Frederic Melton
There are many types of cheese that can be used to make a gourmet grilled cheese sandwich, and the choice of cheese can significantly impact the taste and quality of the sandwich. While some people prefer classic options like cheddar, others experiment with different types of cheese, such as Gruyère, raclette, fontina, gouda, or havarti. Some people also like to use a combination of two or more types of cheese to create a richer taste and a complex flavour profile. For instance, a mix of Gruyere and brie cheese with thinly sliced apples or a slather of fig jam can make for a gourmet grilled cheese sandwich.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of cheese types | 2 |
| Cheese options | Mozzarella, Gruyere, Cheddar, Fontina, Gouda, Brie, Raclette, Havarti, Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, Muenster, Camembert, American |
| Bread type | Sourdough, White, Sprouted whole-grain with seeds, Artisan loaf |
| Bread texture | Not too thick, thin, soft, or holey |
| Bread preparation | Buttered, Mayonnaised, Dijon mustard |
| Cheese preparation | Freshly grated, Shredded |
| Cooking method | Pan, Stove, Skillet, Griddle |
| Cooking temperature | Low heat |
| Cooking time | 5 minutes per side |
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What You'll Learn
Bread type: Sourdough, white, or artisan loaf
Sourdough, white, and artisan loaves are all popular choices for a gourmet grilled cheese sandwich. Sourdough is a particularly good option if you're looking for a sturdy, strong bread that can withstand the heft of cheese and hold up well to grilling. Its tangy flavor also pairs well with melted cheese. When selecting a sourdough loaf, look for one with a slightly open crumb to prevent the cheese from melting through. You can also use stale sourdough bread, as it sometimes crisps up even better than fresh.
If you're looking for a more classic option, thinly sliced soft white bread is a great choice. This type of bread is commonly used for grilled cheese sandwiches because it is accessible and easy to work with. White Pullman loaves, in particular, are naturally associated with sandwiches due to their long, rectangular shape, which makes for perfect square slices.
For an artisan loaf, you can opt for a sourdough bread made with a potato flake starter. This type of bread has a softer texture, a slightly sour taste, and a hint of sweetness, resembling traditional white bread while offering the benefits of sourdough.
When preparing your grilled cheese sandwich, consider spreading butter or mayonnaise on the bread to achieve a golden, crispy exterior. Using salted butter or a combination of butter and mayonnaise can enhance the flavor profile of your sandwich. Additionally, grilling your sandwich slowly over low heat will help prevent the bread from burning while ensuring that the cheese melts properly.
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Cheese type: Cheddar, Gruyere, or Mozzarella
For a gourmet grilled cheese sandwich, the type of cheese you use is essential. Here are some tips and tricks for three popular cheese varieties: Cheddar, Gruyere, and Mozzarella.
Cheddar
Cheddar is a versatile cheese that can add a sharp, salty kick to your grilled cheese sandwich. When using cheddar, it's best to shred it beforehand for optimal melting. White sharp cheddar is a popular choice for grilled cheese sandwiches. You can pair it with mozzarella for a stretchy, flavourful combination. For the bread, opt for sourdough or a softer sliced bread that can withstand the fillings and crisp up nicely in the pan. Don't forget to butter both sides of the bread for that golden, buttery crust!
Gruyere
Gruyere is a strong, salty cheese that delivers an umami flavour bomb when paired with the right bread. Sourdough is an excellent choice to balance the intensity of gruyere with its slight tang. When cooking, make sure your skillet is hot before placing the buttered bread, creating a golden brown and crispy exterior. Avoid covering the skillet to prevent steaming the sandwich; you want the bread to fry and achieve that perfect crispness.
Mozzarella
Mozzarella is known for its stretchy, gooey texture and mild flavour. It's a key ingredient for that epic cheese pull. When using mozzarella, opt for low-moisture mozzarella as fresh mozzarella can inhibit the crispiness of the sandwich. Grate the cheese fresh for optimal melting and stretch. Pair it with another cheese, like vintage cheddar or gruyere, for added flavour. For an extra touch of crunch, try a parmesan garlic butter spread on the bread and sprinkle grated parmesan on top.
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Cheese texture: Shredded or thinly sliced
When making a gourmet grilled cheese sandwich, it's important to consider the texture of the cheese you're using. Two popular options are shredded cheese and thinly sliced cheese. Here's a detailed guide to help you decide which texture is best for your sandwich:
Shredded Cheese
Shredded cheese is a great option for a gourmet grilled cheese sandwich as it melts faster and ensures a quick melting time. This is especially important if you're using a softer cheese, as it will help create that gooey, stretchy texture that is so desirable in a grilled cheese. To achieve the best melting results, it is recommended to buy a block of cheese and shred it yourself, as pre-shredded cheese can sometimes contain additives that may hinder melting. Shredded cheese also allows for a more even distribution of cheese throughout the sandwich, ensuring every bite is packed with flavour.
Thinly Sliced Cheese
On the other hand, using thinly sliced cheese can give you more control over the cheese distribution in your sandwich. By layering thin slices of cheese, you can create a more uniform melting pattern and avoid clumping. This technique works well with harder cheeses that have a higher melting point, such as cheddar or Gruyère. Thinly sliced cheese also allows for a neater presentation, making it ideal for gourmet sandwiches. Additionally, slicing the cheese yourself ensures that you are using a fresh product, which can enhance the overall taste and quality of your sandwich.
