Elevate Your Grilled Cheese Game:

10 Butter Substitutes For Making Grilled Cheese

Who’s old enough to remember the old Ice Cream slogan “I scream, you scream, we all scream for Ice Cream” ? That’s how I feel about grilled cheese sandwiches.  I thought it would be fun to explore some alternatives to using butter to crisp and toast the bread. Here are 10 delectable butter substitutes that will elevate your grilled cheese sandwiches to new heights. From tangy mayo to golden coconut oil, we’ve got the lowdown on the best alternatives to make your next cheesy creation a mouthwatering masterpiece. 

 Let’s get right to it and talk about perfect melts and crispy textures!

1. Mayo Marvel: Tangy Twist for Ultimate Creaminess

Kicking off our list is the mayo marvel – an unexpected yet game-changing substitute for butter. Slather a thin layer of tangy mayo on the outside of your bread slices before grilling. The result? A golden brown crust with a creamy texture that complements the melted cheese inside.

How-to: Spread mayo on the outer sides of your bread slices, assemble your favorite cheese, and grill to perfection. The tangy flavor adds an extra dimension to the classic comfort food.

2. Coconut Oil Crispiness: A Tropical Touch

For a healthier alternative with a hint of the tropics, coconut oil is a great option. With its high smoke point, coconut oil provides a golden brown exterior and a deliciously crispy texture to your grilled cheese. The subtle coconut flavor pairs well with a variety of cheeses.

How-to: Melt coconut oil and brush it on the outer sides of your bread slices. Grill on medium heat until you achieve the perfect grilled cheese – a tropical twist on a classic.

3. Olive Oil Elegance: Mediterranean Magic

Let’s bring a touch of Mediterranean magic to your grilled cheese with extra virgin olive oil. This heart-healthy substitute not only enhances the flavor of your sandwich but also contributes to a higher smoke point for that golden perfection.

How-to: Drizzle or brush extra virgin olive oil on the outer sides of your bread slices, add your favorite cheese, and grill until you reach the ideal crispy texture.

4. Avocado Oil Creaminess: A Healthy Fat Boost

Avocado oil, known for its health benefits, adds a boost of healthy fats to your grilled cheese. With a higher smoke point, avocado oil provides a creamy texture and a subtle, buttery flavor. It’s a fantastic alternative for those looking to incorporate more nutritious options.

How-to: Brush or drizzle avocado oil on the outer sides of your bread slices, assemble your favorite cheese, and grill to perfection. Your taste buds and your body will thank you!

5. Vegetable Oil Versatility: All-Purpose Grilled Cheese Goodness

A kitchen staple, vegetable oil is a versatile substitute for butter in grilled cheese sandwiches. With a neutral flavor and a high smoke point, it’s a reliable choice for achieving that crispy, golden brown exterior.

How-to: Brush or drizzle vegetable oil on the outer sides of your bread slices, add your preferred cheese, and grill until the desired crispiness is achieved. A simple yet effective way to master the perfect grilled cheese.

6. Bacon Fat Brilliance: Smoky Indulgence

For those who crave a smoky, indulgent flavor, bacon grease is a delicious option. Save the liquid gold from your bacon adventures and spread it on the outside of your bread for a grilled cheese that’s anything but ordinary.

How-to: Spread a thin layer of bacon fat on the outer sides of your bread slices, assemble your cheese, and grill until you achieve the perfect smoky goodness.

7. Olive Oil Cooking Spray Ease: Quick and Convenient

If you’re looking for a quick and convenient option, olive oil cooking spray has your back. It provides a light coating that contributes to a crispy texture while offering a subtle olive oil flavor.

How-to: Spray olive oil cooking spray on the outer sides of your bread slices, add your favorite cheese, and grill for a deliciously easy alternative to butter.

8. Cream Cheese Creaminess: Unexpected Luxury

For a creamy and unexpected twist, consider using cream cheese in place of butter. Spread a thin layer of room temperature cream cheese on the outside of your bread slices for a grilled cheese that boasts a rich and luxurious texture.

How-to: Spread cream cheese on the outer sides of your bread slices, add your cheese of choice, and grill until the creaminess reaches the next level.

