This Is the Best Bread for Grilled Cheese

If you're unsure, here's what to pick.

Grilled cheese sandwiches are universally beloved, so it’s no surprise that there are many passionate opinions about the best way to make the iconic dish. American or Cheddar cheese? Butter or mayo on the outside? Whichever camp you fall into, one element remains the same for both sides: The bread has to be sturdy enough to hold the melted cheese, take on a great sear in the pan, and bring its own flavor to the party.

The Best Bread for Grilled Cheese

So which bread is the best for grilled cheese? Here are our three favorites:

Brioche or Challah Bread

• What it is: Brioche is a rich bread made with eggs, milk, and butter. Challah is an eggy bread made without butter that has a similar texture.

• Why it works: Brioche and challah have a dense crumb, or pattern of holes in a slice, so they are easy to spread with butter or mayo and so the melted cheese won’t drip through. The bread will also get nicely golden as it sears in the pan. Because it has a softer texture, however, it won’t get extra crisp and could burn more easily if left too long in the pan.

• Best for: Kids (and kids at heart) who prefer soft textures and mild flavors.

Rye Bread

• What it is: Rye bread is a dark, dense whole grain bread made with rye and white flours. It has a tight crumb and pronounced tanginess. Caraway seeds are often added for flavor.

• Why it works: Cheese is rich on its own—it needs a bold partner to balance it out. The tang complements the cheese. The texture is also hearty enough to toast well. Rye bread that uses 100 percent rye flour is also safe for those with gluten sensitivities. Its plus could be a minus for some who find the flavor a bit too strong.

• Best for: Grownups who like to be a bit more daring with their grilled cheese.
  

Sourdough Bread

• What it is: Sourdough bread uses a fermented starter instead of yeast to rise. It has a more open crumb (a bigger pattern of holes) than other breads, a crispier crust, and a tangy flavor that’s less intense than rye bread.

• Why it works: Sourdough is our winner when it comes to making a great grilled cheese. Its sturdy slices can hold up to a long sear in the pan. The crust and thorough toasting create a great crunch. Its flavor stands up to but won’t overwhelm the cheese. A downside could be the irregular holes that could make cheese drips a challenge. Look for country-style sourdoughs that have a tighter crumb.

• Best for: With the exception of kids who prefer a softer bread, sourdough will be a hit for everyone. 
  

Make It Your Own

Now that the bread is sorted, you can customize your grilled cheese to make it even better. Try adding a crispy Parmesan crust and bacon, swapping sliced cheese for a cream cheese and shredded cheese blend, or turning up the heat with jalapeños. Add sliced tomatoes, pickles, or even mango chutney. Whatever you choose, be sure to butter your pan or the outside of your bread, then cook your sandwich for about 2 to 3 minutes per side until crisp and golden on the outside and melty on the inside.

Read the original article on All Recipes.