Mayonnaise: A Cheese Or Not?

Mayonnaise and cheese are both popular sandwich ingredients, but what about mayonnaise made with cheese? This unusual condiment, also known as cheese mayo, has been around since at least 1943, when it appeared in the Victory Binding of the American Woman's Cook Book. In recent years, it has been popularized by chefs like Chris Kronner, who created a version with sharp white cheddar to complement his Kronnerburger. The basic recipe involves blending mayonnaise with grated or crumbled cheese, and it can be used to add a creamy texture and tangy flavour to burgers and sandwiches.

Mayonnaise with cheese blended into it

The process of making this cheese mayonnaise is straightforward. You can start by preparing the homemade mayonnaise with four core ingredients: eggs, mustard, olive oil, and acidity from lemon juice or vinegar. Then, you can add crumbled or grated cheese to the mix. An immersion blender can be used to create a sumptuously creamy composition, or you can roughly stir the cheese through to leave salty pockets of cheese throughout.

When choosing a cheese to blend with mayonnaise, the options are abundant. Blue cheese, cheddar, gorgonzola, and mozzarella are some varieties that can be considered. Softer cheeses will generally blend more effortlessly than springy cheeses like mozzarella. However, it is worth experimenting with different types of cheese to find your preferred flavour profile.

This cheese mayonnaise blend is an excellent condiment for burgers, sandwiches, fries, and even potato salad. It adds a creamy texture and a tangy, pungent flavour that complements the other ingredients. The possibilities with this combination are endless, and it is sure to elevate your dishes to a new level of excellence.

Grilled cheese with mayo

A grilled cheese sandwich is a classic, comforting dish that can be easily elevated with a few simple tricks. One secret ingredient that can take your grilled cheese to the next level is mayonnaise. While it may seem unconventional, using mayonnaise in a grilled cheese sandwich serves multiple purposes and can enhance the flavour, texture, and overall experience.

The Science Behind It

The reason why mayonnaise works so well in a grilled cheese sandwich is due to its chemical properties. Mayonnaise has a higher smoke point than butter, which is typically used in grilled cheese sandwiches. The smoke point of mayonnaise is approximately 450 degrees Fahrenheit, while butter's smoke point ranges from 300 to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. This means that mayonnaise is less likely to burn in the pan, giving the cheese more time to melt properly.

Additionally, the use of mayonnaise also helps to create the Maillard reaction, a chemical reaction that occurs when complex carbohydrates and proteins are heated, resulting in the browning of the bread and the development of savoury flavours. This reaction enhances the overall taste and appearance of the grilled cheese sandwich.

How to Make It

To make a grilled cheese sandwich with mayonnaise, start by buttering one side of two slices of bread. Place your preferred cheese between the slices, with the buttered sides facing inward. This adds flavour to the finished sandwich. Then, spread a thin layer of mayonnaise on the outside of each slice of bread.

Heat a nonstick or well-seasoned pan over medium-low heat. Place the sandwich, mayonnaise side down, in the pan for about 3 to 4 minutes, then flip and cook the other side for the same amount of time. This cooking process allows the bread to toast evenly, the cheese to melt perfectly, and the butter to shine through.

Customization

The beauty of a grilled cheese sandwich is that it can be customized to your taste preferences. While the classic version uses American cheese, you can experiment with different types of cheese, such as medium-sharp cheddar, Swiss, Gruyère, or Havarti. These cheeses have a higher moisture content, making them ideal for melting.

You can also add various ingredients to your grilled cheese with mayo to create unique flavour profiles. Some popular add-ins include kimchi, salted tomato slices, grainy mustard, or even a slice of pepper Jack cheese for an extra kick. Feel free to get creative and use your favourite cheese combinations.

Tips and Tricks

• When spreading the mayonnaise, make sure to cover the entire surface of the bread. This will help create an even browning and prevent the bread from drying out.
• If you're not a fan of mayonnaise, don't worry. The mayonnaise doesn't actually provide a strong flavour to the sandwich, so even mayo haters can enjoy the benefits it brings to the grilled cheese.
• For the best results, use a nonstick or heavily seasoned pan. This will help create an even cook and prevent the sandwich from sticking to the pan.
• To make it kid-friendly, simply leave out the pepper Jack cheese or any other spicy ingredients.

