(062810, Boston, MA) KFC Double Down sandwich, left, and Friendly's grilled cheese burger melt are compared on Monday, June 28, 2010. Staff photo by Christopher Evans saved in Tuesday (Photo by Christopher Evans/MediaNews Group/Boston Herald via Getty Images)
Food - Drink
The Biggest Mistake You're Probably Making With Grilled Cheese
By AUTUMN SWIERS
Grilled cheese might be one of the simplest go-to's in the kitchen (bread, cheese, and butter), but it's also a treat. Because of its simplicity, it can be easy to lose sight of what makes such a simple classic dish stand out: technique.
The most crucial ingredient in a good grilled cheese is temperature. Even if the bread-to-cheese ratio is perfect, a too hot pan can create a combination of charred bread and unmelted cheese, so it is best to keep the pan on medium-low heat.
The main idea is to keep the heat low and slow to achieve a consistent golden brown. Some aficionados recommend getting the pan hot and then reducing the heat once it's time to cook, while others suggest pre-toasting the bread or buttering both sides for a crispier sandwich.