There’s nothing quite like indulging in a toasted sandwich. They’re scrumptious, crunchy and can be filled with all sorts of delightful ingredients – from cheese to ham to tomatoes and onion.
However, even though we may enjoy eating them, preparing them is not always a straightforward task – particularly as you want the exterior to be crispy, while the centre remains oozy and packed full of flavour. However, according to one chef, you can enhance the taste of the food by making a simple swap – apparently, you need to abandon the butter, and spread another common ingredient on the bread instead.
According to Kitchen Door Food on TikTok, the secret to the perfect toastie, known as a grilled cheese in America, is rather simple. All you need is a staple ingredient from your fridge, according to the expert advice.
In the clip, the chef stated: “The secret to the best grilled cheese is that you need to put mayonnaise on the outside instead of butter, and the reason why is because mayonnaise is made with oil, eggs and vinegar.
“So the oil has a higher smoke point than butter, which will allow you to get the bread crispier slower. So the oil has a higher smoke point, so you can make it crispier and delicious.”
She added: “The egg and the vinegar – that just helps with flavour, and also just crispiness. And, if you want to be cheeky, throw a little sliced cheese in there for ooey, gooey meltiness.”
The clip has already racked up a significant number of views since being posted online. On social media, lots of people have tried out the trick, and they’ve shared their verdicts on its efficiency.
A satisfied foodie exclaimed: “I just tried this, and it is the only way I will make grilled cheese from now on.” Another enthusiast gushed: “Made this and it’s so good.”
A third convert confessed: “Mayo on the outside, yes ma’am!” Meanwhile, another commenter shared: “As someone who hates mayo, this is the only way to make grilled cheese. It adds another depth of flavour and is so crunchy.”
Why you should use mayonnaise
According to culinary experts at Southern Living, mayonnaise could transform your toasties beyond belief. Achieving that elusive perfect blend of crisp crust and melting middle in a toasted sandwich is often more art than science.
Southern Living advises: “How do you avoid a barely toasted cheese melt or burnt sandwich with still-cold cheddar? This often means going low and slow with the heat, and mayonnaise can quicken this process.
“Unlike butter, which burns quickly, mayonnaise is an oil-based fat with a higher smoke point. In other words, you can turn up the heat and the mayo won’t burn your bread, allowing you to achieve a photo-worthy, golden exterior.
“Beyond its time-saving properties, using mayo is also more convenient than a stick of butter, as it is already smooth and spreadable (crucial if you’re using soft, white bread). Plus, you also can get away with using less to accomplish the same job as butter.”
Butter’s richness sometimes weighs down a dish, but swapping it out for mayonnaise could heighten your cheese toastie experience with mayonnaise’s lighter and tangier profile, potentially giving the taste an extra zing.