The Best Cheeses for a Grilled Cheese Sandwich
The bread component of any sandwich is important, but when it comes to grilled cheese, you should prioritize the ingredient of the same name. Most recipes claim this is the best, most perfect combination of fats and dairy for the perfect grilled cheese, but what if you’re more into stretchy cheeses? Or maybe you prefer a completely melted liquid cheese puddle. The point of any comfort food is to make yourself happy, so here’s a quick guide to choosing the right sandwich cheese that’s best for the most important person in the room. (I am talking about you.)
If you like stretching
Cheese is made up of protein, fat, water and acid. (Read more about the elements of cheese here .) Depending on the ratio of these four pillars, you will get different reactions when exposed to heat. If a quality cheese snack is what you need for a party, then the percentage of elastic protein is important. For more elasticity, try things like mozzarella, gouda, havarti, and gruyère. Bet on younger cheeses, as over a year old they lack the moisture to melt and stretch as well as their younger counterparts.
If you like sticky
Not everyone wants stretchy cheese strips all over their shirt. Sometimes less stretch and a softer, melting layer of cheese is needed. The fat content will play a major role in this case, allowing the protein clusters to move away from each other. Try taleggio, cheddar, raclette, fontina, and the American cheese we all hate. You have to admit, the material can melt.
If you like liquid cheese magma
There is a stage past sticky. A place that not many go to, but if you dare, you can make grilled cheese that literally explodes with melted dairy products. For a sandwich with almost liquid cheese, I recommend using very soft cheeses, well, let’s call them “cheese snacks.” Cheeses like Velveeta, Cheez Whiz, or sauces like Tostitos Queso are hardly solids on their own. Apply some heat and they will reward you with yellow liquid sin. If you can’t put cheese on sandwich bread, try skinless triple cream brie, Gournay cheese (like Boursin), creamy goat cheese, or good old cream cheese.
Don’t worry, if you like a little bit of everything in your dream grilled cheese, you should explore some combinations. If you like to stretch a little, add some gruyere to the fontina. Add a secret dab of Cheez Whiz (we all know Philadelphia has something up with these cheesesteaks). Be brave. The grilled cheese of your dreams is waiting for you.