The Best Cheese For Grilled Cheese
The best cheeses for grilled cheese melt easily and have a substantial flavor of their own.
- Sharp cheddar, gruyere, swiss, gouda, and fontina are all excellent choices for grilled cheese.
- Avoid pre-shredded cheeses, which do not melt well, or hard, aged cheeses that dont melt as easily , unless you are combining an aged with a different, melty cheese.
- Create a combo. For a unique twist, try a combination of two or more cheeses. My favorite is to use a nutty cheese like gruyere and a classic sharp cheddar.
- Butter. A light swipe of softened butter is necessary to make sure your grilled cheese crisps nicely and doesnt taste dry.
The Best Type Of Cheese
Before you get started, it is important to work out which type of cheese you are going to use. While many people reach for cheddar cheese out of habit, there is a whole world of tasty cheese out there. Trying some of the following cheeses could take your grilled cheese sandwich to the next level.
Provolone
This Italian cheese is full of flavor and is ideal for creating grilled cheese sandwiches with a twist. This cheese is the perfect accompaniment for other traditional Italian ingredients like tomato and fresh basil leaves. You can also add slices of salami or prosciutto to your grilled cheese sandwich for a real Italian treat.
Monterey Jack
The slightly peppery taste of this cheese is ideal for people who like to walk on the spicy side of life. You can add a kick to your grilled cheese sandwich with jalapeno peppers and onions. This serves as a quick and easy alternative to quesadillas, and it tastes great with rye bread with caraway seeds.
Colby
Many people consider Colby to be the very best cheese to use for grilled cheese sandwiches. While it has a similar flavor and consistency to cheddar, it is slightly richer and more pronounced. This type of cheese is especially versatile and works well with all types of ingredients and bread.
Blue Cheese
Muenster
Ways To Dress Up Your Grilled Cheese
I am no purist, and I put all kinds of stuff on my grilled cheese. Just dont overstuff it, or all the goodies will slip out. What goodies, you say? Some suggestions:
- Cooked greens: kale, mustard greens, or spinach
- Fruits and Vegetables: roasted red pepper, thin slices of apple or pear, tomato slices
Close the sandwich and continue grilling, flipping the sandwich with a turner as needed, until both sides are golden brown, another 2-3 minutes per side.
Usually, the second side takes less time than the first. Press down on the sandwich gently but firmly with your turner to compact it a little, but dont smoosh it. You may need to turn the heat down to medium-low to keep the bread from charring.
Peek in the sandwich to see if the cheese is fully melted. If the bread is grilled to your liking but the cheese needs more time, turn the heat down and grill it a few minutes longer.
Alison Bickel
Cut the sandwich the way you like best and let it cool a minute or so before eating, unless you like burning your mouth on molten cheese. Serve immediately.
Recommended Reading: Pork Tenderloin Grill Temperature
The Best Griddle Temp For Grilled Cheese Sandwich
Now that you have chosen your favorite cheese and bread, it is time to start cooking. If you are using an electric griddle, it is best to set the temperature to 275°F. One of the great things about electric griddles is that you can easily adjust the temperature.
Otherwise, set the grill to a medium-high temperature. This will prevent you from burning the bread while the cheese cooks. When the cheese inside the sandwich starts oozing and bubbling, your sandwich is ready to serve and eat.
What Defines A Grilled Cheese
A grilled cheese sandwich is assembled by creating a cheese filling, often cheddar, or American, between two slices of bread, and is then heated until the bread browns and the cheese melts. A layer of butter or mayonnaise is sometimes added to the outside of the bread for additional flavor and texture.
You May Like: Grill Temperature For Pork Chops
The Best Bread For Grilled Cheese
Have you ever gone to the store thinking, I need to get bread specifically for making grilled cheese sandwiches? I sure havent! Grilled cheese sandwiches happen in my house not because of meal planning, but lack of it. Thats whats so great about them!
Sliced sandwich bread is classic. Crusty artisanal bread is great, too. Bread that has a very open, lacy interior lets too much cheese ooze through, and bread thats exceptionally dense makes for a leaden sandwich. Bread thats neither dense nor airy is what you want.
Try these:
- Brioche loaves
Now, that we have the type of bread figured out, lets talk about the best slice for the job. The thicker the bread slices, the longer it will take for the cheese to melt. And the bread will wind up detracting from the cheese, which is not the point!
Bread sliced over half an inch thick will impede optimal cheese melting. For perfect grilled cheese every time opt for slices between 1/4-inch and 1/2-inch thick.
Have I made grilled cheese on hot dog buns before? Yes. Are they ideal? No, far from it. But you get the picture. Sometimes a sandwich isnt a work of art. Its just food. Do what works for you!
The Best Cheese To Use
My top choice is sharp cheddar cheese because its combination of firmness and flavor. This cheese has a solid structure that holds together and stretches nicely when heated, and during its aging process, it undergoes complex flavor development as it ripens. Other fallback options with similar firm characteristics are swiss cheese, gruyere, gouda, Monterey jack, pepper jack, and mozzarella.
