The humble grilled cheese sandwich – it’s a comfort food classic that never goes out of style. But why settle for just any old grilled cheese when you can take it to the next level with creative combinations of cheeses, meats, and spreads? In this article, we’ll dive into 18 irresistible cheesy grilled cheese recipes that will elevate your lunch game and satisfy your cravings.
From classic combinations like cheddar and bacon to more adventurous pairings like mac and cheese and pulled pork, these mouthwatering sandwiches are sure to delight. Whether you’re in the mood for something simple and satisfying or bold and spicy, we’ve got you covered with our comprehensive guide to cheesy grilled cheese perfection.
Classic Cheddar Grilled Cheese Sandwich
Elevate your lunch game with this comforting and easy-to-make Classic Cheddar Grilled Cheese Sandwich.
Ingredients:
– 2 slices of white bread
– 1-2 tablespoons of butter, softened
– 2 slices of cheddar cheese (sharp or mild, as you prefer)
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat.
2. Butter one side of each slice of bread.
3. Place one slice of bread, butter-side down, in the skillet.
4. Top with a slice of cheddar cheese, followed by the second slice of bread, butter-side up.
5. Cook for 2-3 minutes or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese starts to melt.
6. Carefully flip the sandwich over and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes or until the other side is also golden brown.
7. Remove from heat and let cool for a minute before serving.
Cooking Time: Approximately 4-5 minutes per side, depending on your desired level of toastiness.
Bacon and Avocado Grilled Cheese
Elevate your grilled cheese game with the addition of crispy bacon, creamy avocado, and melted cheddar. This indulgent sandwich is perfect for a satisfying lunch or dinner.
Ingredients:
– 2 slices of bread (white or whole wheat)
– 4 slices of cooked bacon
– 1 ripe avocado, mashed
– 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, divided
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat.
2. Butter one side of each bread slice.
3. Place one bread slice, butter-side down, in the skillet.
4. Top with a slice of bacon, some mashed avocado, and a sprinkle of cheddar cheese.
5. Place the second bread slice, butter-side up, on top.
6. Cook for 2-3 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.
7. Flip and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes or until the other side is also golden brown.
Cooking Time: Approximately 4-5 minutes per sandwich
Tomato Basil Grilled Cheese
Elevate your grilled cheese game with the addition of sweet and tangy tomatoes, fragrant basil, and melted mozzarella. This easy recipe is perfect for a quick lunch or dinner.
Ingredients:
– 2 slices of bread (white or whole wheat)
– 1 ripe tomato, sliced
– 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium heat.
2. Butter one side of each bread slice.
3. Place one slice, butter-side down, on the grill.
4. Top with tomato slices, basil leaves, and mozzarella cheese.
5. Place the second bread slice, butter-side up, on top.
6. Grill for 2-3 minutes or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
7. Flip and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
Cooking Time: 4-6 minutes
Garlic Butter Parmesan Grilled Cheese
Elevate your grilled cheese game with this creamy, savory twist. A perfect blend of melted mozzarella, crispy bread, and rich flavors will leave you craving for more.
Ingredients:
– 2 slices of bread (white or whole wheat)
– 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, softened
– 1 clove garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat.
2. Butter one side of each bread slice with the softened butter.
3. Spread minced garlic on the unbuttered side of one bread slice.
4. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese evenly over the garlic.
5. Place the other bread slice, butter-side up, on top to form a sandwich.
6. Place the sandwich in the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes or until golden brown.
7. Flip and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, until the other side is also golden brown.
8. Remove from heat and sprinkle with shredded mozzarella cheese.
Cooking Time: 4-6 minutes
Spicy Jalapeño Popper Grilled Cheese
Spicy Jalapeño Popper Grilled Cheese Recipe
Get ready to elevate your grilled cheese game with this spicy and savory twist! This recipe combines the creaminess of melted cheddar with the bold flavors of jalapeños and crispy bacon.
