Who doesn’t love a classic grilled cheese sandwich? But if you’re looking to take your grilled cheese to the next level, a few simple tricks can make all the difference.
Grilled cheese sandwiches are always welcome, at any time of the day! It’s the ultimate comfort food—simple, satisfying, and endlessly versatile. But if you think grilled cheese is just bread, butter, and cheese, it’s time to rethink your approach.
With a few tweaks, you can take this humble dish and turn it into a gourmet delight. Here are some tips and ideas to take your grilled cheese sandwich from basic to brilliant.
1. Choose the right bread
The foundation of any great sandwich is the bread, and grilled cheese is no exception. Opt for bread that crisps up beautifully but doesn’t burn too quickly.
- Sourdough is a top pick because of its texture—its airy structure has the perfect nooks and crannies to soak up butter or oil, creating a crispy golden crust.
- Avoid breads with a lot of sugar, as they’ll burn faster. Instead, rustic, hearty bread like ciabatta or whole grain works wonderfully.
- For a lighter, more gourmet touch, try brioche for a subtly sweet contrast to the rich cheese.
For the perfect bread-to-cheese ratio, cut your bread about half an inch thick. Too thin, and it might burn before the cheese melts. Too thick, and you risk a sandwich with uneven textures.
2. Grate your cheese for ultimate melt
Grated cheese may seem like a small step, but it makes all the difference. By grating your cheese, you increase its surface area, allowing it to melt more evenly and quickly. This ensures that ooey-gooey satisfaction you crave without risking burnt bread. Plus, it gives you the flexibility to mix cheeses, creating more complex flavours.
For the cheese, here are a few options:
- Cheddar: A classic, sharp cheddar gives depth to any grilled cheese.
- Monterey Jack or Havarti: These are softer cheeses that melt quickly, making them ideal for a gooey texture.
- Want to go fancy? Gruyère or Fontina will add a sophisticated, nutty flavour to your sandwich.
- If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding blue cheese or goat cheese for a bold twist. Pair it with a sweeter element like caramelised onions for balance.
3. Butter, Mayonnaise, or oils?
When it comes to the perfect crispy crust, what you use on the outside of the bread is just as important as what’s inside. Butter is the classic choice, adding a rich, savoury flavour. But have you ever tried mayonnaise? It might sound odd, but it creates an exceptionally crispy exterior and adds a slight tang. Spread either one on the outside of your bread before grilling for best results.
If you’re in the mood to experiment, oils like olive oil or even truffle oil will give your sandwich a unique flavour profile. Spread the oil directly onto the bread rather than the pan for an even crispness.
4. Add a flavour punch with condiments
Jazz up your grilled cheese with a smear of something flavourful. Pantry staples like tomato jam, bacon jam, or pepper jelly will add sweetness and a touch of spice to your sandwich, making it more complex.
Dijon mustard is another great option, providing a tangy bite that cuts through the richness of the cheese.
5. Throw in some surprising ingredients
You don’t have to stick to just cheese. Adding a few extras can turn your grilled cheese into a gourmet experience. Here are a few suggestions:
- Bacon: It’s no secret that bacon makes everything better. The crispy, salty addition pairs perfectly with soft, melted cheese.
- Ham: For a French twist, add thinly sliced ham for a croque monsieur feel.
- Avocado: Adds a creamy texture and rich flavour.
- Pickles or pickled Onions: Pickles add a briny crunch that contrasts beautifully with melted cheese. Pickled red onions are another tangy, fresh option.
6. Go green with veggies
Adding veggies to your grilled cheese can help balance the richness of the cheese. Fresh greens like arugula or spinach will melt perfectly and add a fresh, peppery flavour. You can also roast or sauté veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, or butternut squash ahead of time to add even more layers of flavour.
7. Spice it up with compound butters
Want to give your grilled cheese sandwich an extra kick? Try using compound butters. Mix softened butter with spices or herbs like garlic, rosemary, or chipotle powder, and spread it on the outside of the bread. This will infuse your sandwich with deeper, more interesting flavours as it crisps up.
Variations to try
Here are some unique combinations to inspire your next grilled cheese creation:
- Gourmet spin: Gruyère, caramelised onions, and sautéed mushrooms on sourdough bread. Top it off with a bit of truffle oil for extra indulgence.
- The spicy kick: Pepper Jack cheese, jalapeños, and crispy bacon on whole grain bread, brushed with chipotle butter.
- Sweet & Savory: Brie and fig jam on brioche, with a sprinkling of fresh arugula for contrast.
- French classic: Swiss cheese, ham, and Dijon mustard for a grilled cheese that’s reminiscent of a Croque Monsieur.
- Veggies: Mozzarella, roasted red peppers, and spinach, with a sprinkle of garlic powder on ciabatta.
Leftovers make great grilled cheese
One of the best things about grilled cheese is its versatility. Have some leftover chicken tikka masala or butter chicken from the night before? Pop it between some cheese and bread, and you’ve got a delicious new twist. You can do the same with leftover roasted veggies or even last night’s bolognese sauce.
ALSO SEE: Grilled cheese sandwich recipe
Feature image: Pexels