Plastic wrapped American cheese is a convenient choice, although its flavor tends to be saltier. Kids usually dont mind, but this may turn off some adults. Soft and spreadable brie while delicious, can get a bit greasy when melted. For a stronger flavored sandwich, you can sprinkle on Parmesan or blue cheese in combination with one of the mild-flavored firm cheeses.
Don’t Miss: Temperature To Grill Chicken
Which Air Fryer Do I Use
After doing extensive air fryer research, I decided on this GoWise 5.8 quart Air Fryer.
I should also say that this isn’t sponsored but if you order from Amazon using any of these links or images, I get a small kickback!
I went with the 5.8 quart because it’s the perfect size for me and my family. It is large enough to cook two sandwiches in, a whole chicken, or a big batch of fries without things getting too crowded.
Anything smaller would have been kind of pointless to me. It also has more temperature controls and more cooking options than a lot of the other air fryers on the market do. I also loved that it came with a whole entire cookbook and temperature manual for various foods.
And The Best Cheese For Grilled Cheese Is
Were partial to regular old cheddar cheesesharp or medium, depending on your preference but a great grilled cheese sandwich can be made out of lots of different cheeses, and our grilled cheese recipe will work with almost any cheese you favor. Here are a few great melters to try:
- Monterey Jack. This mild, creamy white cheese is an even better melter than cheddar, and is extra lovely mixed with a little sharp cheddar.
- Gruyère. Nutty and delightfully salty, Gruyère is an Alpine-style cheese that is widely available in the U.S. and makes for a richly flavorful grilled cheese.
- Raclette. Another gorgeous Alpine-style cheese that is quite literally made for melting. This washed-rind cheese is funkier than Gruyère and will definitely take your grilled cheese into grown-up territory.
- Blue / Chevré. Tangy chevré or sharp blue cheeses can be delicious additions to a grilled cheese, but we like to use them sparingly and coupled with mild, melty cheeses like Jack or cheddar.
Also Check: Weber Model Numbers
Sowhat Is The Best Griddle Temp For Grilled Cheese
The math has been calculated, and the results are in. For the perfect grilled cheese sandwich, you should set your electric griddle to 275 degrees – Fahrenheit, that is. If you have an electric griddle, it should be really easy to adjust the temperature to the way you want it. Otherwise, you can use a saute pan and keep it at a low-to-medium heat for the best effect. Make sure not to turn it up high, or youll burn your precious bread!
Now, how exactly do you make the perfect grilled cheese?
Heres a recipe that will knock your socks off:
How Much Cheese Is Enough
This is a very personal issue. Its possible to overdo it, but no one wants a skimpy grilled cheese, either. Theres plenty of space in the middle ground.
Two ounces of cheese per sandwich is a good rule of thumb, but a better rule of thumb is to eyeball it. Three ounces gives you a more decadent grilled cheese. Its your call!
Either way, grate as much cheese as you need to pile loosely on both slices of bread. A good, fluffy handful should do it.
You May Like: Remove Grill Grease From Concrete
Slicing The Cheese Too Thick
When sliced too thick, the cheese simply wont cook all the way through, which means you wont get that oozy, melty goodness you have your heart set on.
Follow this tip: Thinly sliced cheese is a good start, but theres still a better method: grated cheese. It melts more evenly and quickly than slices, and youre guaranteed to have just the right balance of toasted bread and melted cheese.
Is It Better To Use Butter Or Mayo For Grilled Cheese
Fool-proof mayonnaise
The ingredients in storebought mayonnaise have a higher smoke point than butter, which means your grilled cheese lunch is more foolproof. You can cook the sandwich over higher heat for a crisper exterior and fluffier interior. Yep, you read that correctly: a fluffier interior.
Read Also: Traeger Ler Code
How To Make The Perfect Grilled Cheese
I never really had the grandparent experience. My moms parents both died in a car accident long before I was born and while I knew my dads parents, they were much older and my grandma had Alzheimers for most of the time I knew her. But I did have the most fantastic next-door neighbor. Her name was Mrs. Miner and she used to let me hang out at her house and talk her ear off and she would make me grilled cheese sandwiches. This might not sound like a big deal, but my mom made grilled cheese sandwiches in the microwave And later, after my mom died, my step-mom made them in the oven.
Those are not acceptable alternatives.
Grilled cheese sandwiches are made in a pan. With butter. Is it something you should eat every day? No. Is it something you should eat sometimes? Yes. But only if its made in a pan. With butter.
I didnt think knowing how to make grilled cheese sandwiches was that big of a deal until recently, I went to a sandwich chain and got their grown-up grilled cheese and it wasnt right. And I thought maybe it was a fluke, so I ordered it another time and it was still not right. And then I went to a local restaurant that specialized in fancy grilled cheeseall sorts of cheese, caramelized onions, figs and jams and cured meats and pepper jellies. And I thought surely they would get it right, this restaurant that specialized in grilled cheese.
