For a delicious yet simple grilled cheese, complete with the crispy outside and gooey inside, you don’t need to reinvent the wheel. All you need is some purposeful choices when preparing and a little patience.
The ingredients? White sandwich bread, sliced mild yellow cheese, a brush of mayo on the outside, and a bit of butter in a small skillet.
The combination produces even browning on your bread and a satisfying mouthful of melted cheese, especially when served with a bowl of tomato soup. Keep reading to learn more about the perfect grilled cheese.
Bread and Cheese
Ideally, for the bread and cheese, you’re going to want structure and meltability, respectively.
For the bread, use an evenly sliced loaf so the bread holds up. If you want to make sure it stays together, opt for loaves like sourdough or multigrain to prevent leaks.
For cheese options, choose ones that melt reliably, such as American, mild or sharp cheddar, Swiss, fontina, or Gouda. You’ll want to stray away from hard, aged cheeses that won’t soften and instead go for one that melts well or provides a punch of flavor.
The Crust
The ultimate combination, you’ll need to use mayo, butter, or both.
A thin coat of mayo on the outside of the bread creates even browning due to the oil-and-egg emulsion.
As for butter, it adds flavor and richness while still preserving that signature crunch. For a reliably golden outside, make sure to spread a thin, even layer, rather than piling on the butter or mayo.
Technique and Timing
The best way to cook your grilled cheese is low and slow. You’ll want to cook over medium-low heat to let the cheese melt before the crust browns too much. If you try to cook the grilled cheese too quickly, it could result in a charred exterior with a cold interior.
For tools, use a heavy-bottomed skillet and a lid to trap the heat and increase the melting of the cheese. If you want to test meltability, use small cheese samples in the microwave. Flip once after the first side is golden, preventing breakage and keeping an even melt.
Variations and Adaptations
Picky eaters may need a classic recipe with white bread and mild yellow cheese.
However, if you want to be a little more adventurous, experiment with fun combinations like cheddar and apple, smoked gouda, or a mix of cheddar and Swiss.
For households with younger children, thin slices of cheese and moderate heat avoid burning the bread and upsetting your child.
Practical Tips
If you want to optimize your grilled cheese experience, try out these tips for busy families:
- Make Ahead: Assemble the sandwiches and refrigerate them for a short time before cooking. Though you’ll want to avoid freezing them with mayo on the outside.
- Reheating: Warm the grilled cheese gently in a skillet over low heat or a toaster instead of microwaving, which can result in rubbery cheese and soggy bread.
- Serving: Pair with tomato soup for a classic combo, or add some carrot sticks and apple slices for a balanced kid-friendly meal.
According the many sources, the best grilled cheese is not just a single trick or ingredient but a collection of small choices: the right bread, melted cheese, a thin coat of fat on the bread, low heat, and a little patience.
If you just follow these steps, you can enjoy a reliably crunchy, melted sandwich that satisfies every time.