The Butter Alternative For Elevated Grilled Cheese Sandwiches

There are few meals in this world that can rival the simplicity of a sandwich. Part of the appeal of a good old-fashioned sandwich is its versatility. Looking for something light? A veggie sandwich will do. On the hunt for something hearty? Look no further than a roast beef sandwich. Not only are they versatile, but they're easy to assemble. Making a quality sandwich is as easy as stacking ingredients and closing a bun.

Among the many varieties that exist, one of the easiest, most sinful sandwiches of them all is a grilled cheese. Because, duh, who doesn't love cheese, butter, and bread? We've enjoyed them since our youth, they got us through college and well into adulthood; a grilled cheese sandwich maintains its appeal. The only thing that changes is you get better at making them.

If you're looking to elevate your grilled cheese game, consider taking a closer look at the butter you use. While regular, whole butter is a tried-and-true staple ingredient, clarified butter can transform a simple grilled cheese sandwich into a crispy, hassle-free, and downright buttery delicacy that'll outshine any grilled cheese you've made before.

Clarified butter is made by removing the milk solids and water from the butterfat. It's a great option for lactose-sensitive eaters who still want to enjoy some dairy products. Plus, you can make it from the comforts of your own home. All you have to do is melt butter over medium heat without stirring until the solids begin separating, et voilà, clarified butter! But how can it transform your grilled cheese?

Unlike whole butter, clarified butter has a high smoke point. High smoke point oils and butter are perfect for preparing foods that require high-heat cooking, like grilled cheese. When you make a grilled cheese with whole butter, the butter burns faster and can leave behind an ashy, burnt taste on your sandwich. Cooking high-heat meals with whole butter will also leave you with a pan full of quickly-melted butter that maintains the solids that were removed during the clarification process.

Cooking a grilled cheese with clarified butter will leave your bread with a perfect, buttery crisp and less to clean after you scarf it down.