15 Grilled Cheese Sandwich Recipes to Give Lunch a Boost
From better cheeses, to crafty additions, these recipes are sure to please!
Come lunchtime, it doesn't get easier than grilled cheese — especially if you've got young'uns. But making the same sandwich over and over can also get a little repetitive — especially if you've got young'uns. Get the creative juices flowing with a dozen (plus some) upgraded grilled cheese recipes.
These ideas range from the simple (swap the cheddar for fontina and add a tomato) to gourmet (that Croque Madame with a fried egg and béchamel sauce). Any one of these will fill your belly — but more importantly, they'll also delight your taste buds!
The Ultimate Grilled Cheese with Tomato
Come summer, when tomatoes are in abundance in our gardens or at the farmers' market, we're adding them to just about anything.
But this quick and delicious sandwich is always one of our very first go-to recipes. The secret? Fontina cheese, which melts just perfectly. And, remember: mayonnaise, not butter, is the secret to a crispy, toasted exterior.
Ina Garten's Cheddar & Chutney Grilled Cheese Sandwiches
When the Barefoot Contessa recommends something, we always give it a try! And her combo of grated cheddar and mango chutney is hard to beat — especially paired with a bowl of her creamy tomato bisque!
Salami and Cheese Panini
Our favorite grilled cheese always has so much more than cheese in it. This version contains sharp mustard, peppery radicchio, nutty Jarlsburg, and hard salami.
Ham and Pimiento Grilled Cheese
Think of this as your favorite comfort food sandwich with a Southern twist.
Croque Madames
Leave it to the French to concoct an over-the-top grilled cheese this good. Grated Gruyere cheese, sliced ham, a béchamel sauce — and just to make it a little extra, a fried egg on top!
Tuna Melt
Of course, one of the great things about a grilled cheese is just how uncomplicated it is. This simple sandwich is a step up from your standard tuna salad.
Jalapeño-Popper Grilled Cheese
Bacon, jack cheese, and jalapeño jelly turn your standard grilled cheese into the iconic appetizer!
Louisville Hot Brown
This throwback open-faced sandwich, made with bacon and a white cheddar sauce, is like the grandpa to grilled cheese.
Pear and Gouda Grilled Cheese
Sweet, juicy pears and the slightly nutty flavor of Gouda cheese are a perfectly sophisticated flavor pairing in this fancy-pants grilled cheese.
Caprese Grilled Cheese
Turn your favorite Italian salad into a substantial lunch by layering mozzarella, tomatoes, fresh basil, and garlic between two slices of buttered bread.
Get the recipe for Caprese Grilled Cheese at Cooking Classy.
Balsamic-Roasted Broccoli and Red Pepper Grilled Cheese
Bring a farm-to-table feel to your grilled cheese sandwich by using lots of fresh vegetables alongside cheese and bread.
Get the recipe for Balsamic-Roasted Broccoli and Red Pepper Grilled Cheese at Cookie and Kate.
Frico Grilled Cheese Sandwich
Ever thought of putting cheese on the outside of your sandwich? Warning: Try this recipe and you'll never make grilled cheese the same way again.
Get the recipe for Frico Grilled Cheese Sandwich at Smitten Kitchen.
Cauliflower Grilled Cheese
You've never had grilled cheese like this before! The best part? It's practically guilt-free thanks to gluten-free pan-fried cauliflower patties that replace the bread.
Get the recipe for Cauliflower Grilled Cheese at Delish.
Pear, Bacon, and Brie Grilled Cheese
Combine creamy cheese, sweet pears, and crispy bacon for the ultimate sweet and savory sandwich.
Get the recipe for Pear, Bacon, and Brie Grilled Cheese at Running to the Kitchen.
Garlic Confit and Baby Arugula Grilled Cheese
A soft and spreadable garlic confit adds the perfect amount of flavor to every bite of this ooey, gooey sandwich.
Get the recipe for Garlic Confit and Baby Arugula Grilled Cheese at Food & Style.
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