The Best Cheeses For A Grilled Cheese Sandwich

Grilled cheese is a classic, comforting hot sandwich that is buttery and crisp on the outside and gooey and cheesy on the inside. While you can use just about any semi-hard cheese for grilled cheese sandwiches, there are some that work better than others to achieve a signature gooey cheese pull. The best grilled cheese sandwiches use a combination of cheeses to add flavour and get the perfect melt.

Mozzarella and Gruyere

The Magic of Mozzarella

Mozzarella is a versatile cheese that shines in grilled cheese sandwiches due to its exceptional melting properties. Its mild flavour and stretchy texture make it an ideal base for your grilled creation. When paired with a more robustly flavoured cheese like Gruyere, it provides the perfect balance.

Gruyere: The Star of Savoury

Gruyere is a Swiss cheese that brings a burst of flavour to your grilled cheese. It has a strong, salty, and nutty taste that complements the mildness of Mozzarella. Gruyere also has a higher melting point than other cheeses, so it adds a delightful gooeyness to your sandwich without losing its shape.

Bread: The Supporting Cast

When it comes to bread, sourdough is the top choice for grilled cheese aficionados. Its slight tanginess and sturdy texture make it the perfect vessel for your cheesy masterpiece. Look for a loaf that is crusty on the outside and chewy on the inside. If sourdough isn't available, opt for a hearty bread with a similar texture.

Assembly and Cooking

Start by spreading butter generously on each slice of bread. Layer on the cheeses, with Gruyere providing flavour and Mozzarella delivering that signature stretch. You can also add toppings like roasted red peppers, fresh tomatoes, or caramelised onions for an extra punch of flavour.

Cook your sandwich in a skillet over medium heat. Be patient and let the cheese melt slowly for that perfect gooey consistency. Flip the sandwich carefully to ensure even cooking. Your grilled cheese is ready when the bread is golden brown and crispy, and the cheese has melted to perfection.

The Final Touches

Cut your sandwich diagonally and admire that cheese pull! Serve it alongside a bowl of comforting tomato soup for the ultimate comfort food experience. Enjoy the harmonious blend of flavours and textures that Mozzarella and Gruyere bring to your grilled cheese creation.

Sharp cheddar

For a classic grilled cheese, you can use sharp cheddar on its own, or you can combine it with another cheese to add complexity. Gruyère or raclette are good options, as they are unparalleled melters with a salty, nutty flavour and a bit of funk. You can also mix sharp cheddar with a milder block cheddar to get the best of both worlds: a strong flavour and a gooey texture.

When making a grilled cheese sandwich with sharp cheddar, it's important to grate the cheese yourself instead of using pre-shredded bagged cheese. Store-bought shredded cheese is coated in a powder that prevents it from melting well, so it can become gloopy and rubbery.

For the bread, a nice sourdough is a popular choice, but you can also use white bread or another type of hearty bread. Just make sure the bread doesn't have too many holes, as the cheese may escape.

To cook the sandwich, spread butter or mayonnaise on the outside of the bread and cook it in a cast-iron skillet or non-stick pan over medium-low heat. Covering the pan can help to melt the cheese without burning the bread.

Monterey Jack

The vast majority of Jack cheese is sold as a young, high-moisture, melting cheese, with a nutty tang and a rich, buttery flavour. It is a great option for grilled cheese as it is mild-mannered, oozy, and melty. You can also add chopped hot peppers (usually jalapeño) to your grilled cheese for an extra kick and make what is known as pepper jack.

When making a grilled cheese sandwich, it is important to note that while you can use any type of sliced bread, you want to ensure that the slices are not too thick, thin, soft, or too holey. Sourdough bread is a popular choice for grilled cheese sandwiches. In addition to the bread and cheese, other ingredients you can use are butter, mayonnaise, and spices such as garlic powder.

Fontina

Choosing Fontina

Pairing Fontina

Adding Ingredients

Cooking Instructions

To cook your Fontina grilled cheese, start by heating a large non-stick skillet over medium heat. Butter one side of each slice of bread and place the first slice buttered-side down in the skillet. Add your chosen cheese, completely covering the surface of the bread. If using multiple cheeses, layer them on top of each other. Once the cheese is melted, add any additional toppings and place the second slice of bread on top, buttered-side up. Cover the pan to help the cheese melt more quickly and evenly. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until the bread is golden brown. If needed, reduce the heat to medium-low to ensure the cheese melts fully before the bread gets too dark.

Brie

For a simple, classic brie grilled cheese sandwich, you can use just brie, or you can add another type of cheese for a different texture and flavour. Mozzarella, for example, adds a classic stretch to the sandwich without overpowering the flavour of the brie. You can also add sliced chicken breast, prosciutto, or cooked bacon for a savoury protein boost.

When preparing the sandwich, start by spreading softened butter on your bread of choice. Sourdough is a popular option, but you can also use whole wheat, seedy bread, or even gluten-free bread. If you want to enhance the flavour, try using a flavoured butter with garlic and herbs.

Next, layer your chosen ingredients. For a brie and mozzarella sandwich, place the mozzarella on one slice of bread and the brie on the other. If you're adding meat, place it on the mozzarella side. Once you've added your ingredients, place the second slice of bread on top, buttered side up.

Grill the sandwich over medium heat for 4-5 minutes on each side, or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melty and gooey. If you're making multiple sandwiches, use an electric griddle pan, but be careful not to turn the heat up too high.

For an extra special touch, add some sweet or savoury spreads to your sandwich. Honey, fig jam, or red pepper jelly can complement the brie beautifully.

And there you have it—a mouthwatering brie grilled cheese sandwich, perfect for a comforting meal or an elevated snack!

Frequently asked questions