What’s a grilled cheese sandwich?
A grilled cheese sandwich is a classic comfort food made by cooking a cheese filling between slices of bread. The bread is toasted and the cheese melts into a delicious, gooey filling. At its most basic, a grilled cheese sandwich consists of sliced bread and cheese like cheddar, American, or Swiss heated in a pan or on a griddle until the bread is crispy and brown and the cheese is melted.
Some quick answers to common questions about grilled cheese sandwiches:
– Traditional grilled cheese is made with sliced bread, but you can also use artisanal breads like sourdough, focaccia, or challah.
– Almost any cheese works, but popular choices are cheddar, Monterey jack, provolone, Swiss, and American. Cheese slices, shredded cheese, or cheese curds can be used.
– Butter or mayo is usually spread on the bread before adding the cheese to help brown the bread and add flavor.
– Grilled cheese is made in a skillet, pan or grill, not an actual grill. You don’t want an open flame next to the bread.
– Let the grilled cheese cool for 1-2 minutes before biting in. This helps the cheese set up so it doesn’t ooze out.
How to make a basic grilled cheese sandwich
Here is a simple step-by-step method on how to make a basic grilled cheese sandwich:
1. Butter one side of two slices of bread. The butter helps brown the bread and adds flavor.
2. Place one slice of bread buttered side down in a skillet preheated over medium heat.
3. Top with cheese slices or shredded cheese. Popular choices are cheddar, Swiss, Monterey Jack, provolone or American.
4. Top with the second slice of bread, with the buttered side facing up.
5. Grill until the bottom slice is lightly browned, about 2-3 minutes. Carefully flip and grill until the cheese is melted and the second slice of bread is lightly browned, 1-2 minutes more.
6. Transfer to a plate and let cool for 1-2 minutes before serving to allow the cheese to set up.
7. Enjoy your hot, melty grilled cheese sandwich!
Ingredients to perk up a grilled cheese
While grilled cheese in its purist form requires only bread and cheese, there are many mix-ins and toppings that can take it to the next level. Here are some delicious ways to perk up your sandwich:
Meats:
– Bacon – The smoky and salty flavors pair perfectly with the melted cheese.
– Ham – Adds a nice salty flavor and variety of texture.
– Turkey – Lean turkey breast is a healthier option.
– Chicken – Grilled or fried chicken gives a crunchy and juicy element.
Vegetables:
– Tomato – Sliced tomato is a grilled cheese classic. Use a firm slicing tomato for the best texture.
– Spinach – Wilted spinach adds color and a touch of bitterness that contrasts nicely with the cheese.
– Onion – Caramelized onions bring sweetness.
– Avocado – Creamy avocado is nice with spicy cheese varieties.
Spreads and Condiments:
– Pesto – Basil pesto provides herbal flavor and creaminess.
– Mustard – Yellow mustard, honey mustard, or Dijon all pair well with cheese.
– Mayo – Adds a creamy, rich element that also helps brown the bread.
– Jams, jellies, marmalades – A bit of sweet fruit preserves gives a delightful flavor contrast.
Seasonings and spices:
– Fresh herbs – Chives, thyme, rosemary, oregano all enhance the cheese.
– Garlic powder – Adds aroma without overpowering.
– Red pepper flakes – A touch of heat pairs nicely with nutty cheese.
– Paprika – Smoky paprika adds subtle savory flavor.
Unique grilled cheese ideas
Move beyond basic cheddar on white bread with these fun flavor combinations for your grilled cheese:
Caprese Grilled Cheese – Fresh mozzarella, sliced tomato, basil leaves, balsamic glaze
Apple and Brie Grilled Cheese – Slices of sweet apple and creamy brie elegance to this grilled cheese.
Pimiento Grilled Cheese – Pimiento cheese spread with cheddar or pepper jack on raisin bread.
BBQ Pulled Pork Grilled Cheese – Pulled pork, cheddar, and barbecue sauce for a taste of summer.
Buffalo Chicken Grilled Cheese – Shredded chicken in buffalo sauce with blue cheese crumbles.
Philly Cheesesteak Grilled Cheese – Thinly sliced steak, onions, peppers, and provolone.
Breakfast Grilled Cheese – Cheddar, ham, and a fried egg for a hearty breakfast sandwich.
Roasted Veggie Grilled Cheese – Zucchini, eggplant, peppers, pesto and goat cheese for a colorful, veggie-focused option.
