The Perfect Grilled Cheese
This grilled cheese swaps the butter for Biancolilla N°07, which browns the bread more evenly and keeps it crisp longer than the classic version. The oil's mild, balanced profile doesn't compete with the cheese, it just makes the bread better.
Why Use Olive Oil Instead of Butter for Grilled Cheese?
Butter can scorch in the time it takes cheese to fully melt, while oil holds up through a longer, lower-heat cook and browns the crust more evenly. For pan-frying like this, the swap is close to 1:1 by volume — brush on about the same amount of oil as you would butter. A mild, balanced oil like Biancolilla N°07 stays out of the cheese's way; for something with a bit more character, Embrace adds a herbal edge without overpowering a classic cheddar.
Ingredients
- 4 slices good sandwich bread
- 3 tablespoons Biancolilla N°07
- 4 slices of cheddar or a good melting cheese
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Brush one side of each of the four bread slices with Biancolilla N°07.
- Heat a skillet over medium-low heat, low and slow is the key to a fully melted center without a burnt crust.
- Place two slices of bread oil-side down in the skillet, top each with two slices of cheese, then close the sandwich with the remaining bread, oil-side facing up.
- Cook slowly, 4 to 5 minutes per side, pressing down gently with a spatula partway through, until the bottom is deeply golden.
- Flip carefully and cook the second side another 4 to 5 minutes, covering the pan with a lid for the last minute if the cheese needs more time to fully melt.
- Transfer to a cutting board, season the crust with a pinch of salt, and slice on the diagonal to serve.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is an estimate calculated from the ingredients listed and may vary based on the specific products used. It is not intended as medical or dietary advice.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the secret to a perfect grilled cheese?
Low and slow heat is the key to melted cheese without a burnt crust.
How do I get the cheese fully melted?
A lid over the skillet for the last minute helps the cheese melt through.
Can I add anything else to the sandwich?
A little red pepper and basil between slices adds a spicy kick.
Can I use olive oil instead of butter for grilled cheese?
Yes — brush on about the same amount of oil as you would butter. Oil holds up better through the longer, lower-heat cook a fully melted center needs, and browns the crust more evenly.
What You'll Need
