The Perfect Spices To Elevate Your Grilled Cheese

what spices goes on grilled cheese

Grilled cheese is a staple comfort food for many, but did you know there are ways to elevate this classic? While the traditional grilled cheese is hard to beat, adding spices and herbs can take it to the next level. The key is to enhance the flavours without overpowering the main ingredients of bread, butter, and cheese. A versatile way to do this is by seasoning the butter with spices such as garlic, onion powder, red pepper flakes, and thyme. You can also add fresh or powdered herbs like basil, parsley, oregano, rosemary, and sage. For a spicy kick, include jalapeños, cayenne pepper, or red chilli flakes. Alternatively, a dash of Dijon or yellow mustard can add a sharp tanginess to your sandwich. Experiment with different combinations to find your favourite!

Characteristics of spices that go on grilled cheese

Characteristics Values
Herbs Parsley, Basil, Oregano, Rosemary, Thyme, Marjoram, Sage, Dill
Spices Black Pepper, Red Chili Flakes, Cayenne Pepper, Chipotle Powder, Red Pepper Flakes
Powders Garlic Powder, Onion Powder
Other Jalapenos, Mustard, Parmesan, Basil, Cheddar, American Cheese

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Garlic butter

Garlic and bread are a match made in heaven, and when you add cheese to the mix, you get one of the most popular flavour profiles in culinary history. The strong savoury notes of garlic, the nutty and buttery flavours of bread, and the richness of cheese create a delightful combination.

Making Garlic Butter

There are several ways to make garlic butter. One way is to mix fresh minced garlic cloves, garlic powder, or garlic salt with butter. You can also make roasted garlic butter by roasting garlic cloves, mashing them, and mixing them with softened butter. You can even add parmesan, herbs, and a pinch of salt to the mix.

Using Garlic Butter in Grilled Cheese

When making a grilled cheese sandwich, you can spread garlic butter on the outside of the bread and cook it in a skillet or griddle over medium heat until the bread is golden brown and toasted. You can also add garlic powder to the butter for an extra garlicky kick.

Benefits of Garlic Butter

Precautions

If you use garlic salt in your garlic butter, be mindful that the other ingredients in your grilled cheese, like cheese and butter, also contain salt. Adjust your seasoning accordingly to avoid over-salting.

Creative Combinations

For an extra indulgent treat, try using roasted garlic butter with sourdough bread and melty fontina cheese. This combination creates a super roasty, savoury, and crunchy grilled cheese sandwich that's sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

So, the next time you're craving grilled cheese, why not give garlic butter a try? It's a simple twist that can take your grilled cheese from ordinary to extraordinary!

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Parmesan

One way is to place thin slices of parmesan inside the sandwich. This will add a nice, savoury flavour to the grilled cheese. Another way is to sprinkle powdered parmesan inside or on the outside of the sandwich. This will give the sandwich a nice, crispy texture and a boost of flavour.

For a parmesan-crusted grilled cheese, spread butter on the outside of the bread slices and sprinkle parmesan cheese on top, pressing it into the bread firmly. Then, grill the bread slices in a skillet until the parmesan is crispy. You can also add other cheeses, such as Swiss or cheddar, to the sandwich for a more complex flavour.

If you're feeling creative, you can make a garlic parmesan grilled cheese. Simply sprinkle garlic powder and dried parsley on the buttered side of the bread slices before adding the parmesan and grilling the sandwich.

When using parmesan in grilled cheese, it's important to note that parmesan is a salty cheese, so a little goes a long way. It's also important to store parmesan properly to prevent it from going bad. Rewrap the cheese in fresh plastic wrap after each use, and it will last until you've used it all.

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Jalapeños

Firstly, it is important to select the right jalapeños. For a milder flavour, choose younger, smooth, green peppers with no striations or blemishes. These peppers are less stressed and have a milder heat. If you prefer more kick to your sandwich, choose jalapeños with white stretch marks, which indicate a hotter pepper.

When preparing the jalapeños, it is recommended to wear plastic food-handling gloves as the peppers can be irritating if they come into contact with your face. Cut the jalapeños in half and remove the seeds and membranes to reduce the heat. If you prefer a hotter flavour, leave some of the seeds and veins in. You can then stuff the jalapeños with cream cheese and bake them until the peppers are semi-soft and the cheese is bubbly. Alternatively, you can chop the jalapeños and mix them with butter, spreading this onto the bread slices. You can also thinly slice the peppers and place them on top of the cheese before grilling. Another option is to roast the jalapeños to bring out a slightly milder, smoky flavour.

In terms of cheese, sharp cheddar pairs well with the jalapeños, and you can also add Monterey Jack and bacon for a delicious, spicy grilled cheese sandwich.

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Red pepper flakes

To make the most of red pepper flakes in your grilled cheese, you can melt butter in a saucepan with crushed garlic and red pepper flakes, then lightly simmer the mix. Brush this spicy butter onto the outside of your sandwich before grilling. This will give your grilled cheese a rich, buttery flavour with a subtle heat.

You can also add red pepper flakes directly to the cheese filling of your sandwich. For example, a Taleggio grilled cheese sandwich uses a combination of Taleggio and Parmigiano Reggiano cheese, dressed with a generous sprinkle of red pepper flakes and a drizzle of honey. The heat of the red pepper flakes balances the rich creaminess of the cheese and the sweetness of the honey.

If you're feeling adventurous, you can even add red pepper flakes to your grilled cheese batter. For a goat cheese grilled cheese sandwich, melt butter with red pepper flakes in a saucepan, allowing the butter to infuse with the spice. Brush this mixture onto your bread, add your cheese and other fillings, then grill to perfection.

So, whether you're sprinkling, mixing, or infusing, red pepper flakes are a fantastic way to add a spicy kick to your grilled cheese sandwich without overwhelming the other flavours.

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Basil

To make a basil-infused grilled cheese, you can either add basil leaves directly to the sandwich, or mix it with butter and spread it on the outside of the bread. If you want to add a little more crunch, you can spread the basil butter on both sides of the bread before toasting. The basil blends easily into the butter, giving the sandwich a subtle perfume of fresh herbs.

If you want to make an Italian-style grilled cheese, you can add some sliced tomatoes, a sprinkle of balsamic vinegar, and some Parmesan cheese. You can also add some garlic powder to the basil butter. This sandwich is best served with a bowl of hot tomato soup, with a pinch of basil stirred in for an extra kick of flavour.

For a three-cheese and basil grilled cheese, spread mayonnaise on two slices of bread and place them mayo-side down in a hot skillet. On one slice, add some jalapeno Jack cheese and top with thinly sliced tomatoes. On the other slice, add some mozzarella cheese, then top with basil leaves, and finish with a slice of Cheddar cheese. Place the tomato-topped slice on the basil-topped slice, and cook until the bread is golden brown.

The basil grilled cheese is a creative twist on a classic comfort food, perfect for cold days.

Frequently asked questions

A Cajun spice blend that includes cayenne pepper, garlic powder, paprika, oregano, thyme, onion powder, salt, and pepper is a great option for adding flavour to grilled cheese.

Seasoning the butter with spices like red pepper flakes, onion powder, and thyme, as well as minced garlic, is a simple way to enhance the flavour of grilled cheese.

Adding freshly ground black pepper to grilled cheese can provide a peppery, earthy tone without overpowering the dish.

Yes, herbs like basil, parsley, oregano, rosemary, and sage can add fresh flavour and seasoning to grilled cheese.

Adding Parmesan cheese, which is rich in glutamate, can enhance the savoury flavour of grilled cheese and create an umami taste experience.

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