Forget Butter: Coconut Oil Is The New Way To Get Ultra-Crispy Grilled Cheese

In the past couple of decades, coconut oil has become a highly favorable and in-demand product. According to Statista, coconut oil consumption in the United States saw a nearly 40% increase from 2002 to 2022. So, it should come as no surprise that it has gained so much traction and maintained its prominence in subsequent years. Whether you include it in a vegetable stir-fry, add it to smoothies, or use it to bake desserts, this superfood has proven incredibly useful. Coconut oil is such a popular plant-based substitute for butter because it provides tremendous flexibility when cooking — it can even transform grilled cheese.

The ideal version of the classic sandwich combines a crunchy, toasted exterior with perfectly melted cheese on the inside. It may seem unconventional, but integrating this trendy, tropical ingredient can help you achieve that desired result, and it all has to do with the plant-based fat's ability to handle high heat. So the next time you make a grilled cheese, try cooking it in coconut oil instead of butter — it will elevate that unbeatable crisp. However, you can't use just any old coconut oil.

Before making grilled cheese, it's important to know the differences between unrefined and refined coconut oil. When it comes to flavor, unrefined coconut oil packs more of a punch, adding a richer coconut taste to your dish. Refined coconut oil has a higher smoke point (around 400 to 450 degrees Fahrenheit). Due to its high smoke point and minimal flavor, this form of fat is optimal for sautéing and frying. For a hassle-free cooking process and deliciously browned grilled cheese, stick to the refined stuff. Because of its elevated smoke point, you can cook your grilled cheese with more intense heat, producing a crispier exterior.

On the other hand, butter has a smoke point of 350 degrees Fahrenheit. So, in contrast, coconut oil may be less likely to burn at higher temperatures. Yet, while it's an excellent alternative to butter, it's worth noting that coconut oil isn't necessarily healthier. It contains approximately 90% saturated fat, whereas butter is made of about 64% saturated fat. However, coconut oil does raise levels of HDL (high-density lipoprotein) cholesterol, which clears out other types of cholesterol from blood vessels, according to Mayo Clinic. As higher HDL cholesterol can help prevent heart disease, coconut oil potentially offers some health benefits.

There are numerous approaches to making grilled cheese. Some foodies prefer sticking to butter, while others like to experiment with less traditional alternatives like mayonnaise as a grilled cheese base. Yet, if you don't like the flavor of these ingredients, or if you have dietary limitations, try using coconut oil. Because it's fully vegan, this oil can be integrated to make a delicious grilled cheese that doesn't include any dairy. 

A vegan grilled cheese with caramelized onions from Food Network provides a creative spin on the classic sandwich. Besides onions and bread, it consists of vegan varieties of popular ingredients — Worcestershire sauce, mayonnaise, and cheddar cheese. And of course, vegetable oil (in this case, coconut oil) is used at the beginning of the process. The cheese and onion-infused sandwich is cooked on a skillet for a few minutes on each side. Once the cheese melts and the bread attains that perfect golden color, you'll be good to go. Just remember to use refined oil for a sandwich that's evenly crispy!

Besides using coconut oil for the crunchiest bite, the key to making a tasty vegan grilled cheese relies on the type of cheese used — and some are even made with coconut oil. Vegan connoisseurs shared their top choices with HuffPost. Certified nutrition coach Gunjan Dudani praised Violife cheddar, noting that it's fortified with vitamin B12. "It melts really well just like regular cheese and stretches equally well," she said.