Patrick Oconnell
There are many opinions on where to find the best grilled cheese sandwich, with some arguing that the best grilled cheese sandwich is the one you make at home. There are hundreds of variations on the grilled cheese sandwich, with different types of bread, cheese, and spreads to choose from. Some popular combinations include sourdough bread with vintage cheddar and gruyere, Texas toast with medium cheddar, gouda, and havarti, and white bread with American cheese and pepper jack cheese. To achieve the perfect grilled cheese sandwich, some recommend using a combination of butter and mayonnaise on the bread, while others swear by butter alone, and still, others suggest swapping butter for mayonnaise altogether.
Where is the best grilled cheese sandwich?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Bread | Sourdough, Texas toast, French batard, Ezekiel sprouted bread, marble rye, white bread, whole-grain bread with seeds |
| Butter | Use a generous amount, 1/2 tablespoon on each slice |
| Cheese | Mozzarella, medium cheddar, gouda, Gruyère, Havarti, American, pepper jack, Parmesan, vintage cheddar |
| Other ingredients | Mustard, green onion, garlic, onion, mayonnaise, shredded Parmesan, garlic powder |
| Cooking method | Stove, skillet, griddle, pan, air fryer, sandwich press, toastie maker |
| Serving suggestions | Soup, tomato soup, classic tomato soup, Creamy Tomato Soup |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
- Bread type: Sourdough, Texas toast, or French bâtard
- Butter or mayo: Some recipes suggest using mayonnaise instead of butter for a crispier sandwich
- Cheese type: Mozzarella, cheddar, gouda, or gruyère are popular choices
- Add-ins: Mustard, garlic, onion, or jalapeño can be added for extra flavour
- Serving suggestions: Grilled cheese sandwiches are often served with tomato soup
Bread type: Sourdough, Texas toast, or French bâtard
Sourdough, Texas toast, and French bâtard are all popular choices for grilled cheese sandwiches, each offering a unique taste and texture to the classic comfort food.
Sourdough, with its tangy flavour and sturdy structure, pairs well with melted cheese. The key to a perfect sourdough grilled cheese sandwich is to butter both sides of the bread. This adds flavour and prevents the bread from drying out during cooking. A combination of cheeses, such as cheddar, Gruyere, Havarti, and Parmesan, creates a gourmet taste and a super melty interior. Sourdough grilled cheese sandwiches are best cooked on low heat until both sides are golden brown.
Texas toast is another favourite for grilled cheese sandwiches, especially for those who want a crispy exterior and a creamy interior. Mayonnaise is the spread of choice for Texas toast grilled cheese, though butter can also be used. Cheddar cheese is a popular choice for this sandwich, though any type of cheese would work just as well. Texas toast grilled cheese sandwiches are typically cooked in a skillet until the cheese is melted and the bread is crispy and browned.
French bâtard grilled cheese sandwiches, also known as croque monsieur, are made with ham and Gruyère on pain au levain, with a béchamel sauce. However, roasted red peppers can be used in place of ham, and the béchamel sauce can be skipped for a simpler version. This sandwich is typically prepared by spreading butter and mustard on the bread, followed by cheese and roasted red peppers, and then grilled until the cheese is melted and the bread is toasted.
Each of these bread types offers a distinct experience for grilled cheese enthusiasts, and the choice ultimately depends on personal preference. Whether it's the tangy flavour of sourdough, the crispy texture of Texas toast, or the decadent French bâtard, the grilled cheese sandwich is a versatile and comforting dish that can be tailored to satisfy any taste.
Patty Melt vs. Grilled Cheese: What's the Difference?
You may want to see also
Butter or mayo: Some recipes suggest using mayonnaise instead of butter for a crispier sandwich
There are several schools of thought on the best way to make a grilled cheese sandwich. Some recipes suggest using mayonnaise instead of butter for a crispier sandwich. Mayonnaise has a higher smoke point than butter, which means it can withstand higher temperatures without burning, making it ideal for achieving a golden brown crust. It also has a similar fat content to butter and is spreadable straight from the fridge, making it a convenient option.
However, some people prefer the taste of butter and believe that it is an essential element of a grilled cheese sandwich, adding a nutty flavour to the bread as it browns in the skillet. Butter can be softened in the microwave to make it easier to spread, and some cooks even add a little oil to create a basting mixture for their bread.
Those who prefer mayonnaise point out that it has a more neutral flavour profile, allowing the cheese and other fillings to shine. However, traditionalists may miss the creamy, nostalgic flavour of butter. Combining the two spreads may be the best option, as this allows you to benefit from the flavour of butter and the practical advantages of mayonnaise.
For those who want to try something different, there are other options beyond butter and mayonnaise. One suggestion is to add a little garlic powder and shredded Parmesan cheese to the mayonnaise before spreading it on the bread, which adds a tangy flavour. Another option is to use clarified butter or ghee, although these lack the dairy-forward sweetness of classic butter.
Ultimately, the choice between butter and mayonnaise comes down to personal preference. Some people prefer the taste of butter, while others appreciate the convenience and crispiness that mayonnaise provides.
