Randy Chandler
Grilled cheese is a classic, comforting sandwich that is perfect for any time of day. While the traditional recipe calls for butter, many people are now opting to use mayonnaise instead. Mayo has a higher smoke point than butter, meaning it is less likely to burn in the pan and gives the cheese more time to melt. It also spreads more easily, especially on softer bread, and creates a crisp, golden-brown exterior with a rich flavour. Some people even mix in shredded cheese or pesto to their mayo for added flavour.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Mayo placement | Spread mayo on the outside of the sandwich, with the mayo-side down in the pan |
| Mayo quantity | 1-2 tablespoons |
| Mayo type | Full-fat, traditional mayo |
| Bread type | Any bread, but softer bread like brioche benefits from the use of mayo instead of butter |
| Cheese type | Any cheese, but American cheese melts the best |
| Pan type | Non-stick or heavily seasoned |
| Heat level | Medium-low |
| Cooking time | 3-4 minutes on each side |
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What You'll Learn
Mayo instead of butter
Mayonnaise can be used instead of butter to make grilled cheese. Using mayo instead of butter results in a rich, golden brown exterior, and some say the taste is even better than butter! The light, tangy flavor of mayonnaise means your taste buds can fully appreciate the flavors of your cheese and bread choices. It is also more convenient than a stick of butter, as it is already smooth and spreadable (crucial if you're using soft, white bread).
To make a grilled cheese sandwich with mayo, spread 1/2 of the mayonnaise onto one side of a slice of bread; place, mayonnaise-side down, in a skillet. Top with your choice of cheese. Spread the remaining mayonnaise onto one side of the remaining slice of bread; place, mayonnaise-side up, on top of the cheese.
Some people prefer the taste of butter in a grilled cheese sandwich. Butter lends a nutty flavor to the sandwich as it browns in the skillet and gives it a perfect texture. Some people also find that the tanginess of mayonnaise is off-putting.
You can also use a mixture of mayo and butter to get a delightfully crispy crust.
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Flavoured mayonnaise
Garlic or basil-flavoured mayonnaise can be used to create a grilled cheese sandwich with a kick. You can also mix a little shredded Gruyere or Parmesan into the mayonnaise or blend a tablespoon or two of pesto into the mayonnaise mixture for a bright herbal flavour.
For a gourmet grilled cheese sandwich, try a Turkey Grilled Cheese with Gruyere, shredded Parmesan, and caramelized onion. Alternatively, you can create a grilled cheese sandwich inspired by cheesy garlic bread by using garlic mayonnaise.
If you're looking for something spicy, try using a flavoured mayonnaise with jalapenos, or mustard. You can also add ingredients like kimchi, salted tomato slices, or grainy mustard to your grilled cheese sandwich for a kick of flavour.
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Mayo and butter mixture
Mayonnaise can be used as a substitute for butter in grilled cheese sandwiches, resulting in a rich, golden brown exterior. It has a similar fat content to butter, but is more spreadable straight out of the fridge. Mayonnaise is also less likely to burn due to its higher smoke point.
Some people prefer the taste of butter, and its creamy texture and richness. However, others find that the flavour of butter can sometimes overpower the cheese. Mayonnaise has a more neutral flavour profile, allowing the cheese and other fillings to shine.
Combining mayonnaise and butter can be a good way to get the best of both worlds. This can be done by mixing equal parts of softened butter and mayonnaise, and then spreading the mixture on the exterior of the sandwich. This method can be more time-consuming than using either butter or mayonnaise alone, but it can result in a crispy, golden sandwich.
For an even more flavourful sandwich, you can add extra ingredients to the mayonnaise and butter mixture. For example, you could try adding shredded Gruyere or Parmesan cheese, or a tablespoon of pesto.
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Mayo on the inside
To make a grilled cheese with mayo on the inside, start by buttering one side of two slices of bread. Place your preferred cheese between them, with the buttered sides facing in. Then, spread a thin layer of mayonnaise on the inside of the sandwich. Heat a nonstick or well-seasoned pan over medium-low heat. Put the sandwich in the pan and cook for 3 to 4 minutes, then flip and repeat.
You can also add extra ingredients to your mayo for more flavor. Try mixing in shredded Gruyere or Parmesan, or add a tablespoon or two of pesto for a bright herbal flavor. If you're feeling adventurous, use flavored mayonnaise, such as garlic or basil. You can even dredge the bread in grated cheese like Parmesan or Cotija to recreate the flavor of grilled street corn.
Remember, when using mayo on the inside of your grilled cheese, it's important to use a full-fat, traditional mayo. Reduced-fat and light mayonnaises have a higher water content, which can lead to a soggy sandwich.
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Mayo and cheese dredged bread
Mayonnaise can be used instead of butter to make grilled cheese. It is spread on the outside of the sandwich, creating a rich, golden brown exterior with a nice crunchy texture. The mayonnaise doesn't actually provide flavour, but encourages ideal browning and melting. The creamy texture of mayonnaise comes from whipping egg yolks and oil, which brown nicely and add a creamy flavour to the crust.
Mayonnaise has a higher smoke point than butter, which means it won't burn as easily. It also spreads better than butter, which is especially useful when using softer bread. It retains moisture, keeping the toast from drying out. It is also easier to spread straight from the fridge than butter.
To make a grilled cheese sandwich with mayonnaise, spread an even coat of mayonnaise on the outside of two slices of bread. Place one slice of bread, mayonnaise-side down, in a skillet. Top with your chosen cheese. Add the other slice of bread, mayonnaise-side up. Cook the sandwich until the bottom piece of bread is golden brown, then flip and cook until the other side is also golden brown and the cheese is melted.
For extra flavour, you can dredge the bread in grated cheese like Parmesan or Cotija, or mix in some shredded Gruyere or Parmesan. You can also add extra ingredients such as kimchi, salted tomato slices, grainy mustard, or pickled jalapeños.
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Frequently asked questions
Spread the mayo on the outside of the sandwich. This will help you achieve a golden brown exterior with a nice crunch.
Mayonnaise has a higher smoke point than butter, so it is less likely to burn in the pan. It also has a spreadable texture straight from the fridge, which makes prep easier.
You only need a few teaspoons of mayo to achieve a golden, delectable crunch.
