For many people, a grilled cheese sandwich is their favorite comfort food. The combination of crispy, slightly crunchy bread that gives way to melty, gooey, delicious cheese is the ultimate bite. With a few tips from Kim Brazington, ALDI Certified Cheese Expert, that classic sandwich gets next level flavor.
Growing up, the idea of a grilled cheese sandwich was unwrapping that slice from plastic and stacking it in between two slices. As the butter melts in the pan, the anticipation builds. The slight sizzle crisps the edges when the butter infuses that golden deliciousness to the slice.
The first bite reveals the gooey, melted center. That cheese pull entices another mouthful. The sandwich is devoured quickly.
Today’s grilled cheese sandwiches are far from the simplistic few ingredients. People want a cacophony of flavors. From hearty breads to combining chesses, there are unlimited food and flavor possibilities to sandwich together.
During a recent conversation with Kim Brazington, ALDI Certified Cheese Expert, she shared some simple and tasty tips that everyone will enjoy. From the adventurous eater who craves a new experience to the cook who wants to perfect their favorite sandwich, that iconic grilled cheese will taste even better.
Cristine Struble: Grilled cheese is many people's favorite comfort food. What is the perfect bread to cheese ratio that makes the perfect, gooey, great flavor?
Kim Brazington: While the ‘perfect’ bread to cheese ratio depends on individual taste and preferences, a good guideline to follow by weight is 1:2. So, if you’re using two slices of sandwich bread, you should pair that with up to three slices of cheese or one cup of shredded cheese. This will give that iconic ooey, gooey flavor without the bread overpowering the cheese and preventing the cheese from overflowing out of the sandwich.
Struble: The contrast of creamy, cheesy center to crispy bread makes the bite so satisfying. What is your trick for the perfect contrast in texture?
Brazington: Selecting the right bread can make all the difference. I especially recommend the Specially Selected Brioche and Sourdough breads at ALDI; their textures complement the melted cheese perfectly. Another great bread is the Simply Nature Seedtastic Bread for those looking for a better-for-you option that sneaks in 13 grams of whole grains, 5 grams of protein and 3 grams of fiber.
Additionally, spreading mayonnaise (instead of butter) on both sides of the bread is a trick that I’ve found works wonders for the ideal texture. It creates that perfect golden-brown crust and adds extra crisp to the bread.
Struble: Some cheeses melt better than others. What is your preferred cheese for a grilled cheese? Do you combine cheeses? What about a flavored cheese?
Brazington: When it comes to grilled cheese, I always recommend starting with the classics—cheddar and American. Cheddar melts beautifully and gives you the flexibility to play with flavor, whether you go for mild, sharp, aged, or something more adventurous like the Emporium Selection Applewood Smoked Cheddar, which adds a rich, smoky depth. American cheese is another go-to for its unbeatable meltability and that iconic stretchy texture everyone loves—especially kids. But if you’re looking to take things up a notch, Gruyère is my pick. It melts smoothly and brings a nutty, slightly sweet flavor that feels a bit more elevated and just might be the trendiest choice this year.
The ALDI 2024 Fan Favorite 1000-Day Dry Aged Gouda is a unique alternative to traditional grilled cheese. Packed with deep, caramel-like notes and crunchy crystals, it offers incredible texture and complexity. It’s not your everyday pick, but that’s what makes it fun. Pepper Jack Cheese is another great option, ideal for those who want to bring the heat.
As far as meltiness goes, I always encourage grating your cheese when possible. Especially if you are mixing multiple cheeses, shredded cheese allows your flavors to distribute evenly and ensures maximum flavor packed into every bite.
Combining cheeses allows for enjoying the best qualities of each cheese all at once, creating a complex, advanced taste. Mixing a classic, like cheddar for example, with a flavored/smoked cheese creates a unique twist on a tried-and-true grilled cheese. However, if you are in a time crunch, your favorite sliced cheese is always a delicious choice.
These ideas are just a few of the many tips and tricks that will take a grilled cheese to the next level. Luckily ALDI has a bounty of cheeses and bread options to spark that culinary creativity. The finds that fill the aisle will tempt the tastebuds with another slice of deliciousness.