Frederic Melton
Grilled cheese is a classic, comforting dish that many people enjoy. But who came up with the idea of adding pickles to this beloved sandwich? While the exact origin of this combination is unclear, it has sparked excitement and curiosity among food enthusiasts. The addition of pickles, whether dill, bread and butter, or even gherkins, offers a tangy and crunchy contrast to the melted cheese and toasted bread. This unique twist on a traditional grilled cheese sandwich has gained popularity, with many people experimenting with different types of pickles, cheeses, and bread to create their own perfect version.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Bread | Sourdough, White bread, Rye bread, Multigrain, Homemade bread, Texas toast, Thickly-sliced white bread |
| Butter | Herb butter, Sriracha butter, Pesto butter |
| Cheese | Fontina, Cheddar, Sharp Cheddar, Smoked Cheddar, Pepperjack, Mozzarella, American Cheese, Muenster, Havarti, Dill Havarti, Monterey Jack, Swiss |
| Pickles | Dill pickles, Gherkins, Bread and butter pickles, Grillo's Dill Pickle Chips, Homemade |
| Other ingredients | Hot sauce, Fresh dill, Mustard, Ketchup, Dried dill, Garlic powder, Potato chips, Ranch dip, Fresh herbs |
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What You'll Learn
The best type of pickle to use
If you want a true pickle flavor, go for the dill pickles. They come in slices or chips, and the slices tend to stay in place better and are thinner than the chips. You can also find kosher dill pickles, which are larger and easier to slice. If you're feeling adventurous, try Grillo's Dill Pickle Chips, which use fresh dill to really enhance the flavor. Or, for an extra punch of pickle, use creamy melted dill havarti cheese with your dill pickles.
For a slightly sweeter option, bread and butter pickles or gherkins are a great choice. These pickles will add a unique flavor to your grilled cheese. If you're looking for a crunchier texture, gherkins are the way to go.
If you like your grilled cheese with a kick, pickled jalapenos are a perfect choice. They add spice and a unique flavor that pairs well with cheese. You can also try adding relish to your grilled cheese for a tangy crunch. Just smear some on each slice of bread, and you're good to go!
No matter which type of pickle you choose, remember to pat them dry before adding them to your sandwich. This will help prevent your bread from becoming soggy. So, go ahead and experiment with different types of pickles to find your favorite!
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The best type of cheese to use
A common choice is to use a combination of two types of cheese, with one providing a good melt, or "stretch", and the other providing flavour. Mozzarella is a popular choice for its melt due to its mild flavour and non-greasy melting qualities. It can be paired with a vintage cheddar or gruyère, which are stronger in flavour. Another option is to use a combination of American cheese and cheddar, as American cheese has a superior melting ability and a gooey texture.
Other popular cheeses for grilled cheese sandwiches include gouda, fontina, muenster, havarti, and Monterey Jack. Fontina is a great melting cheese that isn't overpowering, while Monterey Jack has a mild, buttery flavour and melts well.
For those who like their grilled cheese with a bit of spice, pepper jack is a good option. Smoked cheddar is also a tasty choice, especially when paired with pepper jack and sliced pickles.
When it comes to the type of bread, sourdough is a popular choice for grilled cheese sandwiches. It provides a nice crunch when toasted and has a sturdy texture that can withstand the weight of the cheese.
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How to avoid sogginess
While the exact origin of the idea of adding pickles to a grilled cheese sandwich is unclear, there are several tips and tricks to elevate the experience of making and eating a grilled cheese sandwich.
One of the most common issues with grilled cheese sandwiches is sogginess. To avoid this, it is important to let the sandwich cool down before eating it. This gives the steam a chance to escape and prevents the bread from becoming soggy. A simple hack to achieve this is to place two chopsticks or two forks parallel to each other on your plate, ensuring they are slightly narrower than the width of your sandwich. Then, balance the sandwich on top of them, creating a gap between the plate and the sandwich, allowing the steam to escape.
Another way to avoid sogginess is to use a wire cooling rack to place your grilled sandwich on until you are ready to eat it. This is especially useful if you are making multiple sandwiches at once.