Ingredients:
– 2 slices of white bread
– 2 tablespoons of butter, divided
– 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese
– 2-3 sliced jalapeños (depending on desired level of heat)
– 4 slices of cooked bacon, crumbled
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. Butter one side of each bread slice.
3. Place one slice of bread, butter-side down, on the grill.
4. Top with shredded cheddar cheese, sliced jalapeños, and crumbled bacon.
5. Place the second slice of bread, butter-side up, on top of the filling.
6. Cook for 2-3 minutes or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
7. Flip and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes or until the other side is also golden brown.
Cooking Time: 4-5 minutes
Mac and Cheese Grilled Sandwich
Elevate your comfort food game with this creative twist on the classic mac and cheese recipe – now in sandwich form!
Ingredients:
– 2 slices of bread (white or whole wheat)
– 1 cup cooked macaroni and cheese
– 2 tablespoons butter, softened
– 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat.
2. Butter one side of each bread slice.
3. Place one slice of bread, butter-side down, in the skillet.
4. Spoon the macaroni and cheese on top of the bread, leaving a 1/2-inch border around the edges.
5. Top with the second bread slice, butter-side up.
6. Cook for 2-3 minutes or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
7. Flip the sandwich over and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes or until the other side is also golden brown.
Cooking Time: 5-7 minutes
Pesto Mozzarella Grilled Cheese
Pesto Mozzarella Grilled Cheese: Elevate the classic grilled cheese sandwich with the creamy richness of pesto and melted mozzarella cheese!
Ingredients:
– 2 slices of bread (white or whole wheat)
– 1/4 cup of pesto sauce
– 2 tablespoons of butter, divided
– 2 slices of fresh mozzarella cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. Butter one side of each bread slice.
3. Spread a tablespoon of pesto on the unbuttered side of one bread slice.
4. Top with a slice of mozzarella cheese, then place the other bread slice (butter-side up) on top.
5. Place the sandwich on the grill and cook for 2-3 minutes or until golden brown.
6. Carefully flip the sandwich over and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes or until the other side is also golden brown.
7. Remove from heat, season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: Approximately 4-6 minutes
Caramelized Onion and Gruyère Grilled Cheese
Caramelized Onion and Gruyère Grilled Cheese Recipe
Take a classic grilled cheese sandwich to the next level with sweet and savory caramelized onions and creamy Gruyère cheese.
Ingredients:
– 2 large onions, thinly sliced
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1 tablespoon butter
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 4 slices of bread (white or whole wheat)
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
– 2 cups Gruyère cheese, shredded
– Fresh thyme leaves, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat the grill or grill pan to medium-low heat.
2. In a large skillet, cook the onions over low heat for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add sugar and butter, then continue cooking until caramelized.
3. Butter one side of each bread slice.
4. Assemble sandwiches by spreading cheese on unbuttered sides, followed by a spoonful of caramelized onions.
5. Place the sandwiches on the grill and cook for 2-3 minutes or until golden brown.
6. Flip the sandwiches and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes or until crispy.
7. Serve immediately and garnish with fresh thyme.
Cooking Time: 30 minutes to 45 minutes
Buffalo Chicken Grilled Cheese
Elevate your grilled cheese game with this bold and tangy recipe that combines the comfort of melted cheese with the spicy kick of buffalo chicken.
Ingredients:
– 2 slices of bread (white or whole wheat)
– 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1/4 cup cooked, shredded chicken tossed in buffalo sauce
– 1 tablespoon butter
– Lettuce leaves and tomato slices (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat.
2. Butter one side of each bread slice.
3. Place one bread slice, butter-side down, in the skillet.
4. Top with shredded cheese, buffalo chicken, and another bread slice, butter-side up.
5. Cook for 2-3 minutes or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
6. Flip and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes or until the other side is also golden brown.
7. Remove from heat and let cool for a minute before serving.
Cooking Time: 4-5 minutes
Brie and Fig Jam Grilled Cheese
Elevate your grilled cheese game with this sweet and savory combination: Brie and Fig Jam Grilled Cheese!
