Ah, the humble grilled cheese—what a marvel it is! I still remember my first bite of a perfectly crispy sandwich, cheese oozing out like a molten river of gooey goodness. It’s surprising how something so simple can be so divine, a symphony of crunch and melty perfection.
Steps
- Grate your cheeses if not using pre-sliced ones, opting for a combination of mozzarella and a flavored cheese like cheddar or gruyere.
- Generously butter both sides of each bread slice, ensuring all four sides are coated.
- Preheat a heavy skillet over medium-low heat and lightly toast the bread for about 1 minute on each side to give it a slight crust and warm it through.
- Flip one slice of bread, then add a layer of cheddar followed by mozzarella, placing the other slice on top with the pre-toasted side touching the cheese.
- Cook the sandwich for 3 minutes, pressing lightly with a spatula, until the bottom is crisp and golden. Adjust the heat if it browns too quickly.
- Flip the sandwich and cook the other side for another 3 minutes until the bread is golden and the cheese has melted.
- Remove from the pan, slice in half, and enjoy the cheese pull before devouring.
Ingredients
- 2 slices sourdough bread, sliced 1.3–1.5 cm thick (0.5–0.6 inches)
- 30g (2 tablespoons) salted butter, for spreading (or unsalted butter with a pinch of salt)
- 1/3 cup (heaped) vintage cheddar cheese or gruyere, freshly grated
- 30g (1/3 cup) mozzarella, freshly grated
Nutritional Values
Calories: 807cal (40%) | Carbohydrates: 67g (22%) | Protein: 33g (66%) | Fat: 46g (71%) | Saturated Fat: 27g (169%) | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 12g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 129mg (43%) | Sodium: 1427mg (62%) | Potassium: 212mg (6%) | Fiber: 3g (13%) | Sugar: 6g (7%) | Vitamin A: 1292IU (26%) | Calcium: 629mg (63%) | Iron: 5mg (28%)
FAQ
- What types of cheese are recommended for a perfect grilled cheese sandwich?
- For the ultimate grilled cheese, it’s suggested to use a combination of mozzarella for its stretch and a flavorful cheese like vintage cheddar or gruyere. Grating your own cheese is recommended for a smoother melt.
- Why is it better to use a pan instead of a sandwich press for making grilled cheese?
- Using a pan on the stove allows for a superior golden, buttery crust compared to a sandwich press, which can squish the bread too much and cause the cheese to ooze out.
- What type of bread works best for grilled cheese sandwiches?
- Sourdough bread is recommended for its texture and flavor, but any sliced bread will work as long as it’s not too thick, thin, or holey to avoid cheese escape.
- Is it necessary to butter both sides of the bread for a grilled cheese sandwich?
- Yes, buttering both sides of each slice is essential for achieving the crispy, golden exterior that characterizes a great grilled cheese sandwich.
- Can pre-shredded cheese be used for grilled cheese sandwiches?
- While pre-shredded cheese can be used, grating your own cheese is advised because store-bought shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that prevent it from melting smoothly.
Tips
- Mix Cheese Varieties: Enhance your grilled cheese by using a combination of mozzarella for its stretchy texture and a flavorful cheese like vintage cheddar or gruyere for a rich taste.
- Choose the Right Bread: Opt for sourdough bread instead of regular sandwich bread for a better texture and flavor. Ensure the bread is not too thick or thin to avoid issues with melting and squishing.
- Butter Thoroughly: Spread salted butter on both sides of each bread slice to create a crispy, golden crust. If using unsalted butter, add a pinch of salt for extra flavor.
- Cook on a Stove: Use a pan on the stove instead of a sandwich press to achieve a superior buttery crust and avoid the bread getting too squished, which can limit cheese filling.
Equipment
- Heavy-based skillet or non-stick fry pan – Essential for achieving the perfect golden crust on the sandwich.
- Box grater – Needed for grating cheese, as freshly grated cheese melts better than pre-shredded cheese.
- Spatula – Useful for pressing down the sandwich and flipping it during cooking.
