Best Cheeses For A Grilled Sourdough Sandwich

Sourdough grilled cheese is the ultimate comfort food. It's a simple recipe that hits the spot every time. But what kind of cheese should you use to make the perfect grilled cheese on sourdough bread?

The key to a great grilled cheese sandwich is a combination of flavourful cheeses that melt well. While classic American cheese will give you that signature orange hue, it lacks flavour. For a more gourmet taste, a combination of cheddar, gruyere, havarti, and parmesan creates an out-of-this-world melt.

If you're looking for a slight twist on the classic, try using mozzarella, brie, gouda, pepper jack, Monterey jack, or fontina. These cheeses all melt beautifully and add their own unique flavour to the sandwich.

When making a grilled cheese on sourdough, it's important to use freshly grated cheese. Pre-shredded cheese often contains additives that hinder melting, resulting in a less gooey sandwich.

Why is sourdough bread the best option for grilled cheese?

Sourdough bread is the best option for grilled cheese due to its flavour, texture, and ability to hold the sandwich ingredients without becoming soggy.

Firstly, sourdough bread has a distinct tangy flavour that pairs well with melted cheese. This flavour is a result of the natural fermentation process that occurs when making sourdough, which gives it a depth of flavour that commercial bread lacks.

Secondly, sourdough bread has a sturdy texture that can withstand the weight of the cheese and other sandwich ingredients without falling apart. Its sturdiness also means it can be grilled without becoming soggy, which is a common problem with softer breads like brioche or store-bought sandwich bread.

Finally, sourdough bread has a slightly open crumb structure, which allows for an even melt of the cheese throughout the sandwich. A good sourdough loaf will also have a crispy crust, adding a nice textural contrast to the gooey, melted cheese.

For the best results, it is recommended to use thick slices of sourdough bread (about 1/2 inch thick) and to grill the sandwich on low to medium heat to allow the cheese to melt evenly without burning the bread.

What are the best cheeses for a grilled cheese on sourdough?

There are many different types of cheese that can be used to make a delicious grilled cheese sandwich on sourdough bread. Here are some of the best options:

• Cheddar is a classic choice for grilled cheese, and for good reason. It has a bold, cheesy flavour and melts well. Mild, medium or sharp cheddar can be used, depending on your preference for taste and greasiness.
• Gruyère is a great pairing with cheddar as it melts well and has a slightly nutty flavour. It is also creamier than cheddar.
• Gouda is a Dutch cheese that sometimes doesn't melt as well but can be used in smaller quantities for a slightly caramelly flavour.
• Monterey Jack is a semi-hard option that melts extremely well and has a buttery flavour.
• Mozzarella is perfect if you're looking for that Instagram-worthy cheese pull. However, it doesn't add much flavour to the sandwich.
• American cheese will give you that signature bright orange colour and melts well for a gooey interior.
• Brie is a good option if you want a gooey and rich sandwich. It pairs well with something sweet like fig or cherry jam.
• Swiss cheese melts extremely well and has a milder flavour than cheddar.
• Havarti is another great melting cheese with a mild, buttery flavour.
• Fontina is a good substitute for mozzarella as it melts well and has a mild flavour.
• Muenster and Colby Jack are also popular choices for grilled cheese sandwiches.

For the perfect grilled cheese on sourdough, it is recommended to use a combination of at least two types of cheese. This will create a more complex and gourmet flavour profile. In addition to cheese, you can also add meats, spreads, and vegetables to your sandwich for even more flavour and texture.

How do you make a grilled cheese on sourdough?

How to Make a Grilled Cheese on Sourdough Bread

Ingredients

First, you'll need to gather your ingredients. For a classic grilled cheese on sourdough, you'll need:

• Sourdough bread
• Butter or mayonnaise
• Cheese (a combination of cheeses works well, such as cheddar, gouda, havarti, and parmesan)

You can also experiment with different types of cheese, such as mozzarella, brie, pepper jack, Monterey jack, or American cheese.

Preparation

Once you have your ingredients, follow these steps:

• Heat a skillet over medium-low heat.
• Spread butter or mayonnaise on both sides of each slice of sourdough bread. This adds flavour and helps the bread to brown evenly.
• Add your chosen cheeses in layers to one slice of bread. Be generous with the cheese to ensure a gooey, melty centre.
• Place the other slice of bread on top, with the buttered/mayonnaised side facing up.
• Place the sandwich in the skillet and grill on low heat. Cover the skillet to help the cheese melt evenly.
• Grill the sandwich for 2-4 minutes on each side, or until both sides are golden brown and the cheese is melted.
• Remove the sandwich from the pan and let it rest for a couple of minutes before slicing and serving.

Tips and Variations

• Sourdough bread is a great choice for grilled cheese because of its sturdy texture and tangy flavour. However, if you don't have sourdough, you can use other sturdy breads like brioche, multigrain, rye, or classic white bread.
• To add extra flavour, try sprinkling the top of the sandwich with flaky salt after cooking.
• For a more elevated grilled cheese, experiment with different combinations of cheeses and add-ins, such as:
• Apple, onion & gouda
• Pesto and white cheddar
• Garlic butter and cheddar
• Tomato, bacon and cheddar
• Roasted red pepper, spinach, and mozzarella
• If you're serving the grilled cheese as a meal, pair it with something lighter like soup, salad, or vegetables.

How do you store and reheat a grilled cheese on sourdough?

Grilled cheese sandwiches are best enjoyed fresh. However, if you have leftovers, let the sandwich cool down on a wire rack for a few minutes before storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Grilled cheese sandwiches can be stored for up to three days.

When you're ready to eat, reheat your sourdough grilled cheese in a frying pan over medium-low heat for four to five minutes, flipping it halfway through until warmed. You can also use a toaster oven to reheat your sandwich, which will help crisp the bread back up and melt the cheese.

What can you add to a grilled cheese on sourdough?

There are many ways to elevate a grilled cheese sandwich on sourdough bread. Here are some ideas for extra ingredients to take your grilled cheese to the next level:

Deli Meats

Adding some deli meats such as leg ham or pastrami can make your grilled cheese sandwich heartier.

Leftover Meats

You can also add leftover meats such as brisket or pulled pork.

Spreads

Try spreading some Dijon mustard, yellow mustard, chimichurri, or apple butter on the inside of the bread before adding the cheese.

Vegetables

Including vegetables such as sautéed spinach or sliced green apple can add extra flavour and nutrients.

Fruits

The sweet and salty combination of adding fruit to a grilled cheese is also delicious. Try adding sliced tomatoes, Granny Smith apples, or fig jam.

Frequently asked questions