A grilled cheese sandwich is one of the most delicious delicacies you will ever have when properly cooked. And griddles are among the best appliances when it comes to cooking only the best of them. Making a perfect grilled cheese is easy once you know the right process. It will take you 20 minutes or less to prepare once you know how it’s done.
The secret to producing the perfect grilled cheese sandwich is to prepare slowly and under low to moderate heat. You want it to take its time and have those ingredients sizzle to perfection. Let them melt and infuse with each other until the final creation is nothing but a sandwich that oozes perfection through its perforations.
In this article, we will highlight the process of preparing a grilled cheese sandwich and then feature extra tips on how you can improve your cooking.
Preparing a grilled cheese
The first step is to get all the right ingredients that you will need for the cooking process. The basic requirements include the following:
Bread – There is no specific nature of a particular type of bread for a grilled cheese sandwich. However, it’s best if you use white bread since it produces far tastier results than brown bread.
Butter – Salted or unsalted butter is all fine. Use whichever fancies your preferences but try to ensure it is real butter since it is easier to spread on the bread.
Cheese – This is the main ingredient for the whole process hence its name in a grilled cheese sandwich. There are many varieties of cheese, and what you use for your sandwich depends on you.
Start by buttering up two slices of bread on one side. Ensure that the pieces of bread will match sides when placed against each other. The side of the slices that you are buttering will be on the outside during grilling.
Turn one piece of bread with the buttered side facing down and place a layer of cheese on it. The slices of cheese should be cut to around ¼ to 1/8 inches thick. As you place the cheese slices on the bread, ensure you completely cover the whole area of the piece of bread. Put the cheese slices on top of each other if that is what it will take.
Take the second piece of bread and add it on top of the layer of cheese. Make sure the buttered side is facing upwards.
Place the sandwich on a griddle and cook it slowly and under low temperatures. For those using electric griddles, turn it up to 275 degrees Fahrenheit. Preheat it before placing the sandwich on the cooking surface.
Cook one side for around five minutes and continuously check to see that it’s not burning. Cooking surfaces are different across various kitchens, hence the need for constant checking. Nevertheless, odds are it won’t be if you are cooking it at low temperatures.
After 5 minutes, flip the sandwich to the other side and repeat the same process.
As tempting as it will be, don’t press down on the bread with a spatula. This will flatten it. However, you can do it if you prefer your sandwich extra flat.
Keep cooking the sides until the bread turns golden brown, and all the cheese melts into the slices. This should take a maximum of 15 minutes at most.
Once that is done, remove the sandwich from the heating surface, let it cool, and enjoy your crunchy serving of a grilled cheese sandwich.
The don’t’s
There is only one primary rule when preparing a grilled cheese sandwich: don’t rush it. Turning on the heat to get it cooking faster only leads to a burnt sandwich or parts that are too crispy to enjoy.
Low or moderate heat gives the cheese time to melt and spread throughout the bread evenly. The slices then cook perfectly and turn golden brown only under the optimum conditions, resulting in a blend of pure bliss when you take a bite.
Extra tips when preparing a grilled cheese sandwich
There are a few questions that people ask concerning how to improve their grilled cheese sandwich cooking experience.
There are two main things to factor in: the cheese and any other additives that can be included.
When it comes to selecting the best cheese for the job, there are five main types that stand out:
American – This cheese was specially designed for grilled sandwiches. It has an amazing taste and works with almost any add-ons you bring into the mix.
Pepper Jack – The Swiss nailed it with this highly-flavored cheese that will make your sandwich a delight to ravish.
Muenster – Nutty, and yet it brings forth excellent texture to the sandwich. It’s not as popular, which makes most people underrate it. You will be surprised at just how good it is.
Havarti – This Danish cheese melts quickly, and yet it brings an exquisite taste to your sandwich when used. It’s the optimal definition of a cheese that sits right on the fence between spreadable and hard cheese.
Sharp Cheddar – This is the most commonly used cheese for sandwiches, and there is a reason for it. It offers variety and is versatile in how you can use it. You will not be disappointed by its results.
When it comes to the add-ons, you can spice up your grilled cheese sandwich by including other ingredients such as tomato or lettuce slices. As an accompaniment to the meal, prepare bacon slices, too, and serve your sandwich with a drink.
Conclusion
Grilled cheese has grown to be a favorite in many houses due to how it brings fond childhood memories when you are enjoying one as an adult. As you can see from the description of the whole process, knowing how to make grilled cheese on a griddle is a simple process that can be done by anyone.
It requires few ingredients and takes little time to cook.
For safety precautions, remember to be careful when handling a griddle since you could get burnt. Also, don’t hold the sandwich with your hands during cooking or immediately after serving. Let it cool before you eat.
