This Classic Grilled Cheese Cooking Method Will Never Go Out Of Style

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We adore a waffle iron for making that breakfast fave after which it's named, but your countertop waffle iron is actually the secret ingredient to a grilled cheese sandwich that's unconventional and yet classic, all at the same time. Griddling a grilled cheese in a waffle iron is nothing new. As soon as home chefs realized that this appliance is exactly like a panini press, only with gridded plates that make the most delightful ridges and valleys in your toasted sandwich, it was game over for all other methods of cooking grilled cheese. 

Most grilled cheese mistakes can be summed up as failing to utilize one's imagination and really harness the endless potential of bread, fat, and cheese. The waffle iron delivers maximum benefit while really utilizing no more steps than you'd usually take in building your handheld. All you have to do is construct your grilled cheese the way you normally would, then press it between the halves of your waffle iron and wait a few tantalizing minutes as the cheese melts and the bread crisps. 

A single waffle iron will do well for one sandwich at a time, but delivering family-style grilled cheese will go a lot quicker with a four-slice waffle maker that can handle multiple sandos, like this well-rated model by KRUPS. The plates of that iron are removable for ease of cleaning, which is a feature we really like, because successfully waffling grilled cheese without sticking requires a lot of butter (or mayo, olive oil, et cetera).

The best breads for grilled cheese is a question with many possible answers, but it's a known fact that you want a bread with a tight crumb for waffle iron grilled cheese, otherwise the molten cheese is liable to seep through the pores in the bread once it's pressed. If you don't mind a mess and relish the thought of crusty caramelized cheese all over your sandwich (not a terrible idea, we admit!), go ahead and use that light and airy sourdough. If you want to retain the maximum cheese for pull and cohesion, however, opt for white bread or brioche. 

As for cheeses, you can use anything that you'd typically use in grilled cheese without too much adaptation. Remember that younger cheeses melt more readily, and that American cheese is a classic because it goes gooey when heated.

Over on social media site Reddit, users were teaching a master class in the absolute best waffle iron grilled cheese tip. It was pointed out that the nooks of your sandwich make superb edible spoons for tomato soup, which made our toes curl when we imagined the possibilities. Or, if you're ready to move on from tomato soup and grilled cheese, try dipping it in apple sauce.