Randy Chandler
Grilled cheese is a classic, comforting dish that is easy to make and even easier to enjoy. The standard procedure is to butter the outsides of the bread before placing it in the pan, but some recipes suggest buttering both sides of the bread for added flavour and to prevent burning. However, some cooks prefer to use mayonnaise on the outside of the sandwich, as it helps the bread brown well and adds a tangy flavour. The type of bread and cheese used can also be varied to elevate the sandwich, and some recipes suggest adding extra ingredients such as mustard, ham, or even chocolate.
When making grilled cheese, do you butter both sides?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Buttering both sides of the bread | Adds flavor to the sandwich, prevents burning and sticking, and helps achieve a golden brown color |
| Alternative options | Buttering just one side of the bread, using mayonnaise, or a combination of both |
| Benefits of using mayonnaise | Enhances browning, adds a tangy flavor, and reduces richness |
| Other considerations | Using a heavier pan, adding salt to the skillet, and choosing the right type and amount of cheese and bread |
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What You'll Learn
Butter or mayonnaise?
The age-old debate of butter versus mayonnaise when it comes to grilled cheese sandwiches has divided opinions. Some people swear by the classic combination of bread, cheese, and butter, while others are open to the idea of swapping butter for mayonnaise to achieve a golden crust.
Butter has long been the traditional choice for grilled cheese sandwiches. It adds a creamy, decadent flavour and a nutty, toasty taste when cooked. The milk solids in butter brown when heated, enhancing the flavour of the sandwich. Butter also pairs well with cheese, as they share many of the same ingredients. However, one downside of using butter is the risk of burning the milk solids.
On the other hand, mayonnaise has gained popularity as an alternative to butter, with some claiming it yields a nicer texture. Mayonnaise has a higher fat content that can withstand high temperatures, reducing the risk of burning. This allows for a more even browning of the sandwich. Mayonnaise also has a more neutral flavour profile, allowing the cheese and other fillings to shine through. However, some people may not prefer the taste of mayonnaise in their grilled cheese, finding it less ideal than butter.
Ultimately, the choice between butter and mayonnaise comes down to personal preference. While butter is the traditional favourite, mayonnaise offers a convenient alternative with its own set of advantages. Some people even choose to use a combination of both, spreading mayonnaise on the outside of the bread and cooking the sandwich in butter.
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How to cook the sandwich
Grilled cheese sandwiches are a classic, comforting meal. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to make the perfect grilled cheese sandwich:
Firstly, choose your bread. You can use any type of bread you like, but it is important to ensure that it is sturdy enough to handle the heat. Sourdough, brioche, and ciabatta are all great options, but plain white sandwich bread is the classic choice. Place your bread slices on a cutting board.
Next, spread the outsides of the bread with butter or mayonnaise. Butter is the traditional option, but some people prefer mayonnaise as it helps the bread brown and adds a tangy flavour. You can also use a combination of both, with butter on the inside and mayonnaise on the outside. If you are using butter, you can melt it in the pan first and sprinkle the skillet with salt to season the outside of the sandwich.
Now it's time to add the cheese. The classic choice is sliced American cheese, but you can also use cheddar, Gruyère, Raclette, Fontina, Gouda, Pepper Jack, or Havarti. If you are using a softer cheese like brie, you will need to slice it, but for harder cheeses, grated cheese will melt more evenly. Use enough cheese to make a small mound, generally 1 to 2 ounces, and be careful not to add so much that it spills out of the sandwich. You can also add other ingredients at this stage, such as ham, turkey, or sautéed vegetables.
Place the other slice of bread on top, with the buttered or mayonnaise-spread side facing outwards. If you are using a non-stick or cast-iron skillet, heat it over medium-low heat and melt enough butter to coat the bottom of the pan. You can also add a lid or a heavy pan on top of the sandwich to help it cook evenly.
Place the sandwich in the pan and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, or until the bottom slice of bread is golden brown. Then, flip the sandwich and cook for another 1 to 3 minutes, or until the other slice of bread is also golden brown and the cheese is melted. If the cheese is not fully melted, you can cover the skillet to help it along.
Finally, remove the sandwich from the pan, slice it into triangles, and serve immediately. Enjoy your delicious, cheesy creation!
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Choosing the right cheese
When making a grilled cheese sandwich, the cheese you choose is a major factor in how good it will taste. A good melting point and the right flavour are key.
For a restaurant-quality grilled cheese, American cheese is a popular choice, but it works best when paired with another cheese. American cheese has a great melting point, a standout flavour, and low-to-medium saltiness. It also gives you that picture-perfect cheese pull.
Cheddar is a classic choice and a favourite among chefs. It has a great flavour and provides a good pull. A medium cheddar is a good option for the best flavour and pull. You can use sharp cheddar, mild cheddar, or a blend of both.
If you're using sourdough bread, a chef recommends pairing it with aged cheddar, as the acidity of the sourdough and the aged cheese create a stronger flavour.
