Randy Chandler
Grilled cheese is a classic comfort food, and while nothing beats a homemade grilled cheese, several restaurants and fast-food chains have been adding this staple to their menus. From Starbucks Crispy Grilled Cheese on Sourdough to Sonic's Texas toast with a cheese slice, there are plenty of options to choose from. However, not all grilled cheese sandwiches are created equal, and some fall short in terms of flavour and texture. So, which restaurant has the best grilled cheese? Let's dive into the options and see which ones are worth trying and which ones you should skip.
Characteristics and Values Table for Restaurants Serving Grilled Cheese
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Bread | Sourdough, Texas Toast, White Miche Bread, Sesame Seed Bun |
| Cheese | American, White Cheddar, Mozzarella, Gruyère, Taleggio |
| Toppings | Bacon, Pickles, Jalapeños, Lettuce, Tomatoes, Sun-dried Tomatoes, Arugula, Short Ribs |
| Condiments | Ketchup, Mayo, Mustard |
| Soup | Tomato Soup, French Onion Soup |
| Price | $2.39, $11.44 |
| Location | Texas, Los Angeles, Chicago, New England |
| Restaurants/Chains | Starbucks, Freddy's, In-N-Out, Sonic, QT, Five Guys, Panera, Tom & Chee |
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What You'll Learn
Grilled cheese at The Roof on Wilshire
Grilled cheese is a classic comfort food, and while nothing may beat a homemade grilled cheese, there are several restaurants that offer this beloved sandwich. One of the most notable grilled cheese sandwiches can be found at The Roof on Wilshire in LA. This sandwich is not your average grilled cheese; it's a decadent and indulgent creation that elevates the classic to new heights.
The Roof on Wilshire takes a creative approach to their grilled cheese, using a unique combination of ingredients that set it apart from the traditional version. The sandwich starts with raisin walnut bread, a sweet and nutty base that adds a crunchy texture. This is paired with Taleggio cheese, a strong-flavoured Italian cheese known for its creamy texture and slightly pungent aroma. To take the sandwich to the next level, an apricot-caper spread is slathered on the bread, adding a sweet and salty contrast. This spread is made in-house, ensuring a unique flavour that you won't find anywhere else.
The sandwich is then topped with sun-dried tomatoes and arugula, adding a touch of freshness and a slight tanginess. For those who crave a heartier option, short ribs can be added for an extra indulgent touch. This grilled cheese is a clear winner, having taken first place in LA's Grilled Cheese Invitational. It's a testament to the creativity and flavour that The Roof on Wilshire brings to this classic dish.
While The Roof on Wilshire stands out for its unique take on grilled cheese, other restaurants offer more traditional versions that are equally beloved. For those seeking a simpler grilled cheese, chains like Sonic Drive-In and Tom & Chee keep it classic with Texas toast and a slice of cheese, allowing the essential flavours of a grilled cheese to shine through. These sandwiches are also highly customisable, offering a range of toppings and condiments to suit individual tastes.
Whether it's the innovative creation at The Roof on Wilshire or the classic versions found at other restaurants, grilled cheese enthusiasts have a variety of options to satisfy their cravings. The Roof on Wilshire, however, proves that grilled cheese can be so much more than just bread and cheese, transforming it into a gourmet experience that's worth savouring.
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Starbucks' Crispy Grilled Cheese
While there are many restaurants that serve grilled cheese, Starbucks' Crispy Grilled Cheese sandwich stands out for its unique ingredients and flavourful taste. This grilled cheese sandwich is a popular choice on the Starbucks menu and is known for its crispy texture and savoury taste.
The Starbucks Crispy Grilled Cheese is made with sourdough bistro bread, which forms the perfect base for the rich and indulgent filling. The bread is crafted from high-quality ingredients, including unbleached enriched wheat flour, whole wheat flour, and whole grain rye flour, ensuring a wholesome and delicious experience in every bite.
The real star of this sandwich is the garlic cheese butter blend, a rich and creamy mixture of cheddar cheese, butter, parmesan cheese, mozzarella cheese, and dehydrated garlic. This blend creates a decadent and mouthwatering filling that takes the classic grilled cheese to the next level. But it doesn't stop there—the sandwich is then topped with a savoury parmesan cheese butter spread, adding even more flavour to every bite.
With 520 calories per serving, the Starbucks Crispy Grilled Cheese is a fulfilling and satisfying option for those on the go. It provides a good source of protein with 21 grams per serving. The sandwich has a total fat content of 27 grams, with 16 grams coming from saturated fat. So, if you're looking for a grilled cheese that offers a balance of taste and nutrition, the Starbucks Crispy Grilled Cheese is a great choice.
When it comes to grilled cheese sandwiches, Starbucks has definitely raised the bar with its Crispy Grilled Cheese. The combination of high-quality ingredients, creative flavour profiles, and nutritional content makes it a strong contender for the best grilled cheese sandwich out there. So, if you're a grilled cheese enthusiast, be sure to give the Starbucks Crispy Grilled Cheese a try!
