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There's nothing quite like a grilled cheese sandwich, especially when it's smothered in butter. But what if you're trying to watch your figure, or you're just out of butter?

How to Make Grilled cheese without the butter

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This recipe for grilled cheese without butter makes a light yet delicious version of the sandwich. Instead of using butter to grill the bread, we will use olive oil. You can also customize your grilled cheese with any toppings you like.
Prep Time 2 minutes
Cook Time 7 minutes
Total Time 9 minutes

Equipments:

  • griddle or pan

Ingredients:

  • bread
  • mayonnaise, olive oil, cream cheese, cooking spray, shredded cheese

Instructions:

Mayonnaise

  • Mayo might seem odd, but it’s a great alternative to butter for grilled cheese. It’s easy to spread and adds a nice depth of flavor to the sandwich. Plus, it helps keep the bread from getting too soggy.
    The mayo will help the bread to brown and crisp up nicely. I love using Mayonnaise in my grilled cheese because it adds a nice creaminess and depth of flavor. Just spread it on the bread like you would butter and continue with your recipe.

Olive oil

  • Olive oil is another great option for grilled cheese. The main reason is that it has a higher smoke point than butter, which means it can withstand high heat without burning. In making grilled cheese, this is crucial because you want to ensure the outside of your bread gets nice and crispy without burning the cheese on the inside.
    It also has a nice flavor that complements the cheese and helps keep the bread from sticking to the pan. Simply brush a thin layer of oil on one or both slices of bread, then top with your favorite fillings and grill as usual.

Spreadable Cheese (like cream cheese)

  • In place of butter, cream cheese is a great alternative for grilled cheese because it is lower in saturated fat and has no cholesterol. Additionally, cream cheese provides a creamy texture and rich flavor that compliments the taste of the cheese and bread.
    The cream cheese will not create the same crispy exterior. However, it will add a delicious creaminess to the sandwich that’s far creamier and tangier than the classic version.

Shredded Cheese

  • It is a grilled cheese sandwich clad in lacy, crispy cheese instead of buttery bread. Why is that? Well, let’s say that it’s a texture thing. The cheese gets all crispy and lacy, as a grilled cheese should be, but the bread stays sturdy since there’s no butter to soak into it. 
    The shredded cheese creates a barrier between the bread and the skillet, resulting in an evenly toasted sandwich with nary a burnt spot. It also adds flavor.

Non-Stick cooking spray

  • This is my go-to method when I’m in a hurry or don’t have any other options. Just spray the bread lightly with a non-stick cooking spray and continue with your recipe.
    Why use the non-stick cooking spray? For starters, it’s a lot less messy. You don’t have to worry about spreading the butter evenly, and you don’t have to worry about it melting and making a mess.

Notes:

Tips for making grilled cheese without butter

1 Keep the heat low and cover: Cook your sandwich on low heat and cover it while cooking. It allows the cheese to melt slowly and evenly, so you don’t have to worry about it burning or getting too crispy.

2 Quality bread is essential: Choose good quality bread that will hold up to low heat and not get too soggy. A thick sliced white bread or sourdough are both excellent options.

3 Slice thinly: Half-inch slices will do. Any thinner and the cheese won’t have enough time to melt; any thicker and it won’t be easy to flip.

4 Choose your cheese wisely: A sharp cheddar or Gruyere works well on grilled cheese sandwiches without butter. The sharper the cheese, the less butter you’ll need. Good melting cheese is vital for a gooey grilled cheese.

5 Use mayo instead of butter: Grilled cheese sandwiches taste great with mayo. It has a similar consistency and will help your sandwich hold together.
6  Add some acidity: A little acidity will brighten the flavors in your grilled cheese without butter. Try adding a few slices of tomato or a drizzle of balsamic vinegar.

7 Don’t forget the extras: A little bit of Dijon mustard or a sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper can take your sandwich to the next level.

8 Be patient: Don’t rush the process! Slow and steady wins the race when it comes to grilled cheese without butter.

Please note that all nutrition information are just estimates. Values will vary among brands, so we encourage you to calculate these on your own for most accurate results.

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Course: Breakfast
Cuisine: American
Keywords: how to make grilled cheese without the butter