Grilled cheese sandwiches are the easiest dish to make. Kids can even make them themselves. The ones I used to make contained plain cheese, white bread, and margarine for baking. Here are some ways to make grilled cheese sandwiches more nutritious.
First, reduce the amount of cheese. Full-fat cheese is a thing of the past. A fat-free slice of cheese melts just as well but has fewer calories and less fat. If American cheese is too bland for you, try a slice of Swiss or Pepper Jack cheese. Mozzarella cheese is also great for sandwiches. One slice of cheese is enough, but if you use low-fat cheese, two slices usually make a creamier sandwich.
What about bread? Bread is an important factor. White bread contains many unhealthy substances. Try whole-grain or multigrain bread for health. A good substitute is sourdough bread - bread with fewer calories and carbohydrates per serving.
What about meat? When I was a kid, adding bologna to a grilled cheese sandwich was called a "flying plate." If you add a piece of meat, the sandwich will be more complete. Depending on your child's taste, you can add roast beef, sliced ham, sliced turkey, bacon, sausage, or sliced chicken breast.
What about flavors? Add extra flavor to your grilled cheese sandwiches by adding some spices. For a tangy flavor, add mustard. For extra flavor, add brown mustard or Dijon mustard. Add salsa to sandwiches. Salsa is a great way to liven up grilled cheese sandwiches. A barbecue sauce is a great accompaniment to roast beef for extra flavor. For kids who prefer simple flavors, serve with low or no-fat mayonnaise or ketchup. For variety, use a dressing like Thousand Island.
Crispier sandwiches. Slice an apple and place it on top of the cheese. Cheese slices are often eaten with apple pie or served with an apple on a cheese board, so why not with a grilled cheese sandwich? Apples should be of the Granny Smith variety so that they are crisp. They hold their shape better than red apples.
Our grilled cheese sandwiches have really evolved. We add meat, we change the cheese, we change the bread, we add sauces and we add spices. What else can we do? Let's add vegetables and see what happens. Cucumbers go well with a cheese and bologna sandwich. Juicy tomato slices add color and flavor to any meat and cheese combination. Add romaine lettuce leaves or spinach for extra greenery.
Don't use margarine. In the past, we would coat both sides of the bread with a thick layer of margarine before putting the sandwiches in the pan. Here's an alternative to that method. Use butter or non-stick cooking spray for the frying pan. You can enjoy the taste of butter without worrying about the calorie content. Another option is to bake the sandwich in the oven. Use a baking sheet and coat both sides of the bread with butter spray. Bake the cheese sandwiches in a preheated 425 oven for about 6 minutes on each side.
Grilled cheese sandwiches have a new look. By adding meat, spices, and vegetables, the sandwich becomes a meal in itself. Involve your kids in the preparation. Let them make their own sandwiches.
