26 Best Grilled Cheese Ideas
Updated: Jul. 22, 2024
Peruse this list of grilled cheese ideas with a frying pan close at hand. You'll want to griddle up a sandwich ASAP after looking through our recipes.
I’ve been searching for novel grilled cheese ideas for years—ever since I spectated (and sampled) at the Wisconsin Grilled Cheese Championship. I discovered that the best grilled cheese sandwich has a medley of different flavors and textures: toasted bread, melty cheese, tart jam, fresh fruit and pickled vegetables. This list of grilled cheese recipes has all of that and more.
Feeling adventurous? Host a build-your-own grilled cheese night. Set out two or three different kinds of sliced bread, cheeses, homemade jams, fresh vegetables and whatever else might be good in a sandwich. See what combinations your guests come up with! This list is a great place to start.
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The Best Ever Grilled Cheese Sandwich
Spreading a mixture of mayo and butter on the bread creates a delightfully crispy crust with the well-loved, wonderful flavor of butter one expects on a grilled cheese sandwich.—Josh Rink, Taste of Home Food Stylist
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Blackberry Grilled Cheese Sandwich
If you’re looking for a gourmet grilled cheese recipe, your search is over. With five kinds of cheese and fresh blackberries, this sandwich is impressive enough to serve to guests.—Josh Rink, Taste of Home Food Stylist
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Air-Fryer Grilled Cheese
Our air-fryer grilled cheese has a perfectly crisped outside and a melty, gooey inside thanks to the air fryer’s efficient air circulation.
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Grilled Cheese, Ham and Apple Sandwich
In this stepped-up version of a ham and cheese sandwich, melty cheeses, crispy apples and smoky ham are the ultimate combination. —Josh Rink, Taste of Home Food Stylist
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Grilled Pimiento Cheese Sandwiches
Rich and creamy pimiento cheese is a southern favorite. It makes this grilled pimiento cheese sandwich shine, especially when sweet hot pepper jelly is added. —Amy Freeze, Avon Park, Florida
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Cuban Sandwich
This Cuban sandwich isn't your typical sub sandwich. With two kinds of pork, melted Swiss cheese, pickles and mustard pressed between two toasty pieces of bread, the picture-perfect Cubano will have you wanting more.
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Fig, Caramelized Onion and Goat Cheese Panini
A taste of this sandwich whisks you to the Italian countryside. It combines sweet honey, dried figs, tangy goat cheese, nutty Asiago and salty prosciutto. We often pack it in our picnic basket for summer or fall outings. —Maria Brennan, Middlebury, Connecticut
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Grilled Cheese, Bacon and Oven-Dried Tomato Sandwich
Take your grilled cheese sandwich to a place it's never been before with crispy bacon and tangy tomatoes and five—yes, five!—types of cheese. —Josh Rink, Taste of Home Food Stylist
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Grilled Cheese and Pepperoni Sandwich
Who doesn't love a good grilled cheese sandwich recipe? This super decadent version comes fully loaded with pepperoni and five types of cheese!—Josh Rink, Taste of Home Food Stylist
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Grilled Cheese and Mushroom Sandwich
Give your favorite grilled cheese sandwich a boost with the addition of earthy portobello mushrooms. This savory recipe takes this portobello mushroom sandwich into gourmet territory. —Josh Rink, Taste of Home Food Stylist
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Grilled Cheese and Pickled Onion Sandwich
If you’re looking to add a little bite to your classic grilled cheese recipe, look no further than pickled onions. We love sandwiching a few inside this sandwich for a touch of acidity and some foodie flair. —Josh Rink, Taste of Home Food Stylist
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Bacon Grilled Cheese Sandwich
Bacon lovers, this one’s for you! Overflowing with cheese and crispy bacon, this grilled cheese recipe is so hearty, you won’t even need a side of tomato soup. —Josh Rink, Taste of Home Food Stylist
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Avocado Grilled Cheese
Who doesn’t love a crunchy, gooey grilled cheese sandwich? This avocado grilled cheese version kicks it up several notches with avocado, five different cheeses and a secret for extra-crispy bread.
