Ah, the humble grilled cheese sandwich. It’s a classic comfort food that never goes out of style, and for good reason – when done right, it’s a melty, gooey, crunchy masterpiece. But let’s be real, we’ve all had our fair share of disappointing grilled cheeses: the ones with too little cheese, not enough crunch, or just plain old boring flavor.
That’s why we’re excited to introduce you to our 18 Irresistible Cheesy Grilled Cheese Recipes – a collection that will take your lunch game to the next level. From classic combinations like cheddar and bacon to more adventurous pairings like jalapeño popper-inspired cheesy goodness, we’ve got a grilled cheese for every taste and craving.
In this article, we’ll be sharing our favorite recipes that are sure to satisfy even the most discerning palates. So go ahead, get ready to elevate your grilled cheese game, and join us on this cheesy journey!
Classic Cheddar Grilled Cheese
A comforting classic that never goes out of style, this grilled cheese sandwich features melted cheddar goodness between two slices of buttery bread.
Ingredients:
– 2 slices of white bread
– 1-2 tablespoons of unsalted butter, softened
– 2 slices of sharp cheddar cheese (about 1 ounce each)
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Butter one side of each bread slice.
2. Place one slice of bread, buttered side down, in a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat.
3. Place one slice of cheese on top of the bread.
4. Place the second bread slice, buttered side up, on top of the cheese.
5. Cook for 2-3 minutes or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese starts to melt.
6. Carefully flip the sandwich over and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes or until the other side is also golden brown.
7. Remove from heat and let cool for a minute before serving.
Cooking Time: Approximately 5-6 minutes per side, depending on desired level of cheese melting.
Bacon and Avocado Grilled Cheese
Elevate your grilled cheese game with the creamy richness of avocado and the smoky savory flavor of bacon.
Ingredients:
– 2 slices of bread (white or whole wheat)
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
– 2 slices of cooked bacon, crumbled
– 1 ripe avocado, mashed
– 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. Butter one side of each bread slice.
3. Place one slice of bread, butter-side down, on the grill.
4. Top with crumbled bacon, mashed avocado, and shredded cheese.
5. Place the second bread slice, butter-side up, on top.
6. Cook for 2-3 minutes or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
7. Flip and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
Cooking Time: Approximately 4-6 minutes
Tomato Basil Grilled Cheese
Tomato Basil Grilled Cheese: Elevate your grilled cheese game with this fresh and flavorful recipe!
Ingredients:
– 2 slices of bread (white or whole wheat)
– 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1/4 cup of sliced tomatoes
– 1 tablespoon of butter
– 1/4 cup of chopped fresh basil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium heat.
2. Butter one side of each bread slice.
3. Place one bread slice, butter-side down, on the grill.
4. Top with shredded mozzarella cheese, sliced tomatoes, and chopped basil.
5. Place the second bread slice, butter-side up, on top of the filling.
6. Cook for 2-3 minutes or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
7. Flip the sandwich over and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes or until the other side is also golden brown.
Cooking Time: 4-5 minutes total
Enjoy your delicious Tomato Basil Grilled Cheese!
Garlic Butter Grilled Cheese
Elevate your grilled cheese game with this simple yet flavorful recipe that combines the richness of butter, pungency of garlic, and melted goodness of cheese.
Ingredients:
– 2 slices of bread (white or whole wheat)
– 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, softened
– 1 clove of garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons grated cheddar cheese (or your preferred type)
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat.
2. Butter one side of each bread slice with the softened butter.
3. Spread the minced garlic evenly on the unbuttered side of one bread slice.
4. Place the other bread slice, butter-side up, on top of the garlic.
5. Sprinkle the grated cheese over the garlic.
6. Cook for 2-3 minutes or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
7. Flip the sandwich over and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes or until the other side is also golden brown.
Cooking Time: 4-5 minutes
Pesto and Mozzarella Grilled Cheese
Elevate your grilled cheese game with the creamy combination of pesto, mozzarella, and crispy bread.
Ingredients:
– 2 slices of Italian bread (or similar)
– 1/4 cup of pesto
– 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter, divided
– 2 slices of fresh mozzarella cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat.
2. Butter one side of each bread slice.
3. Spread 1/8 cup of pesto on the unbuttered side of one bread slice.
4. Top with mozzarella cheese.
5. Place the other bread slice, buttered side up, on top.
6. Cook for 2-3 minutes or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
7. Carefully flip and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes or until the other side is also toasted.
Cooking Time: 4-6 minutes
Jalapeño Popper Grilled Cheese
Elevate your grilled cheese game with this spicy twist! This Jalapeño Popper Grilled Cheese combines the creaminess of melted cheddar and cream cheese with the bold heat of jalapeños, all wrapped up in a crispy bread package.
Ingredients:
– 2 slices of white bread
– 1/4 cup of cream cheese, softened
– 1/4 cup of shredded cheddar cheese
– 1-2 jalapeños, sliced
– 1 tablespoon of butter
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. Butter one side of each bread slice.
