Patrick Oconnell
Grilled cheese is a simple pleasure, a comfort food, and a childhood favourite. But what makes a good grilled cheese? The basic ingredients are bread, cheese, and butter, but there are endless riffing possibilities. You can experiment with different types of cheese and bread, and add additional fillings to the classic toasted sandwich. Whether you're looking to bring more crunch, creaminess, tartness, or spice to your grilled cheese, there are plenty of options for cheese pairings and additions.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Bread | White bread, Italian ciabatta, sourdough, French boule, onion hamburger buns, Pullman bread, baguette bread |
| Cheese | Cheddar, mozzarella, parmesan, gruyere, fontina, feta, pepper jack, brie, gouda, muenster, provolone, Kraft Singles |
| Meat | Bacon, pepperoni, pulled pork |
| Fruits and Vegetables | Tomatoes, figs, Granny Smith apples, pears, grapes, kiwi, hot peppers, avocado, basil, tarragon, rosemary, cranberries, strawberries, raisins, currants, prunes, arugula, roasted red peppers, onions |
| Condiments | Mustard, mayonnaise, pesto, tzatziki sauce, cranberry sauce |
| Other | Butter, olive oil, garlic, salt, ghost pepper powder |
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What You'll Learn
Meats: Bacon, sausage, pepperoni, chicken, and pulled pork
Grilled cheese sandwiches are versatile and can be made with a variety of ingredients. Here are some ideas for adding meats to your grilled cheese sandwich:
Bacon
Bacon is a popular choice for grilled cheese sandwiches. It adds a salty, savory taste and a crunchy texture that pairs well with the melted cheese. You can cook the bacon slices before adding them to the sandwich, as they won't cook inside the bread. Try pairing it with mozzarella cheese for a sweet and savory option, or with maple-flavored bacon for an extra sweet twist.
Sausage
Sausage is another protein option that can be added to a grilled cheese sandwich. It can be a tasty addition, providing a savory and juicy contrast to the melted cheese.
Pepperoni
Pepperoni is a classic pizza topping that can also be used in grilled cheese sandwiches. It adds a spicy, savory flavor that pairs well with cheese. Try combining pepperoni with mozzarella and parmesan cheeses, marinara sauce, and your choice of bread for a unique twist on the traditional grilled cheese.
Chicken
Chicken breast pieces can be a great addition to a grilled cheese sandwich, providing a lean protein option. Chicken can be paired with various cheeses and vegetables to create a flavorful and satisfying sandwich.
Pulled Pork
Pulled pork is another meat option that can be used in grilled cheese sandwiches. It is a staple in southern American barbecue and is known for its sweet, tangy, and salty flavors. Adding pulled pork to your grilled cheese can create a balanced and hearty sandwich. Try pairing it with provolone cheese and your choice of bread for a delicious and satisfying meal.
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Veggies: Arugula, avocado, tomato, onion, and mushroom
Arugula
Arugula is a great addition to a grilled cheese sandwich if you're looking for something a little more sophisticated. To make an arugula grilled cheese, you'll need whole wheat sourdough bread, butter, pesto, and sharp cheddar cheese. Spread butter on the bread slices, then spread a thick layer of pesto on top. Add the cheese and arugula, and cook the sandwiches in a skillet over medium heat until the bread is toasted and the cheese is melted.
Avocado
Avocado grilled cheese is a delicious and easy-to-make sandwich that's perfect for lunch or a snack. For this sandwich, you'll need bread, butter, cheddar cheese, avocado, and gruyere or provolone cheese. Start by spreading butter on one side of each bread slice. Place one slice of bread, butter-side down, in a panini maker or saute pan over medium heat. Add cheddar cheese, avocado slices, and gruyere or provolone cheese. Top with the remaining bread slice, butter-side up, and cook until the bread is golden and the cheese is melted, about 4 minutes.
Tomato
Tomato grilled cheese is a classic combination, especially when served with tomato soup. To make a delicious tomato grilled cheese, use sturdy bread like sourdough, locally grown tomatoes, mayonnaise, ground black pepper, basil pesto, and your choice of cheese. Spread mayonnaise on one side of each bread slice, then layer on the cheese, sliced tomatoes, and pesto. Season with black pepper, then top with the remaining bread slice and spread mayonnaise on top. Toast the sandwich in a skillet over medium heat for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until the bread is golden and the cheese is melted.
Onion
Onions are a fantastic addition to grilled cheese, especially when caramelized. To make a French onion grilled cheese, caramelize onions in a skillet with butter for 45-60 minutes. Stir the caramelized onions with grated Gruyère cheese, then assemble the sandwich. Cook the sandwich in the skillet until the bread is golden and the cheese is melted, about 3-4 minutes on each side. For an extra touch of flavour, add a splash of sherry or vinegar to the onions, or serve the sandwich with a side salad dressed with a tangy mustard vinaigrette.
Mushroom
Mushrooms and cheese are a match made in heaven, and a mushroom grilled cheese sandwich is an easy and delicious way to enjoy this combination. To make this sandwich, you'll need white bread, butter, mushrooms, garlic, cream cheese, cream or milk, thyme, and your choice of two additional cheeses. Fry the mushrooms in butter in batches until golden, then add garlic and season with salt and pepper. Add cream cheese, cream or milk, and thyme, and stir until the cream cheese melts. Assemble the sandwich by spreading butter on one side of each bread slice, then adding Emmental cheese, the mushroom mixture, and Gruyere cheese. Top with the remaining bread slice and spread butter on top. Cook the sandwich in a skillet over medium heat until the bread is golden and the cheese is gooey.
