7 of the Best Cheeses for Grilled Cheese

Consumer research has shown that Americans consume 2.2 billion grilled cheese sandwiches a year. This shows just how popular this sandwich option is among those of all ages.

If you enjoy a grilled cheese sandwich, you need to know the right formula. There are different types of cheese that help to create the perfect sandwich every time you make it.

There are different imported cheese options as well as more classic options to choose from. This list will guide you through the best options for the perfect flavor and meltiness.

Keep reading to find out how to make the perfect grilled cheese with these cheeses.

1. Brie

A French cheese to elevate your grilled cheese sandwich is brie. You have most likely heard of brie or even tasted it with an appetizer or pasta.

It is a soft and creamy cheese with a rind on the outside. It usually has a nutty and buttery flavor with hints of cooked mushrooms.

Brie is the perfect cheese to add creaminess to your grilled cheese sandwich. It is already very soft, so it doesn’t even require very much melting.

It pairs well with a variety of other ingredients. You could make a French bread grilled cheese with fresh tomatoes or fresh figs for the perfect combination.

2. Gouda

One cheese you may not have considered is Gouda. This is a cheese that comes in mild or hard versions depending on how aged it is.

It’s often described as having a nutty and caramel-like flavor. This may change a bit depending on how aged the Gouda is and the variety.

Keep in mind that you do not want to choose smoked Gouda. This is a very popular variety, but it is not ideal for grilled cheese sandwiches.

The smoking process affects how the cheese melts, resulting in slightly different results. You also don’t want the smoke flavor to take over the other flavors of the sandwich.

3. Monterey Jack

Another great option that you may have already tried is Monterey Jack cheese. This is a very standard type of cheese that comes in several different varieties.

It’s considered to be a fairly hard option as the cheese is very firm. It melts easily and creates a nice and creamy grilled cheese sandwich option.

This is one of the best cheese options that give you dependable results. You can buy cheese that is a standard Monterey Jack cheese or something a bit more flavorful.

There are spicy versions or versions of Monterey Jack mixed with cheddar cheese. These are great, depending on the type of flavors you are trying to achieve.

4. Cheddar

If you are going to purchase cheese for a grilled cheese sandwich, you should get cheddar. This is a very standard cheese that has a sharp flavor that many people enjoy.

Mild cheddar is softer and has been aged for a lesser amount of time. It won’t have as much of that sharp cheddar flavor, but it does melt much easier.

If you decide to go with a more aged cheddar, this will have a stronger flavor. This will help you achieve that traditional grilled cheese flavor you are looking for.

You may just have to work a little harder at getting it to melt completely.

5. Fontina

Another great cheese option is fontina, an Italian cheese option. This cheese comes in hard and soft varieties, depending on what you are looking for.

Young fontina is softer and has a slightly sweet taste. It melts easily and will help you to achieve that delicious and creamy grilled cheese sandwich.

Aged fontina is much more flavorful, but it will be much harder. This can make it a bit difficult to melt it down enough to enjoy your sandwich.

6. American Cheese

A classic option for a grilled cheese is American cheese. This is a bright orange cheese that has a potent cheddar-like flavor.

It won’t create the most upscale grilled cheese sandwich, but it is nostalgic. American cheese also melts very easily and creates the perfect stretchiness.

American cheese also pairs well with other types of cheese on this list. This means you can add a variety of cheeses to get different flavors and textures in your sandwich.

How to Make the Perfect Grilled Cheese

Now that you know about the different types of cheese, what about the other elements? There are different components that make the perfect grilled cheese sandwich.

You need to buy cheese as well as get the other right kinds of ingredients. Here are some tips and tricks to help you get the perfect grilled cheese sandwich every time.

Bread

A huge part of grilled cheese sandwiches is the bread. Most people prefer a standard sandwich bread since it provides a classic result.

Experts recommend pairing your imported cheese with a firmer bread option. This will help to keep the sandwich intact and reduce any spillage.

One great example of firmer bread is sourdough bread. This adds flavor to the finished result and provides a better structure.

Butter

When grilling your grilled cheese, make sure you use plenty of butter. For most people, a tablespoon of butter is just the right amount for both sides of the sandwich.

Make sure the heat on your stove is on medium, allowing for slow heating. This will help the bread to become crispy on the outside without burning before the cheese melts.

Grilled Cheese 101

Grilled cheese sandwiches are considered very easy to create. But there are certain types of cheeses that are more suitable for the perfect flavor and texture.

Are you interested in purchasing high-quality cheeses? Contact us today at Ambassador to look at our cheese options.