Ready to get started? Heat a skillet or griddle to medium heat Butter one side of each slice of bread.
How Much Cheese To Use
I find that using at least 2 thick slices, about to ¼-inch max, of sharp cheddar provides just the right ratio of cheese-to-bread. If the slices are any thicker, itll affect the melt time. If using a block of cheese, you can grate or shred it to make an even layer, although it will melt quicker than slices.
When placing the cheese on top of the unbuttered side of the bread, leave a little bit of space along the edges so the cheese doesnt spew over, unless you like a little bit of fried cheese on the edges.
Read Also: What Temperature To Grill Pork Chops
How Do You Make The Perfect Grilled Cheese Flip
Most people use a spatula and scoop the sandwich up from the bottom of the pan and flip it as quickly as possible to avoid catastrophe. I call this the flip and pray because half the time the top piece of bread slides right off the sandwich and leaves a big cheesy mess.
What Temperature Should Grilled Cheese Be Cooked At
For the perfect grilled cheese sandwich, you should set your electric griddle to 275 degrees Fahrenheit, that is. If you have an electric griddle, it should be really easy to adjust the temperature to the way you want it. Otherwise, you can use a saute pan and keep it at a low-to-medium heat for the best effect.
Read Also: How Long To Grill Beer Can Chicken
How Do You Know When Grilled Cheese Is Done
Grilled cheese is ready to eat when the bread is golden brown, and the cheese has melted in the center. Some people prefer the bread to be only lightly toasted, while others like a deeply browned finish theres no wrong answer! However, no one likes cold cheese or burnt bread, which will ruin the taste and texture of a grilled cheese sandwich.
Check out this YouTube video on how to make a picture-perfect grilled cheese by using shredded cheese:
How To Make The Perfect Air Fryer Grilled Cheese
April 21, 2020 by grilledcheesesocial
As a grilled cheese expert, I can assure you that making an air fryer grilled cheese just might be the perfect way to cook this classic comfort food. The bread gets crispy, the cheese gets perfect melty, and it’s almost impossible to burn it. I highly recommend using this method because it’s essentially fail-proof!
Before I begin, I should start by asking if you realized that this grilled cheese blog will turn 10 years old next month?! How wild is that!?
What started as a hobby in grad school is now my full time job! It’s so wild to think that I’ve won two Food Network shows and even wrote a cookbook because of my love for lactose.
What’s even more exciting is discovering that an air fryer is maybe the most perfect way to cook a grilled cheese!
It’s so easy that it’s almost fail-proof!
Once you build the sandwich, put it in the air fryer basket and set the temp and timer, you don’t even have to think twice!
The bread comes out perfectly crispy, the cheese is the perfect melting temperature, and the cleanup is painless.
Trust me, after making a grilled cheese in here, you’ll probably never go back to the old pan or panini press method!
Also Check: Weber Gas Grill Pork Chops
What Can I Add To Grilled Cheese
Ingredients
Can You Make A Grilled Cheese On The Grill
Grilling a grilled cheese sandwich is a great idea if youre camping or if you want to keep your kitchen cool in the summer. Its also a great way to make grilled cheese sandwiches for a crowd because you can fit more sandwiches on a typical grill than you can in a skillet .
Whatever your reason for grilling a grilled cheese, its totally doable and the result is a gooey sandwich with a toasty crust and subtle smoky flavor. Lets get to it.
Also Check: How Long Do You Grill Pork Tenderloin
What Can I Use Instead Of Butter To Make Grilled Cheese
5 Best Substitutes for Butter in Grilled Cheese Sandwiches
Using Cheese That Doesnt Melt Well
When it comes to the grilled cheese sandwich, not all cheese is created equal. Some varieties were practically made for grilled cheese, while others dont quite work for this sandwich. Avoid using hard, aged cheeses like Parmesan or Pecorino or dry, crumbly cheeses like goat or feta. While delicious on their own, they dont melt well and wont give you the oozy cheese that makes this sandwich.
Follow this tip: Use a cheese with good melting qualities, like American, Swiss, Monterey Jack, cheddar, or fontina.
Recommended Reading: How To Clean Grill With Baking Soda
Mayo Or Butter When And How
My cheesemonger friend got me onto using mayonnaise instead of butter.
Its always spreadable, it gives you a fabulous golden-brown crust thats not as apt to burn as butter, and it offers just a little zip.
My favorite brands are Hellmanns/Best Foods and Dukes. I havent tried Miracle Whip , but I figure its too sweet to work well here. You can also make your own mayoits actually just as easy as making a grilled cheese!
Give mayonnaise a shot! Use the same amount as you would butter.
If you are 100 percent Team Butter, I understand. You can either butter the bread directly or melt a pat of butter in the pan. I prefer to butter the bread directly, but lets say your butter is straight from the fridge and rock-hard. In that case, melt it in the pan.
One of my colleagues here at Simply Recipes swears by this approach and uses it in his Italian Grilled Cheese Sandwiches.