Taco Grilled Cheese – Seasoned ground beef or shredded chicken, pepper jack, avocado, and salsa for Mexican flavors.
The possibilities are endless when it comes to unique grilled cheese combinations! Play around with flavors, textures, and ingredients to make each one special.
Best breads for grilled cheese
While plain white sandwich bread may seem like the obvious choice, there are so many artisanal and specialty bread options that can really elevate your grilled cheese:
Sourdough – The tanginess pairs well with aged cheese like sharp cheddar or gouda. The crispy crust browns well.
Rye – Hearty rye stands up to strong flavored fillings like pastrami and swiss. The texture also holds up well.
Challah – Challah makes an indulgent grilled cheese with a sweet richness.
Focaccia – Focaccia makes a crunchy, flavorful base with cheese baked right into the bread itself.
Brioche – The soft eggy bread has a lovely buttery richness when grilled.
Potato bread – The soft potato-enriched dough browns well in a skillet.
Pumpernickel – The dark brown rye-based bread has a distinctive hearty flavor.
Ciabatta – The light texture and big air pockets fill with gooey melted cheese.
Experiment with artisanal breads from the bakery like baguettes, pretzel rolls, naan, or even waffles or biscuits for fun riffs on the classic.
Tips for the perfect grilled cheese
Follow these expert tips for grilled cheese sandwiches with that ideal creamy interior and crispy, golden brown exterior:
– Butter the pan – For an evenly browned crust, butter the skillet, not just the bread. This helps conduct heat more evenly.
– Low and slow – Cook over medium-low heat to prevent burning. Be patient and let the sandwiches gradually crisp.
– Weight it down – Place a bacon press, panini press, heavy pan, or foil-wrapped brick on top to flatten and evenly melt the cheese.
– Keep it moist – Cover the pan for a minute or two at the end so the steam melts the cheese thoroughly without drying out the bread.
– Mix cheese types – Use a blend of cheeses like cheddar and gruyere for more complex flavor.
– Flavor the butter – Mix herbs, honey, or spices into the butter for even more aroma and taste.
– Pre-toast the bread – Lightly toasting the bread first prevents sogginess and helps the cheese get extra browned and crunchy.
– Rest before eating – Let the sandwich rest off the heat for 1-2 minutes so the molten cheese firms up a bit before biting in.
With the right techniques and a little creativity with fillings, you can make the perfect crispy, melty, craveable grilled cheese at home.
What cheese is best for grilled cheese?
The options are nearly endless when it comes to cheese for grilled cheese sandwiches. Here are some top picks:
| Cheese | Characteristics |
|---|---|
| Cheddar | Melts smoothly. Sharp cheddar has nice tang. |
| Gruyere | Rich, slightly sweet nutty flavor. |
| Monterey Jack | Melts extremely well. Mild flavor. |
| Mozzarella | Soft, moist melted texture. Fresh mozzarella is best. |
| Provolone | Silky when melted. Distinctive smoky flavor. |
| Muenster | Gooey melter. Mild buttery flavor. |
| Swiss | Goes perfectly with ham. Nutty flavor. |
| American | Classic grilled cheese cheese. Mild flavor and easy melt. |
| Pepper jack | Spicy kick pairs great with meats. |
| Havarti | Creamy texture when melted. Buttery aroma. |
The best approach is to experiment with different cheese types and combinations to discover your favorites. Just stick with cheeses that melt well, like those listed above. Hard cheeses like Parmesan do not work as well for grilled cheese.
How to make gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches
Elevate your grilled cheese game with these tips for making gourmet, restaurant-quality sandwiches at home:
– Multi-cheese blends – Mix two or three types of cheese for deeper, more complex flavor. A blend of cheddar, Gruyere and Parmesan is a favorite.
– Flavor compound butters – Blend fresh herbs, roasted garlic, sun-dried tomatoes or other ingredients into the butter before spreading on bread.
– Artisanal breads – Use crusty sourdough, french baguettes, pretzel buns or other specialty breads instead of regular sliced bread.
– High-quality ingredients – Splurge on premium cheese, applewood smoked bacon, prosciutto, fresh mozzarella, avocado, etc.
– Creative combinations – Stuff the sandwich with flavors like figs, honey, pesto, caramelized onions, roasted red peppers, artichoke hearts or chorizo.