Combining Textures
Combining shredded and thinly sliced cheese can also elevate your grilled cheese sandwich. For example, you can use shredded cheese as a base and add thin slices of cheese on top for added flavour and texture. This combination provides the best of both worlds, creating a sandwich that is both gooey and neatly presented. Play around with different cheese combinations to find your favourite flavour profile!
Choosing the Right Cheese
When selecting the cheese for your gourmet grilled cheese sandwich, it's important to consider flavour, meltability, and texture. Cheeses such as mozzarella, Gruyère, cheddar, Camembert, and Swiss are popular choices for grilled cheese sandwiches due to their distinct flavours and melting abilities. The key is to find a balance between a cheese that melts smoothly and one that has a great flavour, creating a sandwich that is both delicious and aesthetically pleasing.
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Additional fillings: Fruits, veggies, meats, or pickles
When it comes to crafting a gourmet grilled cheese sandwich, the choice of cheese is paramount, but additional fillings can also elevate this classic comfort food. From crisp, tangy pickles to juicy fruits and hearty meats, the possibilities are endless. Here are some mouth-watering ideas to inspire your next grilled cheese creation:
Fruits
While it may seem unconventional, fruit can add a burst of sweetness to your grilled cheese sandwich. For a classic combination, pair cheddar cheese with thin slices of apple. The sharpness of the cheddar is beautifully balanced by the crisp, sweet apple. Alternatively, spread ricotta cheese on a crusty baguette and top it with blackberry jam for an indulgent treat. For a playful twist, dip string cheese into a jar of strawberry jelly. If you're feeling adventurous, spread some quince jelly on a Jarlsberg sandwich for a unique flavour profile.
Vegetables
Roasted vegetables are a popular choice for grilled cheese sandwiches, adding a hearty and healthy twist. Oven-roasted veggies, such as bell peppers, zucchini, and eggplant, can be layered with melted cheese for a flavourful and satisfying bite. For an extra punch of flavour, sprinkle the vegetables with dried dill, salt, and pepper before roasting. When building the sandwich, start with the bread buttered side down, add one type of cheese, then the roasted vegetables, and finish with another type of cheese before topping with the second slice of bread, buttered side up.
Meats
Adding meat to your grilled cheese sandwich can transform it into a hearty and savoury meal. While there are countless options, some popular choices include crispy bacon, salty ham, or sliced turkey. For a more indulgent option, try layering your sandwich with thin slices of roast beef or chicken. If you're feeling creative, experiment with different types of cured meats, such as salami, pepperoni, or prosciutto.
Pickles
Pickles add a crunchy, tangy twist to your grilled cheese sandwich. For pickle lovers, the classic combination of cheddar cheese and dill pickles is a match made in heaven. Be sure to pat the pickles dry before adding them to your sandwich to prevent sogginess. For an extra kick, drizzle some hot sauce over the pickles and top with more cheddar cheese. Then, gently pan-fry the sandwich until it's crispy and golden brown on the outside, with melted cheese oozing on the inside.
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Sides and dips: Tomato soup, bisque, or jelly
There are several sides and dips that can accompany a gourmet grilled cheese sandwich. A popular option is tomato soup, which can be made from scratch using canned tomatoes and seasonings. For a more indulgent version, you can add cream to make a bisque. This can be served with a swirl of cream and fresh basil leaves. You can also add a twist to the classic tomato soup by adding roasted tomatoes and a balsamic reduction.
Another option is to serve the grilled cheese sandwich with a dip. Spicy tomato jam, bacon aioli, or salsa can add a kick of flavour. For those who prefer a sweeter taste, fig jam or sliced pears can be a great pairing. If you're looking for something more savoury, pickles or crispy bacon are also excellent choices.
If you're craving something crisp and crunchy, fries are a perfect side. You can even make them more gourmet by adding parmesan cheese and truffles. For a healthier option, try baking or air frying sweet potato fries and serving them with a wasabi-pea dip.
For a lighter option, a salad can be a refreshing side to accompany the grilled cheese sandwich. You can also add a twist to the classic combination by serving the grilled cheese sandwich with a side of potato salad.
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Frequently asked questions
The best cheeses for a gourmet grilled cheese sandwich are those that melt smoothly and evenly, creating a gooey and stretchy texture. Examples include Gruyère, cheddar, mozzarella, fontina, gouda, brie, havarti, Monterey Jack, and Muenster. For a more complex flavour, combine two or more types of cheese.
Sourdough is a popular choice for grilled cheese sandwiches due to its tangy flavour and crunchy texture. However, any sliced bread will work, as long as the slices aren't too thick, too thin, too soft, or too holey.
You can add various ingredients to a gourmet grilled cheese sandwich to elevate the flavour, such as sliced apples, thyme, lemon zest, caramelized onions, roasted red peppers, or pickles. If you're looking for a savoury option, try adding prosciutto, crispy bacon, or mac and cheese.
Cook your sandwich over medium-low heat for about 5 minutes per side. Flip the sandwich a few times towards the end to ensure even cooking. Be careful not to overheat the pan, as this will burn the bread before the cheese has a chance to melt.
A classic pairing for a grilled cheese sandwich is tomato soup. You can also serve it with cured meats like prosciutto or shaved ham, or add a sweet and savoury element with fig jam or chopped blackberries.
