This Canned Vegetable Belongs On Grilled Cheese For A Saucy Flavor Kick

Whether you're using old-fashioned ingredients, baking bread from scratch, or even making grilled cheese Greek style, the possibilities are endless for upgrading this classic sandwich. If you prefer a spicy kick, try adding chipotles in adobo sauce, a classic pairing in Mexican cuisine. The tiny can of peppers from the international aisle of the grocery store packs a punch, and pairs well with an ooey, gooey, grilled cheese with toasty bread.

Chipotles are actually jalapeño peppers that have been left on the vine until they turn red. The peppers are then picked and smoked over wood chips, giving them a deep, spicy, smoky flavor. Chipotles are milder than other red peppers, and give a savory, roasted flavor to dishes. Adobo sauce is a blend of pureed chiles, tomatoes, vinegar, and spices. When adding to a grilled cheese, use an equal ratio of chiles and sauce. This provides balanced flavor without making the sandwich too spicy. When making your sandwich, layer the peppers and sauce between the cheese, making sure they're evenly distributed. On the stove, all of the ingredients melt together, creating a spicy, tangy grilled cheese that's hard to forget.

We've sorted out the pros and cons of each cheese choice for grilled cheese sandwiches, but if you're adding chipotles in adobo sauce, use a blend. You need a base cheese that melts well, alongside some sort of sharp, smoky cheese to complement the smoky flavor of the chipotles. An ideal pairing is Havarti and sharp cheddar. Havarti fulfills the first role, glueing the sandwich together with a mild, sweet taste while sharp cheddar provides the bulk of the flavor. Shred your cheese and mix for the best result.

As for bread, we suggest sourdough or white bread. Both crisp well and have the structural integrity for a perfect grilled cheese sandwich. Other types work, too. The main idea is to avoid any bread that has added nuts or grains so they don't burn in the pan during toasting. These elements, combined with the smoky chipotles and tangy adobo, make a sandwich that's hard not to finish in one sitting.