Grilled cheese sandwiches are a classic comfort food that everyone loves. The gooey, melted cheese between two slices of crispy bread is simply irresistible. But the type of cheese used can make all the difference in creating the perfect grilled cheese. The best cheeses for grilling are those that melt smoothly without separating. Certain cheeses are better suited for grilling than others based on their melting properties, flavor, and how well they hold up on the grill. When selecting cheese for grilling, there are a few key things to consider.
Cheddar
Cheddar is one of the most popular cheeses used for grilling. It melts beautifully into a smooth, creamy consistency. Sharp cheddar provides a robust, tangy flavor that stands up well to the grill. The taste intensifies as the cheese melts. Cheddar is available in a range of textures from mild to extra sharp. A medium or sharp cheddar works best for grilling. The higher moisture content in mild cheddar can cause it to become greasy when melted. For an extra kick, try smoking the cheddar before grilling. The smoky flavor takes the sandwich to the next level. Cheddar is a versatile cheese that pairs well with a variety of ingredients like bacon, tomatoes, avocados, and more. It’s an excellent choice for barbecue lovers.
Gouda
Gouda is a Dutch cheese that makes fantastic grilled cheese sandwiches. Its creamy taste and meltability are ideal qualities for grilling. Gouda has a sweet, nutty flavor that intensifies when melted. It comes in a range of ages from young to aged. Young gouda has a mild, creamy taste perfect for grilling, while aged gouda offers a complex caramel flavor. Smoked gouda infuses the cheese with a smoky aroma and taste. The brown outer layer on aged gouda also provides an extra layer of flavor. Try pairing gouda with grilled onions, pears, or prosciutto for a sophisticated sandwich. The milk fat content of gouda ensures it melts smoothly without oil separation.
Mozzarella
Mozzarella is a popular choice for grilled cheese sandwiches. Fresh mozzarella and low-moisture mozzarella melt beautifully into gooey goodness. Fresh mozzarella has a softer, creamier texture that oozes as it melts. Low-moisture mozzarella has a firmer texture and slight salty flavor. When grilling mozzarella, watch the heat to prevent overcooking. If mozzarella gets too hot, it can become stringy and tough. Pair mozzarella with tomatoes, basil, and balsamic for a Caprese inspired sandwich. The mild flavor of mozzarella allows the other ingredients to shine. For extra flavor, use smoked mozzarella. The smoky taste adds robustness to balance the milky flavor of the cheese.
Provolone
Provolone is an Italian cheese that shines when grilled. Available in smooth and aged varieties, both provolones melt smoothly into a creamy consistency. Smooth provolone offers a mild, buttery flavor. Aged provolone has a sharper, tangier taste with nutty notes. The aged variety adds more punch to balance out grilled ingredients. Provolone pairs nicely with spicy meats, pickled vegetables, and olive tapenade. Try using provolone piccante, which is extra sharp, for a bold flavor. The firm texture of provolone prevents it from becoming a gooey mess on the grill. Sliced provolone adds richness with less mess than soft cheeses. For cheese that melts without dripping through the grates, provolone is a great choice.
Fontina
Fontina is a semi-soft Italian cheese that melts superbly on the grill. It has a rich, nutty flavor with hints of hazelnut. When melted, fontina becomes velvety smooth and creamy. Young fontinas are milder while aged varieties offer more earthiness. Fontina has less oil than some cheeses, preventing a greasy melt. The firmer texture also holds its shape when melted, unlike gooey cheeses like brie. Fontina pairs nicely with heartier sandwich fillings like ham, salami, mushrooms, and caramelized onions. For an Italian flair, add sundried tomatoes, basil, or olive tapenade. The nuttiness of fontina contrasts nicely with the sweet and sour flavors. Fontina may not be as familiar as cheddar or mozzarella, but it deserves a place in your grilled cheese repertoire.
Colby Jack
Colby Jack is a flavorful blend of colby and Monterey jack cheeses. It offers the buttery taste of Monterey jack with mellow notes from the colby. Colby jack melts smoothly into creamy perfection. It’s a great choice for grilling because it doesn’t separate or become greasy. The mild flavor profile pairs well with a variety of meats, veggies, and condiments. Try colby jack with bacon and tomato for a classic combination. The cheese holds up to bold ingredients without being overpowered. Colby jack is readily available and affordable too. The blend of cheeses creates an ideal melting cheese for outstanding grilled sandwiches. Kids will love the mild, creamy flavor of colby jack grilled cheese sandwiches.
Swiss
Don’t underestimate Swiss cheese for grilling! Its firm texture melts into a smooth, velvety consistency. Swiss has a mild, nutty taste that pairs well with smoked meats like ham or turkey. Its hearty flavor stands up well to grilling without becoming greasy. Try mixing shredded Swiss with caramelized onions, bacon, avocado, or sautéed mushrooms. The natural holes in Swiss ooze with melted goodness when grilled. Emmental is a good variety to use since it has larger holes than other Swiss cheeses. The thick slices of Swiss add heft for a substantial, satisfying sandwich. Watch the grill temperature to prevent oil separation if using baby Swiss. With its kid-friendly flavor and excellent melt, Swiss deserves a prime spot on your grilled cheese menu.
Pepper Jack
For cheese lovers who like a little kick, pepper jack is the perfect choice. The spicy heat enhances the gooey, melted cheese experience. The jalapeños infused in the cheese provide a slow, building heat. Pepper jack has a creamy, buttery base that melts smoothly without greasiness. It pairs well with meats, onions, peppers, avocado, and cilantro. Try pepper jack with chorizo or bacon for an extra meaty punch. The spice of the cheese will tame the richness of fatty meats. Just beware that the jalapeños can burn quickly on a hot grill. Milder pepper jack varieties are a good option if you don’t want too much heat. Give your traditional grilled cheese an upgrade with the addicting spicy creaminess of pepper jack.
