Kamil Perry
Grilled cheese is a popular meal for kids, often considered a comfort food and a family favourite. It's a quick, easy meal that can be made with simple, accessible ingredients, making it a go-to option for parents. Many kids enjoy grilled cheese, and it's a common recipe for children to learn when they're starting to cook. The classic grilled cheese sandwich can be served with a bowl of soup, and there are various ways to customise it, such as adding different types of cheese, meat, or spreads. While grilled cheese is often associated with kids' menus, some restaurants offer adult-oriented grilled cheese options as well.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Bread | Sourdough, Challah, Ciabatta, Baguette, Rye, Brioche, Artisan, Pre-sliced, Crust |
| Cheese | Cheddar, American, Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, Mozzarella, Provolone, Fontina, Raclette, Muenster, Colby, Pepper Jack, Swiss, Brie, Havarti, Mozzarella Sticks |
| Add-ons | Deli Meat, Veggie Ham, Bacon, Pepperoni, Mayonnaise, Dijon Mustard, Pesto, Cream Cheese, Onion Powder, Garlic Powder, Paprika, Avocado, Tomato Soup |
| Techniques | Browned Crust, Sprinkled Garlic Salt, Grilled Onions, Layering Cheese, Buttering Bread, Melting Cheese |
| Occasions | Lunch, Dinner, Comfort Food, Quick Meal, Go-To Meal |
| Locations | North Ohio, New Haven |
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What You'll Learn
Grilled cheese as a comfort food
Grilled cheese is a classic comfort food, perfect for those nights when there seems to be "nothing" to eat. It's a quick, easy, and convenient meal that can be whipped up in just a few minutes with some basic ingredients like bread, butter, and cheese. This makes it an excellent recipe to teach kids before they leave home.
The versatility of grilled cheese is part of its appeal as a comfort food. While the classic recipe calls for just bread and cheese, there are endless variations to suit different tastes and dietary preferences. For example, you can experiment with different types of bread, from pre-sliced to crusty artisan loaves, or even French toast. As for cheese, popular options include cheddar, American, Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, mozzarella, gouda, and many more.
For those who want to take their grilled cheese to the next level, there are numerous add-ons to consider. Meat lovers can add bacon, pepperoni, or ham to their sandwich. Others might enjoy spreading the inside of the bread with mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, pesto, or softened cream cheese. To add some extra flavour, spices and seasonings like garlic salt, onion powder, garlic powder, and paprika can be sprinkled on the buttered bread.
Grilled cheese is a popular choice for kids, but it's also a comfort food that adults can enjoy. In fact, there are restaurants dedicated to grilled cheese sandwiches, offering adult-friendly variations like a three-cheese grilled cheese made with locally sourced ingredients. Whether it's a simple, classic grilled cheese or a more elaborate creation, this sandwich is a go-to comfort food for people of all ages.
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How to make grilled cheese
Grilled cheese is a quintessential comfort food and a great go-to meal. It's a simple recipe that's easy to make and perfect for kids. Here's how to make a classic grilled cheese sandwich:
Ingredients
- Bread (any type, but preferably thinly sliced sandwich bread, sourdough, brioche, or crusty artisan bread)
- Butter (softened)
- Cheese (cheddar, American, pepper Jack, Havarti, Gruyère, Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, or a blend)
- Optional: mayonnaise, salt, spices (e.g., garlic powder, onion powder, paprika), deli meat, bacon, pepperoni, etc.
Instructions
- Place two slices of bread on a cutting board or counter.
- Butter one side of each slice of bread. You can also spread mayonnaise on the inside of the sandwich for extra creaminess.
- Sprinkle salt and/or spices like garlic powder, onion powder, paprika on the buttered sides, if desired.
- Layer cheese on one slice of bread. For the best results, grate or shred the cheese yourself. Low-moisture cheese melts better.
- Sandwich the slices together, with the buttered sides facing outward.
- Heat a skillet, preferably cast iron, over medium heat. You can also use a non-stick pan or an air fryer.
- Place the sandwich in the hot skillet or air fryer and cook until the bottom slice is lightly browned.
- Flip the sandwich and cook until the cheese is melted and the other side is golden brown.
- Transfer the sandwich to a plate and let it cool slightly before serving.
Grilled cheese sandwiches are best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat them in a skillet.
Grilled cheese is a versatile dish that can be adapted to your taste. Feel free to experiment with different types of bread, cheese, and add-ons to find your perfect combination!
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Where to buy grilled cheese
Grilled cheese is a popular meal for kids, and many restaurants offer it on their kids' menus. While you can easily make grilled cheese at home, there are also restaurants that serve grilled cheese dishes for adults and kids.
For instance, in North Ohio, there is a restaurant chain called Melt that is dedicated to grilled cheese sandwiches. Similarly, a user on Reddit mentions that there are "several joints" in New Haven that serve amazing three-cheese grilled cheese sandwiches.
Additionally, Panera Bread offers grilled cheese on their kids' menu, and Real Food by Dad has a recipe for the "Ultimate Kids Grilled Cheese" on their website.
If you're looking for a quick, easy, and comforting grilled cheese meal for your kids, these options provide a variety of choices to consider.
