When it comes to American sandwiches, two of the most popular options are grilled cheese and melts. While the two sandwiches may appear similar at first glance, they are actually quite different. In this post, we’ll take a closer look at the difference between a Grilled Cheese Sandwich and a Melt.
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What is a Grilled Cheese Sandwich?
A Grilled Cheese Sandwich is a simple, classic sandwich made with just a few ingredients. Typically, the sandwich consists of two slices of bread, with cheese in between. While the bread is usually white bread, any type of bread can be used. As for the cheese, most people use American Cheese, Cheddar or deli-style Swiss Cheese.
You can read more about the best cheeses for a Grilled Cheese Sandwich by clicking here.
To make a Grilled Cheese Sandwich, you butter the bread on the outside and cook the sandwich in a skillet or on a griddle. The heat of the skillet melts the cheese, creating a warm, gooey centre. Moreover, you will want to toast the bread to a golden brown, creating a crispy, crunchy texture.
What is a Melt?
On the other hand, a Melt is a sandwich that is similar to a Grilled Cheese, but with additional ingredients. Actually, the additional ingredients can be any type of meat, vegetables or sauces. And the sandwich is typically made with a different type of bread.
Unlike a Grilled Cheese, the bread in a Melt is not toasted before the ingredients are added to the sandwich. Instead, you use fresh slices of bread and assemble the sandwich with the additional ingredients on top of the cheese. Then, you broil or cook the assembled sandwich until the cheese is melted and the additional ingredients are cooked through.
The bread used in a Melt can vary, but it is typically a hearty bread like rye, sourdough or wheat bread. The additional ingredients can be anything from tuna and turkey to tomatoes, onions or mushrooms. Furthermore, sauces like mustard or mayonnaise are also commonly used in Melts, adding an extra layer of flavour to the sandwich.
Differences Between Grilled Cheese and Melt
So, we’ve ascertained that these two hugely popular American sandwiches are not actually the same. Let’s summarise the main differences between a Grilled Cheese Sandwich and a Melt.
Bread
Grilled cheese is made with toasted bread, while a melt is made with untoasted bread.
Additional ingredients
Melt sandwiches have additional ingredients like meats, vegetables, or sauces, while a Grilled Cheese is typically just cheese and bread.
Cooking method
A Grilled Cheese is cooked on a skillet or griddle, while a Melt is usually broiled in the oven or cooked in a skillet.
Texture
Most Grilled Cheese Sandwiches are crispy on the outside and gooey on the inside. On the other hand, Melts can have a variety of textures depending on the additional ingredients used.
Dipping sauce
It is quite common for a Grilled Cheese Sandwich to be served with a dipping sauce. On the other hand, a Melt is usually enjoyed as is. Some great examples of dipping sauces include Marinara, Ranch Dressing, BBQ Sauce and Tomato Soup.
Which is Better?
When it comes to the question of which sandwich is better, it really comes down to personal preference. Both sandwiches have their own unique characteristics and are enjoyed by people all over the world. Some people prefer the simplicity of a Grilled Cheese, while others prefer the additional flavours and textures of a Melt.
If you’re looking for a quick, easy meal that’s both satisfying and comforting, a Grilled Cheese Sandwich is a great choice. It’s easy to make and can be customised with different types of cheese or bread to suit your taste preferences.
On the other hand, if you’re looking for a more substantial sandwich with additional ingredients and flavours, a Melt might be the way to go.
Summary
In conclusion, while Grilled Cheese and Melts may seem similar, they are actually quite different. The main differences between the two sandwiches come down to the bread and the additional ingredients used in a Melt.
Ultimately, the choice between the two sandwiches comes down to personal preference, but no matter which one you choose, you’re sure to enjoy a delicious and satisfying sandwich. Which type of sandwich do you prefer? Let me know in the comments below.
Jonah is a a hipster, eco-warrior and slow food afficionado. Coming from a scientific background, Jonah has a particular interest in cheese science. And yes, he loves a good cheese pun!
