Frederic Melton
There are many types of cheese that can be used in sandwiches, depending on the type of sandwich and personal preference. For grilled cheese sandwiches, the best options are those that melt well and give you a good cheese pull, such as cheddar, mozzarella, pepper jack, gouda, fontina, Gruyère, provolone, and blue cheese. For a classic British cold cheese sandwich, cheddar is the traditional option, though Red Leicester can be used to add a pop of colour and a slightly different flavour.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Best cheese for grilled cheese sandwiches | Cheddar, Mozzarella and Pepper Jack, Gruyère, Provolone, Swiss Cheese, Blue Cheese, Raclette, Young Unsmoked Gouda, Organic American Slices, Fontina Val D'Aosta, Pepperjack, Taleggio, Comté, Monterey Jack, Brie, Havarti, Fontina, Monterey Jack, Mozzarella |
| Best bread for grilled cheese sandwiches | Sourdough or Brioche |
| Best sides for grilled cheese sandwiches | Creamy Tomato Soup and a Drizzle of Sriracha, Fresh Sliced Tomato, Kimchi, Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts, Broccoli Rabe or Broccolini, Pulled Pork or Barbecue Jackfruit, Sautéed Mushrooms |
| Best cheese for cold sandwiches | Cheddar, Red Leicester, Double Gloucester, White Cheshire, Shropshire Red |
What You'll Learn
Cheddar
When making a cheddar cheese sandwich, it is recommended to use a vegetable or potato peeler to shave the cheese, as this will give a better texture than slicing it. Thick slices of soft white sandwich bread are the best option, and buttering the bread will add moisture to the sandwich.
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Mozzarella and Pepper Jack
Mozzarella grilled cheese sandwiches are best made with sturdy, crusty bread such as sourdough, which can support the weight of the toppings and won't get soggy. To assemble, spread pesto on the bread, add mozzarella, tomatoes, and any other toppings, then place the sandwich in a panini maker or grill pan until the cheese is melted and the bread is toasted.
Pepper jack is a variety of Monterey Jack cheese with added red pepper flakes, giving it a mild spicy kick. It pairs well with sweet ingredients such as roasted sweet mini peppers, as well as meats like pastrami and steak. Like mozzarella, pepper jack melts easily and is a good choice for a grilled cheese sandwich with a variety of fillings.
When making a pepper jack grilled cheese sandwich, you can simply assemble the sandwich with bread, butter, and cheese, or get more creative with your ingredients. For example, you could make a pepper jack steak sandwich with grilled onions, a healthy dose of Cotija cilantro sauce, and a toasted sub roll.
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Gruyère
When making a grilled cheese sandwich with Gruyère, it is recommended to use sourdough bread and to spread butter evenly and generously on each slice. The sandwich should be cooked in a dry nonstick or cast-iron skillet over medium heat. The ideal colour of the bread is a light golden brown, and the cheese should be melted. Gruyère grilled cheese sandwiches go well with a bowl of tomato soup, making for one of the best cosy meals.
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Provolone
There are two types of provolone: dolce (sweet) and piccante (spicy). Dolce provolone is a milder, softer cheese that has been aged for a few months, while piccante has a stronger flavour and harder texture, aged for a few years. American provolone tends to be milder, creamier, and softer than Italian provolone, with a less intense flavour and paler colour.
When making a provolone grilled cheese sandwich, it is recommended to shred the cheese yourself, as pre-packaged grated cheese often contains additives that can affect its melting properties. You can combine provolone with other cheeses such as mozzarella, parmesan, Swiss, or cheddar. For a simple sandwich, layer provolone with herbs like oregano and parsley, and black pepper, between two slices of bread. You can also add meats like salami, prosciutto, or pepperoni, or vegetables like peppers and onions.
When cooking the sandwich, you can spread butter or mayonnaise on the outside of the bread before toasting it in a skillet, panini press, or air fryer. Alternatively, melt butter in the pan first, then coat the bread in the melted butter before toasting. Cook the sandwich over low heat to ensure even melting and browning.
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Blue Cheese
A classic combination is a blue cheese BLT, with marinated tomatoes, shredded lettuce, and crispy bacon on toast. The blue cheese adds a tangy, savoury element to the sandwich, complementing the other ingredients perfectly.
For a more complex sandwich, blue cheese pairs well with cured meats such as salami or Italian ham. A popular choice is a sandwich with Italian salami, arugula, and a drizzle of vinaigrette on crusty bread. The saltiness of the cured meat and the bitterness of the arugula complement the creaminess and sharpness of the blue cheese.
When creating a blue cheese sandwich, it is important to consider the type of bread and additional toppings. Blue cheese pairs well with a variety of breads, from simple toast to crusty baguettes or even Pan de Cristal, a delicate, crispy bread. Toppings such as balsamic glaze, olive oil, arugula, and red onion can enhance the flavour of the blue cheese and create a well-rounded sandwich.
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Frequently asked questions
While you can use any cheese you like for grilled cheese sandwiches, some popular options include medium cheddar, young gouda, organic American slices, and fontina.
Classic cheese sandwich recipes include cheese and pickle, cheese and onion, cheese and ham, and cheese and marmite.
Some tips for making the perfect grilled cheese sandwich include using shredded cheese or thin slices of cheese, cooking at a low heat, and spreading mayonnaise on the outside of each slice of bread.
