Differences between a grilled cheese sandwich and an English toast
They look like the same dish, but the American grilled cheese sandwich and the English toastie only share the basic structure.
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Although the American grilled cheese sandwich and the English toastie may seem like practically the same dish, they are different. They both have the same basic structure: toasted bread, melted cheese, and toasted bread. That's where the similarities end.
The first difference lies in how they're cooked. The name suggests a grill, but grilled cheese sandwiches are almost always fried in a pan or on a griddle with butter. Mayonnaise, on the other hand, is a very effective alternative for achieving a crispy result.
English toast is typically toasted in a sandwich press. The most noticeable difference is the butter: grilled cheese sandwiches are buttered on the outside before cooking, while toasted cheese sandwiches are buttered on the inside.
If you want to take the grilled cheese sandwich a step further, there are many possible toppings. Homemade bacon jam can open up a world of flavors. Those who prefer the purist version can serve it separately, as a condiment, instead of melting it inside the traditional sandwich.
Toasted bread also lends itself to inspiration. From French cuisine, you can prepare a sandwich with breaded chicken, ham, and mustard, in the style of chicken cordon bleu. From Italy comes a toasted soppressata with mozzarella and pesto. Simply substitute the ciabatta with your preferred bread for a delicious lunch.
