Patrick Oconnell
Grilled cheese sandwiches are a classic, comforting meal, but there are many ways to spice them up. From fresh herbs like basil and parsley to dried spices like garlic powder and onion flakes, there are endless combinations to experiment with. Some people like to add a kick of heat with cayenne or red pepper flakes, while others prefer the tang of mustard or horseradish. You can also play around with different types of cheese, like sharp cheddar, mozzarella, or even habanero jack, and don't forget the butter or mayo on the outside for that perfect, crispy texture.
Characteristics and corresponding values for spices that go with grilled cheese sandwiches:
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Seasoning | Everything spice, garlic, basil, parsley, oregano, rosemary, dill, smoked paprika, horseradish, brown mustard, cayenne, red pepper flakes, Italian soffrito seasoning, Tajín, Slap Yo Mama, salt |
| Cheese | Havarti, cheddar, Monterey jack, mozzarella, parmesan, gruyere, swiss |
| Additional ingredients | Honey, poppy seeds, sesame seeds, tomatoes, onions, jalapenos, green peppers, banana peppers, apple, caramelized onions, bacon fat, mayonnaise |
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What You'll Learn
Everything spice seasoning
To make an everything spice grilled cheese sandwich, you'll need two types of cheese—a good combination is shredded mild cheddar and havarti, but fontina, brie, and mozzarella work well, too. The key is to choose a cheese that melts well. Place shredded cheese on thick and sturdy bread slices, then put the two slices together. For extra flavour, sprinkle some shredded cheese and as much of the everything spice seasoning as you like on top, pressing down to make it stick to the bread.
Next, rub butter on the outside of the sandwich and place it in a medium-sized skillet over low to medium heat. Cook the sandwich for 3-4 minutes on each side until browned and the cheese has melted. Finally, serve the grilled cheese sandwich with a generous drizzle of honey.
The everything spice grilled cheese sandwich is an easy, tasty, and comforting meal that can be made any night of the week. It's a great way to elevate your typical grilled cheese sandwich and impress your taste buds!
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Parsley, basil, oregano, rosemary, and dill
Adding herbs to a grilled cheese sandwich can take this lunchtime classic to new heights. Parsley, basil, oregano, rosemary, and dill are a great combination of herbs to sprinkle over the cheese in your grilled sandwich. The fresh herb mix adds flavour and seasoning to the sandwich.
To make this herb-seasoned grilled cheese sandwich, start by layering cheddar slices onto a piece of bread. You can use mild cheddar if you prefer. Then, sprinkle the herb mix over the cheese. Top with another slice of bread. You can also add sliced vegetables like tomatoes, avocado, onion, or roasted red pepper strips.
Spread the top of the sandwich with butter. Heat a skillet over medium heat, and gently place the sandwich, buttered-side down, into the skillet. Spread butter on the top side of the sandwich as well. Cook until the cheese has melted, which should take about 3 minutes per side.
You can also experiment with adding a drizzle of honey to your grilled cheese sandwich for a sweet and savoury combination.
Grilled cheese sandwiches are a comfort food classic, and adding herbs like parsley, basil, oregano, rosemary, and dill can elevate this simple dish.
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Garlic seasoning
Garlic is a popular seasoning for grilled cheese sandwiches. The strong aroma of garlic can enhance the flavour of a grilled cheese sandwich and infuse it with a pleasant, herbal scent.
A garlic and herb-loaded grilled cheese sandwich is a popular choice, with a recipe from Michelin-starred chef April Bloomfield serving as an example. This sandwich uses four different cheeses, garlic, and thyme, and is baked in an oven. The recipe calls for goat cheese, Manchego, and Fontina cheeses to be mixed with pressed garlic and thyme, creating a strong garlic flavour. The mixture is then spread onto slices of bread, which are buttered on the outside and coated in Parmesan cheese crumbs. The sandwiches are then baked in the oven until the crust is golden and the interior is melted. This sandwich is described as having the perfect golden, cheesy crust, with a crunchy exterior and melted cheese interior.
Another option is to use garlic powder as a seasoning. This can be mixed with other spices such as ground rosemary, lemon juice powder, and salt to create a blend that enhances the flavour of the grilled cheese sandwich. This blend can be used with a variety of cheeses, such as Havarti or Muenster.
Additionally, garlic can be used in the form of toasted garlic flakes as part of an "everything spice" seasoning. This seasoning typically includes sesame seeds, poppy seeds, toasted onion flakes, and coarse salt, in addition to the garlic flakes. This combination of spices can be sprinkled on top of the grilled cheese sandwich, adding a savoury element to the melted cheese and butter.
Overall, garlic is a versatile seasoning that can be used in a variety of forms to enhance the flavour of a grilled cheese sandwich. Whether used on its own or in combination with other spices, garlic can add a strong and pleasant aroma and flavour to the sandwich.
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Hot sauce
If you're making grilled cheese sandwiches for a group, it's a good idea to provide a selection of hot sauces with varying levels of spice. This way, each person can customise their sandwich to their preferred level of heat. You can offer different types of hot sauce, such as Picante and Louisiana-style, or sauces with increasing levels of spice on the Scoville scale.
When adding hot sauce to your grilled cheese sandwich, you can simply drizzle it on the inside of the sandwich. Alternatively, you can mix it with other ingredients to create a spread. For example, you can combine two tablespoons of mayonnaise with a sprinkle of cumin and a good amount of your chosen hot sauce.
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Honey
For a more indulgent option, try the San Francisco-based chef Chris Cosentino's recipe, which calls for Taleggio cheese. Assemble the sandwich in the same way as above, cooking it in a large skillet or griddle over moderate heat. Once cooked, drizzle with honey and sprinkle with flaky salt and coarsely ground black pepper.
For an extra kick of flavour, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to your sandwich. If you're feeling adventurous, experiment with different types of cheese, such as Havarti, Cheddar, or Pepperjack. For a meat option, add some thick-cut bacon for a crunchy and smoky texture. Or, for a meat-free version, let the hot honey be the star of the show, creating a sweet and spicy combination that will satisfy your taste buds.
Finally, don't forget to pair your grilled cheese with the perfect side dish. A classic tomato soup or a salad drizzled with balsamic vinaigrette will complement the sweetness of the honey beautifully.
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Frequently asked questions
There are many spices that can enhance the flavour of a grilled cheese sandwich. Some common spices include garlic, basil, paprika, cumin, and red pepper flakes.
Some unique spice combinations that can elevate your grilled cheese sandwich include Italian seasoning (basil, oregano, and thyme), curry powder, and rosemary with floral greens like brie.
You can incorporate spices into your grilled cheese sandwich by adding them directly to the cheese, mixing them into the bread dough, or using spiced butter. You can also experiment with different combinations of spices and cheeses to find your perfect match.
