For a toasted sandwich upgrade that’s packed with smoky flavor and protein, try adding smoked salmon to your grilled cheese. It’s true, there are plenty of grilled cheese upgrades out there — like adding hot dogs to your grilled cheese and tips for the crispiest grilled cheese sandwiches ever; and bacon and ham are commonly added to toasted cheese sandwiches for a protein boost. But, as with many twists on classic foods, it pays to think outside the box. While maybe not your go-to meat for making toasted sandwiches, smoked salmon has tremendous flavor that can elevate your grilled cheese and wow your taste buds. One might think of it as a toasted, cooked version of a lox bagel. Purchase smoked salmon from the fish market or simply pick up a package of pre-sliced smoked salmon from the grocery store to layer between your cheese and bread.
Grilled cheese is great on its own, but adding a protein can make it more filling and more tasty. Salmon is a rich source of protein, with about 25 grams per 3.5 ounces (which is about the typical size of a small single fillet). Not only will it help you fill you up, but it also happens to be a great source of omega-3 fatty acids. Ultimately, however, adding salmon to your grilled cheese is about impressing your taste buds like no other grilled cheese can. The key to perfection is pairing it with the right type of cheese and bread.
Upgrade your cheese and bread for the best flavor
Choosing the right type of bread and cheese for your smoked salmon grilled cheese can make all the difference. Wedging smoked salmon between two pieces of plain white bread with a slice of Kraft cheese isn’t going to give you the results you’re looking for. Instead, opt for artisan bread with a bit more flavor and texture, like crusty, tangy sourdough, buttery brioche, rich pumpernickel, or nutty deli rye.
Once you have your favorite bread, choose a cheese that matches the smoky flavor of the salmon. Gruyère is a creamy, nutty, cheese that pairs well with salmon and is known for melting well, making it perfect for a gooey grilled cheese. Fresh mozzarella and baby Swiss are also good choices for salmon grilled cheese. Add a smear of cream cheese with your mozzarella for the creamy upgrade your grilled cheese is missing.
To boost the flavor of your toasted sandwich even more, consider adding extras like chives, avocado, dill, and lemon zest. For perfectly toasted grilled cheese, try a sandwich maker like the Tasty Mini Sandwich Maker or the larger Hamilton Beach Panini Press to make multiple sandwiches.