Ingredients:
– 2 slices of artisanal bread (such as baguette or ciabatta)
– 1 wheel of Brie cheese, softened
– 1-2 tablespoons of fig jam
– 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter, divided
– Fresh thyme leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat a grill pan or skillet over medium-low heat.
2. Butter one side of each bread slice.
3. Place one bread slice, butter-side down, in the pan.
4. Top with Brie cheese and a spoonful of fig jam.
5. Place the second bread slice, butter-side up, on top of the filling.
6. Cook for 2-3 minutes or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
7. Flip and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes or until the other side is also golden brown.
Cooking Time: 4-6 minutes
Garnish with fresh thyme leaves, if desired. Serve warm and enjoy!
Spinach Artichoke Grilled Cheese
Elevate your grilled cheese game with the creamy combination of spinach, artichoke hearts, and melted cheddar.
Ingredients:
– 2 slices of bread (white or whole wheat)
– 1/4 cup cream cheese, softened
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh spinach
– 1/4 cup canned artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
– 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 tablespoon butter
Instructions:
1. Preheat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat.
2. Butter one side of each bread slice.
3. Spread cream cheese on the unbuttered side of one bread slice.
4. Top with spinach, artichoke hearts, and cheddar cheese.
5. Place the other bread slice, buttered side up, on top.
6. Cook for 2-3 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.
7. Flip and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes or until the other side is also golden brown.
Cooking Time: 4-6 minutes
BBQ Pulled Pork Grilled Cheese
Elevate your grilled cheese game with this sweet and savory twist: tender BBQ pulled pork, melted cheddar cheese, and crispy bread come together for a match made in heaven.
Ingredients:
– 1/4 cup BBQ pulled pork
– 2 slices of white bread (toasted or untoasted)
– 1 tablespoon butter
– 1 slice of cheddar cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: additional toppings like diced onions, pickles, or jalapeños
Instructions:
1. Butter one side of each bread slice.
2. Place one slice of bread, butter-side down, on a skillet or griddle over medium heat.
3. Top with BBQ pulled pork, cheddar cheese, and any desired additional toppings.
4. Place the second bread slice, butter-side up, on top of the filling.
5. Cook for 2-3 minutes or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
6. Flip the sandwich over and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes or until the other side is also golden brown.
Cooking Time: Approximately 5-7 minutes per side, depending on heat and desired level of toastiness.
Apple and Cinnamon Grilled Cheese
Elevate your grilled cheese game with this sweet and savory twist! Thinly sliced apples and warm cinnamon spices add a delightful surprise to the classic comfort food.
Ingredients:
– 2 slices of white bread
– 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1/2 apple, thinly sliced
– 1 tsp ground cinnamon
– 1 tbsp unsalted butter
Instructions:
1. Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. Butter one side of each bread slice.
3. Place one slice, butter-side down, on the grill.
4. Top with cheese, apple slices, and cinnamon.
5. Place the second slice, butter-side up, on top.
6. Cook for 2-3 minutes or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
7. Flip and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes or until the other side is also golden brown.
Cooking Time: 5-6 minutes
Enjoy your sweet and savory Apple and Cinnamon Grilled Cheese!
Reuben-Inspired Grilled Cheese
Elevate your grilled cheese game with this creative take on the classic Reuben sandwich. This recipe combines the comforting flavors of corned beef, sauerkraut, and Swiss cheese for a deliciously savory twist.
Ingredients:
– 2 slices of rye bread
– 1 tablespoon of butter
– 2 ounces of corned beef, thinly sliced
– 1/4 cup of sauerkraut, drained
– 1 slice of Swiss cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Butter one side of each slice of rye bread.
