Randy Chandler
The BLT is a classic sandwich, but what type of cheese should you use if you want to add some extra flavour? There are several options, including cheddar, mozzarella, Colby-Jack, Pepper Jack, American, Provolone, Swiss, and Lacy Swiss. If you're feeling adventurous, you could even try a combination of cheeses. For example, one source recommends a combination of shredded Colby-Jack and shredded lettuce for a pop of colour and flavour. Another source recommends a combination of cheddar and mozzarella. Ultimately, the best cheese for a BLT may come down to personal preference.
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Cheddar cheese
For a BLT grilled cheese sandwich, a combination of crispy bacon, fresh tomatoes, and thick slices of cheddar and mozzarella cheese on toasted sourdough bread is a classic. This sandwich is a delicious and popular combination of two American classics: the BLT and the grilled cheese.
To make a BLT grilled cheese, start by frying bacon over medium-high heat until crisp. Drain the excess grease on a paper towel, then wipe the pan and reduce the heat to medium. Spread butter on one side of each slice of bread. On the non-buttered side of one slice, place two slices of cheddar cheese, followed by lettuce, tomato, and bacon. Top with another slice of cheese and close the sandwich.
Place the sandwich in the pan, cover, and cook until golden brown. Flip the sandwich and cook the other side until the cheese is melted and the bread is golden brown. Slice the sandwich in half and serve.
For an extra touch of flavour, try spreading mayonnaise on the outside of the bread instead of butter. This creates a perfect crisp crust without burning as quickly as butter.
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Mozzarella cheese
Mozzarella for BLTs
Mozzarella is a good option for those who want a milder cheese that won't overpower the other flavours in the sandwich. It has a subtle, slightly salty taste that goes well with the smokiness of the bacon and the freshness of the tomato.
When making a BLT with mozzarella, it is best to use fresh, high-quality ingredients. The cheese should be sliced thickly and paired with ripe, juicy tomatoes and crisp, thick-cut bacon. Sourdough bread is a good choice for this sandwich as it has a strong flavour and can withstand the weight of the toppings.
To assemble the sandwich, start by spreading mayonnaise on the outside of each slice of bread. This will create a crispy crust when toasted. Layer the mozzarella cheese with the other ingredients, such as bacon, tomato, and lettuce. For an extra pop of colour and flavour, you can also add some fresh spinach leaves.
Cook the sandwich over low heat until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted. This will ensure that the crust doesn't burn while the cheese has time to melt.
Mozzarella is a versatile cheese that can be used in a variety of dishes, and it certainly elevates the classic BLT sandwich. Its mild flavour and creamy texture make it a great choice for those who want a more subtle cheese presence in their BLT.
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Colby-Jack cheese
Colby-Jack is an American classic, with a unique, subtle taste that is neither too sharp nor too smoky. Its mildness makes it a versatile cheese that can be paired with a wide range of ingredients, making it suitable for both savory and sweet dishes. It is an excellent melting cheese, ideal for grilled cheese sandwiches or burgers, and its smooth texture makes it perfect for casseroles and macaroni and cheese.
When choosing Colby-Jack for your BLT, you can expect a delightful blend of mild and slightly sweet flavours. Its buttery and creamy top notes are complemented by hints of tangy umami, creating a harmonious marriage of tastes and textures. The cheese's smooth, mellow flavour makes it enjoyable for all ages and promises a delightful experience with every bite.
In terms of nutrition, Colby-Jack is a good source of calcium, protein, and essential vitamins like vitamin A and vitamin B12. It is also relatively high in calories, with an average of 110-120 calories per one-ounce serving. Its mild flavour also makes it a great pairing for fruits like apples and pears, as well as nuts such as almonds and walnuts.
When preparing a BLT with Colby-Jack, consider its melting properties and how it can enhance the overall creaminess of the sandwich. Its mild taste will complement the other ingredients without overwhelming them. Whether you're using crispy bacon, fresh lettuce, or juicy tomatoes, Colby-Jack will add a delightful flavour to your BLT.
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Shredded cheese
If you're making a grilled cheese BLT, you'll want to cook the sandwich slowly over low heat so that the cheese melts and the bread gets crispy without burning. You can also try spreading mayonnaise on the outside of the bread instead of butter, as it creates a crisp crust without burning as quickly.
When assembling your BLT, it's a good idea to sprinkle the sliced tomatoes with a little salt and let them drain for about 10 minutes to remove excess liquid and prevent a soggy sandwich. You can also add some spinach or arugula for a pop of colour and flavour.
For an extra-indulgent touch, try adding a slice of lacy Swiss cheese to your BLT. This type of Swiss cheese has smaller holes, but you can use regular Swiss if you can't find it.
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Swiss cheese
The Swiss Cheese Union, which controlled the industry from 1914 to 1999, focused primarily on three varieties of cheese: Gruyère, Sbrinz, and Emmentaler, also known as "the one with the holes". This limited the international market's exposure to the wide variety of Swiss cheeses. However, after the disbandment of the union, cheesemakers were free to experiment, leading to an explosion of new varieties. Today, Switzerland produces over 475 types of cheese, with about 99% made from cow's milk.
Swiss-type cheeses are typically hard or semi-hard with a distinct character. They are "cooked-pressed cheeses", made using thermophilic lactic fermentation starters and incubated at high temperatures. They are then pressed to expel excess moisture, resulting in a firm yet elastic texture. The flavour is not sharp, acidic, or salty, but rather nutty and buttery. When melted, they become gooey, slick, stretchy, and runny, making them ideal for dishes like fondue.
When adding Swiss cheese to a BLT, it is recommended to use thin slices or shavings to avoid overpowering the other flavours and textures in the sandwich. Lacy Swiss, a variety with smaller holes, is a good option. The cheese adds a creamy texture and a mild, nutty flavour that pairs well with the smokiness of the bacon and the freshness of the tomato.
So, if you're looking to elevate your BLT, consider using Swiss cheese. Its unique characteristics will bring a new dimension to this classic sandwich.
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Frequently asked questions
Some good cheeses to use for a BLT are Colby-Jack, Pepper Jack, American, Provolone, Swiss, Cheddar, Mozzarella, and Lacy Swiss.
Sourdough bread is a good choice for a BLT as it has more flavour than standard white sandwich bread while still having the right structure for piling with ingredients.
The best way to cook bacon for a BLT is in the oven on a lined baking sheet for around 20 minutes, or until crispy.
