The grilled cheese sandwich, a kind of pan-fried cheese toast, is very cheap and easy to make. However, if you don't have a hob or pan available, you may think that making one is impossible. But if you have an iron and a roll of tinfoil, then luck is on your side. Making a cheese toast with an iron is easy and this method of preparation is also more practical than the classic one, as it tends to get less dirty. Once the bread is filled as you like, all you have to do is wrap it with aluminum foil and use an iron to press and bake it.
Ingrediants
- 1 tablespoon (15 g) of softened butter
- 2 slices of bread
- 2 slices of cheese
- 1-2 slices of ham or another type of sliced (optional)
- 1 tomato cut into thin slices (optional)
- 1 apple, thinly sliced (optional)
Makes 1 sandwich
Steps
Part 1 of 2: Stuff the Bread
Step 1. Turn on the iron and set it to medium temperature
Place the iron on a heat-resistant surface, such as a baking sheet. Then, set it to medium temperature and let it warm up while you make the sandwich. If necessary, follow the instructions in the manual to find out how to use the iron you have.
Do not use steam, as it will not allow you to toast the bread well
Step 2. Place 2 slices of bread on a plate to start making the sandwich
Take 2 slices of your favorite bread to start making the sandwich. Try to use a bread with a very compact consistency, without holes. Otherwise, the melted cheese will come out of the sandwich.
- If you want to make a classic toasted cheese sandwich, use 2 slices of soft white bread.
- If you want to make a particularly crunchy sandwich, use 2 slices of ciabatta, multigrain or sourdough bread.
- If you want to make a full-flavored sandwich, use rye bread or pumpernickel.
Step 3. Spread half a tablespoon (about 7g) of softened butter on one side of each slice
Use a butter knife to spread the softened butter onto the surface of the bread. It is not necessary to use all the indicated amount of butter, but make sure the surface is well coated, otherwise the bread will not brown well in contact with the iron.
- Instead of butter, you could try coating the bread with margarine or another substitute.
- Repeat the process on the other slice using the remaining softened butter (half a tablespoon or about 7g).
Step 4. Place 2 slices of cheese between the un-buttered sides of the bread slices
Turn one of the slices of bread, so that the buttered part is placed on the plate. Take 2 slices of your favorite cheese and place them on the bread.
- Avoid using more than 2 or 3 slices, or the melted cheese will come out of the sandwich and stick to the foil.
- Choose slices to make a classic grilled cheese sandwich, or use strong-flavored cheddar slices to intensify the flavor of the sandwich.
- To make a creamier sandwich, use mozzarella slices. If you want the sandwich to have a pungent note, use gruyere or provolone instead.
Step 5. Add sliced meats, fruit or vegetables to enrich the texture of the sandwich
To transform a simple sandwich, add slices of cold cuts, fruit and vegetables between the 2 slices of cheese. The heat from the sandwich will heat the additional ingredients and coat them with the melted cheese, making the sandwich even tastier.
- If you prefer the sandwich to be more salty, add 1-2 slices of ham or another type of cured meat to the slices or gruyere.
- Place slices of tomato between the slices of mozzarella or provolone to create a nice contrast with the creaminess of the cheese.
- Pair a few slices of apple with cheddar to dull the pungent taste of this cheese and add a sweet note to the bun.
Step 6. Place the non-buttered side of the second slice of bread on top of the cheese
Take the second slice of bread and place the non-buttered side on top of the cheese. Avoid squeezing the sandwich, or you risk partially removing the coating created with the butter.
Repeat the same procedure with any other sandwiches you wish to make
Part 2 of 2: Cooking the Sandwich with an Iron
Step 1. Wrap the sandwich with aluminum foil to create a barrier that protects it from the iron
Cut aluminum foil to fit the sandwich size. Place the sandwich in the center of the tinfoil and carefully fold the edges of the sheet inward to fully coat the sandwich.
The tinfoil will not only create a protective barrier between the hot iron and the buttered bread, it will also collect any melted cheese that may run off during cooking
Step 2. Place the foil wrapped sandwich on a baking sheet to protect your work surface
Place the sandwich on a baking sheet to avoid melting or damaging the work surface due to the heat from the iron. If necessary, place 1 or 2 pot holders under the pan to keep it from slipping off.
You can also use a heat-resistant cutting board instead of the baking tray. These cutting boards are usually made of stone or wood and can be purchased at home improvement stores or on the internet
Step 3. Place the hot iron on the bun and let it cook for 4 minutes
Place the bottom of the iron on the surface of the bread. It is worth using this area of the iron because it is wide. The upper area, which is triangular, will not allow you to completely cover the bread and cook it evenly. Let the sandwich be pressed by the weight of the iron. Avoid applying extra pressure with your hand, as this could cause the cheese to come out of the sandwich.
Each model of iron has different temperatures. If you are afraid of burning the bread, check the sandwich after baking it for 2 minutes. Continue toasting it for the remaining 2 minutes as needed. Since the tinfoil will be hot, be sure to use pot holders to grab the sandwich
Step 4. Use the pot holders to turn the bun and cook on the other side for 4 minutes
Turn the sandwich carefully using the pot holders. Then, place the lower part of the iron on the bun and let it cook for 4 minutes on the second side. If the first side took more or less time than recommended, take this into consideration when cooking on the second side.
When cooked, the sandwich will be toasted on both sides and slightly flattened. Also, the cheese will have melted completely
Step 5. Remove the iron and turn it off once the sandwich is done cooking
Be sure to place the hot iron on a heat-resistant surface to avoid damage. Let it cool completely before putting it away.
Step 6. Let the sandwich rest for 1 to 2 minutes before unwrapping and serving
Be careful when you discard it, as the steam trapped in the foil will be hot. Plate up the sandwich and bring it to the table.
- Use a butter knife to cut the sandwich in half to make it easier to eat.
- Repeat the cooking process if you have made other sandwiches. You can reuse the same aluminum foil to bake multiple sandwiches, as long as there is no puncture.
