No matter how old you get, you never outgrow a classic grilled cheese sandwich. With so many cheese options and topping combinations, grilled cheese sandwiches never get old, nor do they ever get boring. But when it comes to enjoying the best grilled cheese sandwich possible, you must select the right cheese or cheese pairings. After all, the cheese is the star of the show here.
So, the next time you are craving a grilled cheese sandwich, consider using these top recommended cheeses!
How to Select the Right Cheese for Your Grilled Cheese Sandwich
When it comes to selecting the right cheese for your grilled cheese sandwich, you want to strive for a good balance between melting points and flavor. This means sticking with soft and moist cheeses and avoiding hard or crumbly ones.
The cheese should melt well while also delivering optimal flavor. Although American cheese is the classic option for a grilled cheese sandwich, there are many other choices that can bring your grilled cheese sandwich to a new level of delicious.
Get Creative But Stick to What You Like
Really, you can use any cheese you like to create a grilled cheese sandwich. It’s all about personal preference. From a chewy cheddar and stringy mozzarella to a stinky taleggio and beyond, the options are really endless. But if you’re looking for culinary innovations, these are suggested to be the best cheeses to use when curating your ultimate grilled cheese sandwich:
🧀 American – American cheese is a classic option for grilled cheese sandwiches because it is a little salty and a little sweet, plus it melts exceptionally well. This is going to render a creamier finish to your sandwich.
🧀 Cheddar – As mentioned, cheddar cheese of any medium to sharp variety will deliver a chewy but melty consistency, leaving you satisfied after every bite. Consider jalapeno cheddar or garden vegetable cheddar cheeses for a heightened flavor profile.
🧀 Gruyère – Gruyère may seem like an off-the-wall choice for grilled cheese sandwich, but your taste buds will be pleasantly surprised and asking for more. Gruyère delivers a unique grilled cheese experience with nutty and slightly stinky flavors, and a chewy but creamy consistency. There is good reason why the French use this cheese in their famous croque monsieur!
🧀 Fontina – A popular Italian cheese, fontina delivers a great meltiness-to-flavor ratio. There are many varieties of fontina to choose from at your local deli or grocery store cheese counter, ranging in flavor from mild to a bit stinky.
🧀 Gouda – Gouda is a great option for grilled cheese sandwich if you are in the mood for a softer flavor profile. This Dutch cheese delivers a delightfully nutty and slightly sweet flavor that melts beyond perfection.
🧀 Muenster – Very similar to American cheese, muenster is mild and melts just as well as cheddar and Gouda. This is a great option for kids or for pairing other cheeses in your sandwich.
Grilled Cheese Add-On Options
Once you have your cheeses selected, consider adding some more proteins, vegetables, fruits, and condiments to really take your sandwich to the next level! Popular add-ons include bacon, ham, shredded pork, pepperoni, sliced apples, spinach, caramelized onions, peppers, jam, honey, and herbs like chives or green onion.
Are you craving a delicious and creamy grilled cheese sandwich now, but your kitchen is lacking the proper ingredients? Visit English Ivy’s Downtown Pub and Eatery and order our famous grilled cheese sandwich that you customize by selecting your own cheese and bread options! Don’t forget to ask us about our daily menu specials too!
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