Grilled cheese sandwiches are a delicious and comforting meal, but getting the right ingredients is key to achieving the perfect crunchy exterior and gooey, melted interior. Most recipes call for spreading butter or mayonnaise on the bread before placing the sandwich in a pan or griddle to cook. But why does mayo work better than butter for getting the ideal texture and flavor?
Mayo Spreads More Evenly
One of the main reasons mayonnaise works better than butter for grilled cheese is that mayo spreads more evenly onto the bread. Butter is solid at room temperature, so it can be challenging to spread it thinly and evenly across a slice of bread. The butter tends to tear the bread when you try to spread it. Mayo, on the other hand, is an emulsion with a smooth, spreadable consistency. It glides easily onto the bread without ripping any holes in the slice.
Getting an even layer of fat on the bread is important for grilled cheese. When the fat coats the bread evenly, it helps it brown and crisp on the outside without burning. Pieces of bread that don’t have enough fat spread on them can end up dry in spots. The even distribution of mayo prevents this problem.
Mayo Browns Better
Another advantage of mayo over butter for grilled cheese is that mayo contains ingredients like oil and eggs that help it brown well in the pan. The small amount of protein from the egg yolks and oil in mayo undergoes the Maillard reaction when heated, causing the bread to take on that desirable golden-brown exterior.
Butter is 100% fat, so it doesn’t produce the same browning effect. Yes, the milk solids in butter can brown and add flavor. But whole sticks of butter tend to melt away from the heat of the pan rather than crisping up the bread.
Mayo Adds Flavor
In addition to improving texture, mayonnaise can add extra flavor to a grilled cheese sandwich. While butter has a mild, creamy taste, mayo provides a tangy flavor from the added lemon juice or vinegar. This bright note complements the buttery toasted bread and melted cheese.
Flavored mayonnaises can also bring different tastes to a grilled cheese. Options like chipotle mayo, pesto mayo, or roasted garlic mayo can take the sandwich up a notch.
Mayo Helps Seal the Sandwich
Using mayonnaise instead of butter on the outside of a grilled cheese can help “glue” the sandwich together better. The egg-oil emulsion in mayo essentially fries like an egg when heated. This seals the bread together, preventing the sandwich from falling apart as you flip it in the pan.
Butter melts quickly and absorbs into the bread when grilling, so it doesn’t provide the same sealing effect. If the sandwich isn’t held together well, the cheese can ooze out when flipped.
Mayo Creates a Moist Mouthfeel
A thin coating of mayonnaise also brings moisture into a grilled cheese sandwich. The oil and egg yolks in mayo keep the bread from drying out as it crisps up. This prevents the crunchy exterior from becoming tough and creates a contrast between the crisp outside and soft, moist interior.
Butter contains milk solids that can help add moisture too. But the water content tends to cook out of the butter, leaving drier, denser bread. Mayo’s oil content ensures the bread stays tender.
It Improves the Cheese Melt
Using mayonnaise on the inside of a grilled cheese sandwich can help the cheese melt into a smooth, creamy texture. The emulsified oils act as a melting agent to create an ultra-ooey-gooey cheese filling. Butter has a tendency to separate into pools of fat and milk solids when melted.
Mayo also adds a tangy flavor that brings out the cheese. The acidity level helps bring out the sharp, salty flavors in cheeses like cheddar or provolone.
How to Make a Mayo Grilled Cheese
Making a grilled cheese with mayo is simple. Here are some tips:
- Use good quality bread – artisanal sliced bread or bakery bread works best
- Lightly toast the bread first to help it hold up better
- Spread a thin layer of mayo on one side of each bread slice
- Place several slices of cheese on one piece of bread
- Optional – add sliced tomatoes, bacon, ham etc.
- Top with the second slice of bread, mayo-side facing in
- Heat a nonstick skillet over medium heat and add a bit of butter or oil
- Cook the sandwich gently for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown
- Let the sandwich rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving
What Kind of Mayo to Use
The best mayonnaise to use for grilled cheese is one with a neutral flavor. This allows the flavors of the bread and cheese to shine.
Dukes and Hellmann’s are two excellent choices. Avoid low-fat or diet mayos, as these don’t provide enough fat or flavor.
Flavored mayos like chipotle can also be used to add more flavor to the sandwich. Just adjust any other seasonings to balance out the flavor profile.