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Variations on the grilled cheese recipe
Grilled cheese is a classic, comforting, and convenient meal that's perfect for kids and adults alike. While the traditional grilled cheese sandwich is a simple combination of bread, butter, and cheese, there are endless variations to keep things interesting. Here are some ideas for mixing up your grilled cheese game:
Cheesy Creations
The type of cheese you use can completely transform your grilled cheese. While classic mild or sharp cheddar is always a good choice, you could also try Colby Jack, which has a nice cheddar flavor but melts like Monterey Jack. For a more sophisticated flavor, opt for Gruyere, Fontina, or Brie. Feeling adventurous? Go for a blend of two or more cheeses, such as provolone and mozzarella or pepper jack and Swiss.
Meaty Marvels
For a heartier grilled cheese, add a slice of deli meat like ham, bacon, or pepperoni. You could even include a layer of caramelized onions or some whole cloves of garlic grilled on the outside of the bread for a savory kick. If you're feeling extra indulgent, stuff your grilled cheese with chicken tenders and baked mozzarella sticks for an ultimate comfort food experience.
Spread the Love
Take your grilled cheese to the next level by spreading the inside of the bread with mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, pesto, or softened cream cheese. You can even get creative and make your own muffalata spread or whip up a batch of garlic butter to spread on the outside of the bread before grilling.
Bread Winners
While grilled cheese is typically made with sliced bread, you can switch things up by using crusty artisan bread, sourdough, challah, ciabatta, or even French toast as your base. Day-old bread lends itself to a better-browned crust, so don't be afraid to use leftovers.
Seasoning Sensations
Enhance the flavor of your grilled cheese with seasonings like garlic salt, onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, or Johnny's seasoning salt. These simple additions can take your sandwich from ordinary to extraordinary.
Soup-er Sides
Grilled cheese is often served with a bowl of soup, particularly tomato or tomato basil soup. This combination is a match made in comfort food heaven, perfect for warming up on a cold day.
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How to store leftover grilled cheese
Grilled cheese is a quintessential comfort food and a great go-to meal for kids and adults alike. But what happens when you have leftover grilled cheese? Here are some tips and tricks for storing and reheating leftover grilled cheese sandwiches to ensure they stay delicious and don't go to waste.
Storing Leftover Grilled Cheese:
Firstly, it is important to note that grilled cheese sandwiches are best enjoyed fresh. However, if you do have leftovers, it is recommended to store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Leftover grilled cheese can be stored in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. If you need to store them for a longer period, you can freeze them. Wrap the sandwiches tightly in plastic wrap or aluminium foil and then place them in a freezer bag or airtight container. Frozen grilled cheese sandwiches can last for up to 2 months.
Reheating Leftover Grilled Cheese:
When it comes to reheating, there are a few methods you can use to ensure your grilled cheese retains its crispy texture and melted cheese goodness:
- Pan-grilling: Place a little butter in a hot pan, put the leftover grilled cheese in the pan, and cover it with a lid to help keep the heat in and melt the cheese. Cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until the bread is crisp and the cheese is melted.
- Toaster Oven: The toaster oven method is a convenient option, especially for teenagers or busy individuals. Simply pop the leftover grilled cheese into the toaster oven and heat it up until the bread is toasted and the cheese is melted. This method also reduces cleanup time, as there is no pan to wash afterward.
- Oven: If you're reheating multiple sandwiches at once, you can use the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C), wrap the sandwiches in aluminium foil and place them on a baking sheet. Heat them for about 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the bread is crispy.
Getting Creative with Leftover Grilled Cheese:
If you're looking for ways to transform your leftover grilled cheese into something new, here are some creative ideas:
- Salad Croutons: Cube the leftover grilled cheese and use them as salad croutons.
- Soup Companion: Chop up the grilled cheese and add it to a bowl of tomato soup for a comforting and flavourful combination.
- Scrambled Egg Mix-in: Chop the grilled cheese into small pieces and add them to a pan with a scrambled egg mixture, along with any leftover chopped meat and/or vegetables. Scramble everything together and serve with a garnish of chopped tomatoes and basil.
By following these storage and reheating tips, you can enjoy your leftover grilled cheese sandwiches without sacrificing taste or texture. So, the next time you have leftovers, don't let them go to waste—get creative and enjoy them all over again!
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Frequently asked questions
A grilled cheese sandwich is a sandwich made by grilling slices of bread and cheese. It is a quick and easy meal that is popular among kids and adults alike.
You will need bread, butter, and cheese. You can use pre-sliced bread or buy a loaf of crusty artisan bread. Cheddar, American, and Monterey Jack are good cheese options.
First, slice your cheese and place it on one slice of bread, covering the whole surface. Place the second slice of bread on top of the cheese to make a sandwich. Butter the top of the sandwich and place it in a hot pan with the buttered side down. Once the sandwich is in the pan, butter the other side. Let the sandwich cook for about 3-5 minutes. Once the bottom is starting to brown, flip it over and let it cook for another 3-5 minutes.
Yes, there are several restaurants that offer grilled cheese sandwiches as a kids' meal option. For example, Panera Bread has a kids' grilled cheese option on their menu. Additionally, there is a restaurant in North Ohio called Melt that is dedicated to grilled cheese sandwiches.
Yes, you can add various ingredients to grilled cheese sandwiches to enhance their flavor. Some options include deli meat, bacon, pepperoni, or caramelized onions. You can also experiment with different types of bread, such as potato bread or French toast, or use mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, pesto, or softened cream cheese as a spread on the inside of the bread.
