If you haven't tried it yet, grilled cheese using mayo is the secret ingredient for the best-ever grilled cheese.
Grilled cheese sandwiches are a simple, go-to lunch for good reason: They only need a couple of ingredients, they’re practically fool-proof to make and just about everyone likes them. Where things get decidedly more complicated is how to make the best grilled cheese sandwich.
Some swear the secret is using a blend of melty cheeses, others say it’s all about the right kind of bread and more still say a grilled cheese isn’t perfect until it’s been stuffed with bacon, veggies or jam. The real secret, though, is all in the toasting.
Making a grilled cheese using mayo instead of butter on the outside will result in a perfect, evenly golden brown exterior with just the right amount of crunch and a creamy center. That means no burnt corners, no untoasted spots and no partially melted cheese. Call it a win-win-win for quick lunches everywhere.
Why Mayonnaise Makes the Best Grilled Cheese
There are a few reasons why grilled cheese with mayo is the way to go. First, mayonnaise, which is made with oil, egg yolks, seasonings and lemon or vinegar, has a higher smoke point than butter. That means you can cook your grilled cheese sandwich with mayonnaise at a higher temperature, resulting in deeper, more consistent browning and extra crispiness. If you tried to cook your grilled cheese at this temperature with butter, the milk solids would scorch, leaving you with a burnt, unappetizing lunch.
The higher temperature gives you the heat and extra cook time for your cheese to fully melt, even if you load your sandwich with layers and layers of cheese and toppings. You can also say goodbye to ripping up bread when trying to spread cold butter. Mayo spreads easily and smoothly, even when fresh from the fridge.
Those who aren’t the biggest fans of mayonnaise shouldn’t fret. The swap adds just a little flavor, so this is a great option even if you’re a certified mayo hater like me. For extra flavor, you can always mix the mayonnaise with equal parts of softened butter or add a small pat of butter right at the end of cooking.
How to Make a Grilled Cheese with Mayo
To make a grilled cheese using mayo, start by spreading a thin, even layer of mayonnaise on one side of two slices of bread.
Place one slice, mayo side down, in a pan over medium heat. Add the cheese and toppings of your choice, then top with the other slice of bread, mayo side up. Toast the grilled cheese until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is fully melted, about five to six minutes on each side.
Grilled Cheese Using Mayo FAQ
What’s the best mayonnaise to use for a grilled cheese?
The best mayo for a grilled cheese is Hellmann’s real mayonnaise, according to our Test Kitchen’s mayonnaise taste test. It’s thick, creamy and has just a touch of tang. If you have an extra few minutes, try making homemade mayo or Japanese mayo to really take your grilled cheese over the top.
For the best results, use regular mayo instead of light or low-fat.
Which cheeses are the meltiest for a grilled cheese?
Some of the meltiest cheeses for a grilled cheese include mozzarella, provolone, cheddar, Gouda and American. You can use one of these cheeses on its own, or mix a couple of varieties for the best flavor and melt.
Opt for cutting or shredding your own cheese for the meltiest grilled cheese. Cheeses that are pre-sliced and pre-shredded are coated in an anti-caking agent that can prevent the cheese from fully emulsifying when heated.
What are some other ways to make a grilled cheese better?
The best grilled cheese recipes use high-quality bread, a blend of flavorful cheeses and add one or two fillings or sauces. Breads that are equal parts fluffy and hearty, like sourdough, multigrain and rye, have enough body to hold up to cheese and fillings without getting too hard when toasted.
When it comes to stuffing your grilled cheese, the sky’s the limit. If you’re looking for added protein, cooked bacon, slices of ham and strips of chicken pair well with a range of cheeses and add plenty of heft. You don’t have to go with meat, though. Vegetarian options like mashed chickpeas, mushrooms and shredded tofu are certain to get the job done.
Personally, I love to add veggies and even fruits to my grilled cheese. Tomato-basil is my go-to combo, but cooked spinach, caramelized onions, kimchi, avocado, dates, blackberries and thinly sliced apple all get added to my GC every so often.
One of the best and easiest ways to upgrade a grilled cheese is to add a sauce. Pretty much any sauce, from pesto to jam to chili crisp, will add a ton of flavor with a simple swipe.
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