2. Place one slice, butter-side down, in a skillet or griddle over medium heat.
3. Top with corned beef, sauerkraut, and Swiss cheese.
4. Place the second slice of rye bread, butter-side up, on top of the filling.
5. Cook for 2-3 minutes or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
6. Flip and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes or until the other side is also golden brown.
Cooking Time: 4-6 minutes
Caprese Grilled Cheese with Balsamic Glaze
This Caprese Grilled Cheese with Balsamic Glaze is a creative twist on the classic comfort food. Fresh mozzarella, ripe tomatoes, and fragrant basil are sandwiched between crispy bread and drizzled with a rich balsamic glaze.
Ingredients:
– 4 slices of bread ( Ciabatta or Focaccia work well)
– 2 large tomatoes, sliced
– 8 oz fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
– 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
– 1/4 cup balsamic glaze (see note)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Butter or non-stick cooking spray for grilling
Instructions:
1. Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. Butter or spray one side of each bread slice.
3. Assemble the sandwiches by placing a tomato slice, a mozzarella slice, and a few basil leaves on one bread slice, then topping with another bread slice.
4. Grill for 2-3 minutes per side, until cheese is melted and bread is toasted.
5. Drizzle balsamic glaze over the grilled cheese and serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 6-8 minutes
Blue Cheese and Pear Grilled Cheese
Elevate your grilled cheese game with this sweet and savory combination of creamy blue cheese, ripe pears, and crispy bread.
Ingredients:
– 2 slices of artisanal bread (such as brioche or challah)
– 1/4 cup crumbled blue cheese (Gorgonzola or Roquefort work well)
– 1 ripe pear, sliced
– 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, softened
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium heat.
2. Butter one side of each bread slice.
3. Place one bread slice, buttered side down, on the grill.
4. Top with a slice of pear, a sprinkle of blue cheese, and another bread slice (buttered side up).
5. Cook for 2-3 minutes or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
6. Flip and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes or until the other side is also golden brown.
7. Remove from heat and let cool for a minute before serving.
Cooking Time: Approximately 5-7 minutes
Ham and Swiss Grilled Cheese with Dijon
Elevate your grilled cheese game with this simple yet satisfying Ham and Swiss Grilled Cheese with Dijon recipe!
Ingredients:
– 2 slices of bread (white or whole wheat)
– 2 tablespoons of butter, divided
– 2 slices of ham (thinly sliced)
– 2 slices of Swiss cheese
– 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat.
2. Butter one side of each bread slice.
3. Place one bread slice, butter-side down, in the skillet.
4. Top with a slice of ham, a slice of Swiss cheese, and a dollop of Dijon mustard.
5. Place the second bread slice, butter-side up, on top of the filling.
6. Cook for 2-3 minutes or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
7. Flip the sandwich over and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes or until the other side is also golden brown.
Cooking Time: 5-6 minutes
Everything Bagel Grilled Cheese
Elevate your grilled cheese game with this creative take on the classic comfort food. The addition of everything bagel seasoning and cream cheese adds a savory, slightly sweet flavor profile that will leave you wanting more.
Ingredients:
– 2 slices of bread (white or whole wheat)
– 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter
– 1/4 cup of cream cheese, softened
– 1/2 teaspoon of everything bagel seasoning
– 2 slices of cheddar cheese (or your preferred cheese)
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Butter one side of each bread slice.
2. Spread a layer of cream cheese on the unbuttered side of one slice.
3. Sprinkle everything bagel seasoning evenly over the cream cheese.
4. Place one slice of cheddar cheese on top of the seasoning.
5. Top with the second bread slice, buttered side up.
6. Grill in a skillet or griddle over medium heat for 2-3 minutes per side, until golden brown and melted.
7. Serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 4-6 minutes
Summary
Get ready to melt into a world of cheesy goodness! These 18 irresistible grilled cheese recipes will take your sandwich game to the next level. From classic cheddar and bacon to more adventurous combinations like buffalo chicken and apple cinnamon, there’s something for every taste bud. Whether you’re looking for a comfort food fix or a creative twist on the classic, these mouthwatering ideas are sure to satisfy your cravings.