Grilled cheese vs. melted cheese – What’s the difference?
Grilled cheese and melt sandwiches are two popular hot sandwiches that often leave people confused about their differences. While both sandwiches feature cheese as a key ingredient, they have distinct characteristics that set them apart.
What is a grilled cheese and what is a melt?
Grilled cheese is a popular classic sandwich in the United States. It is made by heating cheese between two slices of bread. With only two simple ingredients, grilled cheese holds a special place in the hearts of many.
On the other hand, a melt sandwich also contains cheese, but with additional ingredients. Some consider a melt to be a variation of a grilled cheese sandwich. Melt sandwiches can be made with ingredients such as tuna, turkey, chicken, vegetables, and greens, among others.
What are the differences between a grilled cheese and a melt?
While grilled cheese and melt sandwiches share similarities, there are key differences that set them apart.
Type of sandwich
Both grilled cheese and melt sandwiches fall under the category of hot sandwiches. They are typically served as closed sandwiches, with the cheese melted between two slices of bread. However, it is worth noting that grilled cheese can also be enjoyed as an open-faced sandwich, known as a cheese dream.
Ingredients
Grilled cheese sandwiches consist primarily of bread, cheese, and a spread such as butter or mayonnaise. While additional ingredients may be added to enhance the flavor, as long as the focus remains on the cheese, it is still considered a grilled cheese sandwich.
In contrast, melt sandwiches require additional ingredients beyond bread and cheese. Common additions to melt sandwiches include tuna, ham, roast beef, chicken, turkey, assorted vegetables, pickles, and mustard, among others.
Taste and Texture
Grilled cheese sandwiches are known for their simplicity. The combination of melted cheese and toasted bread with butter creates a decadent and flavorful experience. The texture of a perfect grilled cheese sandwich is characterized by evenly cooked, golden brown bread and fully melted cheese.
Melt sandwiches, on the other hand, get their flavor and texture from the added ingredients. The bread should be toasted and crisp, while the cheese inside should be melted. The overall taste and texture of a melt sandwich can vary depending on the ingredients used.
Cooking and Preparation
The preparation of both grilled cheese and melt sandwiches follows a similar process. In both cases, one side of the bread is buttered to achieve a golden brown color as the sandwich is cooked.
Both types of sandwiches can be cooked in a variety of ways, including a pan or skillet, an oven, a deep fryer, or a toaster oven. The goal is to melt the cheese and achieve a toasty golden brown texture on the bread slices.
Pairing and Serving
Grilled cheese and melt sandwiches are best served hot while the cheese is still gooey and soft. They can be enjoyed on their own or paired with side dishes. Grilled cheese sandwiches are versatile and can be paired with dishes containing a variety of proteins, while the choice of side dishes for melt sandwiches depends on the specific ingredients used.
Some popular side dishes that complement both grilled cheese and melt sandwiches include fresh green salad, cole slaw, French fries, fruit salad, fried eggs, and pickles.
Health considerations
In terms of health, grilled cheese sandwiches are not the healthiest option, as they tend to be high in calories, fat, and sodium. However, depending on the type of cheese used, they can be a source of protein and calcium. To make a grilled cheese sandwich healthier, choose healthier bread options and add nutritious toppings.
Melt sandwiches, on the other hand, offer the opportunity for a better nutritional profile. By adding healthy ingredients such as vegetables, greens and lean proteins like tuna, beef, chicken or turkey, melt sandwiches can provide a more balanced meal.
Bottom line
In summary, while grilled cheese and melt sandwiches both contain cheese, they have distinct differences. Grilled cheese sandwiches consist of bread and cheese, while melt sandwiches contain additional ingredients. The taste, texture, cooking methods, and nutritional profiles of the two sandwiches also differ.
Whether you prefer the simplicity of a classic grilled cheese or enjoy the added flavors and ingredients of a melted sandwich, both options offer delicious and satisfying meals.
FAQS
What is the main difference between a grilled cheese and a melted cheese sandwich?
The main difference is that a grilled cheese sandwich is made with bread and cheese, while a melt sandwich contains additional ingredients such as tuna, turkey, chicken, vegetables and greens.
Can a grilled cheese sandwich be served open-faced?
Yes, a Grilled Cheese Sandwich can be enjoyed as an open-faced sandwich, also known as a Cheese Dream. It consists of a slice of bread with melted cheese on top.
Are there any common ingredients between grilled cheese and melted cheese sandwiches?
Yes, both grilled cheese and melt sandwiches share common ingredients such as cheese, bread, and a spread such as butter or mayonnaise. Additional ingredients are added to melt sandwiches to give them their unique flavors.
What cooking methods can be used to make grilled cheese and melt sandwiches?
Grilled cheese and melt sandwiches can be cooked in a variety of ways, including a pan or skillet, oven, fryer, or toaster. The goal is to melt the cheese and achieve a golden brown, crispy texture on the bread.
What are some popular side dishes that go well with grilled cheese and melted cheese sandwiches?
Grilled cheese sandwiches can be paired with a variety of side dishes, including fresh green salad, cole slaw, French fries, fruit salad, fried eggs, and pickles. The choice of side dishes for melt sandwiches depends on the specific ingredients used, but similar options can be considered.