Grilled cheese is a classic childhood favorite. A warm, gooey sandwich, often with a bit of crispness to it. It’s the perfect snack or comfort food, and a go-to for many adults on a busy weeknight.
But it’s not just a simple sandwich. There are endless variations and additions to the classic grilled cheese, and the perfect cheese-bread combination can vary greatly depending on one’s personal preference.
French bread is a type of bread that originated in France and is known for its crunchy crust and light, fluffy texture. French bread is usually made from a combination of white or wheat flour, yeast, water, and sugar. It is generally served as an accompaniment to meals and can be enjoyed as part of an appetizer, sandwich, or dessert.
Generally, French bread has a longer rise time than regular bread and tends to have a greater flavor.
Pros of Using French Bread for Grilled Cheese
Texture: French bread has a great texture and it’s perfect for grilled cheese. The crust is crispy and the center is soft and fluffy.
This makes for a great contrast of textures in your sandwich. Plus, the texture of the bread pairs nicely with the texture of the cheese.
Fluffiness: French bread is known for its fluffiness and that makes it an ideal pairing for a grilled cheese. The lightness of the bread combined with the creamy texture of the cheese creates a great combination that really brings out the flavor.
Size: French bread is a great size for a grilled cheese. It’s big enough to hold all the cheese and other ingredients in the sandwich, yet small enough that it doesn’t become too much.
Price: French bread is relatively cheap when it comes to breads, so it’s a great option for those on a budget.
Cons of Using French Bread for Grilled Cheese
Not Enough Bite: One of the drawbacks of French bread is that it doesn’t have a lot of “bite” to it. This can make it difficult to get a nice crunch on the outside of your grilled cheese.
Too Crumbly: French bread can be a bit too crumbly at times, which can lead to cheese and other ingredients falling out of the sandwich.
Low Nutritional Value: French bread has relatively low nutritional value compared to other types of bread, so it’s not a great option for those looking for a healthier option.
Excess Grease: French bread can also be a bit greasier than other types of bread, so it’s important to be aware of how much oil or butter you use when making your grilled cheese.
Recipes to Make the Best French Bread Grilled Cheese
Classic Grilled Cheese with Bacon and Tomato:
This is a classic grilled cheese that will take you back to your childhood. Start by spreading butter on both sides of two slices of French bread.
Place the bread butter-side down in a skillet over medium heat. Once the other side starts to brown, flip the bread over. Place two slices of cheese on one slice of bread.
Fry bacon until crisp and layer on top of the cheese. Add thinly-sliced tomato and then top with the other slice of bread. Continue to cook the sandwich until both sides are golden brown and the cheese is melted. Serve immediately.
Southwestern Grilled Cheese with Jalapenos and Pepper Jack Cheese:
This one is a bit more adventurous and has a bit of Southwestern flavor. Start by spreading butter on one side of each slice of French bread. Place the bread butter-side down in a skillet over medium heat.
Once the other side starts to brown, flip the bread over and top one slice with two slices of pepper jack cheese. Top with thinly-sliced jalapeno pepper and then top with the other slice of bread.
Continue to cook the sandwich until both sides are golden brown and the cheese is melted. Serve with your favorite salsa or hot sauce.
Rustic Onion and Brie Grilled Cheese:
This rustic and rich grilled cheese is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Start by spreading butter on one side of each slice of French bread. Place the bread butter-side down in a skillet over medium heat.
Once the other side starts to brown, flip the bread over and top one slice with brie cheese. Top with thinly-sliced onion and then top with the other slice of bread.
Continue to cook the sandwich until both sides are golden brown and the cheese is melted. Serve with a dab of honey or fig jam.
Sourdough Grilled Cheese with Garlic Aioli and Arugula:
This grilled cheese packs a punch of flavor. Spread garlic aioli on one side of each slice of sourdough bread. Place the bread in a skillet over medium heat and top one slice with two slices of mozzarella cheese.
