Is your grilled cheese routine stuck in a rut? The trusty pan method has served us well, but there’s a whole new world of melty goodness waiting to be discovered: grilled cheese on the grill! Forget boring, flat bread.
We’re talking smoky flavor, crispy golden edges, and a melty cheese pull that will have your taste buds singing. Ready to elevate your grilled cheese game? Let’s fire up the grill!
How To Make A Grilled Cheese On The Grill – Step by Step Guidelines
Take your grilled cheese game to the backyard! Grilling adds a smoky twist to the classic comfort food. Here’s how to get that melty cheese and perfect grill marks in minutes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make a grilled cheese on the grill, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- Bread: Sliced bread like sourdough, white bread, or wheat bread. Choose a bread that’s sturdy enough to hold the cheese without getting soggy.
- Cheese: Shredded cheese that melts well, such as cheddar, Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or a combination.
- Butter or Mayonnaise: For spreading on the bread to add flavor and help it brown.
- Optional fillings: Thinly sliced ham, turkey, or vegetables like onions, peppers, or tomatoes.
Steps to Follow
Grilling a cheese sandwich adds a smoky twist to the classic comfort food. Here’s a quick guide:
Step 1: Prep the grill
Preheat your grill to medium heat (around 375-400 degrees Fahrenheit). If it’s a gas grill, preheat for 10-15 minutes with the lid closed. For charcoal grills, let the coals ash over before cooking. Brush the grates clean once hot.
Step 2: Butter or mayo your bread
Spread softened butter or mayonnaise on one side of each bread slice. Mayonnaise adds a touch of tang and helps with browning.
Step 3: Assemble the sandwich
Place one bread slice, buttered-side down, on a clean work surface. Layer your cheese on the unbuttered side.
You can use cheddar, Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or a mix – grated cheese melts best. Add other fillings if you like, like thinly sliced ham or veggies. Top with the other bread slice, buttered-side up.
Step 4: Grill it up
Carefully place the sandwich on the preheated grill. Close the lid and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the underside is golden brown and toasted with grill marks.
Step 5: Flip and cook
Use a spatula to gently flip the sandwich. Grill for another 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the other side is golden brown.
Step 6: Serve immediately
Take the sandwich off the grill and enjoy it hot! You can cut it in half for easier handling.
Here are some additional tips:
- Use a sturdy spatula to prevent the sandwich from falling apart.
- If your grill is too hot, move the sandwich to a cooler area to prevent burning the bread before the cheese melts.
- To get even meltier cheese, you can briefly pre-heat the cheese in a microwave before assembling the sandwich.
How To Grill Cheese On The Grill Like A Pro?
To elevate your grilled cheese game on the grill, here are some pro tips:
Master the Melt
Shred your own cheese: Pre-shredded cheese has anti-caking agents that can hinder melting. Shredding your own cheddar, Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or Gruyère cheese ensures a smooth, melty center.
Double the cheese factor: Use a generous amount of cheese! Aim for a slightly overflowing amount for that epic cheese pull when you cut the sandwich open.
Grated vs. Sliced Cheese: Shredded cheese melts faster than sliced cheese. If you prefer slices, use very thin cuts for even melting throughout.
Pre-heat the cheese (optional): Want ultra-melty cheese? Microwave the shredded cheese for 10-15 seconds on low power to take the chill off before assembling.
Bread Kung Fu
Go beyond mayo or butter: Try a combination of mayonnaise and Dijon mustard for a tangy spread with a hint of spice.
Toast the insides: Spread your chosen fat on both sides of the bread. Toast the insides of the bread slices directly on the grill for a minute before adding cheese. This adds a delightful textural contrast – crisp on the outside, gooey on the inside.
Choose the right bread: A sturdy bread like sourdough or country bread holds its own against melty cheese. Texas toast (thick-cut bread) is another option for a heartier sandwich.
Grill Finesse
Indirect heat is your friend: Especially for first-timers, grilling over indirect heat prevents the bread from burning before the cheese melts. Move the sandwich to a cooler area of the grill if needed.
Weight it down (carefully): For even heat distribution and crispier bread, place a cast iron skillet or baking sheet on top of the sandwich while it grills. Apply gentle, even pressure.
Peek don’t prod: Resist the urge to press down on the sandwich with a spatula. This can squeeze out the melty cheese and make the sandwich greasy. Use a spatula to gently flip once golden brown.
Bonus Pro Tip: Elevate your flavors:
- Add a layer of pesto or fig jam for a sweet and savory twist.
- Include thinly sliced apples or pears for a touch of sweetness and contrasting texture.
With these techniques, you’ll be grilling restaurant-worthy cheese sandwiches in no time!
FAQs
Do you butter both sides of the bread for grilled cheese?
It depends on your preference! Buttering both sides creates a crispier crust, while one side gets a richer flavor. You can even use mayonnaise for a tangy twist.
What is the secret to the best grilled cheese?
The secret lies in melty cheese! Use a blend with good melting properties (like mozzarella) and shred it yourself for even distribution. Low heat and patience ensure melted cheese throughout, not just a crispy (but cold) center.
How hot should grill be for grilled cheese?
Aim for medium heat on your grill, around 300°F. This ensures crispy bread without burning while giving the cheese time to melt perfectly.
Do you toast bread before making grilled cheese?
No, toasting isn’t necessary. The grilling process itself will toast the bread, creating that beautiful golden brown crust.
Conclusion: Take Your Grilled Cheese to the Grill!
Grilling a cheese sandwich isn’t just about convenience – it’s about infusing that classic comfort food with a smoky depth and a satisfyingly crisp texture.
So ditch the stovetop and fire up the grill! With a little finesse, you’ll be a grilled cheese pro in no time.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with breads, cheeses, and even creative fillings. Share your grilling adventures and tag us in your photos – we can’t wait to see what melty masterpieces you create!