Grilled Cheese Greats: Where to Find the Ultimate Sandwich
You may want to see also
Cheese type: Mozzarella, cheddar, gouda, or gruyère are popular choices
Mozzarella, cheddar, gouda, and gruyère are all popular choices for grilled cheese sandwiches. Each of these cheeses has its own unique characteristics and flavour profiles that can elevate the taste of the sandwich.
Mozzarella, for instance, is known for its exceptional melting properties and its ability to stretch and provide that satisfying cheese pull. It has a mild flavour, so it is often paired with another cheese to add a punch of flavour. Mozzarella grilled cheese sandwiches are also commonly served with a side of marinara sauce or warm tomato sauce for dipping, making them perfect for those who crave a more interactive eating experience.
Cheddar, on the other hand, is a versatile cheese that can be used in a variety of grilled cheese sandwich recipes. It has a more pronounced flavour and is often described as sharp or vintage. When melted, cheddar becomes beautifully stringy, creating those desirable wisps of cheese that stretch from sandwich to sandwich.
Gouda, specifically smoked gouda, adds a depth of flavour to the grilled cheese sandwich. It has a slightly smoky taste that pairs exceptionally well with cream cheese, mayonnaise, and butter. Gouda grilled cheese sandwiches are often prepared with "country white" bread, creating a delightful contrast of flavours and textures.
Gruyère is another popular choice for grilled cheese sandwiches, known for its distinct flavour that can elevate the taste of the sandwich. It pairs well with a variety of other cheeses, such as Raclette, brie, or cheddar. Gruyère also melts exceptionally well, contributing to the gooey, stretchy texture that is so desirable in a grilled cheese sandwich.
These cheeses can be used individually or in various combinations to create unique flavour profiles and melting experiences. When crafting the perfect grilled cheese sandwich, it is essential to consider not only the type of cheese but also the quality and freshness of the cheese, as this can significantly impact the overall taste and texture of the sandwich.
Elevating the Classic: Grilled Cheese Makeover Ideas
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Add-ins: Mustard, garlic, onion, or jalapeño can be added for extra flavour
Mustard, garlic, onion, and jalapeño are all popular additions to grilled cheese sandwiches, adding extra flavour and texture.
Mustard
When it comes to mustard, Dijon is a popular choice to add to grilled cheese sandwiches. It can be spread on the bread, added to the butter, or both. Whole grain mustard is another option, adding a different texture and a more intense flavour.
Garlic
Garlic can be added to grilled cheese in a few ways. One way is to melt butter in a saucepan with a crushed clove of garlic, a pinch of red pepper flakes, and dried thyme, then brush this mixture onto the bread before adding the other ingredients. Another option is to add garlic powder to mayonnaise or butter before spreading it on the bread.
Onion
Caramelized onions are a tasty addition to grilled cheese sandwiches, especially when paired with Gruyere cheese. This combination is reminiscent of French onion soup and adds a depth of flavour to the sandwich.
Jalapeño
Jalapeño poppers can be transformed into a grilled cheese sandwich by adding cheese and buttered bread. Fresh or pickled jalapeños can be used, and the spice level can be adjusted to suit your preference.
These add-ins can be combined in various ways to create unique and flavourful grilled cheese sandwiches.
The Grilled Cheese and Tomato Soup: A Culinary History
You may want to see also
Serving suggestions: Grilled cheese sandwiches are often served with tomato soup
Grilled cheese sandwiches are often served with a bowl of tomato soup. The creamy and acidic tomato soup pairs well with the cheesiness of the sandwich. This combination is perfect for chilly or rainy days. You can also serve the sandwich with canned soup or a bisque.
The soup season is also the grilled cheese season, and there is nothing more comforting than a hot, melty grilled cheese sandwich. The sandwich can be made with mayonnaise instead of butter to make it crisp without the grease. The bread should be lightly browned to crisp perfection, and the cheese should be melted smoothly and evenly to create the perfect gooey and stretchy texture.
The choice of cheese and bread is essential for a great grilled cheese sandwich. A good melting cheese with a great pull and the right flavour is required. Medium cheddar, gouda, and Havarti are a good combination of cheeses. The bread should be thick enough to withstand the cheese and provide a crunchy texture, such as Texas toast or sourdough.
The sandwich can be made on a skillet, griddle, or pan. It is cooked on low heat with a lid on top to steam the cheese and bread. The sandwich is then flipped over to cook the other side until the bread is golden and the cheese is melted. It can also be made in an air fryer or microwave, but the latter is not recommended as it can cause the bread to become soft and soggy.
Sourdough Grilled Cheese: Healthy Comfort Food?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
The best grilled cheese sandwiches are cooked on a skillet, griddle, or pan over low heat. This ensures the cheese melts and the bread is toasted without burning.
Sourdough is a popular choice for grilled cheese sandwiches, but any sliced bread will work as long as it's not too thick, too thin, too soft, or too holey.
Mozzarella is a good choice due to its cheese pull and non-greasy melting qualities. It's best combined with a flavoured cheese, such as vintage cheddar, gouda, gruyere, or gouda.
You can add butter or mayonnaise to the outside of the bread to make it crisp and flavourful. You can also add mustard, garlic, onion, or green onion to the inside of the sandwich for a flavour boost.
Grilled cheese sandwiches go well with a bowl of soup, especially tomato soup.