Additionally, the type of cheese you use can impact the texture of your sandwich. It is best to avoid using hard, aged cheeses like Parmesan or dry, crumbly cheeses like feta, as they do not melt well. Instead, opt for cheeses with good melting qualities, such as American, Swiss, Monterey Jack, cheddar, or fontina. Grated cheese is also recommended as it melts more evenly and quickly than slices, ensuring the perfect balance of toasted bread and melted cheese.
Furthermore, it is important to use enough butter or mayonnaise to coat the bread. This will prevent the sandwich from drying out and toasting unevenly. You can either melt the butter in the pan or spread it on the bread.
Finally, cooking the sandwich slowly at low heat will ensure the cheese melts properly, resulting in a crispy and golden sandwich without burning the bread or leaving the cheese undercooked.
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Other ingredients to add
While some people enjoy the classic grilled cheese sandwich, others like to experiment with different ingredients. Here are some ideas for ingredients to add to your grilled cheese sandwich:
Vegetables
Veggies that go well in a grilled cheese sandwich include arugula, spinach, roasted red peppers, steamed broccoli, and roasted tomatoes. If you're feeling adventurous, try adding pickled vegetables like red onions, radishes, or jalapenos for a tangy crunch. You can also caramelize onions and garlic in butter before adding them to your sandwich.
Fruits
Thinly sliced apples or a slather of fig jam can add a touch of sweetness to your sandwich.
Sauces and Condiments
Experiment with different sauces and condiments like pesto, mustard, mayonnaise, or hot sauce. You can even try something unusual like peanut butter or Vegemite. If you're a fan of spicy food, add some chili crisp or hot honey.
Meats
For a heartier sandwich, add some meat like ham, sausage, or pepperoni.
Cheeses
While the classic grilled cheese uses cheddar, you can mix things up by using different types of cheese like mozzarella, havarti, Monterey Jack, pepper jack, fontina, gouda, or gruyere. For extra sharpness, add some sharp cheddar or sprinkle in some blue cheese.
Bread
The type of bread you use can also make a difference. Try using sourdough, rye, or onion hamburger buns for a unique flavor and texture.
Extras
If you're feeling creative, try adding extras like cream cheese, ghee, or olive oil. You can even sprinkle some parmesan on top of your toast for an extra cheesy kick.
The possibilities for grilled cheese sandwiches are endless, so feel free to experiment and find your favorite combinations!
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The best type of bread to use
The best type of bread for a grilled cheese sandwich depends on personal preference. However, there are some key considerations to keep in mind when choosing the bread for this dish. Firstly, the bread should be sturdy enough to hold the weight of the cheese and other fillings without falling apart. It should also be able to withstand the cooking process, achieving a golden, crispy texture without burning or becoming too soft.
To achieve this balance, it is recommended to use bread with a soft-but-hearty or soft-but-sturdy texture, such as brioche, challah, or sourdough. Brioche, an enriched bread made with eggs and sugar, offers a soft and buttery texture that can hold up during pan-frying. Challah, a similar egg-based bread without butter, provides a similar texture. However, due to its softer texture, it may not achieve the desired crispness and could burn more easily if left too long in the pan.
Sourdough, on the other hand, offers a tangier flavour and a crispier crust. It is known for its sturdy slices that can withstand a long sear in the pan. The key is to look for country-style sourdoughs with a tighter crumb structure to prevent cheese from leaking out through the irregular holes. Rye bread, including light and dark varieties, is another option that adds a bold flavour to the sandwich and pairs well with mild cheeses.
While pre-sliced bread is convenient and ensures even heat distribution, it is important to choose bread with uniform thickness to avoid unmelted pockets of cheese. For those who prefer a classic grilled cheese, sandwich bread tends to be soft and light, making it a good option. Additionally, whole wheat, multigrain, oatmeal, and potato bread can also be great choices for grilled cheese sandwiches.
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Frequently asked questions
It is unclear who first came up with the idea of adding pickles to grilled cheese, but it has become a popular combination. Many people have shared their recipes for pickle grilled cheese sandwiches on their blogs and social media.
Different recipes call for different types of pickles, including dill pickles, kosher dill pickles, bread and butter pickles, gherkins, and Grillo's Dill Pickle Chips.
Popular cheese options include cheddar, fontina, havarti, muenster, pepper jack, and American cheese.
Some recipes include butter, dried dill, mustard, hot sauce, and garlic powder. The sandwich can also be served with a side of ranch dip.