9. Non-Stick Cooking Spray Efficiency: No-Fuss Crispiness

Efficiency meets crispiness with non-stick cooking spray. While it may not impart a distinct flavor, it ensures that your grilled cheese achieves that ideal golden brown exterior without the fuss.

How-to: Spray non-stick cooking spray on the outer sides of your bread slices, assemble your cheese, and grill for an easy and efficient butter substitute.

10. Milk Solids Magic: Ghee Brilliance

Ghee, clarified butter with the milk solids removed, is a brilliant substitute for grilled cheese. With a higher smoke point than regular butter, ghee provides a crisp exterior and a rich flavor without the risk of burning.

How-to: Spread a thin layer of ghee on the outer sides of your bread slices, add your favorite cheese, and grill until the magic happens – a grilled cheese with a perfect cheese pull.

Choosing the Perfect Cheese: A Crucial Component

While we’ve 10 Butter Substitutes For Making Grilled Cheese, let’s not forget the star of the show – the cheese! The type of cheese you choose can make or break your grilled cheese experience. Whether it’s the classic comfort of American cheese, the sharp cheddar bite, or the creamy allure of cream cheese, the best cheese is the one that suits your personal taste.

Tip: Experiment with different cheese varieties to discover your best-grilled cheese combination. From sharp cheddar to creamy Brie, the possibilities are endless.

Love to dip your grilled cheese in a great tomato soup? Try this delicious beartoothbites.com Cream of Tomato Soup

Pesto Grilled Cheese: Mayo Magic for the Perfect Crisp

Are you ready to elevate your grilled cheese game? Brace yourself for a flavor-packed journey with our Pesto Grilled Cheese – a twist that introduces mayo as the secret ingredient for that irresistibly crispy crust. Say goodbye to traditional butter, and let’s embark on a delectable adventure in grilled cheese mastery.

Ingredients:

  • Slices of bread (two per sandwich)
  • Cheese of your choice (go wild with your favorites!)
  • Pesto sauce (homemade or store-bought)
  • Mayo (yes, you read that right!)

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the Pesto:If you’re feeling ambitious, whip up a batch of your favorite pesto sauce. Alternatively, grab a jar of your preferred store-bought variety for a quick and convenient option. Pesto’s vibrant basil and garlic notes will add a delightful twist to your classic grilled cheese.
  2. Cheese Selection:Choose your cheese wisely! Whether it’s the gooey allure of mozzarella, the sharp tang of cheddar, or the creamy decadence of Brie, the best grilled cheese starts with your favorite cheese blend. Experiment with different varieties for a flavor explosion.
  3. Mayo Magic:Here’s where the mayo magic comes in. Instead of butter, generously spread a layer of mayo on the outer sides of your bread slices. Mayo not only creates a deliciously crisp exterior but also adds a subtle tang that complements the richness of the cheese.
  4. Pesto Perfection:On the inside of your bread slices, slather a generous amount of pesto sauce. This step is the secret weapon that transforms your grilled cheese into a gourmet delight. The aromatic blend of basil, pine nuts, and Parmesan will elevate the flavor profile to new heights.
  5. Assembly Time:Place a hearty portion of your chosen cheese blend between the mayo-coated bread slices, creating a pesto and cheese symphony. The mayo on the outer sides ensures a perfect golden brown finish.
  6. Grilling Brilliance:Heat a skillet or griddle over medium heat. Gently place your assembled Pesto Grilled Cheese on the hot surface. Grill until the cheese melts into gooey perfection, and the mayo-infused exterior achieves that coveted crispy texture.
  7. Indulge and Enjoy:Once your Pesto Grilled Cheese reaches golden brown perfection, remove it from the heat. Slice it diagonally for that picture-perfect cheese pull, and savor the delightful blend of pesto-infused richness.

Why Mayo? With its unique composition, mayo adds a layer of richness and crispiness that’s hard to achieve with traditional butter. The mayo not only aids in achieving the perfect golden brown crust on the outside of the bread but also contributes a subtle tang that enhances the overall flavor profile of the perfect grilled cheese sandwich.

10 Butter Substitutes For Making Grilled Cheese