21 Best Grilled Cheese Recipes for a Twist on the Classic Sandwich
They're ooey gooey perfection!
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You can't go wrong with a classic grilled cheese! From the golden crunch of the bread to the ooey gooey, cheesy center—this is one sandwich recipe that anyone would love. In fact, grilled cheese is the ultimate family-friend lunch or dinner (especially when served with a bowl of tomato soup). So, how do you take a childhood favorite and make it into something more creative? We've got the answers with the ultimate grilled cheese recipes. Here, you'll find fun twists on the comfort food favorite, including pizza grilled cheese, grilled cheese roll ups, and a grilled cheese made with apple, bacon, and cheddar. Of course, we've got a few simple grilled cheese recipes, too, including an air fryer recipe and one made on a sheet pan.
If you're wondering what the secret is to a perfect grilled cheese recipe, the answer is simple: start with the basics. Choose from your favorite type of bread (wheat, white, challah, sourdough). Then, find the best cheese for making a grilled cheese—American cheese is a classic but fontina, gruyère, and Havarti are great options, too. Finally, slather your bread with butter or mayonnaise to get a crispy, golden exterior—and you'll be in grilled cheese heaven! If you want to take things up a notch, you can always add some fun embellishments like fig jam, pesto, or bacon. For Ree Drummond, adding mustard to her Irish grilled cheese gives it a zing that's perfect when paired gooey melted cheddar cheese. But after browsing this list of recipes, you'll want to try them all!
Air Fryer Grilled Cheese
Your air fryer is great for making French fries crispy so why not use it for a crispy grilled cheese, too?! This recipe is so simple, you'll be wondering why you never thought of it before!
Get the Air Fryer Grilled Cheese recipe.
Loaded Grilled Cheese
This loaded grilled is sweet, savory, and oh so satisfying thanks to the potato chips, bacon, and raspberry jam. It's a combination that takes dinner to the next level!
Get the Loaded Grilled Cheese recipe.
Pesto Caprese Panini
A panini is basically an Italian version of a grilled cheese. It can be pressed in a panini maker or cooked on a grill pan or skillet.
Get Ree's Pesto Caprese Panini recipe.
Ultimate Grilled Cheese Sandwich
A grilled cheese that you can eat for breakfast? Sign us up! This one is loaded with crispy bacon, avocado, two types of cheese, and a runny egg.
Get the Ultimate Grilled Cheese recipe.
Patty Melt
According to Ree, "a patty melt is a beautiful, luscious, delicious cross between a grilled cheese and a hamburger." And it's so divine!
Get Ree's Patty Melt recipe.
Green Goddess Grilled Cheese
A grilled cheese is indulgent so adding some greens to the sandwich is always a good idea. In this case, the melty mozzarella cheese is layered with spinach, avocado, asparagus, and green goddess spread.
Get the Green Goddess Grilled Cheese recipe at The Modern Proper.
Buffalo Chicken Grilled Cheese
Put leftover rotisserie chicken to good use with this hearty grilled cheese sandwich made with buffalo chicken, monterey jack cheese, blue cheese crumbles, and jalapeño bread. It's the perfect lunch for game day!
Get the Buffalo Chicken Grilled Cheese recipe at Foodie Crush.
Pizza Grilled Cheese
This grilled cheese has all the flavors of a classic pizza: Marinara, mozzarella, pepperoni, and basil. Serve with additional pizza sauce for dipping!
Grilled Cheese Roll Ups
These cute bites make it even easier to dip your grilled cheese into your soup of choice. Plus, they're great for a party appetizer or grab-and-go snack!
Get the Grilled Cheese Roll Ups recipe at Spend with Pennies.
Apple Bacon Cheddar Grilled Cheese
The combination of smoky bacon and sweet apples makes this grilled cheese one you'll never forget. Look for extra sharp cheddar cheese which melts easily and pairs well with the other flavorful ingredients in this sandwich.
Get the Apple Bacon Cheddar Grilled Cheese recipe at Britney Breaks Bread.
Irish Grilled Cheese
You don't have to be Irish to make this melty grilled cheese! It uses typical Irish ingredients like zingy Irish mustard and aged Irish cheddar cheese. Serve it up with a pint of your favorite Irish beer.
Get Ree's Irish Grilled Cheese recipe.
Everything Cheddar Tomato Bacon Grilled Cheese
This tomato and bacon-filled grilled cheese is coated in a thick layer of butter, parmesan cheese, and everything bagel seasoning so it has a flavorful crunch.
Get the Everything Cheddar Tomato Bacon Grilled Cheese recipe at Half Baked Harvest.
Corned Beef Grilled Cheese
This hearty sandwich is made with corned beef, Swiss cheese, caramelized onions, and buttery toasted rye bread. It's delicious on it's own but would be great with a bag of potato chips and a pickle, too.
Brie Grilled Cheese with Fig Jam
Everyone knows that when you melt brie cheese, it becomes a decadent ooey-gooey delight. The same goes for when it's on a grilled cheese! Pair it with fig jam and apples for a hint of sweetness.
Get the Brie Grilled Cheese with Fig Jam recipe at Honest and Tasty.
Sheet Pan Grilled Cheese
Serving a crowd? Don't worry! With this method for making grilled cheese, you can cook multiple sandwiches at once!
Mini Grilled Cheese Sandwiches
These adorable grilled cheese sandwiches are made with slices of baguette so they're the perfect bite-sized snack. Serve them up at your next dinner party for a fun twist on a grown-up grilled cheese appetizer.
Get the Mini Grilled Cheese Sandwiches recipe at The Girl on the Bloor.
Jalapeño Popper Grilled Cheese
Anyone who can handle a bit of heat will love this jalapeño grilled cheese. But don't worry, it has plenty of creamy cheese to balance out all that spice.
Creamy Tomato Soup with Grilled Cheese Croutons
This classic combo gets a cute makeover with these adorable mini grilled cheese "croutons." Just toss them right into your tomato soup for the ultimate comfort food.
Get the Creamy Tomato Soup with Grilled Cheese Croutons recipe at Damn Delicious.
BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese
This grilled cheese is a great way to use up leftover rotisserie chicken. Add barbecue sauce, Havarti cheese, and buttery, garlicky French bread and dinner is served.
Philly Cheesesteak Grilled Cheese
Piled between these two slices of toasted bread are layers of tender steak, melty provolone cheese, and grilled peppers and onions. Yum!
Get the Philly Cheesesteak Grilled Cheese recipe at Fox Valley Foodie.
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