Best Mayonnaise Brands for Grilled Cheese
- Dukes
- Hellmann’s
- Kraft
- Blue Plate
- Sir Kensington’s
Grilled Cheese Mayo Alternatives
While mayo makes an excellent grilled cheese, there are some alternatives to use in place of mayo:
- Olive Oil or Vegetable Oil – Brush on a thin layer of oil instead of mayo for crisp bread.
- Butter and Oil – Use a mix of butter for flavor and oil to prevent burning.
- Creme Fraiche – Has a tangy flavor like mayo that works well.
- Sour Cream – Also provides a tangy flavor and richness.
- Avocado – Slices or mashed avocado can substitute for mayo.
- Pesto – Provides big flavor and helps the cheese melt.
What Cheese and Bread to Use
While mayo improves any grilled cheese, the best cheeses and bread also impact the quality of the sandwich. Here are some of the best options:
Best Cheeses for Mayo Grilled Cheese
- Cheddar – Sharp or mild, melts smoothly
- Gruyere – Nutty, melty Swiss cheese
- Monterey Jack – Mildest option
- Provolone – Distinctive flavor
- Mozzarella – Ooey, stretchy melt
- Blue Cheese – Adds tangy flavor
- Pepper Jack – For spicy cheese lovers
- Havarti – Creamy, semisoft cheese
Best Breads for Mayo Grilled Cheese
- Sourdough – Holds up well to mayo and crisps up
- Rye – Hearty flavor and texture
- Brioche – Soft, rich, and buttery
- French Bread – Crisp exterior with chewy interior
- Ciabatta – Good for holding fillings
- Potato Bread – Moist and flavorful
- Multigrain – Adds interesting texture
Common Grilled Cheese Mistakes to Avoid
It’s easy to mess up a grilled cheese, even when using mayo instead of butter. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:
- Using too much mayo – Only use a thin layer so the bread crisps up.
- Rushing cooking – Take time to let the bread brown slowly.
- High heat – Medium heat is best to prevent burning.
- Moving the sandwich too much – Let it cook undisturbed to get crispy.
- Tight sealing lid – This steams the sandwich instead of crisping it.
- Skipping resting – Let the sandwich rest before cutting so the cheese sets.
- Bad bread choice – Pick a good quality bread that can handle mayo.
- Too many fillings – Overstuffing leads to cheese leakage.
Grilled Cheese Variations
While the classic version is always delicious, there are many ways to customize a mayo grilled cheese:
- Jalapeno Popper – Cheddar, jalapenos, bacon
- Apple and Brie – Sliced apples, brie, honey
- Caprese – Fresh mozzarella, tomato, basil, balsamic glaze
- French Onion – Caramelized onions, gruyere, thyme
- BBQ Chicken – Cheddar, chicken, bbq sauce
- Southwest – Pepper jack, black beans, salsa
- Brunch – Ham, fried egg, cheddar
- Buffalo Chicken – Chicken, hot sauce, blue cheese
Nutrition Facts of a Grilled Cheese Sandwich
Grilled cheese sandwiches are a comfort food favorite, but they are high in calories, fat, and sodium. Here are the nutrition facts for a typical grilled cheese made with:
- 2 slices of white bread
- 2 slices of American cheese
- 1 tbsp butter
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 387 |
| Total Fat | 22g |
| Saturated Fat | 13g |
| Cholesterol | 71mg |
| Sodium | 811mg |
| Carbohydrates | 29g |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Sugar | 3g |
| Protein | 13g |
As you can see, a single grilled cheese contains over 1/3 of your daily saturated fat intake and 1/3 of the recommended daily sodium. Be mindful of portion sizes!
Healthier Grilled Cheese Options
To lighten up a grilled cheese sandwich, try these healthy alternatives:
- Use whole grain or sprouted grain bread for more fiber and nutrients.
- Opt for reduced-fat cheese to cut down on saturated fat.
- Add extra veggies like tomatoes, spinach, or avocado.
- Use just a thin smear of mayo instead of thick layers.
- Cook in olive oil instead of butter to reduce saturated fat.
- Serve with a side salad or soup to add nutrients.
- Share one sandwich between two people to reduce portions.
- Substitute Greek yogurt or avocado for mayo.
Conclusion
A smear of mayonnaise can help take your grilled cheese sandwich to the next level. Mayo browns better than butter, seals the sandwich together, and adds extra flavor. Just remember to use a moderate amount of mayo and quality cheese and bread to achieve grilled cheese perfection.
So slather on that mayo and enjoy this American classic!