Frederic Melton
Grilled cheese sandwiches are a classic comfort food, but what if you don't have butter or are looking for a healthier alternative? There are several substitutes that can be used instead of butter to achieve that golden-brown, crispy texture. From oils to spreads, there are creative and delicious alternatives to choose from. A popular option is mayonnaise, which produces a crisp crust with a tangy flavour. For a healthier twist, mashed avocado can be used as a spread, adding creaminess and healthy fats to the sandwich. Other alternatives include olive oil, coconut oil, vegetable oil, cream cheese, and even bacon grease. Each substitute offers a unique flavour and texture profile, allowing you to elevate your grilled cheese sandwich to new heights.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Substitute | Mayonnaise |
| Margarine | |
| Olive oil | |
| Coconut oil | |
| Avocado oil | |
| Vegetable oil | |
| Non-stick cooking spray | |
| Cream cheese | |
| Bacon grease | |
| Aioli | |
| Ghee | |
| Mashed avocado |
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What You'll Learn
Olive oil
One of the main advantages of using olive oil is that it helps with browning but doesn't burn as easily as butter. The olive oil will give your sandwich a lovely amount of crispiness, and the cheese will melt nicely. There will be a faint olive oil taste, but it won't be overpowering.
It is important to note that olive oil has a low smoke point, so when using it, be sure to add a small amount of water to the pan before covering your sandwich, and cook the sandwich on low heat. This will allow the cheese to melt while the olive oil lightly crisps up both sides. Olive oil can easily start a fire, so use caution and avoid high heat.
For the best results, it is recommended to use extra virgin olive oil and experiment with different flavours, such as 3 Chile Olive Oil. You can also add some cracked sea salt to both sides of the sandwich for extra flavour.
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Coconut oil
To use coconut oil for grilled cheese, heat a griddle or large skillet over medium heat. Spread coconut oil on both sides of each piece of bread. Sandwich your chosen cheese in the middle, then place the sandwich on the griddle and cover with a large metal bowl or skillet top. Allow the sandwiches to become golden, which should take around 2 to 3 minutes. Flip and cover again, cooking for another 2 to 3 minutes.
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Mayonnaise
To make a grilled cheese sandwich with mayonnaise, spread a thin layer of mayonnaise on the outside of your bread slices. You can then place the bread, mayonnaise-side down, in a skillet or frying pan. Top the bread with your desired cheese, such as American cheese, cheddar, mozzarella, or Brie. Season with black pepper, if desired. Then, place the second slice of bread on top, with the mayonnaise-side facing up.
Cook the sandwich over medium heat until the cheese melts and the bread turns golden brown. This should take around 2 to 4 minutes per side. It is important to note that mayonnaise has a higher smoke point than butter, so cooking at high temperatures may cause the bread to burn before the cheese has melted. Therefore, it is recommended to cook the sandwich slowly at a lower temperature to allow the cheese to melt properly.
Some people also like to combine mayonnaise and butter when making grilled cheese sandwiches. In this case, you can spread mayonnaise on the outside of the bread slices and butter on the inside, or you can spread butter on the pan before placing the bread. This combination provides a golden brown crunch and a rich flavour.
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Avocado oil
To use avocado oil instead of butter, brush or drizzle it on the outer sides of your bread slices, assemble your favourite cheese, and grill to perfection. Avocado oil is a fantastic alternative for those looking to incorporate more nutritious options into their diet.
When compared to other oils, avocado oil has a higher smoke point. This means that it can be heated to a higher temperature before it starts to smoke and burn. This makes it a safer option for grilling cheese sandwiches, as it reduces the risk of the oil smoking and causing a fire.
In addition to its health benefits, avocado oil also has a positive impact on the taste and texture of the grilled cheese sandwich. It adds a creamy texture and a subtle buttery flavour that complements the melted cheese inside.
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Cream cheese
To make a grilled cheese sandwich with cream cheese, you can follow these steps:
Step 1: Choose the Right Bread
Select a sturdy bread that can hold the weight of the filling, such as Italian bread, sourdough, focaccia, or brioche.
Step 2: Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture
In a small bowl, combine cream cheese with mayonnaise, seasoned salt, and garlic powder or fresh/roasted garlic. You can also add a pinch of Parmesan and a dollop of pesto sauce for extra flavor. Beat the mixture until it is smooth and well-combined.
Step 3: Assemble the Sandwich
Spread the cream cheese mixture on slices of bread. You can spread it on the outer sides of the bread, similar to how you would use butter, or you can spread it on the inside of the sandwich as a filling. If you choose to use it as a filling, it is recommended to use a harder cheese around the edges to seal the sandwich and prevent the cream cheese from leaking out.
Step 4: Grill the Sandwich
Place the sandwiches in a skillet over medium heat and toast for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until the bread is lightly browned and the cheese is melted. For an even crispier texture, you can toast the inside of each bread slice before assembling the sandwich.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Grilled cheese sandwiches with cream cheese go well with various sides, such as tomato soup, roasted red pepper soup, spicy wedges, or sliced apples.
Using cream cheese instead of butter in grilled cheese sandwiches adds a unique flavor and texture that many people enjoy. However, it is important to note that cream cheese has a higher moisture content than other cheeses, so it may leak out of the sandwich if not properly contained.
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Frequently asked questions
Avocado oil, olive oil, and coconut oil are great substitutes for butter when grilling cheese. They have a higher smoke point than butter and are a healthier option.
Margarine is a popular alternative to butter that can be spread on the bread. Mayonnaise is another option that adds a tangy flavor to the grilled cheese.
Aioli, avocado, and cream cheese are some unusual alternatives to butter for grilled cheese. Aioli is made by emulsifying garlic and oil, giving the sandwich a garlic bread flavor. Avocado adds a creamy texture and a unique flavor profile. Cream cheese adds a rich and luxurious texture to the grilled cheese.
