Few foods are as comforting, satisfying, and universally loved as the humble grilled cheese. Whether you’re whipping one up for a quick lunch, late-night snack, or pairing it with a warm bowl of tomato soup, grilled cheese recipes are the perfect blend of crispy, gooey, and golden-brown goodness. But did you know there’s so much more to grilled cheese than just white bread and cheddar?
From gourmet twists to international flavors, this guide brings you 21 irresistible grilled cheese recipes to satisfy every craving. Whether you’re a purist or an adventurous foodie, you’ll find a grilled cheese here worth melting over.
1. Classic American Grilled Cheese
Let’s start with the original. This recipe sticks to the basics: soft white bread, slices of American cheese, and butter on the outside. Cook it in a pan over medium heat until golden on both sides. This is the nostalgic sandwich many of us grew up with—and it’s still a favorite.
Pro Tip: Use mayonnaise on the outside instead of butter for an extra-crispy crust.
2. Triple Cheese Grilled Cheese
Want the ultimate cheese pull? Combine mozzarella, sharp cheddar, and fontina. The mozzarella gives that stretchy melt, cheddar adds tang, and fontina brings buttery richness.
Best Bread: Sourdough or Texas toast.
3. Bacon Grilled Cheese
Add crispy bacon strips between the layers of cheese before grilling. The saltiness of the bacon complements the melted cheese beautifully.
Optional Upgrade: A smear of garlic aioli adds an extra layer of flavor.
4. Tomato Basil Grilled Cheese
Inspired by the caprese salad, this version includes slices of fresh tomato, basil leaves, and mozzarella. Add a drizzle of balsamic glaze after grilling for a gourmet finish.
5. Jalapeño Popper Grilled Cheese
This one’s for spice lovers! Mix cream cheese with diced jalapeños and shredded cheddar. Spread it between slices of hearty white bread and grill until bubbly.
Pro Tip: Add bacon for even more flavor.
6. Avocado Grilled Cheese
Layer mashed or sliced avocado with provolone or Monterey Jack cheese. The creamy texture of the avocado pairs perfectly with melty cheese.
Best Bread: Multigrain or whole wheat for added texture.
7. Caramelized Onion Grilled Cheese
Cook onions low and slow until golden and sweet, then sandwich them with Swiss or gruyère cheese. This grown-up version is perfect with a glass of red wine.
8. Pesto Mozzarella Grilled Cheese
Spread store-bought or homemade pesto on the inside of the bread, then add fresh mozzarella slices. Grill until the cheese is soft and gooey.
Optional: Add sundried tomatoes for a flavor boost.
9. Pulled Pork Grilled Cheese
Leftover pulled pork? Add it between cheddar slices for a smoky, hearty sandwich that eats like a meal. Serve with barbecue sauce for dipping.
10. Breakfast Grilled Cheese
Stuff your sandwich with scrambled eggs, breakfast sausage or bacon, and cheddar cheese. It’s like a breakfast burrito, but better.
11. Mushroom Swiss Grilled Cheese
Sauté mushrooms in butter and thyme until golden, then layer with Swiss cheese. Earthy, savory, and so satisfying.
12. Philly Cheesesteak Grilled Cheese
Thinly sliced steak, sautéed onions and peppers, and provolone cheese between toasted hoagie-style bread make this a hearty twist on the grilled cheese.
13. Apple and Brie Grilled Cheese
Sliced apples and creamy brie cheese create a sweet and savory flavor explosion. Drizzle with honey for a touch of elegance.
14. Buffalo Chicken Grilled Cheese
Mix shredded rotisserie chicken with buffalo sauce and layer with blue cheese or ranch dressing and mozzarella. This sandwich is spicy, creamy, and indulgent.
15. Mac and Cheese Grilled Cheese
Yes, this is as over-the-top as it sounds. Stuff creamy mac and cheese between slices of cheddar and grill until crisp. Carb lovers, this one’s for you.
16. Pizza Grilled Cheese
Mozzarella, pepperoni, and a spoonful of marinara sauce make this sandwich taste just like pizza. Use Italian bread for the full effect.
17. Ham and Cheese Melt
Layer thinly sliced ham with Swiss or cheddar cheese. For a French twist, add Dijon mustard and use brioche bread.
18. Spinach Artichoke Grilled Cheese
Combine chopped spinach, artichoke hearts, cream cheese, and mozzarella. It’s like your favorite dip in sandwich form.
19. BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese
Shredded BBQ chicken paired with Monterey Jack or cheddar cheese gives this sandwich a smoky, sweet twist. Add red onion slices for crunch.
20. Turkey Cranberry Grilled Cheese
Leftovers never tasted so good. Turkey slices, cranberry sauce, and melted Gouda come together for a post-holiday dream sandwich.
21. Vegan Grilled Cheese
Dairy-free eaters can still enjoy melty goodness with vegan cheeses like cashew-based cheddar or coconut oil slices. Add sautéed veggies or avocado for a boost.
Tips for the Best Grilled Cheese Every Time
No matter which grilled cheese recipe you try, follow these tips to get that perfect melt:
- Low and Slow: Cook on medium-low heat to avoid burning the bread before the cheese melts.
- Grate Your Cheese: Shredded cheese melts more evenly than sliced.
- Choose the Right Bread: Crusty sourdough, soft white, or whole grain all offer different textures—pick what suits your flavor combo.
- Add Crunch: Layer in something crispy like bacon, pickles, or even potato chips for texture contrast.
- Butter or Mayo the Outside: Both work well for golden, crunchy crusts. Mayo often gives more even browning.
What to Serve with Grilled Cheese
Pair your grilled cheese sandwich with:
- Tomato Soup: A classic combo.
- Pickles: Cuts through the richness.
- Coleslaw: Adds cool crunch.
- Salad: A light green salad balances out a rich sandwich.
- Fries or Chips: Because why not?
Final Thoughts
Grilled cheese is more than just a sandwich—it’s a canvas for creativity. Whether you’re in the mood for something spicy, sweet, savory, or indulgent, these grilled cheese recipes will inspire you to experiment beyond the basics. Try a new version each week, or mix and match ingredients to invent your own ultimate grilled cheese masterpiece.