Secrets for Making the Best Grilled Cheese Sandwich
Buttery slices of bread with a light crunch. A warm, gooey treasure trove of melted cheese. Nothing beats the simple joy of a grilled cheese sandwich with its symphony of textures and tastes. So, how can you make the best grilled cheese around?
The first secret is there’s not one perfect recipe. It comes down to personal preference, mood and even occasion. Here are a few things to keep in mind as you build your own idea of the perfect grilled cheese sandwich.
1. Select your bread with mouthfeel and flavor in mind.
- White bread: For a classic sandwich that will let the cheese shine
- Texas toast: For a light, fluffy sandwich with a buttery flavor
- Sourdough: For extra crunch and sharpness
- Multigrain bread: For a hearty, toothy vibe
- Hawaiian: For a melt-in-your-mouth sweet note
You’ll also want to coat your bread, and people fall into two distinct camps: Team Butter and Team Mayo. If you use butter, make sure it’s nice and soft, about room temperature, so it spreads evenly and doesn’t tear the bread. Mayo is already spreadable and browns very nicely. If you have trouble deciding, try both. Some people swear by spreading mayo on the bread and using butter in the pan for the best of both worlds.
2. When selecting your cheese, consider texture, flavor and bread pairing.
Soft cheeses such as brie may be too runny on a grilled cheese sandwich. Crumbly and hard cheeses such as feta and parmesan won’t be (nearly) melty enough. Consider choosing from the “just right” Goldilocks selection of semi-soft and semi-hard cheeses such as fontina, Monterey Jack, cheddar and gouda.
If you want a certain flavor but that cheese doesn’t have the best texture, consider combining cheeses. A blend of American and cheddar will be creamy and sharp. And some cheeses pair well with certain breads. Swiss cheese? Try it with pumpernickel.
When assembling your sandwich, arrange the cheese so that it goes all the way to the bread crusts. This will ensure every bite has some gooey goodness. And if you enjoy the crunch of lightly caramelized cheese, you’re more likely to get a dribble over the edge of the sandwich if you distribute it generously.
3. Fill ‘er up (if you want).
Some purists will turn their noses up at including ham, tomato or even bacon in a sandwich. Let them. Red pepper jelly? Peach slices? Sauerkraut? Why not? Life is meant to be lived! Experiment! Be bold! Or stick with the simple classic of American cheese. We won’t judge. Let the occasion and mood be your guide.
If you opt for fillings, make sure to consider their cook time and texture. Cook bacon before adding it to the sandwich because the cooking time for grilled cheese won’t be enough to properly cook the bacon. If you’re a fan of tomatoes, consider adding a slice between layers of cheese or using a denser bread so it doesn’t make the sandwich too soggy.
4. Be patient.
Low and slow is the game so the cheese will melt without burning the bread. Another trick is to cover your pan to trap steam inside, which will help melt the cheese.
Don’t let anyone try to tell you your sammies aren’t the be-all and end-all (we know they are)! Do what makes you happy because the perfect grilled cheese sandwich should do just that. And if you feel like branching out, give these recipes a try.
Delicious Grilled Cheese Sandwich Recipes
