If I were asked to name a person I know who has never eaten a grilled cheese before, I’m not sure I could. I know several who don’t like them and several who prefer other sandwiches, but I don’t think I could identify anyone who hasn’t at least tried one.
As a self-proclaimed Grilled Cheese Connoisseur, I have taken it upon myself to provide a definitive ranking of the classic sandwich. I have tasted all of the following versions myself and have attempted to fairly and unbiasedly rate each one.
6) Anything with the word “panini”
There are few things that bring me greater pain than scrolling on Pinterest for easy lunch recipes and finding one that advertises a panini as an “Italian grilled cheese.” It’s not. They’re called different things for a reason and shouldn’t be referred to by the same name. When I say “I want a grilled cheese,” I’m certainly not thinking of a panini. They’re delicious, don’t get me wrong, but to call it something it cannot and will not ever be is an insult to my taste buds and my intelligence.
5) Grilled cheese with meat
If you put meat on it, it’s a meat and cheese sandwich – not a grilled cheese. There is a not-so-fine line between the two, and I find it incredibly easy to walk. The flavors of the meat almost always override the flavor of the cheese and will undoubtedly be noticed first. Grilled cheese can of course have other toppings, such as the aforementioned vegetables, but this is one of the lines where, when crossed, you no longer have a grilled cheese in front of you. There’s nothing wrong with a grilled ham and cheese sandwich, but let’s keep it in its own category.
4) Pizza grilled cheese
The only reason this one isn’t in fifth place is because I dislike the current fifth place occupant just a little bit more – but trust me, the scores were close. I have the same hatred for this as I do for pizza bagels. Putting melted cheese and pepperoni on top of bread doesn’t automatically give you a pizza. It’s the presentation, the arrangement, the delivery that makes a pizza, not just the ingredients. There isn’t much to say except: This isn’t a pizza, and it certainly isn’t a grilled cheese. I’ll leave it here to rot among the other failed trends that have been lost to time and common sense.
3) Macaroni grilled cheese
I have found myself perplexed with this particular sandwich. It meets my qualifications for being a grilled cheese – the cheese is emphasized between two slices of bread – however it displays this emphasis in a way I’m unfamiliar with. It’s taken a long time to get used to this. However, I’ve found myself enjoying it when done properly. Too much focus on the noodles and it becomes a pasta sandwich; too much melted cheese sauce and you have a disastrous mess in front of you. But, when done right, you get the perfect balance of new ideas and classic flavor.
2) Grilled cheese with vegetables
This is a recipe that, when done right, is nearly on par with the original. The addition of tomato, spinach or avocado can add just the right amount of flavor and interest to your sandwich while not taking the focus away from the cheese. These vegetables can complement the existing taste and add their own medley of flavors and smells that end up working quite nicely with the original recipe.
1) The Classic
There will always be debates over whether the remake is better than the original or whether the movie is better than the book. These are subjective opinions left to each individual’s interpretations. There will never be a debate, however, over whether any variation of a grilled cheese could be better than the original. There will simply never be an adequate comparison or competition that could dream of beating this popular dish. Additions to it can be wonderful and can add new dimension and interest to the sandwich, but when the winners are announced, there is no question as to who will take home the first place prize. The classic grilled cheese has been a favorite of children and adults alike all across the country, and I don’t foresee it losing its place as a staple in American cuisine.