Andy Montoya
Grilled cheese sandwiches are a popular comfort food, with billions consumed at home and in restaurants. The classic combination of soft white bread and American singles is a favourite for many, but there are endless variations to this simple dish. The choice of bread and cheese is important, and different types of bread and cheese can elevate a grilled cheese sandwich. For example, the slight sweetness of cranberry walnut bread pairs well with rich, savoury cheeses. Sourdough is a popular choice, as its tanginess is a great complement to the richness of the cheese and butter. Other popular bread choices include brioche, rye, and multigrain.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Bread type | Sourdough, white, brioche, multigrain, potato, rye, ciabatta, focaccia, baguette, Pullman loaf, cranberry walnut, cinnamon raisin |
| Bread texture | Soft, sturdy, crispy, crunchy, holey, thick, thin |
| Cheese type | Mozzarella, American, cheddar, Gruyère, raclette, Swiss, Monterey Jack, pepper jack, Colby Jack, Fontina, Gouda, Brie |
| Other ingredients | Mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, ham, turkey, tomato, bacon, spinach, caramelized onions, roasted red peppers, avocado, pickles, fig jam |
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What You'll Learn
- Bread type: Sourdough, brioche, multigrain, and ciabatta are popular
- Bread texture: Evenly sliced, soft yet sturdy bread is key
- Bread source: Restaurants may use store-bought or homemade bread
- Customization: Bread choice is personal, with add-ons like mayo, mustard, and veggies
- Alternatives: Options like potato, rye, and cinnamon raisin bread offer variety
Bread type: Sourdough, brioche, multigrain, and ciabatta are popular
Sourdough, brioche, multigrain, and ciabatta are popular bread choices for grilled cheese sandwiches. Sourdough is a versatile bread that adds a tangy flavour to the sandwich. It is a good contrast to the rich, melty cheese and butter in the sandwich. Sourdough with a uniform texture is preferred to prevent the cheese from leaking out. Brioche, a soft, buttery bread, makes for an extra-decadent grilled cheese sandwich. It pairs well with mild, melty cheeses like young gouda or brie with raspberry jam. Multigrain bread adds fibre and flavour to the sandwich. It goes well with a variety of cheeses, from gooey mozzarella and tomatoes to creamy blue cheese and sweet fig jam. Ciabatta, with its crusty exterior and bubbly interior, is another excellent choice for grilled cheese. It can be stuffed with fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and pesto.
Other popular bread choices for grilled cheese sandwiches include white bread, whole wheat bread, potato bread, and cranberry walnut bread. White bread, especially thinly sliced, is a classic choice for grilled cheese as it is accessible, simple, and easy to make. Whole wheat bread, as well as other varieties like oatmeal and potato bread, offer a hearty texture that stands up to the cheese and toppings. Potato bread is said to be underrated for grilled cheese, especially when paired with extra sharp cheddar. Cranberry walnut bread, on the other hand, provides a crunchy texture and a slight sweetness that marries well with the richness of cheeses.
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Bread texture: Evenly sliced, soft yet sturdy bread is key
When it comes to grilled cheese, the bread texture is crucial. You want something soft yet sturdy that can stand up to the cheese and other ingredients without becoming soggy or falling apart. Evenly sliced bread is key to achieving the perfect grilled cheese sandwich.
Pre-sliced bread is a popular option for grilled cheese sandwiches because the uniform thickness ensures even cooking. This helps to avoid unmelted pockets of cheese in your sandwich. If you're slicing your own bread, aim for slices that are about 1/4 inch thick.
Sandwich bread tends to be soft and light, making it ideal for grilled cheese. However, you don't want the bread to be too soft, or it will get squished by the cheese and other fillings. A slightly heartier texture is preferable, especially if you're using a panini press or similar appliance that applies pressure to the sandwich.
Some specific types of bread that offer a soft yet sturdy texture for grilled cheese include:
- Sourdough: This versatile bread adds a tangy flavour that pairs well with a variety of cheeses. Look for a loaf with a uniform texture to prevent cheese from leaking out.
- Brioche: This enriched bread, which includes eggs and sugar, has a soft and airy texture that is still sturdy enough for pan-frying. It browns quickly, so keep an eye on it to avoid burning.
- White bread: Classic white sandwich bread is a popular choice for grilled cheese, as it is soft and slices easily into even slices.
- Multigrain bread: A thick slice of nutty multigrain bread adds flavour and fibre to your grilled cheese. It pairs well with a variety of cheeses and fillings.
- Potato bread: Potato bread is a less common but tasty option for grilled cheese, especially when paired with extra sharp cheddar.
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Bread source: Restaurants may use store-bought or homemade bread
Bread is a key component of a grilled cheese sandwich, and the type of bread used can significantly impact the overall taste, texture, and quality of the dish. Restaurants may opt for store-bought or homemade bread, depending on their preferences, availability, and target audience.
Store-bought bread offers convenience and consistency for restaurants. It saves time and effort in bread preparation, allowing them to focus on other aspects of the dish or their operations. Many types of store-bought bread are suitable for grilled cheese sandwiches, including sandwich bread, sourdough, brioche, rye, multigrain, and potato bread. These options can be easily sourced from bakeries or grocery stores.