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Sonic Drive-In's Texas toast and cheese slice
Grilled cheese is a classic comfort food, and while homemade grilled cheese sandwiches are hard to beat, some restaurants have managed to perfect this simple dish. One such restaurant is Sonic Drive-In, which serves up a delicious Texas toast and cheese slice grilled cheese sandwich.
Sonic Drive-In's grilled cheese is a back-to-basics take on the classic, featuring just two ingredients: Texas toast and a slice of cheese. This no-frills approach lets the flavours of the toast and cheese shine through, and the result is a sandwich that's both comforting and crave-worthy. The Texas toast provides a thick and fluffy base, while the cheese slice melts into a gooey, savoury topping. It's a simple yet satisfying combination that's hard to resist.
While the grilled cheese at Sonic Drive-In may seem understated compared to some of the more over-the-top options out there, it's a favourite among those seeking a classic, no-fuss grilled cheese experience. The sandwich is generously portioned, with a thick slice of Texas toast that's grilled to perfection, creating a crispy exterior and a soft, fluffy interior. The cheese slice is where the sandwich really shines, as it melts into a gooey, decadent topping that pulls the dish together.
What sets Sonic Drive-In's grilled cheese apart is the quality of the ingredients. The Texas toast is thick-cut and generously sized, providing a substantial base for the sandwich. It's grilled just right, adding a touch of charred flavour without overwhelming the natural sweetness of the bread. The cheese slice is also carefully selected, with a classic American cheese flavour that pairs perfectly with the toast. The cheese melts beautifully, creating a rich and creamy texture that takes the sandwich to the next level.
For those looking to customise their grilled cheese, Sonic Drive-In offers a range of toppings and condiments to elevate the dish. From crispy bacon to tangy pickles, jalapeños, and an array of sauces, you can create your own unique combination. Whether you prefer the classic simplicity of the original or the added kick of jalapeños, Sonic Drive-In's grilled cheese is a must-try for fans of this comfort food classic.
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Panera's grilled cheese with tomato soup
The grilled cheese sandwich at Panera is a popular choice, with its buttery texture and ability to complement the tomato soup. This combination of a warm, toasty sandwich and a bowl of creamy soup is a favourite for many, especially during the winter months.
While the exact recipe for Panera's grilled cheese sandwich may be hard to replicate, some sources suggest that adding butter to the sandwich before grilling can enhance its flavour and texture. This results in a crisp, golden exterior and a gooey, melted cheese interior. As for the tomato soup, while there are copycat recipes available online, achieving the same level of creaminess and richness as Panera's may require some experimentation.
Overall, Panera's grilled cheese with tomato soup is a popular choice for those seeking a comforting and satisfying meal. The combination of a warm, buttery sandwich with a bowl of creamy soup creates a delightful dining experience, making it a go-to option for those seeking a quick, tasty, and filling meal.
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Five Guys' grilled cheese with unlimited toppings
If you're craving a grilled cheese sandwich with unlimited toppings, Five Guys is the place to go. While Five Guys is primarily known for its burgers and hot dogs, grilled cheese is also on the menu. And the best part? You can customize your grilled cheese with any or all of their 15 free toppings!
That's right, at Five Guys, you're not limited to just the classic grilled cheese. With their wide range of toppings, you can create your own unique combination. Load up on veggies, add some spice, or get creative with their other topping options. The choices are endless, and you can make your grilled cheese exactly how you like it.
The toppings at Five Guys include the usual suspects like lettuce, tomatoes, onions, and pickles. But they also offer a variety of sauces and condiments to take your sandwich to the next level. From ketchup and mustard to relish and hot sauce, you can add a kick of flavor to your grilled cheese. If you're feeling extra indulgent, you can even add bacon to your sandwich for a crispy, savory twist.
The beauty of Five Guys' grilled cheese is that it's made with the same high-quality ingredients as their burgers. The bread is soft and toasted to perfection, providing the perfect base for your chosen toppings. And of course, the cheese is melted to gooey perfection, ensuring every bite is delicious. Whether you're a grilled cheese purist or an adventurous eater, Five Guys gives you the freedom to design your dream sandwich.
So, if you're looking for a grilled cheese experience that goes beyond the ordinary, Five Guys is the place to be. With their unlimited toppings and commitment to fresh, high-quality ingredients, you can satisfy your grilled cheese cravings in the most delicious and customizable way. So why settle for plain grilled cheese when you can have a Five Guys grilled cheese with unlimited possibilities?
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Frequently asked questions
While it's a matter of personal preference, some popular options include:
- Sonic
- Panera
- Five Guys
- Starbucks
- Freddy's
- In-N-Out
Tom & Chee is a restaurant that specializes in grilled cheese sandwiches and has about a dozen locations in the US.
Grilled cheese is often paired with tomato soup, which can be found at Panera. French onion soup, which contains beef broth, simmered onions, and Gruyère cheese, can also inspire a delicious grilled cheese.
The Roof on Wilshire in LA serves an over-the-top grilled cheese made with Taleggio cheese on raisin walnut bread and topped with an apricot-caper spread, sundried tomatoes, and arugula. Meat lovers can also add short ribs.
