While making a grilled cheese sandwich in the microwave may not give you the same crispy texture as using a stovetop or toaster, you can still achieve a decent result without burning it or having unevenly melted cheese. Here's a step-by-step guide to making a microwave grilled cheese sandwich:
Ingredients:
- 2 slices of bread
- Butter or margarine (softened)
- Cheese slices or grated cheese
- Optional: any additional fillings you like (e.g., ham, tomato, bacon)
Instructions:
Butter the bread: Take one slice of bread and spread a thin layer of softened butter or margarine on one side. This will help prevent the bread from becoming too dry during microwaving.
Assemble the sandwich: Place the buttered side down on a microwave-safe plate or a microwave-safe paper towel. Add a layer of cheese (or any additional fillings you desire) on top of the bread.
Add the second slice of bread: Place the second slice of bread on top of the cheese, buttered side facing up. This will create a sandwich with the buttered sides on the outside.
Microwave the sandwich: Place the microwave-safe plate with the sandwich in the microwave. You can optionally cover the sandwich with a microwave-safe cover or another microwave-safe plate to trap steam, which can help melt the cheese more evenly.
Microwave settings: Set the microwave to medium power (around 50-60%) to prevent the bread from getting too crispy too quickly. Cooking at a lower power level allows the cheese to melt more evenly without overcooking the bread. If your microwave does not have power level settings, you can try microwaving in short bursts (e.g., 20-30 seconds) to avoid overheating.
Cook in intervals: Microwave the sandwich in short intervals (e.g., 20-30 seconds at a time) and check the progress after each interval. Be careful not to overcook, as the cheese might become rubbery.
Check for even melting: After each interval, inspect the cheese to ensure it's melting evenly. If you notice any spots with unmelted cheese, use a knife or a spatula to gently press down on those areas to help distribute the heat evenly.
Continue microwaving as needed: Keep microwaving in short intervals until the cheese is fully melted and the bread is warm. The total cooking time will depend on your microwave's power and the thickness of the sandwich.
Let it rest: Once the cheese has melted to your liking, carefully remove the plate from the microwave (it may be hot) and let the sandwich rest for a minute or two before slicing and serving. This will help the sandwich set and prevent the cheese from oozing out immediately.
Remember that microwave wattages vary, so you may need to experiment a bit to find the perfect cooking time for your sandwich. By using lower power settings and short intervals, you can minimize the risk of burning or unevenly melted cheese while making a grilled cheese sandwich in the microwave.