Brie
For an indulgent, elegant grilled sandwich, rich and creamy brie is ideal. The soft ripened rind encases a smooth, buttery interior that melts into liquid gold. Grilling accentuates the earthy mushroom flavors of brie. The rind prevents the soft cheese from oozing through the grill grates. Try topping brie with sweet ingredients like fig jam, apples, or honey to balance the richness. Hearty nuts like walnuts or pecans are excellent grilled companions too. Brie pairs well with a crunchy bread like French baguette, sourdough, or rustic country. Just take care not to over grill bree or the center can become chalky. Keeping brie partially cold allows it to melt slowly for gooey perfection. For the ultimate in decadence, use brie as the bread itself and fill with jam, nuts, and greens.
Blue Cheese
Blue cheese adds tangy, robust flavor to grilled sandwiches. The bold, pungent taste pairs perfectly with the smokiness of grilling. Opt for blue cheeses like gorgonzola or Maytag that melt well. Crumble the cheese and mix it with items like bacon, caramelized onions, or pears. The spice of the blue cheese offsets the rich, sweet ingredients. Try using blue cheese dressing or dip as a flavorful spread. The creaminess balances the strong blue cheese flavors. Just a little bit of blue cheese goes a long way, so use it sparingly. Pair with arugula, walnuts, and apples for a gourmet sandwich. The complex flavors of blue cheese require heartier breads to stand up to its punch. Take your grilled cheese from basic to gourmet with the addition of some melted blue cheese.
Oaxaca
For an authentic Mexican flair, Oaxaca cheese is a delicious choice. This velvety, mozzarella-style cheese melts into satisfying strands. It has a mild, slightly salty taste similar to unaged provolone. When grilled, Oaxaca cheese crisps on the outside while remaining soft and gooey inside. It pairs well with spicy ingredients like pickled jalapeños, chili peppers, cilantro, and guacamole. Try using Mexican bolillo rolls for bread to complete the theme. A grilled Oaxaca cheese sandwich is reminiscent of a quesadilla. For extra richness, dip the sandwich in salsa verde or mole sauce. Oaxaca cheese is readily available in Latin American markets and the international aisle of many grocery stores. Add some south-of-the border inspiration to your grilled cheese sandwiches with smooth, melty Oaxaca cheese.
Cheese Blends
Blending cheeses is an excellent way to achieve different textures and flavors. Combining hard and soft cheeses creates contrasting creamy and firm bites. Blending mild and sharp flavors balances the overall taste too. Try mixing equal parts of these cheese duos:
- Cheddar + mozzarella
- Swiss + provolone
- Colby + pepper jack
- Fontina + parmesan
- Gouda + Edam
Get creative with your own cheese blends too. Mix and match flavors and textures until you find your perfect melted combination.
Which Type of Cheese is Best for Grilling?
The ideal cheeses for grilling have these characteristics:
- Melt smoothly without oil separation
- Firm enough texture to hold shape
- Flavor becomes intensified when melted
- Do not crumble or become stringy
- Moisture content is not too high or low
Good options include cheddar, gouda, fontina, provolone, swiss, colby jack, and some blue cheeses. Very soft cheeses like brie can work when used properly. Avoid low fat and non-dairy cheeses as they do not melt well.
Cheeses that are too hard like parmesan can become gritty when melted. Fresh cheeses like mozzarella, goat cheese, and ricotta tend to become watery in grilled applications. Processed sliced cheeses lack depth of flavor.
Here is a table summarizing the best cheese options:
| Excellent Melting Cheeses |
|---|
| Cheddar |
| Gouda |
| Swiss |
| Provolone |
| Fontina |
| Colby Jack |
| Good Melting Cheeses |
|---|
| Mozzarella |
| Pepper Jack |
| Muenster |
| Monterey Jack |
| Smoked Gouda |
| Aged Cheddar |
| Poor Melting Cheeses |
|---|
| Parmesan |
| Feta |
| Goat Cheese |
| Blue Cheese |
| Queso Fresco |
| Processed Cheese |
Tips for Grilling Cheese
Grilling the perfect melted cheese sandwich requires some technique. Follow these tips:
- Use thicker cheese slices so the cheese doesn’t ooze through grates.
- Blot oil from cheese before grilling to reduce greasiness.
- Spread a thin layer of butter or mayo on bread to crisp and brown.
- Use medium heat to melt cheese slowly without burning or drying out.
- Close grill lid to trap heat and melt cheese thoroughly.
- Cut sandwiches diagonally so melty cheese doesn’t ooze from the sides.
- Opt for smaller bread slices around 3-4 inches across.
With the right cheese selection and grilling methods, you’ll be enjoying mouthwatering grilled cheese sandwiches all summer long. The possibilities are nearly endless! Feel free to get creative with combinations of flavors, textures, mix-ins, and breads. Just keep your grill cheese golden and gooey by using high quality melty cheese. What’s your favorite type of cheese to use?
Conclusion
Grilled cheese sandwiches satisfy all the cheesy, crispy, buttery cravings. While most any cheese can be grilled, some varieties outperform others. Cheddar, gouda, swiss, provolone, fontina, colby jack, and some blue cheeses melt smoothly without oil separation. Their full flavors intensify when grilled. Soft cheeses like brie and goat cheese can work when used properly. Blending cheeses creates creamy, complex tastes. Adhering to proper grilling techniques guarantees a golden, melty sandwich every time. With so many tasty cheese options, there’s no need to limit yourself to plain American cheese slices. Branch out and discover new favorite cheese pairings to take your grilled cheeses to the next level. Just be sure to serve them up hot and ooey-gooey!