3. Spread cream cheese on the unbuttered side of one bread slice.
4. Top with shredded cheddar cheese, sliced jalapeños, and another bread slice (buttered side up).
5. Grill for 2-3 minutes or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
6. Flip and grill for an additional 2-3 minutes or until the other side is also toasted.
Cooking Time: 4-6 minutes
Mac and Cheese Grilled Cheese
Elevate your grilled cheese game with this creamy twist on a classic favorite. By adding cooked macaroni and cheese to the mix, you’ll create a gooey, comforting sandwich that’s sure to satisfy.
Ingredients:
– 2 slices of bread (white or whole wheat)
– 1/4 cup cooked macaroni
– 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat.
2. Butter one side of each bread slice.
3. Place one bread slice, butter-side down, in the skillet.
4. Top with cooked macaroni, shredded cheddar cheese, and another buttered bread slice (butter-side up).
5. Cook for 2-3 minutes or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
6. Carefully flip the sandwich over and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes or until the other side is also golden brown.
7. Remove from heat and let cool for a minute before serving.
Cooking Time: 4-6 minutes
French Onion Grilled Cheese
Elevate your grilled cheese game with the rich flavors of caramelized onions and melted cheese. This recipe combines sweet and savory notes to create a mouthwatering sandwich.
Ingredients:
– 2 slices of bread (white or whole wheat)
– 1/4 cup caramelized onions (see note)
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
– 2 slices of cheese (such as Gruyère, Swiss, or Cheddar)
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. Butter one side of each bread slice.
3. Place one slice of bread, butter-side down, on the grill.
4. Top with a slice of cheese, some caramelized onions, and another slice of cheese.
5. Place the second bread slice, butter-side up, on top.
6. Cook for 2-3 minutes or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
7. Flip and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
Cooking Time: 4-6 minutes
Buffalo Chicken Grilled Cheese
A twist on the classic grilled cheese, this Buffalo chicken grilled cheese combines spicy buffalo chicken with melted cheddar and creaminess from ranch dressing.
Ingredients:
– 2 slices of white bread
– 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/4 cup cooked, shredded chicken ( buffalo style)
– 2 tbsp ranch dressing
– 1 tsp hot sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)
– Lettuce and tomato for topping (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat.
2. Butter one side of each bread slice.
3. Place one slice, butter-side down, in the skillet.
4. Top with shredded cheese, buffalo chicken, and ranch dressing.
5. Drizzle hot sauce on top of the filling.
6. Place the second slice of bread, butter-side up, on top.
7. Cook for 2-3 minutes or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
8. Flip and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
9. Serve hot with lettuce and tomato if desired.
Cooking Time: 5-6 minutes
Apple and Brie Grilled Cheese
Elevate your grilled cheese game with the sweet and savory combination of caramelized apples and creamy brie.
Ingredients:
– 2 slices of artisanal bread (such as baguette or ciabatta)
– 1/4 cup of brie cheese, softened
– 1/2 apple, sliced (Granny Smith or Fuji work well)
– 1 tablespoon of butter, divided
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: honey or thyme for added flavor
Instructions:
1. Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. Butter one side of each bread slice.
3. Place one slice, buttered-side down, on the grill.
4. Top with a layer of brie cheese, followed by sliced apples and a pinch of salt and pepper.
5. Place the second bread slice, buttered-side up, on top.
6. Cook for 2-3 minutes or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
7. Flip and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, until the other side is also golden brown.
Cooking Time: Approximately 5-6 minutes total
Spinach and Artichoke Grilled Cheese
Spinach and Artichoke Grilled Cheese Recipe
A twist on the classic grilled cheese, this recipe adds a creamy spinach and artichoke filling to take your lunch game to the next level.
Ingredients:
– 2 slices of bread (white or whole wheat)
– 1/4 cup cream cheese, softened
– 1/4 cup cooked spinach, drained
– 1/4 cup canned artichoke hearts, chopped
– 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions:
1. Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium heat.
2. In a small bowl, mix together the cream cheese, spinach, artichoke hearts, and mayonnaise until well combined.
3. Butter one side of each bread slice.
4. Place one slice of bread, butter-side down, on the grill.
5. Spread half of the spinach-artichoke mixture on top of the bread.
6. Sprinkle with half of the mozzarella cheese.
7. Top with the second slice of bread, butter-side up.
8. Cook for 2-3 minutes or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
9. Flip and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
10. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 4-6 minutes
Reuben Style Grilled Cheese
Elevate your grilled cheese game with this Reuben-inspired twist, featuring the classic combination of corned beef, sauerkraut, and Swiss cheese on rye bread.
Ingredients:
– 2 slices of rye bread
– 1/4 cup of corned beef, thinly sliced
– 1 tablespoon of butter
– 1 slice of Swiss cheese
– 1/4 cup of sauerkraut, drained
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat.
2. Butter one side of each bread slice.
3. Place one bread slice, butter-side down, in the skillet.
4. Top with corned beef, Swiss cheese, and sauerkraut.
5. Place the second bread slice, butter-side up, on top.
6. Cook for 2-3 minutes or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
7. Flip and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes or until the other side is also golden brown.
Cooking Time: 4-6 minutes
BBQ Pulled Pork Grilled Cheese
Elevate your grilled cheese game with this mouthwatering combination of tender pulled pork and melted cheddar.
