Whether it's a fall snack, an accompaniment to your favorite soup, or a perfect light lunch, it's easy to land on the decision to eat a grilled cheese. Slightly more difficult is choosing which cheese will make for the optimal sandwich. The best grilled cheese is just the right combination of gooey, creamy, and flavorful. Here are our top cheese picks for a top-notch sandwich.
Époisses
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This savory grilled cheese sandwich from chef Vivian Howard features pungent Époisses, a soft French cow's milk cheese. It's paired with spicy-sweet pepper jelly and the contrasting crunch of toasted pecans, all nestled between slices of sourdough bread.
Cheese Curds
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Cheese curds are small chunks of just-made cheese that haven't been pressed into a shape. They're milky and delicious in a grilled cheese like this one, which is spread with mildly spiced mayonnaise and topped with bacon and sautéed onions.
Gruyère
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Richly flavored and ultra-melty, Gruyère is a hard Swiss cheese that's delicious with both salty and sweet flavors. Try it with ham and strawberry–red-wine jam in this recipe.
Cheddar
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According to cheese expert Laura Werlin, after you bite into a grilled cheese, "the cheese should stretch out past your face as far as your arm will reach." Classic, extra-sharp orange cheddar is perfect for that. Try it alongside Monterrey Jack, andouille sausage, crunchy cornichons, and a smear of Dijon mustard in this recipe.
Taleggio
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The fruity tang of Taleggio, a semisoft Italian cheese, provides a luscious foundation for a grilled cheese sandwich. Chef Chris Cosentino's simple version is made extra special with a drizzle of honey and a sprinkling of flaky salt and coarsely ground pepper.
Havarti
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Havarti's key descriptor is often "buttery," so it's no wonder it makes such an excellent base for a buttery-crisp grilled cheese sandwich. In this recipe, smooth and creamy Havarti serves as the perfect counterpoint to spicy chorizo and pickled jalapeños, all accented by Pepper Jack.
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