Swap Butter With Coconut Oil For An Extra-Crispy Grilled Cheese

Is there anything as mouthwatering as a grilled cheese sandwich? The crunchy, golden-brown toast, the melty, gooey cheese, and the non-negotiable side of creamy, tangy tomato soup? 

Scrumptious and simple, it is no wonder a grilled cheese sandwich is an unwavering staple in American cuisine. By design, the dish contains minimal ingredients and is easy for just about anyone to make and enjoy. After all, the grilled cheese sandwich was born out of the Great Depression, when undemanding recipes were in high demand. Access to extra ingredients and equipment has increased since the 1930s, though. Thus, grilled cheese recipe variants have increased, too. Grilled cheese enthusiasts throughout the decades have tested how certain variations on the traditional recipe impact the final product, and one notable takeaway is the effect of frying the sandwich in coconut oil as opposed to butter. The verdict: coconut oil will make your grilled cheese crispier than butter will. 

When making grilled cheeses, you may seek out certain flavor and texture qualities in your final sandwich. And if you're shooting for is an especially crispy grilled cheese, coconut oil — specifically refined coconut oil — is the way to go. 

Compared to other popular frying ingredients like butter and olive oil, coconut oil has an especially high smoke point, which makes it the key to the crispiest grilled cheese. The smoke point of refined coconut oil reaches 400 to 450 degrees Fahrenheit, meaning that it does not start to burn and smoke until it reaches those high temperatures.

Butter, on the other hand, has a smoke point of 350 degrees, and olive oil only about 375 degrees. The high smoke point beneficial to the grilling process because it allows the sandwich extra time to heat through and toast up thoroughly without getting burnt. As a result, you get an evenly cooked, golden-brown sandwich with a crunchy crust to complement that gooey interior.

Refined coconut oil is virtually flavorless, meaning that you will not detect a coconut-y taste in your grilled cheese. Its more popular alternatives, however, contribute varied flavor notes that make grilled cheese all the more delicious. To make up for the flavoring potential you lose with coconut oil, consider being more intentional with the other ingredients. After all, what is a good, crispy texture without a rich, savory taste?

Using a more than one type of melty cheeses is a good way to ensure every bite is packed with robust flavor. Whether you use cheddar and mozzarella or fontina and Swiss, be sure to take full advantage of the diverse tastes that different cheeses bring to the table. You may also want to consider smashing a croissant or adding a Texas twist to elevate the bread's flavor contribution in your grilled cheese sandwich. Your perfectly crisp and flavorful grilled cheese is out there, waiting for you to discover it.