The Best Cheeses For Making Grilled Cheese Sandwiches

what kind of cheese is in a grilled cheese

There are many types of cheese that can be used in grilled cheese sandwiches, from American cheese to Swiss cheese, and even mozzarella. However, the best cheese for a grilled cheese sandwich is subjective and depends on personal preference. Some people may prefer the classic, nostalgic taste of American cheese, while others may opt for a more unique combination of cheeses like American and gouda, or sharp cheddar and pepper jack. Ultimately, any cheese that melts well can be used to create a delicious grilled cheese sandwich.

Characteristics Values
Number of cheese types 2
Cheese type 1 Mozzarella
Cheese type 2 Gruyère, Raclette, Swiss, Vintage Cheddar, American, Monterey Jack, Colby, Fontina, Provolone, Pepper Jack, Havarti, Gouda, Brie, Blue Cheese, Muenster

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Mozzarella

A classic pairing with mozzarella is a caprese-style sandwich with fresh tomatoes and pesto. You can also add roasted red peppers, sun-dried tomatoes, olives, grilled onions, or pepperoni. If you want to add some crunch to your sandwich, you can butter the bread and cook it in a pan or skillet.

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Brie

When making a grilled cheese sandwich with Brie, you don't need to remove the rind unless you want to. It's edible and, when the cheese melts, it blends in with the gooey goodness. You can use any type of bread, but thicker slices are recommended to contain the molten cheese. Sourdough, whole wheat, seedy bread, and even gluten-free bread all work well.

For a savoury sandwich, you can pair Brie with prosciutto, bacon, or ham, and something sweet like apple or pear slices. You can also add some butter or olive oil to the bread, and a drizzle of honey will give it an extra flavour boost. If you're making a sweet sandwich, consider adding jam, marmalade, or chutney. Fig jam, apricot jam, lemon preserves, and blackberry or cranberry jam all go well with Brie.

To make your sandwich, start by buttering your bread. Then, add your fillings and place the second slice of bread on top. Cook the sandwich in a pan over medium heat for 2-5 minutes on each side until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted.

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American cheese

When making a grilled cheese sandwich with American cheese, it is important to cook it slowly over medium-low heat to ensure the cheese melts fully before the bread becomes too brown. Covering the skillet with a lid can help trap steam and melt the cheese more effectively.

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Swiss cheese

A simple Swiss cheese grilled sandwich can be made with just a few ingredients: Swiss cheese, bread, and butter. The bread is buttered on one side and placed buttered-side-down in a skillet. A slice of Swiss cheese is added, followed by another slice of buttered bread. The sandwich is then grilled until the bread is browned, and the cheese is melted.

For a more complex flavour profile, additional ingredients can be added. For example, a Swiss cheese grilled sandwich can be enhanced with the addition of tomatoes and spinach. This combination not only adds nutritional value but also provides a sophisticated flavour profile to the classic grilled cheese sandwich.

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Sharp cheddar

The Perfect Melting Cheese

A Distinctive Flavour

Grilled Cheese Tips

To make the most of sharp cheddar in your grilled cheese, consider the following tips:

  • Grate your cheese: Grated cheese melts more evenly than sliced cheese. Grating your own cheese is recommended, as pre-grated cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can impact melting.
  • Use a sturdy bread: Choose a bread that can stand up to the weight of the cheese and provide a crunchy exterior, such as sourdough or ciabatta.
  • Low and slow: Cook your grilled cheese at a low heat to ensure the cheese melts fully without burning the bread.
  • Butter or mayonnaise: Spread butter or mayonnaise on the outside of the bread for an extra crispy, golden exterior.

Pairing Ideas

While sharp cheddar is delicious on its own, you can also pair it with other cheeses and ingredients for a more complex sandwich:

  • Cheese pairings: Combine sharp cheddar with cheeses like Gruyère, Raclette, or Monterey Jack for a unique flavour and texture.
  • Ingredient additions: Try adding sliced tomato, strips of crispy bacon, pickles, or even mac and cheese inside your sandwich.

Final Thoughts

Frequently asked questions

There is no single "best" cheese for a grilled cheese sandwich as it depends on personal preference. However, some popular options include American cheese, cheddar, mozzarella, gouda, and havarti.

Yes, sharp cheddar is a great option for grilled cheese as it has a sharp, nutty flavor and melts well. However, mild or medium cheddar melts better than sharp cheddar, which can turn oily and waxy.

Cheeses that melt well and are commonly used in grilled cheese sandwiches include American cheese, mozzarella, young gouda, havarti, and fontina.

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