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Sun-Dried Tomato Grilled Cheese Sandwich
Grilled cheese is a classic quick and easy meal. I love experimenting with different combinations. This is one of my favorites. —jessie Apfe, Berkeley, California
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Green Chile Grilled Cheese Melt
My daughter created a masterpiece with her ultimate grilled cheese and chiles sandwich. Want more heat? Use a 4-ounce can of diced jalapenos instead of the mild green chiles. —Julia Huntington, Cheyenne, Wyoming
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Pesto Grilled Cheese
Grilled cheese doesn't have to be boring! Our pesto grilled cheese recipe features pesto spread on the bread, plus two kinds of cheese. A savory marinara sauce on the side makes these sandwiches even more delicious. Enjoy!
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Grilled Cheese Sandwiches with Tomato
You can also use your imagination to come up with other grilled cheese sandwich ideas, such as chives, a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese or Italian seasoning, and even a spoonful of salsa. —Edie DeSpain, Logan, Utah
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Bistro Apple Panini
My family loves panini press recipes. The bacon, apple and tarragon in this recipe go together so well. If you don’t have a panini maker or an indoor grill, you can easily pan-fry or broil these excellent sandwiches.—Noelle Myers, Grand Forks, North Dakota
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Athenian Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwiches
Mozzarella and feta cheese make one delicious duo in this upscale grilled cheese that also features tender Athenian chicken and fresh herb flavor. —Michael Cohen, Los Angeles, California
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Rotisserie Chicken Panini
This ooey-gooey, melty delight is packed with bacon, chicken, cheese and just enough lemon to tickle your taste buds. Other chicken panini recipes don't compare!—Terri McCarty, Oro Grande, California
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Basil-Tomato Grilled Cheese
The tastes of summer abound in this easy Italian-style grilled cheese sandwich. Not only is it delicious, it's super-fast, so you can get back to those summer outdoor activities. —Sylvia Schmitt, Sun City, Arizona
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Gourmet Grilled Cheese with Date-Bacon Jam
This sandwich doubles up on melty cheese, but the star of the show is the sweet and salty date-bacon jam. It makes for a truly grown-up version of grilled cheese. —Kathy Cooper, Tucson, Arizona
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Pulled Pork Grilled Cheese
My family combined two of our favorite things: pulled pork and grilled cheese sandwiches. This recipe is super fast and easy when you use store-bought pulled pork. —Crystal Jo Bruns, Iliff, Colorado
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Stuffed Jalapeno Grilled Cheese
Not your ordinary grilled cheese, these sandwiches are all grown up! Made with a comforting combination of jalapenos, roasted garlic, cream cheese, bacon and provolone, they please just about all adults—and even adventurous kids! —Melissa Haines, Valparaiso, Indiana
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Apple-White Cheddar Grilled Cheese
On rainy days when we need comfort food in a hurry, I toast sandwiches of cinnamon-raisin bread with white cheddar, apple and red onion. They also are totally tasty made with vegan cheese and olive oil instead of butter! —Kathy Patalsky, New York, New York
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Grilled Cheese Bun Burgers
My husband loves both my grilled cheese and my iron-skillet burgers, so I decided to combine them in this grilled cheese bun burger. He said it was the best meal he ever ate. —Lisa Allen, Joppa, AlabamaGrilled Cheese Ideas FAQ
What is the secret to a good grilled cheese sandwich?
In my opinion, the secret to a good grilled cheese sandwich is crisp, toasty bread. I butter one side of two slices of bread, assemble my sandwich, and then griddle over medium-low heat until golden. The flip is tricky to execute, but a good spatula works wonders. Some people swear by using mayo to make grilled cheese instead of butter for a richer flavor.
How do I upgrade my classic grilled cheese?
For a quick upgrade to American cheese on white bread, add in a slice or two of ripe tomato. For a more ambitious upgrade, test out sandwiches with unexpected types of cheeses.
What is grilled cheese best paired with?
To complete the meal, I like to pair grilled cheese with tomato soup or a simple side salad. There’s nothing better for a simple night in.
Originally Published: March 29, 2019