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Fruits: Apple, pear, strawberry, and peach
Apple
The classic pairing of apple and cheese is a glorious combo that balances sweet and salty. You can slice up the apple and add it to your grilled cheese, but if you want the sweetness of the apple to really shine through, try caramelizing the apples first. You can do this by melting butter in a pan, adding apple slices, and frying them for around 5 minutes until they start to brown and soften. Then, pour in some maple syrup and stir until the apples are soft and caramelized. For the cheese, a sharp cheddar is a must, and you can also add gorgonzola or blue cheese for a sharper contrast. If you want to add meat, bacon is a great option, and you can even use the leftover bacon fat to caramelize the apples.
Pear
For a more elegant, grown-up grilled cheese, try pairing pear with brie and gruyere cheeses. This combination offers a nice balance of sweet and savory. To make this sandwich, layer the cheeses, sliced pear, and fresh thyme over slices of good-quality bread, butter the outsides, and cook in a buttered skillet over medium heat until the cheese is melted and the bread is golden. For an extra pop of flavor, you can also drizzle honey over the sandwich.
Strawberry
A strawberry grilled cheese is a delicious and easy option for lunch. Start by washing and drying strawberries, then slicing them. Spread butter on one side of each slice of bread, and on the non-buttered side, place cheese slices so they cover the surface. Add the strawberry slices on top of the cheese, followed by another layer of cheese. Top with the second slice of bread, buttered-side up, and grill for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until the bread is golden and the cheese is melted.
Peach
A honey peach white cheddar grilled cheese is a perfect summer lunch to celebrate peach season. Start with a sturdy bread, such as sourdough, and spread ricotta cheese over the bread (this is optional but adds a nice touch). Top one slice with sliced peaches and drizzle with honey, then add white cheddar cheese to the other slice. Spread butter on the outside of the bread, and toast in a pan or panini press over medium-low heat until the cheese is melted and the bread is golden. For a savory twist, you can add crispy bacon to this sandwich.
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Condiments: Mustard, jam, pesto, and cranberry sauce
Mustard is a great condiment to add to your grilled cheese sandwich, providing a tangy flavour. You can either spread it directly onto the bread or squeeze some onto a plate and dip your sandwich as you go. Dijon mustard is a popular choice, adding a subtle tanginess to the sandwich.
Jam is another option for a grilled cheese sandwich, particularly fig jam, which can be paired with a mix of Gruyere and brie cheese. You could also try spreading some cranberry sauce on your grilled cheese sandwich. This works especially well with brie and mustard, complementing the flavours of the sandwich.
Pesto is another fantastic sauce to spread on your sandwich, pairing well with mozzarella and provolone cheese.
In addition to condiments, you can also add fresh herbs, fruits, and vegetables to your grilled cheese sandwich.
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Cheeses: Mozzarella, cheddar, parmesan, and gruyere
Mozzarella is a great choice for grilled cheese due to its stretchiness and melting qualities. However, it has a mild flavour, so it is often paired with another cheese to add taste. For example, a combination of mozzarella and vintage cheddar can be a good option for a grilled cheese sandwich. You could also try adding sliced tomatoes, basil leaves, and cucumber to complement the mozzarella.
For a more advanced melt, try using fresh mozzarella cubed up in a very hot oven (around 850 degrees Fahrenheit). This technique will ensure that the cheese melts together into a cohesive whole, rather than remaining as separate blobs.
Cheddar is a popular choice for grilled cheese sandwiches due to its strong flavour. White sharp cheddar is a good variety to use, and it pairs well with mozzarella. When shredding the cheese, be sure to use freshly grated cheddar as it melts better than pre-grated or pre-shredded cheese, which can become gloopy.
Gruyere is another excellent option for grilled cheese sandwiches, especially when paired with sourdough bread. The slight tang of the sourdough combines harmoniously with the strong, salty umami flavour of the gruyere. To make the perfect gruyere grilled cheese, spread butter evenly and generously on each slice of bread. Then, place one slice of bread, butter side down, in a hot skillet. Layer the cheese onto the bread evenly, and lay the second slice of bread, butter side up, on top. Carefully flip the sandwich over so that the freshly buttered side is now on the bottom. Let the sandwich cook until both sides are golden brown and the cheese has melted.
For a more general grilled cheese, you can use any type of cheese you like! Some people like to use multiple types of cheese in their sandwiches, such as mozzarella and cheddar, to get the perfect balance of stretchiness and flavour.
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Frequently asked questions
Some good cheeses to include in a grilled cheese sandwich are cheddar, mozzarella, parmesan, fontina, feta, gouda, muenster, and gruyère.
Some unique toppings that can be added to a grilled cheese sandwich are pesto, cranberry sauce, tzatziki sauce, and ghost pepper jack.
Some vegetables that can be added to a grilled cheese sandwich are arugula, roasted red peppers, tomatoes, figs, and onions.
