The Perfect Grilled Cheese: An Ode to Gooey, Dripping Delight

By Joe Morey

Owner/Operator of the Savor 6 Food Truck

Our Savor 6 Three Cheese & Chili Grilled Cheese Burger on Sourdough

The grilled cheese sandwich, an emblem of comfort food, has been delighting palates for generations. It’s simple yet satisfying allure lies in its perfectly browned, crispy exterior and the gooey, melting interior that oozes with every bite. To achieve the epitome of grilled cheese perfection, one must master the art of cheese selection, bread choice, and cooking technique. This blog will guide you through the process of creating a grilled cheese that showcases the harmonious blend of cheddar, American, and provolone cheeses, while also exploring the rich history of this beloved sandwich.

A Brief History of Grilled Cheese

The grilled cheese sandwich, as we know it today, has evolved over centuries. Its origins can be traced back to ancient times when people combined bread and cheese in various forms. However, the modern version began to take shape in the 1920s with the advent of pre-sliced bread and affordable American cheese. During the Great Depression, this economical yet nutritious meal gained popularity, providing comfort to many during hard times.

Originally, grilled cheese was often prepared with a single type of cheese, usually American, due to its availability and meltability. However, as culinary tastes evolved, so did the grilled cheese. Today, the sandwich is celebrated for its versatility, with chefs and home cooks experimenting with various cheeses, breads, and add-ins to create their unique versions. Here at Savor 6, we take that to a whole other level with gourmet grilled cheeses in a variety of flavors using multiple cheeses.

The Perfect Grilled Cheese: Ingredients and Preparation

To create the perfect grilled cheese, we will focus on a combination of cheddar, American, and provolone cheeses, which are the staples of our very popular Triple Cheesy Grilled Cheese! Each cheese brings its unique characteristics to the sandwich: cheddar for its sharpness, American for its smooth melt, and provolone for its mild, creamy texture. Here’s how you can make this instant Savor 6 classic grilled cheese that guarantees a gooey, dripping center encased in a golden, crispy crust.

Ingredients:

2 slices of quality white or sourdough bread (we use sourdough)

2 slices of sharp cheddar cheese

2 slices of American cheese

2 slices of provolone cheese

2 tablespoons of unsalted butter, softened

Instructions:

Prepare the Bread: Choose bread that is sturdy enough to hold up to the melting cheese without becoming too soggy. Sourdough or thick-sliced white bread works well.

Butter the Bread: Spread a generous layer of softened butter on one side of each bread slice. This will ensure a crisp, golden-brown crust.

Layer the Cheese: On the unbuttered side of one bread slice, layer one slice of cheddar, one slice of American, and one slice of provolone. Repeat with the second slice of each cheese, ensuring even distribution for optimal melt.

Assemble the Sandwich: Place the second slice of bread, buttered side up, on top of the cheese layers.

Heat the Pan: Preheat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium-low heat. This low and slow approach ensures the cheese melts thoroughly without burning the bread.

Cook the Sandwich: Place the assembled sandwich in the skillet. Cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side, pressing gently with a spatula, until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted and gooey. The goal is to achieve a crispy exterior that contrasts with the gooey, dripping cheese inside.

Serve Immediately: Remove the sandwich from the skillet and let it rest for a minute before cutting. This brief rest allows the cheese to settle slightly, enhancing the gooey texture.

The Science of Gooey Cheese

The magic of a perfect grilled cheese lies in the melting properties of the cheeses used. Cheddar, with its sharp flavor, melts beautifully when aged properly. American cheese, often criticized for its processed nature, brings a unique smoothness due to its emulsifiers that prevent separation when heated. Provolone, known for its mild flavor, adds a creamy texture that complements the other two cheeses. Together, they create a symphony of flavors and textures, ensuring each bite is a gooey, delicious experience.

Conclusion

The perfect grilled cheese sandwich is more than just a meal; it's a sensory experience that combines the nostalgia of comfort food with the art of culinary precision. By blending cheddar, American, and provolone cheeses, and mastering the technique of slow cooking on a buttered skillet, you can create a sandwich that is crispy on the outside and irresistibly gooey on the inside. As you savor each bite, you're not just enjoying a modern delicacy but also partaking in a tradition that has evolved and delighted people for generations.

Here at the Savor 6 Food Truck, you can choose this classic recipe as a base for a most incredible grilled cheese experience when you add one of our unique savory flavors including the Jalapeno Popper, Pepperoni Pizza, Taco Crunch, Spinach Artichoke, 3 Cheese & Chili and the True Wisconsin (four cheeses). And of course, you can add a burger patty or two to take this sandwich experience over the top!

Wait! That’s not all… Choose our authentic award winning Native American frybread as your bread choice for a truly unforgettable sandwich guaranteed to have you craving more!