Why Whole Grain Bread Makes The Best-Looking Grilled Cheese (It's Science)

When we covered the best breads to use for grilled cheese, we originally opted for sourdough or brioche due to their sturdiness and delicious taste. That was more an exploration of structural integrity, however. In our quest to turn out the most drop-dead gorgeous specimens of grilled cheese, a beloved sando, it's true that we've made like Martha Stewart and used a combination of mayo and butter, as well as played around with the tip to make grilled cheese in the air fryer. What some have found over many, many loaves' worth of experimentation, however, was that the most aesthetic grilled cheese sandwiches came about due to a bread choice you might not expect: whole grain.

Done right, whole grain bread produces the grilled cheese sandwich equivalent of a supermodel on a Milan catwalk (gorgeous and highly photogenic) thanks to the inclusion of wheat germ in the bread flour. Whole grain flour, as the name suggests, utilizes every part of the grain. The germ is oily, which, in a sandwich slice, means that tiny pockets of fat are spread throughout your sandwich. This produces even, lovely browning, whether you cook your lunch in a pan, on a skillet, or in the oven. That 7-9% fat content in wheat germ is just waiting to brown up lusciously, especially when you spread the bread lovingly with your choice of margarine, butter, or mayo. The result will be a sandwich that looks as good as it tastes.

Not only does whole wheat bread ensure a picture-perfect grilled cheese, but, with the right treatment, your sandwich will also be absolutely delicious. As a bonus, you get a hearty infusion of fiber in your diet, which contributes to good bowel health and better cholesterol levels. When making your whole wheat grilled cheese, remember that technique is everything. You, of course, want a melty cheese or combination of cheeses that will result in that glorious cheese pull and delectable taste, but how you cook your sandwich matters, too. Don't be tempted to turn that dial on your stove up higher than medium heat! You want those pockets of oil in your bread to toast slowly, producing golden browning, instead of burning. Also, the cheese needs a chance to melt at the same rate that your bread is crisping up. Moderate, even heat is the key.

Within these confines, feel free to riff on whole grain grilled cheese. Go wild with cheese choices, spreads, or even extra toppings inside your sandwich. Love a thick, juicy slice of fresh tomato? Go for it! How about a generous schmear of marmalade or jam to work as a counterpoint to your salty, savory cheese? Like sourdough and brioche, which remain good choices for grilled cheese, a hefty whole grain bread is hearty enough to stand up to a packed sandwich. Whether you grab your favorite brand at the grocery store or use a loaf you lovingly baked yourself, this bread can elevate your grilled cheese game to new heights.