Best Grilled Cheese Sandwich | Kitchenstagram
Grilled cheese holds a special place in the hearts and kitchens of many, often making the initiation into the world of cooking for oneself. This classic hot sandwich, with its crisp exterior and gooey, cheesy interior has become a culinary rite of passage. It’s a versatile dish, suitable for any time of the day- whether as a midnight snack or a comforting companion to a bowl of steaming Roasted Tomato Soup.
What makes the grilled cheese so universally adored is its simplicity yet undeniable deliciousness. It embodies a harmonious marriage of flavours and textures- the salty, gooey cheese nestled between crispy, crunchy slices of bread. It’s a symphony of sensations that appeals to both the kids and adults.
To elevate your grilled cheese game, consider the cheese selection and the cooking process. Experiment with a combination of cheese to achieve the perfect balance of meltiness and flavour. Whether it’s sharp cheddar for its tangy bite or creamy mozzarella for its stringy goodness, the choice is yours.
Equally important is the cooking technique. The key is to maintain a gentle heat, allowing the cheese ample time to melt while the bread attains that coveted golden crust. Patience is key here- resist the temptation of crank up the heat for a quicker cook, as it may result in a burnt exterior before the cheese has had a chance to fully melt. Instead, opt for a low and slow approach, adjusting the heat, as needed to achieve that perfect balance. Keep an eye on the sandwich, flipping it occasionally to ensure even browning. The result? A grilled cheese sandwich that boasts a crisp, golden exterior and a gloriously molten interior- a true testament to the art of comfort food.
Pair your masterpiece with a creamy tomato soup, for the ultimate indulgence. The contrast of flavours and textures- the tangy sweetness of the soup against the rich buttery sandwich- creates a symphony of flavour that is sure to delight your taste buds. In essence, the grilled cheese sandwich is more than just a meal- it’s a culinary icon that brings joy and comfort with every gooey, crispy bite.
What is Grilled Cheese?
Grilled cheese, a timeless American sandwich dating back to 1920, features buttered and toasted bread filled with melted cheese. Initially crafted with American cheese, it now embraces various cheese blends. This comfort food delights taste buds with its simple yet satisfying combination of crispy bread and gooey cheese.
Why this recipe works?
Grilled cheese is universally adored for its simplicity and undeniable deliciousness.
Grilled cheese is adored by both the kids and adults.
It requires minimal effort, making it must-have recipe in your culinary repertoire.
It’s incredibly quick and easy to whip up within just 15-20 minutes.
It’s a versatile dish, suitable for any time of the day- whether as a midnight snack.
It embodies a harmonious marriage of flavours and textures- the salty, gooey cheese nestled between crispy, crunchy slices of bread.
Best cheese for Grilled cheese:
When it comes crafting the perfect grilled cheese sandwich, the choice of cheese is a critical factor that can elevate entire experience. The key, however lies in choosing cheeses with optimal melting characteristics. As long as the cheese melts well, it earns its place between the slices of bread, contributing to a harmonious blend of flavours and textures. For those who yearn for a touch of nostalgia plain sliced American cheese is a go-to-option. Its melt-ability and families taste make it a comforting choice, ensuring a visually appealing and delicious sandwich.
Among the favourites for a grilled cheese are classic American cheese and cheddar cheese, as well as Havarti, Gouda, Fontina, Swiss-style cheeses like Gruyère or Comtè and young Italian and French cheese such as Taleggio or Brie. Each brings its unique flavour profile to the table, allowing you to tailor the sandwich to your taste preferences.
The combination of cheddar and mozzarella stands out as a personal favorite. Sharp cheddar, known for its robust and nutty flavour, is a classic choice that never fails to please. Mozzarella is preferred for its mild flavour, satisfying cheese pull and non-greasy melting qualities. Whether you opt for the sharp or mild variety or even a blend of both and mozzarella, the result is a crowd-pleasing delight with a satisfying cheese pull that captures the essence of a timeless grilled cheese.
Best Bread for Grilled cheese:
The best bread for Grilled cheese is a crucial decision that can elevate this classic comfort food to gourmet status. While traditional white bread and American cheese provide a nostalgic touch, venturing into artisanal options can transform the experience. Hand-sliced Italian ciabatta, robust sourdough or a rustic French boule add a sophisticated twist to the timeless sandwich. The key is to strike a a balance- avoiding overly perforated bread that risks cheese leakage and steering clear of slices too thick, hindering the optimal melting process. Moreover, repurposing day-old bread is an excellent choice, as the grilling process breathes new life to it. Ciabatta, sourdough or brioche offer unique textures and flavours, yet it’s crucial to ensure the chosen loaf can withstand the heat without crumbling. In essence, the best bread for grilled cheese marries sturdiness with the promise of gooey, melted perfection.
Mayonnaise or Butter- which one is better?
The timeless debate of butter versus mayonnaise in crafting the perfect grilled cheese sandwich has taken center stage in kitchens across the globe. Traditionally, butter has been the go-to choice, bestowing a rich flavour and a mesmerizing golden crust upon the sandwich.
Yet, a culinary revolution has unfolded in recent times, ushering in mayonnaise as compelling alternative. The allure of mayo lies in its effortless spread ability, straight from the fridge, eliminating the wait for butter to soften. Additionally, with a higher smoke point, mayonnaise minimizes the risk of burning during cooking, ensuring an impeccably crisp, golden-brown exterior. Mayonnaise also introduces creaminess and saltiness to the grilled cheese.