Cheese and mayo sandwich

A cheese and mayo sandwich is a simple yet delicious meal. It is a sandwich that has been enjoyed by many, especially those who grew up in less privileged households.

The basic sandwich consists of two slices of bread, mayonnaise, and cheese. Some prefer to add butter, while others opt for a more indulgent option with thick slices of tomato and avocado. The type of cheese used can vary, with some recipes calling for medium cheddar, while others suggest American cheese, pepper jack cheese, or simply your favourite cheese combination.

To prepare the sandwich, spread mayonnaise on one side of a slice of bread, place the cheese on top, and then spread mayonnaise on one side of the remaining slice of bread. Place the second slice of bread, mayonnaise-side up, on top of the cheese. This creates a grilled cheese sandwich with a kick.

For those who want to take it a step further, you can make a cheese mayo by blending cheese into mayonnaise. This was created by Chef Chris Kronner for his Kronnerburger, which features an extremely indulgent combination of bone marrow and a dry-aged patty. To make cheese mayo, you will need distilled white vinegar, mustard powder, kosher salt, vegetable or another neutral oil, and grated aged sharp white cheddar. Simply blend all the ingredients except the cheese, and then add the cheese and blend until smooth. This sauce can be used on burgers, club sandwiches, or even as a dip for fries.

Whether you opt for a simple cheese and mayo sandwich or get creative with additional ingredients, this sandwich is a tasty treat that can bring back nostalgic memories for many.

Mayo as a substitute for butter

Mayonnaise is a suitable substitute for butter in an array of dishes. Both ingredients are predominantly made up of fats, so mayonnaise can achieve the same golden crust on grilled cheese or creaminess in baked goods as butter. The ratio for this swap is usually a simple one-to-one replacement. However, it is important to note that mayonnaise has a tangy flavour due to lemon juice or vinegar, which may be too distinct for recipes that rely on butter's flavour, such as pasta with brown butter.

One popular use for mayonnaise in place of butter is for grilled cheese sandwiches. The swap also works well with other sandwiches, creating a golden-brown crust, and is suitable for garlic bread. Mayonnaise can also be used in cake and brownie recipes to add moisture. Potato dishes, such as baked or mashed potatoes, benefit from mayonnaise, adding richness and moisture. Other dishes where the ingredient swap works include scrambled eggs, roasted chicken, macaroni and cheese, and corn on the cob.

However, there are some instances where butter is irreplaceable. Butter plays several important roles in creating emulsified batters, trapping air, providing structure, increasing texture, extending shelf life, adding water, and contributing to flavour and aroma. Recipes that rely heavily on butter for these qualities, such as flaky pie crusts, flaky biscuits, or shortbread cookies, are not suitable for a mayonnaise substitute.

Cheese mayo as a condiment

Cheese mayo is a condiment that has been around since at least 1943, when it appeared in the Victory Binding of the American Woman's Cook Book. It is a simple combination of mayonnaise and cheese, blended together. The original recipe calls for hard-cooked egg yolks, melted butter, grated mild cheddar cheese, salt, pepper, mustard, and vinegar. The result is a creamy, tangy spread that can be used on sandwiches, burgers, or as a dip.

Over the years, people have experimented with different variations of cheese mayo, adding ingredients like pimento, jalapenos, and horseradish to give it a kick. It can also be made with different types of cheese, such as blue cheese or gouda, and other fats like schmaltz or duck fat, to create a range of flavours and textures.

One of the key advantages of cheese mayo is its versatility. It can be used as a spread, a dip, or a sauce, and it pairs well with a variety of foods. It is particularly popular on grilled cheese sandwiches, where it can be used as a replacement for butter to create a golden brown crust and a slightly tart taste. It is also commonly used on burgers, where it complements the patty without overwhelming it and keeps the burger nice and creamy.

Cheese mayo is a simple yet indulgent condiment that elevates the flavour of simple dishes. It is a testament to the creativity of chefs and home cooks who are always looking for new ways to combine familiar ingredients to create something extraordinary.

Frequently asked questions