From chicken to lobster
What’s more luxurious than having multiple kinds of cheese in one sandwich? Try provolone, sharp cheddar, parmesan, and gouda, or any combination of cheeses you have in your fridge.
Most people use butter to coat the bread on the outside, but swapping it out for mayo helps it get perfectly browned and crispy, and adds a really decadent tanginess.
Don't be afraid of adding fresh fruit like apples (pair with brie), pears (pair with goat cheese), and fig (blue cheese).
If the cheese you want to use comes in a block, instead of slicing it, shred before placing in the sandwich and grilling to ensure the perfect melted texture.
Go beyond the traditional stovetop and try out a panini press, which also cuts down on butter while toasting the bread and melting the cheese. The lines are a gourmet touch as well.
To achieve maximum crispiness, toast your bread in the toaster on both sides before assembling and grilling the sandwich.
Using a second pan to press your sandwich into the first pan will help you achieve a meltier cheese and crispier bread.
It has long past the time to retire those single slices of cheese. If your go-to is cheddar, try mixing it up with brie, Camembert, Monterey Jack, smoked gouda, Gruyère—the possibilities are endless.
Before adding your butter or oil, try infusing it by adding aromatic ingredients like a clove of garlic or some herbs like rosemary and thyme.
Adding a little bit of jelly, Nutella, some shaved dark chocolate, or a drizzle of honey might seem strange when it comes to a grilled cheese, but the sugar actually allows the complex flavors of the cheese to shine.
A little crunch of chopped nuts can completely elevate a grilled cheese. Imagine a grilled cheese with pear, walnuts, and goat cheese. It’s a fine dining palate everyone can access at home.
Prepare half of a grilled cheese sandwich using just one slice of bread, then roll it into a stick and grill on all sides. It’s perfect for dipping in tomato soup.
Placing shredded cheese (like parmesan, cheddar) directly onto the skillet and then placing your buttered sandwich on top of it will allow the cheese to melt and attach to the bread while forming a crispy layer that is a delicious crunch to bite into.
There’s nothing that says gourmet like truffle, and this very simple addition can add so much depth.
This trick is great for serving many mouths without anyone having to wait and let theirs get cold. Simply lay out the prepared sandwiches on a baking sheet and place another baking sheet on top before baking in the oven.
Sundried tomatoes pack the perfect umami punch for a grilled cheese, but kimchi and noori also work extremely well.
What if instead of your regular loaf you used brioche, which has a perfectly golden and fluffy feel to it? Or what if your grilled cheese used the tangy, crusty sourdough? The options are limitless!
A thin layer of grainy Dijon mustard adds a brightness to what could otherwise be a somewhat dull grilled cheese sandwich.
If you are making the smart decision to pair grilled cheese sandwiches with tomato soup, cut them up into little squares to use as croutons for the soup. It’s genius and keeps your hands clean while you eat.
Instead of just putting cheese in your sandwich, add mac and cheese. It combines the powers of two comfort foods in one, and is sure to soothe the soul.
This is truly decadent, as caramelized onions take time (though also very little effort) and pair with the cheese very well to add a depth of flavor.
Add a little protein and some silky texture by cutting out a hole in the bread and adding an egg. It’s beautiful, and it’s breakfast!
Use a spicy Asiago cheese or habanero cheddar, or throw some jalapenos, chili oil, or hot sauce into the sandwich for a grown-up level of enjoyment.
Rainbow grilled cheese had its moment before everyone realized they could be making it at home instead of paying so much more for mere food dye. Just a few drops can brighten up the whole meal.
Did you know you could make grilled cheese in an air fryer? It’s healthier and yet still comes out super crispy on the outside and gooey in the middle.
A grilled cheese sandwich, though delicious, sometimes doesn’t feel like it’s enough for a meal. Making it a double decker can help, plus it gives you so much more space to add different cheeses and ingredients.
Use pita bread and make a grilled cheese as you would, then cut it up into little chips and watch everyone marvel at how genius you are.
It’s hard to explain, but grilled cheese sandwiches that are cut in half on a diagonal just taste better!
Sturdy cheeses such as halloumi have a high melting point and thus need to be grilled or baked to get that crisp exterior and creamy center. Use with bread, or not!
Sources: (Bustle) (Something About Sandwiches) (Better Homes and Gardens)
The grilled cheese has captured the hearts of kids, adults, culinary masterminds, and picky eaters alike, and for good reason. Simple, indulgent, crispy, and chewy, the grilled cheese is the perfect meal.
But while satisfying results can come from merely slapping cheese between bread and plopping it in a pan with some butter, it lacks a little flair. And it doesn’t take much for flair! So, since we’re all adults now, it’s time to learn how to take your grilled cheese sandwich to the next level. Click through for some incredible hacks to take this staple from good to gourmet.
The best grilled cheese hacks to go from good to gourmet
Unlock the full potential of this staple comfort food
FOOD Cooking
The grilled cheese has captured the hearts of kids, adults, culinary masterminds, and picky eaters alike, and for good reason. Simple, indulgent, crispy, and chewy, the grilled cheese is the perfect meal.
But while satisfying results can come from merely slapping cheese between bread and plopping it in a pan with some butter, it lacks a little flair. And it doesn’t take much for flair! So, since we’re all adults now, it’s time to learn how to take your grilled cheese sandwich to the next level. Click through for some incredible hacks to take this staple from good to gourmet.