Andy Montoya
Grilled cheese is a simple, comforting dish that can be made with a variety of breads and cheeses. While the classic combination of sliced white bread and American cheese is a popular choice, there are many other options to consider. For example, sourdough, ciabatta, focaccia, and brioche all make excellent grilled cheese sandwiches due to their soft yet sturdy textures. In terms of cheese, a combination of mozzarella and a flavoured cheese like vintage cheddar or Gruyère works well, as the mozzarella provides a good melt and stretch, while the other cheese adds flavour. To take your grilled cheese to the next level, consider adding condiments like mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, or butter to the outside of the bread for enhanced flavour and a crispy texture.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Bread | Sourdough, White, Multigrain, Ciabatta, Potato, Rye, Pumpernickel, Brioche, Focaccia, Baguette, Cranberry Walnut, Cinnamon Raisin |
| Butter | Salted, Unsalted |
| Mayonnaise | |
| Cheese | Mozzarella, Gruyere, Cheddar, Raclette, Swiss, Havarti, Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, Fontina, Gouda, Blue Cheese, Brie, American, Colby, Emmental, Camembert |
| Other | Tomato, Spinach, Artichoke, Sauteed Spinach, Caramelized Onions, Broccoli, Roasted Red Peppers, Roasted Tomatoes, Basil, Fig Jam, Pickled Red Onions, Pickled Radishes, Pickled Jalapenos, Pesto, Cornichons, Olives, Fresh Herbs, Sausage, Eggs, Sloppy Joe Filling, Zucchini, Apple, Mustard, Nutmeg |
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What You'll Learn
Butter, mayonnaise, or olive oil on the bread
Butter, mayonnaise, or olive oil are all popular choices for grilled cheese sandwiches. While some people prefer to spread their choice of fat directly onto the bread, others opt to spread it on the pan instead.
Butter
Butter is a traditional choice for grilled cheese sandwiches. It is often spread directly onto the bread, but can also be added to the pan. Butter will give your grilled cheese a rich, buttery flavour and a golden crust. However, it can burn easily, so it may be better suited to lower cooking temperatures.
Mayonnaise
Mayonnaise is another popular option for grilled cheese sandwiches. It is known for helping the bread brown beautifully and creating a crisp, mouthwatering crunch. Mayonnaise also adds a rich flavour to the sandwich. When using mayonnaise, it is important to lower the pan temperature slightly to prevent burning.
Olive Oil
Olive oil is a less commonly used option for grilled cheese sandwiches, but it can still produce great results. Olive oil is a neutral-flavoured oil with a low smoke point, so it is important to cook with it on low heat and add a small amount of water to the pan. Olive oil is a good choice for getting into the nooks and crannies of the bread and creating an even crispness.
Other Options
In addition to butter, mayonnaise, and olive oil, there are several other fats that can be used for grilled cheese sandwiches. These include margarine, coconut oil, and Greek yoghurt.
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Cheese options
Cheese is the star of the show when it comes to grilled cheese sandwiches, so it's important to choose the right one. While you can use any cheese you have on hand, some are better melters than others and will give you that gooey, oozy texture that makes a grilled cheese so delicious.
Mozzarella is a popular choice for grilled cheese because of its excellent melting qualities and the stretch it gives when you pull the sandwich apart. However, as it has a very mild flavour, it is often combined with a stronger, more flavoursome cheese. Vintage cheddar is a favourite for this, offering a sharp, nutty taste and a good melt. Gruyère is another popular choice, with a rich, nutty flavour. It is also a Swiss Alpine-style cheese, so it goes well with bread such as pumpernickel. Raclette, another Swiss cheese, is also recommended.
For a milder flavour, a young cheddar or Colby can be paired with thin slices of tart apple. Blue cheese is another option for those who like a punchier flavour and goes well with sweet fig jam. If you're looking for something more unusual, cinnamon raisin bread can be combined with mild cheeses like Swiss, Gruyère, or Gouda for a mix of sweet and savoury.
Other cheeses that melt well include Monterey Jack, pepper jack, and Havarti. You could also try a combination of Fontina and Gouda, or 100% cheddar.
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Bread options
When making a grilled cheese sandwich, it's important to choose the right type of bread. The ideal bread should be soft yet sturdy, with a soft-but-hearty texture and even slices of medium thickness (about 1/4 inch or 1/2 inch thick).
