Dive into the world of great sandwiches with our curated list of the top 22 grilled cheese variations. From classic cheese pairings to vegan delights and tropical surprises, our guide promises to help you find what you are looking for.
Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a culinary newbie, these recipes blend comfort with innovation, making them a must-try for every grilled cheese aficionado.
1. Grilled Cheese with Tomato and Basil
A Taste of Summer
Sun-kissed tomatoes and aromatic basil take your traditional grilled cheese to new heights. The natural sweetness of tomatoes combined with the savory cheese offers a bite of summer in every mouthful.
Perfect For Lunch
Consider this your go-to for a swift, yet exquisite lunch. With ripe tomatoes and fresh basil leaves sandwiched between your favorite cheese, you’re in for a treat that’s both light and flavorful.
Tips & Twists
While mozzarella complements the tomato-basil duo beautifully, feel free to experiment with other cheeses. And if you’re feeling extra adventurous, add a drizzle of balsamic reduction before grilling.
2. Spicy Jalapeño Grilled Cheese
Heat Things Up
Turn up the heat with this spicy twist on the classic. The addition of jalapeño gives your sandwich a fiery kick, providing a pleasant contrast with the creamy, melted cheese.
A Must-Try for Spice Lovers
If you live for all things spicy, this grilled cheese is tailored just for you. The combination is not just about heat but also about enhancing flavors.
Personalize Your Heat Level
Remember, you can always adjust the spiciness to suit your preference. Use fewer jalapeños or remove the seeds for a milder flavor, or add some spicy mayo to intensify the heat.
3. Apple and Brie Grilled Cheese
Sweet Meets Savory
The crispy apple slices paired with the creamy Brie make for a harmonious fusion of sweet and savory in this unique grilled cheese variation.
Ideal for a Fall Treat
When the leaves begin to turn, and apples are abundant, transform your sandwich into a seasonal delight that embodies the essence of fall.
Versatile & Flexible
While Brie and apple is a winning combination, you can always explore using other soft cheeses or even adding a sprinkle of cinnamon for an extra layer of flavor.
4. Bacon and Avocado Grilled Cheese
A Modern Classic
Bacon and avocado come together in this modern take on the grilled cheese sandwich. The crispy bacon and smooth avocado textures make every bite a delightful experience.
Elevate Your Lunch Game
This isn’t your everyday grilled cheese. It’s a rich, flavorful experience that feels like a gourmet lunch, yet it’s so easy to make.
Add Your Favorites
You can always sprinkle in some chili flakes for heat or even toss in some tomatoes for added freshness. This sandwich is both versatile and delicious.
5. Gruyere and Caramelized Onion Grilled Cheese
A Touch of Sophistication
Elevate your grilled cheese with the refined flavors of Gruyere cheese and caramelized onions. The nutty, melt-in-the-mouth Gruyere perfectly complements the sweet, soft onions.
Perfect for Dinner
Looking for a more sophisticated grilled cheese for a relaxed dinner? This combination won’t disappoint and pairs beautifully with a glass of wine.
Tweak to Your Liking
Feel free to add ingredients like sautéed mushrooms or a touch of grainy mustard to further enhance the flavors.
Read also: 24 Best Sides For Soup
6. Goat Cheese and Honey Grilled Cheese
A Delicate Balance
Experience a delightful balance of tangy goat cheese with the natural sweetness of honey. It’s a delicate yet bold flavor profile that’s sure to impress.
Great for Snacking
When you’re in the mood for a light snack that’s both savory and sweet, this grilled cheese has got you covered.
Enhance With Additions
Adding some walnuts or cranberries can introduce a crunchy texture and an added layer of flavor to this already delicious combination.
7. Blue Cheese and Pear Grilled Cheese
An Unexpected Delight
The tangy blue cheese paired with sweet, ripe pears creates an unexpected but delightful taste profile, offering a gourmet touch to the classic sandwich.
A Light Dinner Option
Whether you’re looking for a quick meal or something to satisfy those late-night cravings, this sandwich delivers both taste and comfort.
Customizable Combinations
Feel free to use other fruits like apples or even add some crunchy walnuts or arugula for a varied texture and flavor.
8. Spinach and Artichoke Grilled Cheese
Dip Turned Sandwich
Take the beloved flavors of the classic spinach and artichoke dip and sandwich them between two slices of crispy bread. It’s comfort food at its finest.
Wholesome and Flavorful
Not only is this sandwich delicious, but it also incorporates veggies, making it a more balanced option.
Elevate the Experience
Consider adding some roasted garlic or red pepper flakes for an extra burst of flavor.
9. Pesto and Mozzarella Grilled Cheese
Italian Flair
Infuse your sandwich with the flavors of Italy by adding rich pesto and melted mozzarella to your grilled cheese.
Perfect For Any Time
Whether it’s lunch, dinner, or a midday snack, this combination is both satisfying and mouth-watering.
Twist it Up
For a varied flavor, consider adding sun-dried tomatoes or even some sliced chicken.
10. Cheddar, Ham, and Apple Butter Grilled Cheese
Sweet and Savory Fusion
The savory taste of ham, the sharpness of cheddar, and the sweet touch of apple butter come together for a multi-layered flavor experience.
Brunch Ready
Perfect for a laid-back brunch, pair it with some fresh juice or even a mimosa.
Flexible and Tasty
If you’re not a fan of ham, turkey is a great substitute, offering a slightly different but equally tasty flavor profile.
