Simple Grilled Cheese
There is something to be said about a Simple Grilled Cheese sandwich. After taking my first bite, it transports me to my childhood. The cheese melting into your mouth, the buttery flavor crisped into the bread with that crunchy, chewy, soft texture all combined into the deliciousness that makes this uncomplicated sandwich.
Luckily for anyone avoiding dairy, there are a variety of vegan cheeses available on the market. The trick is finding the right cheese for the right recipe. I use a few brands like Daiya, Follow Your Heart, and Violife, to name a few. My favorite dairy-free cheese for any of the sandwiches I make is Follow Your Heart. More specifically, Dairy-Free American, Provolone, and Smoked Gouda slices. The dairy-free cheese slices melt really well and the taste is on point. My preferred cheeses for my Simple grilled cheese sandwich are dairy-free American and Provolone.
Now, that I have touched on cheese, it is time to move on to my secret weapon, MAYONNAISE. Yes, that is right. Your friendly condiment, the creamy, rich, and slightly tangy, mayonnaise. Don't be shy about it. Use a generous amount on each side of the bread on the exterior and one side of the interior. In total, 3 of the 4 sides of the bread should be coated with mayo.
We cannot forget about the bread. It makes up 80% of this heavenly experience. I like to use freshly baked bread that is dairy-free, like White Mountain, Italian, or country-style sandwich bread. If you are gluten-free, then any choice of gluten-free bread works well too. I like to use 365 Gluten-Free White Bread that is found at Whole Foods Market.
Making my Simple Grilled Cheese sandwich recipe is quite easy. The key is to take your time. Keep the heat low to medium-low and let your skillet get hot while you are building your sandwich. Use a healthy amount of olive oil to coat the bottom of the skillet. You will need that oil to keep the mayonnaise and bread from sticking to your skillet while it cooks.
Once you place the assembled sandwich in the skillet, you should hear a good sizzle. Allow the sandwich to cook on each side for 3-5 minutes. It is okay if it takes a little longer. Be sure to check each side while it is cooking so it does not burn. If the bread is browning quickly, turn down the heat. Really take your time. I promise it will be worth the wait.
After each side is golden brown, the cheese should be completely melted. Then, the sandwich is ready to eat. I like to take a minute before I take my first bite and appreciate what is about to happen. The anticipation makes it taste so much better.
Good luck on your newest dairy-free, possibly gluten-free, Simple Grilled Cheese sandwich adventures. I trust you'll do well.
Buen Provencho!
Cheesy, buttery, crispy, and soft dairy-free uncomplicated sandwich. Gluten-free and Vegan Options.
- 3-Slices American Cheese, Dairy-Free (Follow Your Heart)
- 3-Slices Provolone, Dairy-Free (Follow Your Heart)
- 4-Slices White Mountain Sandwich Bread, Dairy-Free (Gluten-Free Alternative)
- 7 tbsp Mayonnaise (Vegan/Plant-based)
- 4 tbsp Olive Oil
Set skillet to heat on lo to medium-lo heat.
5-7 minutes depending on your stove and pan.Place bread slices on your working surface.
Spread mayonnaise on the inside of 1 slice of bread for each sandwich.
Now, spread mayonnaise on the outside of all 4 slices of bread.
Place 1-1/2 slices of American and 1-1/2 slices of Provolone cheese inside each sandwich.
Close the sandwiches.
Drizzle olive oil into the pan and place the prepared sandwiches into your skillet.
Allow each side of the sandwiches to cook for 3-5 minutes on each side.
Be sure to check mid-way through the first side of the sandwiches to see if your temperature is too hot. If it is too hot, and the bread is browning quickly, turn down the heat. Dairy-free cheese requires more time to melt.
Once each side is golden brown your sandwich is ready.