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What’s the Best Cheese for Grilled Cheese?

Introduction

When it comes to making the perfect grilled cheese sandwich, the choice of cheese is crucial. The right cheese can elevate your sandwich from good to unforgettable. But with so many options available, what’s the best cheese for grilled cheese? In this article, we'll explore various cheese options, including their flavors, melting qualities, and how they pair with different types of bread. Whether you're a grilled cheese novice or a seasoned pro, this guide will help you find the perfect cheese for your next sandwich creation.

1. The Classic Choice: American Cheese

When you think of grilled cheese, American cheese often comes to mind. This cheese is a staple in many households and is loved for its creamy texture and excellent melting properties.

Why American Cheese?

American cheese melts beautifully, creating that gooey, stretchy goodness that everyone loves. It’s also mild in flavor, which means it pairs well with a variety of breads, from classic white to whole grain.

Best Pairings

For a classic grilled cheese, use two slices of American cheese between two pieces of buttery white bread. Grill it to perfection, and you’ll have a sandwich that oozes nostalgia.

2. Sharp Cheddar: For a Flavor Punch

If you prefer a more robust flavor in your grilled cheese, sharp cheddar is the way to go. This cheese has a distinct taste that can really enhance your sandwich.

Flavor Profile

Sharp cheddar brings a tangy and slightly nutty flavor that contrasts beautifully with the buttery bread. Its melting properties are also impressive, making it a great option for grilling.

Perfect Combinations

Try pairing sharp cheddar with sourdough bread for a delicious twist. The tanginess of the sourdough complements the cheddar, creating a balanced flavor profile that will keep you coming back for more.

3. Gruyère: A Gourmet Twist

For those looking to elevate their grilled cheese game, Gruyère is a fantastic option. This Swiss cheese is known for its rich, nutty flavor and superb melting qualities.

Why Choose Gruyère?

Gruyère offers a sophisticated taste that can transform a simple sandwich into a gourmet experience. It melts wonderfully, creating a luxurious texture that’s hard to resist.

Best Bread Matches

Combine Gruyère with a crusty baguette for a delightful crunch and a rich flavor. This combination is perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself to something special.

4. Mozzarella: For a Stretchy Surprise

Mozzarella cheese is not just for pizza; it can also be a fantastic choice for grilled cheese. Its mild flavor and stretchy texture make it a unique option.

The Stretch Factor

One of the most appealing aspects of mozzarella is its ability to stretch when melted. This creates a visually enticing sandwich that’s fun to eat.

Ideal Pairings

Consider using mozzarella with a ciabatta roll. The airy texture of the ciabatta complements the gooey mozzarella, resulting in a delightful bite every time.

5. Fontina: Creamy and Complex

Fontina is another cheese that deserves a mention when discussing the best cheese for grilled cheese. Known for its creamy texture and complex flavor, Fontina can add a unique twist to your sandwich.

What Makes Fontina Special?

Fontina melts excellently and has a slightly sweet, nutty flavor. This cheese can add depth to your grilled cheese, making it stand out from the crowd.

Delicious Combinations

Try Fontina with a whole grain bread for a hearty option. The nuttiness of the grain pairs beautifully with the rich flavor of the cheese.

6. Pepper Jack: For a Spicy Kick

If you’re looking to spice things up, Pepper Jack cheese is an exciting choice. This cheese, infused with spicy peppers, adds a kick to your grilled cheese sandwich.

Why Pepper Jack?

Pepper Jack not only melts smoothly but also brings a zesty flavor that can wake up your taste buds. It’s perfect for those who enjoy a bit of heat in their food.

Best Bread Pairings

Pair Pepper Jack with a soft tortilla for a fun twist on the classic grilled cheese. This combination makes for a delicious and portable snack!

7. Brie: A Decadent Option

For a truly indulgent grilled cheese, consider using Brie. This soft cheese is rich and creamy, providing a luxurious texture and flavor.

The Creamy Advantage

Brie melts beautifully, creating a decadent filling that’s hard to resist. Its mild, buttery taste adds a touch of elegance to your sandwich.

Pairing Suggestions

Combine Brie with a crusty French baguette and add a bit of fig jam for a sweet contrast. This combination will impress anyone who tries it!

8. Combining Cheeses for the Ultimate Grilled Cheese

Sometimes, the best grilled cheese is achieved by combining different cheeses. Blending flavors can create a more complex taste profile that’s truly satisfying.

Why Combine Cheeses?

Mixing cheeses allows you to enjoy the best of both worlds. For example, combining sharp cheddar with creamy mozzarella can provide both flavor and stretch.

Ideal Combinations

Try a mix of Gruyère and sharp cheddar for a rich and flavorful sandwich. The nutty flavor of Gruyère complements the tanginess of cheddar beautifully.

Conclusion

In conclusion, when it comes to deciding what’s the best cheese for grilled cheese, the options are abundant. From classic American cheese to gourmet choices like Gruyère and Brie, each variety brings something unique to the table. Experiment with different cheeses and bread combinations to find your perfect grilled cheese delight. Whether you prefer something simple or luxurious, there’s a cheese out there that will satisfy your cravings. So, grab your skillet, choose your cheese, and get ready to enjoy one of the most comforting sandwiches around!

“Clever versions of the American classic” from the James Beard Award winner for The All American Cheese and Wine Book (Publishers Weekly).
 
Brie and apricot jam on a baguette; spinach and goat cheese on a croissant; blue cheese and fresh figs on crusty Italian bread: this is not your mother’s grilled cheese sandwich. In Great Grilled Cheese, cheese expert and award-winning cookbook author Laura Werlin presents fifty scrumptious grilled cheese and panini recipes that range from the traditional to the contemporary. In addition to the more inventive combinations, including grilled cheese for dessert, there’s always room at the table for the classics: grilled American on white, or apple, ham, and cheddar on sourdough.
 
Werlin discusses techniques—nonstick versus cast-iron pan, whether to cover during cooking, how to use the ultra-popular panini machine. Maren Caruso’s tantalizing photographs perfectly convey the appeal of creamy melted cheese pressed between two slices of crisp, buttery bread. For cheese aficionados, parents whose kids insist on grilled cheese at every meal, and the kid in all of us who craves comfort food, Great Grilled Cheese will satisfy everyone’s cheese dreams.