11. Swiss Cheese and Corned Beef Grilled Cheese
From Deli to Griddle
Transform the essence of a deli sandwich into a delectable grilled cheese, celebrating the fusion of Swiss cheese and corned beef.
Hearty and Filling
This sandwich is sure to keep you full, making it perfect for a substantial lunch or dinner.
Play with Flavors
Consider adding some sauerkraut or even a smear of mustard to introduce additional layers of taste.
12. Feta, Olive, and Tomato Grilled Cheese
Mediterranean Inspired
Take a trip to the Mediterranean with this unique grilled cheese sandwich. The salty feta, tangy olives, and juicy tomatoes create a refreshing bite.
Perfect for a Light Lunch
This sandwich delivers taste without feeling too heavy, making it a great choice for a midday meal.
Expand the Palette
Feel free to add cucumbers, red onions, or even a sprinkle of oregano for added depth and flavor.
13. Provolone, Pepperoni, and Pizza Sauce Grilled Cheese
Pizza in a Sandwich
When you can’t decide between pizza or a sandwich, this grilled cheese offers the perfect solution by combining the best of both.
A Hit with Kids
A guaranteed hit at family dinners, especially with the younger crowd.
Your Pizza, Your Way
Customize it with your favorite pizza toppings, from mushrooms to bell peppers or even some pineapple for a tropical twist.
14. Vegan Grilled Cheese with Avocado
Plant-Based Deliciousness
Who said grilled cheese can’t be vegan and delicious? With vegan cheese and creamy avocado, this sandwich will impress vegans and non-vegans alike.
Healthy and Cruelty-Free
Enjoy the classic comfort of grilled cheese without any animal products, all while benefiting from the healthy fats of avocado.
Personalize Your Plant-Based Sandwich
Add some vegan bacon or tomatoes for an extra burst of flavor and texture.
15. Monterey Jack and Pineapple Grilled Cheese
Tropical Twist
Let the sweet and tangy flavors of pineapple take center stage, paired harmoniously with the melting goodness of Monterey Jack.
Summertime Favorite
Perfect for a sunny day, this sandwich will transport you to a tropical paradise with each bite.
Grill to Perfection
For an authentic experience, consider grilling the pineapple slices before adding them to your sandwich.
16. Brie and Raspberry Jam Grilled Cheese
Elegantly Sweet and Savory
Melted Brie cheese and raspberry jam offer a luxurious combination that’s both sophisticated and scrumptious.
A Brunch Delight
Elevate your brunch game with this luscious pairing, perfect with a side of fresh fruit or a mimosa.
Berry Variations
Switch up the jam – consider using blackberry, strawberry, or even apricot for a delightful variation.
Read also: 30 Pecan Recipes
17. Pepper Jack and Jalapeño Grilled Cheese
Spicy Delight
For those who like it hot, the kick of jalapeños combined with the spicy melt of pepper jack is just the ticket.
A Fiery Lunch
Pair it with some cool guacamole or sour cream to balance out the heat.
Adjust to Your Heat Preference
You can deseed the jalapeños for less heat, or add some spicy sauce for an extra kick.
18. Vegan Smoked Gouda and Tomato Grilled Cheese
Plant-Based Smokiness
Enjoy the depth of smoked Gouda without the dairy, paired perfectly with the fresh burst of tomato slices.
Healthy and Satisfying
Feel good indulging in this dairy-free grilled cheese option that doesn’t skimp on flavor.
Elevate the Experience
Add some fresh basil leaves or a sprinkle of vegan parmesan for added zest.
19. Fontina, Mushroom, and Thyme Grilled Cheese
Earthy and Aromatic
The combination of melted fontina, earthy mushrooms, and aromatic thyme creates a grilled cheese that’s both comforting and sophisticated.
Perfect Autumnal Meal
This grilled cheese is reminiscent of cozy evenings by the fireplace.
Variations
Consider using different mushrooms like portobello or shiitake for varied flavors and textures.
20. Havarti, Apple, and Walnut Grilled Cheese
Crunchy and Creamy
Experience the creaminess of melted Havarti juxtaposed with the crunch of apples and walnuts.
A Lunchtime Favorite
It’s a sandwich that brings texture and flavor in every bite, ideal for a midday meal.
Tweak to Taste
Switch out the apple for pear or consider adding a touch of honey for sweetness.
21. Camembert, Cranberry, and Arugula Grilled Cheese
Bitter, Sweet, and Creamy
The creamy camembert paired with the tangy cranberries and peppery arugula makes for a sandwich that’s a riot of flavors.
A Festive Choice
Perfect for the holidays, or any day you want to feel festive.
Additions
Try adding some toasted pecans or swapping out the cranberries for fig jam for a delightful twist.
22. Swiss, Ham, and Pineapple Grilled Cheese
Tropical Meets Traditional
The traditional combination of ham and Swiss gets a tropical update with the addition of sweet pineapple slices.
Brunch Special
Serve this at brunch for a sandwich that’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Enhancements
Add a touch of stone-ground mustard or a hint of brown sugar glaze to balance out the flavors perfectly.
Conclusion
As we wrap up our delectable journey through the realm of grilled cheese sandwiches, we hope you’ve discovered some mouth-watering gems to add to your culinary repertoire. Remember, the beauty of these sandwiches lies in their versatility, so don’t shy away from tweaking the recipes to suit your palate. Happy grilling and here’s to many cheesy, golden-brown delights ahead!
