Forget Ketchup Or Mustard: This Is The Hands-Down Best Grilled Cheese Condiment

Grilled cheese is a staple of the sandwich canon, and for good reason. It's gooey, toasty, and easy to whip up with a few simple ingredients — and there are so many ways to upgrade basic grilled cheese to meet any taste. As with all beloved comfort food, which ingredients and techniques make the best version are the subject of debate. But when it comes to superlative grilled cheese condiments, there's a strong case to be made for one creamy sauce as the hands-down winner: Kewpie mayonnaise.

It's no secret that mayo's high smoke point and spreadability make it your golden ticket to a perfectly even and toasty grilled cheese crust, but this different variation of mayonnaise from Japan takes things to another level. Kewpie differs from standard American mayo because it has rice vinegar, egg yolks instead of whole eggs, and monosodium glutamate (also known as MSG, which is no longer the bad guy). This gives it a sweeter taste, an extra-velvety texture, and a punch of savory flavor — attributes that really shine in a grilled cheese sandwich. Kewpie's rich combination of egg and oil enhances browning, while the sweet, acidic, and umami flavors pair beautifully with melty cheese and toasty bread.

One of the easiest ways to add Kewpie mayonnaise to a grilled cheese is the classic slather-on-the-outside method. The heat of the pan sets off a Maillard reaction when it comes in contact with the custardy Japanese condiment, creating a mouthwatering caramelized crust. Or, you could go all in and spread the mayo on the inside of your bread as well. This layer of Kewpie will envelop the bread and cheese in extra creaminess and prevent a dry sandwich.

If you are feeling ambitious, you can add a layer of grated parmesan on top of the mayo on the outside of the bread — as the sandwich toasts, the parmesan browns into a crispy, cheesy crust. Additionally, you can amp up the savory flavor with umami-packed fillings, such as mushrooms and tomatoes. No matter how you slice it, Kewpie mayonnaise is clearly a next-level grilled cheese condiment.