The Type Of Cheese To Use For The Perfect Melted Sandwich

When crafting the perfect melted sandwich, the type of cheese you use makes all the difference. While sliced cheese is a go-to for many, shredded cheese can take your sandwich to the next level. Shredded cheese has an advantage when it comes to melting evenly. The small, uniform pieces allow heat to distribute better, resulting in a smoother melt — no more weird bits of un-melted cheese or cold spots in the midst of your sandwich. 

For the best results, use freshly shredded cheese instead of pre-packaged shreds, which may contain anti-caking agents like cellulose or potato starch. These are safe to consume, but can lend an unpleasantly grainy texture to your sandwich. Instead, try this sideways grating hack for an easier cheese processing experience. You may also want to use a simple chef cheese grater for different sized shreds. To prevent your shredded cheese from falling out of the sandwich during cooking, place a thin layer of cheese on both slices of bread and consider cooking it open-faced for a few minutes (assuming you're using a pan), to allow the cheese to bond with the bread first.

When you're ready to melt, consider one of these popular cheeses which hit the spot. Cheddar is a classic choice with a sharp, tangy flavor that melts beautifully. Try it on grilled cheese on an English muffin. If you want some serious cheese pull, grab some mozzarella. Gouda adds a creamy, slightly nutty flavor for a more gourmet touch. For those who like a little spice, pepper jack brings just a bit of heat (depending on the variety, of course). And then there's always Swiss, with a mild, nutty flavor that pairs especially well with meats like ham or turkey.

Using shredded cheese also allows you to mix and match varieties, creating custom blends to suit your taste just so. Use your freezer-stored cheese – some types of cheese fare better in the freezer than others — when you need grated cheese in a pinch. Want a sandwich with the sharpness of cheddar and the gooey stretch of mozzarella? Combine them! Additionally, shredding cheese yourself is cost-effective and reduces waste, as it keeps longer in block form.