– Pressed sandwiches – Use a panini press or weigh down with a heavy pan to flatten and get an evenly melted interior.
– Toasted bread – Getting nice color on the bread before adding fillings gives more texture and deepens flavors.
– Fun shapes – Cut into fun shapes with cookie cutters or use a grilled cheese mold for whimsical sandwiches kids will love.
– Dipping sauces – Offer flavorful dipping sauces on the side like tomato basil soup, pesto mayo, chipotle ranch, or honey mustard.
With quality ingredients and inventive combinations, your humble grilled cheese can become a gourmet creation worthy of a fancy bistro!
Grilled cheese sandwich recipes
Here are some drool-worthy grilled cheese sandwich recipes to expand your cheese dreams:
Classic Grilled Cheese
– Good quality white bread
– Butter, softened
– Cheddar cheese slices
– Gruyere cheese, shredded
– Dijon mustard
Steps:
1. Butter one side of bread slices. Spread thin layer of Dijon on unbuttered sides.
2. Place buttered side down in hot skillet. Layer with cheddar slice, Gruyere, then second bread slice, buttered side up.
3. Grill 3-5 minutes per side over medium heat until golden brown.
4. Let cool 1 minute before biting for optimum melted cheese goodness.
Caprese Grilled Cheese
– Sliced sourdough bread
– Fresh mozzarella slices
– Sliced tomato
– Fresh basil leaves
– Extra virgin olive oil
– Balsamic glaze
Steps:
1. Brush olive oil on sourdough slices. Grill until crispy.
2. Layer mozzarella, tomato, torn basil leaves, drizzle balsamic.
3. Grill just until cheese softens, about 2 minutes per side.
Apple Bacon Grilled Cheese
– Whole wheat bread
– Butter, softened
– Thinly sliced Granny Smith apple
– Cheddar cheese slices
– Cooked bacon crumbles
Steps:
1. Butter one side of bread slices.
2. Grill buttered side down. Layer apples, cheddar, bacon crumbles.
3. Top with second slice, buttered side up.
4. Grill, pressing sandwich occasionally with spatula, 3-5 minutes per side.
With endless flavor combos, get creative with gourmet grilled cheeses perfect for any meal!
Grilled cheese sandwich FAQs
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about making epic grilled cheese sandwiches:
What’s the best cheese for grilled cheese?
Preferred cheeses are melty types like cheddar, Monterey jack, Gruyere, mozzarella, and American cheese. Swiss, provolone and Havarti also work very well.
What bread is best?
Classic white sandwich bread is traditional, but sourdough, wheat, rye and challah all make delicious grilled cheese too. Go for a bread that will get crispy and toasty on the outside.
How do you keep grilled cheese from getting soggy?
Use low-moisture cheese and toast the bread first before assembling the sandwich to help prevent sogginess. Also don’t overcrowd the pan and press the sandwich to get an evenly crispy texture.
Why does my cheese keep leaking out?
If the cheese oozes out, the heat may be too high. Cook over medium-low heat and press the sandwich with a spatula to seal the cheese inside. Using slices instead of shredded cheese can also help.
Is mayo better than butter for grilled cheese?
Both have pros! Butter has more flavor, while mayo browns better. For best of both, try mixing butter and mayo together.
Do you grill both sides of the bread?
Yes, grill the sandwich on both sides until the bread is crispy and golden brown and the cheese interior is fully melted and gooey.
How can I spice up basic grilled cheese?
Get creative with add-ins like bacon, tomato, pesto, ham, roasted peppers, sautéed onions, fresh herbs, jalapeños, or spices for amazing flavor combos!
The history and origins of grilled cheese
The beloved, quintessential comfort food that is the grilled cheese sandwich has fuzzy origins shrouded in mystery. Here is what we know about the history of everyone’s favorite cheesy sandwich:
– Grilled cheese’s invention is attributed to the 1920s, after commercial sliced bread and American cheese became widely available.
– The earliest known printed grilled cheese recipe appeared in the Cookbook of the Woman’s Society of the Madison Avenue Presbyterian Church in New York City in 1926.
– It gained widespread popularity during the Great Depression as an inexpensive meal. Government-issued commodity cheese was affordable.
– As commercial kitchen appliances like electric griddles and sandwich presses emerged in the 1930s, grilled cheese became easier to make at home.