The convenience of mayo often tips the scale in its favour, leading many to embrace this unconventional choice. For those torn between the two, a harmonious compromise emerges- blending softened butter and mayo. This hybrid approach offers the best of both worlds, the delectable flavour of butter combined with the foolproof golden crispiness that mayo grantees.
Ingredients for Grilled Cheese:
To create the perfect grilled cheese sandwich, you’ll need a handful of essential ingredients that guarantee a mouthwatering experience.
Bread: Start with a foundation of good bread. Hand-sliced Italian ciabatta, robust sourdough or a rustic French boule add a sophisticated twist to the timeless sandwich. Ciabatta, sourdough or brioche offer unique textures and flavours, yet it’s crucial to ensure the chosen loaf can withstand the heat without crumbling.
Mayonnaise: For that crispy,beautifully browned exterior mayonnaise plays a crucial role. Not only does it enhances the sandwich texture, but it also contributes an extra layer of creaminess and saltiness.
Butter: Using salted butter is a fantastic option, it enhances the savoury flavour.
Cheese: Let’s talk about the star of the show- the Cheese. Opt. For combination of cheeses to elevate the taste profile of your grilled cheese. To intensify the flavour, we have used mild cheddar, orange cheddar and mozzarella. Begin with a block of cheddar cheese, preferably freshly grated for optimal flavour. Avoid pre-shredded cheese, as they often contain starch, thickeners, additive and preservatives that can alter the sandwich’s taste. Embrace the cheese-pulling magic of mozzarella, known for its non-greasy melting qualities. These selection add depth and richness, ensuring a grilled cheese that transcends the ordinary.
Serving Suggestion:
Grilled cheese sandwiches are a comfort food classic, and choosing the right sides can elevate the entire the dining experience. One classic pair is with a bowl of Roasted Tomato Soup. The delightful combination of the warm, gooey sandwich and the tangy, creamy soup creates a comforting and satisfying meal.
For a twist, try pairing your grilled cheese with marinara sauce for a touch of Italian flavour. The rich tomato base complements the cheesy goodness of the sandwich.
If you’re in the mood for something crunchy, french Fries or potato wedges make excellent accompaniments. The contrast in texture adds a delightful dimension to the meal.
For a refreshing option, consider serving your grilled cheese with a fresh green salad. The crispiness of the greens provides a nice balance to the richness of the sandwich.
For those who enjoy a bit of tanginess, coleslaw or refrigerator pickles can offer a refreshing and slightly acidic contrast to the cheesy sandwich.
Storage Tips:
Refrigeration:A hot grilled cheese straight from the skillet is a culinary delight, but storing leftover sandwiches requires fineness. After allowing them to cool, store them in an airtight container in the fridge, maintaining freshness up to 2 days.
Reheating: For reheating, it’s best to use the same method as cooking. If using a a skillet or griddle, heat over medium-low with a lid until the cheese melts, flipping once to ensure even heating. The lid captures the heat, ensuring thorough cheese melting. Remove the lid to crisp the bread once the cheese melts. Alternatively, microwaving is an option but may result in soggy bread.
Ingredients
2 slices of Ciabatta Bread
1 tbsp of Salted Butter
Mayonnaise
1/4 cup Mild Cheddar Cheese (freshly grated)
1/4 cup Orange Cheddar Cheese (freshly grated)
1/3 cup Mozzarella Cheese (freshly grated)
Preparation
- Step 1: Combine all the three cheeses in a bowl and keep aside.
- Step 2: Place the bread slices on a cutting board and spread with a thin layer of mayo on each side of the bread.
- Step 3: Then layer with the cheese mixture on top of the mayonnaise and place the other slice of bread on top of the cheese.
- Step 4: Heat a non-stick skillet over medium-low heat and melt butter.
- Step 5: Place the sandwich in the pan and cook on low heat until the bottom slice of bread is golden brown and crisp. Flip the sandwich and cook until the other slice of bread is golden brown and cheese is melted.
- Step 6: Serve immediately. Enjoy!!
Pro tips:
Make sure you have all of your ingredients ready to go before you start.
Opt for a larger pan and cook the sandwich open on low heat. This method allows the cheese to melt to perfection, achieving a lusciously gooey interior while the exterior attains a delightful golden crispness. Keep the heat consistently low to avoid browning too quickly, patience is the key for the ideal grilled cheese. Resist the temptation to crank up the heat, as a slow deliberate approach yields the best results.
Choose thick sliced bread. This thickness contributes to a substantial and satisfying texture, striking the right balance between crispiness and meltiness.
When it comes to cheese, freshly grated varieties work wonders, ensuring a superior melt compared to pre-shredded options.
Use salted butter for an extra layer of flavour.
About Me
DEBJANI MONDAL
Welcome to Kitchenstagram, the home of delicious recipes, culinary inspiration and cooking adventures. I’m Debjani and I’m thrilled to be your guide through the wonderful world of food. I’m a self-taught professional baker, home chef, recipe developer, author of Kitchenstagram and an aspiring YouTuber.
My passion for food and cooking began at a very young age, when I would watch my mom and dad cook for me and my brother. My dad, in particular is a great cook whose culinary skills made a lasting impression on me. My dad would cook up a storm on special occasions by cooking variety of dishes, from delicious biriyani to samosa, fish fry, rasgullas and kachoris (sweet & spicy deep fried pastry with filling of lentils, meat or fish…>>>>>
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