Top with fresh arugula and then top with the other slice of bread. Continue to cook the sandwich until both sides are golden brown and the cheese is melted. Serve immediately and enjoy.
Tips on Making the Perfect French Bread Sandwich
Choose Fresh Bread: To get the best flavor and texture, use fresh French bread for your grilled cheese. This will ensure that your sandwich does not become soggy or too hard.
Use Quality Ingredients: Make sure to use quality ingredients. Cheese and butter should be of the highest quality to ensure the best flavor.
Toast the Slice Before Building the Sandwich: Toasting the slice of bread before building the sandwich can really bring out the flavor of the cheese and the bread.
Grill Slowly at Medium Heat: Low and slow is the name of the game when it comes to making a perfect grilled cheese. If the heat is too high, you will burn the bread before the cheese has melted.
Health Benefits of Eating a Grilled Cheese Using French Bread
High Amount of Protein: French bread is a great source of protein. It is made from wheat flour, which is packed with essential amino acids. Therefore, eating a grilled cheese made with French bread can provide a good amount of protein to help keep you full.
Rich in Iron: French bread is also rich in iron. Iron is an important mineral that helps regulate energy levels in the body. Eating a grilled cheese with French bread will help you increase your iron intake.
Low in Carbs: French bread is low in carbs, making it a great option for those looking to reduce their carb intake.
Low Fat Content: French bread is also low in fat, so it’s a great option for those looking to cut calories.
Benefits of Combining Nutrients Into One Meal With a Grilled Cheese Using French Bread
Reduce Waste: Combining a few ingredients into one meal is a great way to reduce food waste. By using what you have on hand, you can create a delicious and nutritious meal without the need to buy more ingredients.
Easy To Digest: Since French bread is low in carbs and fat, it’s easy to digest. This can help those who have sensitive digestive systems.
Quick & Tasty Meal Option: A grilled cheese made with French bread is a quick and tasty meal option. It takes only minutes to put together and can be enjoyed as a snack or light meal.
Alternate Uses for French Bread When Making a Grilled Cheese Sandwhich
Croutons: French bread is great for making croutons. Simply cut the bread into cubes, toss with oil and seasonings, and bake until golden brown and crispy.
Avocado Toast: French bread is perfect for making avocado toast. Simply toast the bread and top with mashed avocado, lemon juice, and seasonings.
Quesadilla: French bread can also be used to make a quesadilla. Simply spread the bread with butter and then top with cheese and other desired ingredients. Grill on both sides until golden and crispy.
Sliders: French bread can be used to make mini-sliders. Simply cut the bread into small slices, top with your favorite ingredients, and bake or grill until golden and crispy.
Experimenting With Different Types of Cheeses For The Ultimate Flavor Combination
Swiss: Swiss cheese has a mild flavor and pairs perfectly with French bread. It melts easily and has a creamy texture, making it a great option for grilled cheese.
Mozzarella: Mozzarella cheese is a classic choice for grilled cheese. It has a mild flavor and melts easily, making it perfect for French bread grilled cheese.
Ricotta: Ricotta cheese has a mild, slightly tangy flavor. It is creamy and has a slightly sweet taste that can really bring out the flavor of the French bread.
Parmesan: Parmesan cheese has a sharp, salty flavor that is perfect for grilled cheese. It adds a great depth of flavor to the sandwich and is a great way to take it up a notch.
Conclusion
French bread makes an excellent grilled cheese. It has a great texture and flavor and is a great way to add a bit of crunch to a classic comfort food.
Plus, it’s a budget-friendly option that is also low in calories and carbs. However, there are a few drawbacks to using French bread for grilled cheese including not enough bite and excess grease.
But, with a few tips and recipes, you can make the perfect French bread grilled cheese. With a little experimentation, you can create the ultimate flavor combination with different types of cheese.
So, next time you’re in the mood for a grilled cheese, don’t forget about French bread!