– Grilled cheese was a staple on diners and lunch counters across America by the 1950s-60s.
– National Grilled Cheese Day on April 12 has celebrated the sandwich annually since the 2000s.
– Gourmet, elevated versions of grilled cheese are now popular restaurant items, often with artisanal ingredients.
– It’s still beloved today as an inexpensive, comforting food that’s quick and easy to make. Oozy melted cheese between crisp toasted bread is timeless!
So while its exact origins are unknown, grilled cheese has certainly evolved from a humble, affordable sandwich into a cherished American classic over the decades.
The best way to eat grilled cheese
Grilled cheese is a food that elicits strong opinions about the “right” way to eat it. Here are some of the best practices for optimal grilled cheese enjoyment:
– Let it rest: Let the grilled cheese sit for 1-2 minutes after cooking so the molten cheese can firm up slightly. This prevents messy drips and allows flavors to mingle.
– Temperature: Warm but not scalding hot is ideal. This way you taste the cheese instead of burning your mouth!
– Dip it: Pair your grilled cheese with a flavorful dip like tomato or cheese soup, pesto mayo, marinara sauce, or spicy ranch. Dipping enhances the experience.
– Slice on a bias: Cutting diagonally exposes more gooey cheese and crunchy browned bread in each bite.
– Press down: Use a spatula to press the sandwich as it cooks for an evenly crispy texture with melted cheese sealed inside.
– Eat over a plate: Having a plate below to catch drips means you don’t miss a drop of that delicious cheese!
– Add crispy side elements: Toppings like bacon, ham, or caramelized onions amp up the flavor and texture contrast.
– Cheese pull: Let strands of melted cheese stretch and pull away with each bite. Embrace the mess!
– Crust-to-middle ratio: Make sure to get both the crispy exterior bread and gooey cheese in each bite.
However you prefer it, savor each hot, melty, comforting bite of grilled cheese!
Grilled cheese sandwich ideas for kids
Grilled cheese is a universally loved food, especially among kids. Here are fun ways to serve up grilled cheese sandwiches for children:
– Make sandwiches into shapes – Use cookie cutters on bread before assembling or a grilled cheese mold pan to shape it.
– Let them assemble – Set up a topping bar and let kids build their own creation.
– Add veg purees – Sneak in extra nutrition by mixing in pureed veggies like cauliflower or butternut squash.
– Fun plates – Serve on colorful plastic kids plates or paper plates they can draw on.
– Dippers – Offer fun dipping sauces for dunking like pizza sauce, ranch, barbecue sauce.
– Make a face – Use ingredients like pepper rings, cherry tomatoes, olives to make a silly grilled cheese face.
– Cut into sticks – Rather than triangles, cut into cheese stick shapes for dipping.
– Make a sandwich show stoppers – Thread a frilly toothpick through the sandwich to attach fun decorative flags, ribbons, or pom poms.
With a little creativity, you can transform a simple grilled cheese into an irresistible meal that kids will look forward to.
Healthy grilled cheese options
It is possible to lighten up the classic grilled cheese sandwich. Here are some healthy tweaks to make it better for you:
– Use whole grain bread rather than white bread. Try whole wheat, rye, or sourdough.
– Opt for reduced-fat cheese options like cheddar, Swiss, provolone.
– Mix in veggies like tomatoes, spinach, kale, onions, peppers, mushrooms.
– Use just a thin spread of butter or olive oil instead of slathering it on.
– Choose leaner protein fillings like turkey, chicken or ham rather than bacon.
– Cut sandwich into smaller portions or eat open-faced.
– Pair with side salad or vegetable soup for a balanced meal.
– Substitute avocado or mashed banana for one slice of cheese.
– Use just one slice of cheese instead of two. Sprinkle extra cheese on top.
– Swap mayo or butter for mashed avocado or hummus spread.
With the right adjustments, you can still get that melty grilled cheese experience while cutting calories, fat, carbs or sodium.
Conclusion
A grilled cheese sandwich may seem simple, but as we’ve explored, there are limitless possibilities when it comes to customizing and elevating this comfort food favorite. Whether you prefer a classic white bread and American cheese version or want to get creative with artisanal breads, unique flavor combinations and add-ins, there is an amazing grilled cheese out there for every palate to savor and enjoy. This staple meal continues to endure as a beloved food due to its versatility, nostalgia factor and sheer melted cheese deliciousness.