Sourdough is a popular choice for grilled cheese sandwiches due to its tanginess, which adds a nice contrast to the rich flavours of the cheese and butter. However, it's important to avoid super fancy sourdoughs with a thick, tough crust, as this can be difficult to bite through. Regular white sandwich bread is also a good option, especially if you're a grilled cheese purist.
If you're looking for something a little more indulgent, buttery brioche makes a great grilled cheese sandwich. The texture is soft, but sturdy enough to hold up during pan-frying, and the eggs and sugar in the dough give it a delicious, slightly sweet flavour. Just be aware that brioche browns more quickly than other breads, so you may need to cook it over a lower heat to avoid burning.
For those who want a healthier option, whole-wheat, multigrain, oatmeal, and potato bread are all great choices. Multigrain bread, in particular, stands up to a variety of cheeses and can be paired with anything from gooey mozzarella to pungent, creamy blue cheese. If you're feeling adventurous, you could even try a cinnamon raisin bread for a mix of sweet and savoury flavours.
Finally, if you're looking for a classic grilled cheese, nothing beats a couple of slices of hearty white bread. Go for a bread that's soft and tender, but sturdy enough that it won't fall apart in the pan.
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Additional fillings
While a grilled cheese sandwich is delicious in its simplicity, you can elevate it by adding extra fillings. For a savoury twist, add vegetables like spinach, caramelised onions, steamed broccoli, roasted red peppers, roasted tomatoes, or sliced tomato. You can also add sautéed spinach, chopped zucchini, artichokes, or roasted red peppers. If you're feeling adventurous, add some chilli crisp, nutmeg, black pepper, or pickled red onions, radishes, or jalapeños for a tangy kick.
For a sweet and savoury combination, add sliced apples or a slathering of fig jam to your grilled cheese. If you're using a mild cheese, such as young cheddar or Colby, thin slices of tart apple can complement the sweetness nicely. Or, for a truly indulgent treat, pair your grilled cheese with sweet fig jam and creamy blue cheese on nutty multigrain bread.
If you're a meat-lover, consider adding some cooked breakfast sausage patties or slices of breakfast meat to your grilled cheese. You can even transform your grilled cheese into a full meal by adding a sloppy Joe filling.
And don't forget the classic combination of grilled cheese and tomato soup, which is always a comforting option.
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Cooking methods
The first step in making a grilled cheese sandwich is to choose your bread. While any bread will work, it's important to select a loaf with a uniform texture, as bread with large holes may allow the cheese to leak out. The bread should be sliced evenly, with a thickness of about 1/4 to 1/2 inch, to ensure even cooking. If you're using a softer bread, such as focaccia, you can split it horizontally and stuff it with fillings before griddling.
Once you have your bread, the next step is to choose your cheese. Almost any cheese can be used, but it's important to select a cheese that melts well, such as mozzarella, cheddar, or Gruyère. You can use a single type of cheese or a combination of cheeses for a richer taste. Grated cheese tends to melt more evenly than sliced cheese, so consider grating your cheese before adding it to your sandwich.
Now it's time to assemble your sandwich. If you want a classic grilled cheese, simply place your cheese between two slices of bread. However, if you're feeling adventurous, you can add a variety of fillings, such as tomatoes, spinach, caramelized onions, or even fruit like apples or fig jam. You can also spread the inside of your bread with condiments like Dijon mustard or mayonnaise.
Finally, it's time to cook your sandwich. You can use a pan on the stove, a sandwich press, or a broiler/grill. If using a pan, be sure to butter the pan and the outside of the bread to get a golden, crispy crust. Covering the pan while cooking can also help to ensure that the cheese melts evenly. Cook your sandwich until the bread is browned and the cheese is melted, then remove it from the pan, slice it into triangles, and serve!
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Frequently asked questions
Sourdough, white sandwich bread, ciabatta, focaccia, pumpernickel, baguette, brioche, and rye bread are all good options for grilled cheese.
Mozzarella, vintage cheddar, Gruyère, raclette, havarti, Monterey Jack, pepper jack, gouda, fontina, and blue cheese are all good options for grilled cheese.
You can spread mayonnaise, dijon mustard, or butter on the outside of the bread. You can also add sliced tomatoes, spinach, caramelized onions, steamed broccoli, roasted red peppers, basil, cornichons, whole-grain mustard, apples, fig jam, or pickles.