Sourdough, for instance, is a popular choice due to its tangy flavour and versatility. It pairs well with various cheeses and adds a unique taste to the sandwich. Brioche, with its airy and buttery texture, creates an indulgent grilled cheese experience. Rye bread, on the other hand, contributes a distinct flavour from rye berries and caraway seeds, complementing mild cheeses.
Some restaurants may prefer to make their own bread, allowing them to customise the flavour, texture, and ingredients to their exact specifications. Homemade bread can be a point of differentiation, showcasing the restaurant's dedication to craftsmanship and unique offerings. It also enables them to control the bread's freshness and quality, ensuring it meets their standards.
Ultimately, the choice between store-bought and homemade bread depends on the restaurant's culinary philosophy, resources, and target market. Store-bought bread offers convenience and consistency, while homemade bread allows for customisation and the potential for a signature offering.
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Customization: Bread choice is personal, with add-ons like mayo, mustard, and veggies
Bread choice is essential for a grilled cheese sandwich, and the options are endless. The classic choice is thinly sliced soft white bread, which is easy to make and pairs well with American singles. However, other options include sourdough, brioche, Pullman loaves, multigrain, and focaccia. Sourdough is versatile and pairs well with a blend of mild and extra-sharp cheddar. Brioche, with its airy and buttery texture, is decadent and pairs well with mild, melty young gouda or thin slices of brie and raspberry jam. Pullman loaves, with their perfect square slices, are great for sandwiches and can be topped with cheddar and ripe tomato slices. Thick slices of nutty multigrain bread add fibre and flavour and can be paired with various cheeses, from gooey mozzarella and tomatoes to creamy blue cheese and fig jam. Focaccia, especially when stale, can be given new life as a grilled cheese sandwich, stuffed with fillings like Fontina, roasted red peppers, and olives.
While the bread choice is important, the add-ons are what take a grilled cheese sandwich to the next level. Mayonnaise, for example, is a game-changer. Spread on the outside of the bread, it helps create a crisp, beautifully browned exterior and a rich flavour. Butter, on the other hand, can scorch if the pan is too hot. Another option for the outside of the bread is Dijon mustard, adding a subtle tangy flavour. When it comes to the inside of the sandwich, grated cheese is recommended as it melts more evenly than sliced cheese. Using freshly grated cheese instead of pre-shredded ensures a smoother, more even melt. In addition to cheese, you can add veggies like sautéed spinach, caramelized onions, chopped steamed broccoli, roasted red peppers, or roasted tomatoes. For a gourmet touch, try a mix of Gruyere and Brie with thinly sliced apples or fig jam. Pickles, such as pickled red onions, radishes, or jalapeños, add a fun pop of flavour.
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Alternatives: Options like potato, rye, and cinnamon raisin bread offer variety
While the classic grilled cheese sandwich is made with thinly sliced soft white bread, restaurants and home cooks have plenty of other options to choose from. Alternatives like potato, rye, and cinnamon raisin bread offer variety in terms of flavor, texture, and color.
Potato bread, for example, can add a subtle sweetness and a soft texture to a grilled cheese sandwich. It pairs well with a variety of cheeses and fillings. This type of bread is often available at grocery stores, making it a convenient choice for those looking to switch up their grilled cheese game.
Rye bread is another popular alternative for grilled cheese sandwiches. It comes in various forms, including light and dark, seeded and unseeded, and even specialty options like sourdough rye and marble rye. The slightly tangy flavor of rye can complement a range of cheeses, from Swiss to cheddar.
For those with a sweet tooth, cinnamon raisin bread offers a unique twist on the traditional grilled cheese. This type of bread is typically sweeter and can be paired with cream cheese and raspberry jam for a delightful contrast of flavors and textures. The cinnamon and raisins add a depth of flavor that elevates the classic grilled cheese experience.
Other types of bread that can be used for grilled cheese sandwiches include multigrain bread, which adds a nutty flavor and boosts the fiber content, and brioche, which provides an airy and buttery texture that pairs well with milder cheeses like young Gouda or Brie.
Ultimately, the choice of bread for a grilled cheese sandwich depends on personal preference and the desired flavor profile. Restaurants and home cooks alike can experiment with different types of bread to create unique and delicious grilled cheese sandwiches that cater to their customers' or their own tastes.
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Frequently asked questions
Restaurants can get bread from a variety of places, including local bakeries, large-scale commercial bakeries, or even in-house bakeries if they have the capacity to bake their own.
There is no definitive answer to this question as everyone has different preferences. However, some popular options include sourdough, brioche, white bread, and multigrain bread.
It depends on the restaurant. Some restaurants may have the resources and expertise to bake their own bread, while others may prefer to outsource their bread from local or commercial bakeries.
Technically, yes, you can use any type of bread for grilled cheese. However, it's important to consider the texture and thickness of the bread. Bread that is too soft, thin, or holey may not hold up well during cooking and could result in a messy sandwich.
While the classic options are always delicious, some less conventional choices for grilled cheese sandwiches include cinnamon raisin bread, cranberry walnut bread, and potato bread.