Ingredients:
– 4 slices of bread (white or whole wheat)
– 1/2 cup BBQ pulled pork
– 2 tablespoons butter, divided
– 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
– 1 tablespoon brown sugar
Instructions:
1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
2. Butter one side of each bread slice.
3. Place one slice of bread, butter-side down, on the grill.
4. Spoon 1/4 cup of pulled pork onto the bread, followed by 1/2 cup of shredded cheese.
5. Top with another slice of bread, butter-side up.
6. Grill for 2-3 minutes or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
7. Flip and grill for an additional 2 minutes or until the other side is also toasted.
8. Sprinkle with brown sugar and serve immediately.
Cooking Time: Approximately 5-6 minutes per sandwich, depending on your grill temperature.
Caprese Grilled Cheese
Elevate your grilled cheese game with the flavors of Italy! This Caprese-inspired twist combines creamy mozzarella, sweet tomatoes, and fragrant basil on toasted bread.
Ingredients:
– 2 slices of rustic bread (such as ciabatta or baguette)
– 1 large tomato, sliced into 1/4-inch thick rounds
– 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter, softened
– 2 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced into thin rounds
– 1/4 cup of fresh basil leaves, chopped
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. Butter one side of each bread slice.
3. Place one bread slice, buttered side down, on the grill.
4. Top with a tomato round, a mozzarella slice, and a sprinkle of basil leaves.
5. Place the second bread slice, buttered side up, on top of the filling.
6. Cook for 2-3 minutes or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
7. Flip and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
8. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 4-6 minutes
Pepperoni Pizza Grilled Cheese
Elevate your grilled cheese game with this creative take that combines the flavors of pizza and cheese. This Pepperoni Pizza Grilled Cheese is sure to become a new favorite!
Ingredients:
– 2 slices of bread (white or whole wheat)
– 1-2 slices of pepperoni
– 1-2 tablespoons of marinara sauce
– 2 slices of mozzarella cheese
– 1 tablespoon of butter, divided
Instructions:
1. Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. Butter one side of each bread slice.
3. Place one slice of bread, buttered side down, on the grill.
4. Top with a slice of mozzarella cheese, a few slices of pepperoni, and a dollop of marinara sauce.
5. Place the second slice of bread, buttered side up, on top.
6. Cook for 2-3 minutes or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
7. Flip and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes or until the other side is also golden brown.
Cooking Time: 4-5 minutes
Blue Cheese and Pear Grilled Cheese
Elevate your grilled cheese game with this sweet and savory combination of creamy blue cheese, ripe pear, and buttery bread.
Ingredients:
– 2 slices of artisanal bread (such as brioche or baguette)
– 1/4 cup crumbled blue cheese
– 1 ripe pear, sliced into thin wedges
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. Butter one side of each bread slice.
3. Place one bread slice, butter-side down, on the grill.
4. Top with blue cheese crumbles, pear slices, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
5. Place the second bread slice, butter-side up, on top.
6. Cook for 2-3 minutes or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
7. Flip and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
Cooking Time: Approximately 4-5 minutes per side.
Ham and Swiss Grilled Cheese
Classic Ham and Swiss Grilled Cheese Recipe
Elevate your grilled cheese game with the combination of savory ham and melted Swiss cheese.
Ingredients:
– 2 slices of bread (white or whole wheat)
– 2 tablespoons of butter, softened
– 2 slices of cooked ham, thinly cut
– 2 slices of Swiss cheese, shredded
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat.
2. Butter one side of each bread slice.
3. Place one bread slice, buttered-side down, in the skillet.
4. Top with a slice of ham, followed by a slice of Swiss cheese.
5. Place the second bread slice, buttered-side up, on top.
6. Cook for 2-3 minutes or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
7. Flip and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes or until the other side is also golden brown.
Cooking Time: Approximately 5-6 minutes
Truffle Mushroom Grilled Cheese
Elevate your grilled cheese game with the earthy flavor of truffles and the richness of sautéed mushrooms.
Ingredients:
– 2 slices of artisanal bread (such as brioche or challah)
– 1/4 cup grated truffle gouda cheese
– 1/4 cup caramelized onions
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
– 2 cups mixed mushrooms (such as cremini, shiitake, and oyster), sliced
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh thyme leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. Butter one side of each bread slice.
3. Place one slice, butter-side down, on the grill.
4. Top with truffle gouda cheese, caramelized onions, and sautéed mushrooms.
5. Place the second bread slice, butter-side up, on top.
6. Cook for 2-3 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.
7. Flip and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes or until the other side is also toasted.
8. Remove from heat and let cool slightly before serving.
Cooking Time: 4-5 minutes
Summary
Get ready to elevate your grilled cheese game with these 18 irresistible recipes! From classic combinations like cheddar and butter to bold twists like buffalo chicken and apple and brie, there’s something for everyone. Try adding some crispy bacon and avocado, or go gourmet with truffle mushrooms and blue cheese. Whether you’re in the mood for comfort food or a fancy lunch, these cheesy delights are sure to please.