Other good melting cheeses include gouda, gruyere, fontina, raclette, and havarti. A young gouda melts beautifully and has a great nutty, caramel-like flavour. Raclette and gruyere are also known for their smooth melting abilities and sweet, nutty flavours.
For a basic sandwich, Monterey Jack is a good choice, or you can use a flavoured Jack cheese like pepper jack for a unique sandwich.
Mozzarella makes a great caprese-style grilled cheese sandwich, especially when paired with juicy tomatoes and pesto.
For a more gourmet sandwich, you can use a mix of gruyere and brie with thinly sliced apples or a slather of fig jam.
If you're feeling adventurous, you can even add some blue cheese for some extra funk.
No matter which cheese you choose, the key to a great grilled cheese is making sure it melts smoothly and evenly to create a gooey and stretchy texture.
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The best type of bread
When making a grilled cheese sandwich, the bread you choose is just as important as the cheese and other fillings. The right bread can make or break your sandwich. For the ideal grilled cheese, you should opt for sliced bread with even slices of medium thickness (about 1/4 inch). This ensures that your sandwich cooks evenly and you don't end up with unmelted pockets of cheese.
It's also important to choose a loaf with a uniform texture. Bread with an open crumb or holes in the interior can allow melted cheese to leak out when cooking. Avoid rolls, as the interior of the bread should make contact with the pan so it can get crispy. The interior is more porous than the crust, making it ideal for soaking up the flavours of melted butter and/or mayo slathered on the outside of the sandwich.
If you're going for a classic grilled cheese sandwich, you can't go wrong with a loaf of sandwich bread. However, if you want to switch it up, there are several other types of bread that work great for grilled cheese. Here are some options:
- Sourdough: Sourdough is a popular choice for grilled cheese due to its sturdy slices that can hold up to a long sear in the pan. It has a crispier crust and a tangy flavour that complements the cheese without overwhelming it. However, the irregular holes in the bread could make it challenging to prevent cheese drips. Look for country-style sourdoughs with a tighter crumb to avoid this issue.
- Brioche: Brioche is a rich, soft, and sturdy bread made with eggs and milk and butter. It has a dense crumb, which makes it easy to spread with butter or mayo, and the cheese won't drip through. It also gets a nice golden colour when seared in the pan. However, due to its softer texture, it may not get extra crisp and could burn more easily if left too long in the pan.
- Rye: Rye bread adds extra flavour to your grilled cheese, especially if you choose a loaf with caraway seeds. It has a hearty texture that toasts well and is also a good option for those with gluten sensitivities. However, some may find the flavour too strong.
- White bread: A simple classic, white bread pairs well with various cheeses. It toasts well and is a good option if you prefer a softer bread.
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What to serve it with
When making a grilled cheese sandwich, you can butter one side of the bread and place it butter-side down on a hot skillet. Some recipes suggest spreading mayonnaise on the outside of the sandwich instead of butter, as it helps the bread brown well and gives it a richer flavour.
Grilled cheese sandwiches are delicious on their own, but they can be even better when served with a side dish. Here are some ideas:
- Soups and stews: Grilled cheese sandwiches go well with tomato-based soups and stews, such as fresh tomato soup, Italian sausage soup with tortellini, or easy homemade chilli.
- Salads: A seasonal salad or a simple crisp salad can be a refreshing side dish to grilled cheese.
- Pickles: Dill pickles, sweet pickles, or other types of pickled vegetables, such as pickled onions, beets, carrots, or green tomatoes, can add a crunchy texture and a tangy flavour to your meal.
- Fruit: Sliced apples, fresh strawberries, cherries, peaches, or any other fruit can be a sweet and refreshing complement to grilled cheese.
- Dips: Try hummus, dill pickle hummus, pizza sauce, Santa Fe Ranch (a zesty Greek yogurt-based dip), or a cheese sauce.
- Vegetables: Sautéed spinach, caramelized onions, chopped steamed broccoli, roasted red peppers, or roasted tomatoes can be served as a side dish or added to the sandwich.
- Meat: Bacon, ham, or turkey slices can be added to the sandwich for extra protein.
- Condiments: Spicy tomato jam, bacon aioli, spicy chili crisp, or hot sauce can add a kick to your grilled cheese sandwich.
- Dessert: Chocolate chip cookies, fruit salad, or rice paper candy straws can satisfy your sweet tooth after enjoying a grilled cheese sandwich.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, it is recommended to butter both sides of the bread to add flavor and prevent burning and sticking. However, some recipes suggest using mayonnaise instead of butter, as it helps the bread brown better and adds a tangy flavor.
It is recommended to use enough butter to coat the bottom of the pan. The butter can be added to the pan before adding the sandwich, or the bread can be buttered and then placed in the pan.
White sandwich bread is a classic choice, but any type of bread can be used as long as it is sturdy enough to handle the heat. Sourdough, brioche, and ciabatta are also popular options.
