result and that it lacks the creamy, nostalgic flavour of butter.

Both butter and mayonnaise have their pros and cons when it comes to making grilled cheese. Butter provides superior flavour but can be more difficult to work with due to its lower smoke point. Mayonnaise is more forgiving and easier to spread but may not deliver the same crispy texture and flavour as butter. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference. Some people prefer the tanginess of mayonnaise, while others find it eggy and off-putting.

The Combination

Combining butter and mayonnaise is a popular choice that offers the best of both worlds. The mayonnaise raises the smoke point of the mixture, preventing burning, while the butter adds flavour and richness. However, using this combination requires more time and effort as the butter needs to be softened and mixed with the mayonnaise.

Salted vs. unsalted butter

When it comes to grilled cheese, opinions vary on whether to use salted or unsalted butter. Some people prefer the added touch of saltiness that salted butter provides, arguing that it creates a great colour on the bread if cooked correctly and enhances the flavour of the cheese. However, others opt for unsalted butter, especially if they want to control the overall saltiness of the dish, as cheese tends to be salty.

Using salted butter for grilled cheese has its advantages. Firstly, it adds a savoury flavour to the dish, enhancing the taste of the bread and cheese. Salted butter also helps achieve a deeper golden colour on the bread. This is because salt lowers the melting point of butter, causing it to brown more quickly and giving the bread a richer, more appealing appearance.

On the other hand, using unsalted butter gives you greater control over the overall saltiness of the dish. This is particularly useful if you're using a salty cheese or adding other salty ingredients to your grilled cheese sandwich. Unsalted butter also has a longer shelf life than salted butter, so it will last longer in your refrigerator.

Ultimately, the decision between salted and unsalted butter for grilled cheese comes down to personal preference. If you enjoy the savoury flavour and the deeper golden colour that salted butter provides, it's an excellent choice. However, if you prefer to control the saltiness of your dish or want your butter to last longer, unsalted butter is the way to go.

Additionally, you can always add a sprinkle of salt to your grilled cheese, regardless of the butter you use, to enhance the flavour even further.

Softened vs. melted butter

When it comes to grilled cheese, the choice of butter can be a deal-breaker. While some people prefer softened butter, others swear by melted butter for the perfect grilled cheese sandwich. Here's a detailed comparison between the two to help you decide which one suits your taste better.

Softened Butter

Softened butter is the most common choice for grilled cheese enthusiasts. It is easy to spread on the bread and provides a rich, buttery flavour that complements the cheese. However, softened butter has a tendency to burn easily, which can result in overcooked bread. To avoid this, some people recommend spreading softened butter on the bread and then cooking the sandwich over low to medium heat. This allows the cheese to melt properly without burning the bread.

Melted Butter

Melted butter is another popular option for grilled cheese sandwiches. Some people prefer to melt the butter in the pan first and then place the bread over it, ensuring that every corner of the bread is coated evenly. This method can help prevent burning and give your sandwich a nice, even sear. However, it might not provide the same depth of flavour as softened butter.

The Verdict

The choice between softened and melted butter ultimately depends on personal preference. If you're looking for a more intense buttery flavour, softened butter is the way to go. However, if you want to avoid burning and achieve an even sear, melted butter might be a better option. Some people also recommend a combination of the two, spreading softened butter on the bread and then cooking it in melted butter, for the best of both worlds.

Additionally, it's worth noting that some people prefer using alternatives like mayonnaise or olive oil for their grilled cheese sandwiches. Mayonnaise provides similar browning and flavour enhancement as butter, while olive oil helps with browning without burning.

Butter and oil

Butter is the most popular choice for grilled cheese, with many people saying it adds a touch of saltiness and flavour that meshes well with most cheeses. It also creates a nice golden colour on the bread if cooked correctly. However, butter can burn easily, so it requires a bit of technical skill and practice to get the timing right and avoid burning the milk solids in the butter. It can also be difficult to spread straight out of the fridge.

Olive oil is another option and, while it may not be the first thing you reach for when making grilled cheese, it can help with browning and doesn't burn as easily as butter. It can give the bread a lovely crispiness, but the flavour may be a bit one-dimensional.

Combining butter and olive oil can be a great way to get the best of both worlds. The olive oil helps prevent the butter from burning, and the butter adds a rich flavour. This combination can result in excellent browning without burning, and the cheese melts beautifully.

Other oils that can be used include coconut oil, which can create a beautiful browning on the bread without any hint of a coconut taste, and bacon fat, which adds a salty, smoky flavour to the bread and doesn't burn as easily as butter.

Butter alternatives

While butter is the most popular option for grilled cheese, there are several alternatives that can be used. Here are some butter substitutes that you can consider:

Mayonnaise

Mayonnaise is a popular alternative to butter for grilled cheese. It adds a creamy texture and a tangy flavour to the sandwich, and it spreads easily, giving the sandwich a crispy texture. Some people prefer the taste of grilled cheese made with mayonnaise, while others find it disappointing. It is recommended to spread mayonnaise on the outside of the bread and add a smidge of water to the pan when using this method.

Olive Oil

Olive oil is a classic staple in Italian-American cuisine and can be used as a substitute for butter in grilled cheese sandwiches. It has a neutral flavour and a low smoke point, so it is important to use it on low heat to avoid smoking. Olive oil helps with browning and gives a lovely crispiness to the sandwich. It is recommended to spread olive oil on the outside of the bread and add a small amount to the pan when using this method.

Coconut Oil

Coconut oil is another alternative to butter for grilled cheese sandwiches. It provides a nice crispness to the bread and imparts a hint of coconut flavour. It is recommended to heat and melt the coconut oil before spreading it onto the bread.

Bacon Fat

Bacon fat is a tasty alternative to butter for grilled cheese sandwiches. It has a high smoke point, making it a great cooking oil. It soaks into the bread and adds a delicious flavour. To use bacon fat, cook bacon in a pan and pour the rendered fat into a bowl to cool and solidify. Then, spread the bacon fat onto the bread and cook the sandwich as usual.

Ghee

Ghee is a butter alternative with a nuttier taste than regular butter. It is a good option for those who are lactose intolerant. Ghee can be spread onto the bread or added to the pan when making grilled cheese.

Avocado

For a healthier option, mashed avocado can be used as a spread on the bread instead of butter. It adds creaminess and a unique flavour profile to the grilled cheese. To use avocado, simply mash it and season with salt, pepper, and lemon juice before spreading it onto the bread.

Margarine

Margarine is a common butter substitute in cooking and baking, and it can also be used for grilled cheese sandwiches. It has a similar consistency to butter and is easy to spread. Margarine provides a similar flavour to butter, making it a great option when you are out of butter or want to try something new.

Frequently asked questions