Bushra Griffith
Grilled cheese sandwiches are a classic American dish, and there are endless ways to elevate this simple, comforting meal. The perfect grilled cheese sandwich should have a crispy, salty, buttery exterior and a molten, oozy cheese interior. While the traditional grilled cheese is made with American cheese, there are many other types of cheese that can be used, such as cheddar, gouda, gruyere, mozzarella, and pepper jack. To make the perfect grilled cheese, the type of bread is also important. While some sources suggest a thicker-sliced bread, such as Texas toast, others recommend a type of bread with a tang, such as sourdough. The sandwich can be cooked in butter or mayonnaise, with the latter producing a crispier sandwich. To serve, grilled cheese sandwiches are often paired with tomato soup, but they can also be served with other types of soup or simply eaten on their own.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of Bread | Sourdough, Texas Toast, White Bread, Rye Bread |
| Type of Cheese | Cheddar, Mozzarella, Gruyère, Raclette, Havarti, Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, Swiss, American, Brie |
| Other Ingredients | Butter, Mayonnaise, Dijon Mustard, Jalapeño, Onion, Tomato, Garlic Powder, Parsley, Basil |
| Accompaniments | Tomato Soup |
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What You'll Learn
Tomato soup
Grilled cheese sandwiches and tomato soup is a classic American combination. The pairing was first made popular during World War II when it was served to military personnel. After the war, it became a widespread meal in schools and government institutions.
The grilled cheese sandwiches can be made by buttering slices of bread and topping them with grated or sliced cheese. The sandwiches are then cooked in a pan until the cheese is melted and the bread is golden brown. For a heartier sandwich, add toppings such as prosciutto ham or other types of ham.
When serving, the grilled cheese sandwiches can be dipped into the tomato soup. This combination of melted cheese, crispy bread, and warm soup is a comforting and nostalgic meal that is perfect for cold weather.
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Jalapeño and onion
For a jalapeño and onion grilled cheese sandwich, you can use a variety of bread types, such as ciabatta, sourdough, or Texas toast. First, prepare the jalapeños by brushing them with olive oil and roasting them in the oven. Alternatively, you can use jarred or pickled jalapeño peppers if you prefer. For the onions, you can either use raw white onions or cook them down to caramelize them, adding a sweet flavour.
When assembling the sandwich, spread butter or mayonnaise on the outside of the bread. Some recipes suggest using mayonnaise instead of butter, as it creates a crispier texture without the grease and adds a richer flavour to the sandwich. Next, add your grated cheese—a combination of cheddar, mozzarella, and pepper jack works well. You can also add bacon for a heartier sandwich. Finally, place the jalapeños and onions on top of the cheese, close the sandwich, and grill until the bread is toasted and the cheese is melted.
To make it a complete meal, serve your grilled cheese sandwich with a bowl of tomato soup for dipping. You can also pair it with sides like chips, French fries, or a salad. Enjoy your spicy, crunchy, and delicious jalapeño and onion grilled cheese sandwich!
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Butter vs. mayo
Butter and mayonnaise are two popular choices for grilled cheese sandwich lovers. But which is better?
Butter is the classic choice for grilled cheese sandwiches. Its high milk-fat content gives the sandwich a rich, decadent flavour. The milk solids in butter separate from the fat when it melts, creating a toasted flavour that infuses the sandwich. However, butter needs to be softened or melted before use, as it is too hard to spread straight from the fridge. This can be done by melting it in the pan first and then adding the bread. Butter also has a strong fragrance and flavour that may be preferred by traditionalists.
Mayonnaise, on the other hand, is a more modern alternative. It is a spreadable emulsion of oil and acid (usually vinegar or lemon) with egg, which acts as a binder. Mayonnaise has a similar fat content to butter, and its high smoke point means it can withstand high temperatures without burning, giving you more time to brown your sandwich to perfection. Mayonnaise also helps the bread brown well, creating a crunchy texture. It has a more neutral flavour profile, allowing the cheese and other fillings to shine. Mayonnaise is also generally less expensive than butter, making it a good option for those on a budget.
Some people prefer the flavour of butter, while others find it too greasy and prefer the crispness of mayonnaise. Ultimately, the choice between butter and mayonnaise comes down to personal preference. Some people even choose to use a combination of both, spreading mayonnaise on the outside of the bread and adding butter to the pan, to get the best of both worlds.
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Bread type
The bread you use for your grilled cheese sandwich is important. You want to use a bread that is thick enough to hold the cheese without becoming soggy, but not so thick that the cheese won't melt. A good rule of thumb is to use bread that is about 3/4" to 1" thick. Texas toast is a popular choice for grilled cheese sandwiches because it is thick and holds up well to the cheese and butter.
Sourdough is also a popular choice for grilled cheese sandwiches. It has a tangy flavour that adds a nice touch to the sandwich. However, you don't want to use a sourdough that has a super thick, tough crust as it can be hard to bite through.
You can also use white bread for a grilled cheese sandwich. This will give you a more classic, diner-style grilled cheese. White bread is also a good choice if you want to add a lot of toppings to your sandwich, as it has a milder flavour that won't compete with the toppings.
While it's not traditional, rye bread can also be used for a grilled cheese sandwich. It has a stronger flavour than white or sourdough, so it's a good choice if you want your bread to have a more prominent role in the sandwich.
No matter what type of bread you choose, the most important thing is to make sure it is lightly browned and crisp. This is best achieved by using a generous amount of butter and cooking the sandwich over low heat.
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Cheese type
When it comes to cheese, you can't go wrong with a classic like American cheese, but there are plenty of other options to explore. If you're looking for a cheese that will melt beautifully and has a sharp, nutty flavour, sharp cheddar is a great choice. It's a popular option for grilled cheese sandwiches and pairs well with other cheeses. For a more complex flavour, you can combine it with Gruyère or raclette, two types of Alpine-style Swiss cheese known for their excellent melting abilities and salty, nutty taste.
Monterey Jack and Pepper Jack are also excellent choices for grilled cheese sandwiches. They have a nice kick of spice and can add a bit of complexity to your sandwich. If you're looking for something a little different, Havarti is a mild, buttery cheese that melts well and can add a creamy texture to your sandwich. Mozzarella is another classic melting cheese that can take your grilled cheese to the next level. Its stretchy, gooey texture is perfect for creating that impressive cheese pull.
For those who enjoy a more robust flavour, medium or regular cheddar is a great option. It has a slightly stronger taste than sharp cheddar and melts well, making it perfect for grilled cheese sandwiches. Gouda, a smoked cheese, adds a unique, deep flavour to the sandwich. It can be paired with other cheeses or enjoyed on its own between the toasted bread.
While these are some of the most popular choices, you can experiment with other cheeses like Swiss, Fontina, or even Brie. The key is to choose a cheese that melts well and complements the other flavours in your sandwich. Don't be afraid to mix and match to find your perfect grilled cheese combination!
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Frequently asked questions
Some good cheeses to use are medium cheddar, gouda, Havarti, Monterey Jack, pepper jack, Gruyere, fontina, Swiss, Mozzarella, sharp cheddar, and American cheese.
Sourdough, Texas toast, and thicker-sliced bread are good options for grilled cheese sandwiches.
You can spread butter or mayonnaise on the outside of the bread. Butter is traditional, but some people prefer mayonnaise because it helps the bread brown well and creates a crunchy texture.
Grilled cheese sandwiches go well with tomato soup. They are also good with a side of soup for dipping.
