Swap Your Grilled Cheese Bread For Garlic Naan And Thank Us Later

One of the greatest things about grilled cheese — besides the pure joy of that first bite and the ensuing cheese-pull — is its simplicity. You can whip one up with a handful of basic ingredients in a matter of minutes, or you can treat it as an opportunity to get creative with those few elements. Swapping out your usual sliced white bread is a super easy way to instantly upgrade your sandwich, and there's no better alternative than garlic naan. This flat, chewy bread from India may seem like an unusual choice, but it combines the best of two comfort foods from different countries. Every bite is pillowy soft and packed with flavor from the garlic, which adds bright, fresh notes that contrast with the mild taste of the cheese and bread.

For an even better grilled cheese, consider incorporating additional Indian ingredients into each part of the sandwich. Instead of throwing a pat of butter into your frying pan, opt for ghee or coconut oil for a rich, lightly crispy exterior. You can also use paneer, a fresh cheese traditionally eaten in India. One thing to be aware of, however, is that every cheese has a different melting point — while the cheddar often called for in a classic grilled cheese recipe will melt to a stretchy consistency, paneer will stay firm, yet slightly squishy with a texture similar to mushrooms.

For a quick meal, you can buy your naan from a local grocery store or Indian restaurant, but if you want to go the extra mile and boost flavor, you can make garlic cilantro naan from scratch. Take inspiration from Junoon's famous spiced cheese naan, and sprinkle herbs and spices — such as sumac, dried thyme, oregano, and toasted sesame seeds — between the bread and cheese to add layers of complexity in terms of both taste and texture.

Naan makes a great companion for all kinds of dipping sauces, so be sure to pick up or prepare some sides, such as raita or coconut chutney. Indian-style pickled onions or mangos can offer a pleasant pop of acidity in between bites, too. As with a traditional American grilled cheese, this international version also pairs well with all kinds of soup. You can stick with a classic tomato soup, or consider something with Indian spices, like a creamy curry soup made by blending vegetables such as carrots or cauliflower with coconut milk.