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While the concept of a grilled cheese sandwich might seem simple in idea, the technique and nuance it takes to perfect it can only come with practice. While the classic version typically utilises white bread and processed cheese slices, elevated variations are known to often incorporate artisanal cheeses, specific types of breads and complementary fillings that highlight the savoury flavours of the dairy product. In Usha’s Sandwich Griller, experimenting with flavour combinations and ingredients that can potentially be the next favourite gooey treat is made easy due to its ability to evenly grill food on both sides and giving them the desirable golden-brown crust one would expect from such a preparation.
Pizza Grilled Cheese
Image Credits: Unsplash
If the guilt of eating junk food must be minimised, then use sourdough as the foundation for all the typical fix-ins—a layer of thinly sliced mozzarella, spoonfuls of pizza sauce, slices of tomato and pepperoni and a generous sprinkle of dried oregano and chilli flakes. Swap the butter for olive oil while brushing the top and bottom layers of the bread before placing it in the griller and let the comfort of pizza be produced in the kitchen. Although great to eat as a snack, one can also make a meal out of the sandwich by pairing it with a salad on the side.
Classic Grilled Cheese
For a grown-up version of the nursery sandwich, swap the white bread for milk bread and processed cheese slices for sharp cheddar or creamy Gruyère. Make a mixture of butter and mayonnaise to ensure that the flavour as well as caramelisation on the bread is near perfect. This classic version works for all age groups, is perfect to serve as small bites or simply slice from the middle and dunk into some tomato soup. For a local flair, consider adding some dry peanut or garlic chutney to introduce some heat with each bite.
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Mixed Mushroom Grilled Cheese
Image Credits: Pexels
For the vegetarians and vegan adjacent, finding a hearty replacement for meat can be tricky—especially because seeking something with flavour is always a process. Toss an assortment of mushrooms in some butter and garlic before mixing with grated mozzarella and Gouda. Stuff it between thickly cut slices of sourdough or focaccia before grilling it until it’s crisp and the cheese produces a much-awaited ‘pull’. Vegans could also swap the dairy with its plant-based counterparts to have a sandwich that is just as appealing.
ABC Grilled Cheese
While a BLT (bacon-lettuce-tomato) is a popularly known sandwich, not many know the virtues of pairing slices of red apple with crisp bacon and white cheddar cheese. The slight sweetness of the apple offers an excellent contrast to the meaty, savoury bacon and cheddar—becoming an unusual but delicious combination to try when an off-beat sandwich is called for. This warm sandwich is great to make using ciabatta bread or even slices of regular milk bread, given that the filling is the star of the show. Cut into small squares to serve as a canape or as part of a grazing table during parties.
Ham & Cheese Grill
Image Credits: Food And Drink Destinations
Although commonly enjoyed as a cold sandwich, transforming it into a toastie upgrades the flavours in this combination significantly. Ensure sourcing high-quality ham slices from a deli or gourmet store, which can be paired with a Swiss cheese or any kind of white cheese like brie. Feeling fancy? Add a spoon or two of berry preserve to give it a tart-sweet edge that distinguishes the grilled cheese entirely—perfect for the holiday season, when indulgent eating is preferred. Be generous with the filling since grilling the sandwich also ‘slims’ it down considerably.
Inside-Out Grilled Cheese
Taking inspiration from the internet’s most rewarding discoveries, this grilled cheese is a high octane play on the classic—but better. Think assembling a standard grilled cheese but only placing it on a bed of grated cheddar before closing it down to cook. What this does is produce a crisp ‘skirt’ or crust on the outside of the sandwich which also tastes like cheese! Avoid any sticky messes by greasing the griller with some butter or olive oil beforehand or simply melt the cheese slightly on a pan before spreading it as a melted layer on the bread slices.
