Peruse this list of grilled cheese ideas with a frying pan close at hand. You'll want to griddle up a sandwich ASAP after looking through our recipes.
I’ve been searching for novel grilled cheese ideas for years—ever since I spectated (and sampled at) the Wisconsin Grilled Cheese Championship. I discovered that the best grilled cheese sandwich has a medley of different flavors and textures: toasted bread, melty cheese, tart jam, fresh fruit and pickled vegetables. This list of grilled cheese recipes has all those things and more.
Feeling adventurous? Host a build-your-own grilled cheese night. Set out two or three different kinds of sliced bread, cheeses, homemade jams, fresh vegetables and whatever else might be good in a sandwich. See what combinations your guests come up with! This list is a great place to start.
1/35
The Best Ever Grilled Cheese Sandwich
From the Recipe Creator:
Spreading a mixture of mayo and butter on the bread creates a delightfully crispy crust with the well-loved, wonderful flavor of butter one expects on a grilled cheese sandwich. —Josh Rink, Taste of Home Food Stylist
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 659 calories, 49g fat (27g saturated fat), 122mg cholesterol, 1017mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 24g protein.
2/35
Chili Crisp Grilled Cheese
From the Recipe Creator:
Level up your grilled cheese with some chili crisp. It adds a nice heat that goes perfectly with the melty, buttery grilled cheese. —Josh Rink, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 618 calories, 45g fat (24g saturated fat), 106mg cholesterol, 1174mg sodium, 32g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 1g fiber), 21g protein.
3/35
Blackberry Grilled Cheese Sandwich
From the Recipe Creator:
If you’re looking for a gourmet grilled cheese recipe, your search is over. With five kinds of cheese and fresh blackberries, this sandwich is impressive enough to serve to guests.—Josh Rink, Taste of Home Food Stylist
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 674 calories, 50g fat (27g saturated fat), 122mg cholesterol, 1018mg sodium, 34g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 3g fiber), 25g protein.
4/35
Waffled Grilled Cheese
From the Recipe Creator:
Sometimes I just want something tasty and unique for lunch. I thought I could create a grilled cheese sandwich in a single-serve waffle maker using flavors that I enjoy together—and the result was a grilled cheese sandwich that's popping with flavor! —Ronna Farley, Rockville, Maryland
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 485 calories, 29g fat (17g saturated fat), 89mg cholesterol, 923mg sodium, 33g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 4g fiber), 25g protein.
5/35
Kimchi Grilled Cheese
From the Recipe Creator:
Grilled cheese is one of my favorite ways to use up a jar of kimchi! I like to caramelize the kimchi in the pan before adding it to the sandwich. Caramelizing adds a subtle sweetness and tames the funk just enough to concentrate kimchi's signature umami character. —Lindsay Mattison, Beaverton, Oregon
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 469 calories, 41g fat (15g saturated fat), 71mg cholesterol, 796mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 15g protein.
6/35
French Onion Grilled Cheese
From the Recipe Creator:
This ooey-gooey grilled cheese tastes just like a steaming bowl of comforting French onion soup. —Lauren Habermehl, Pewaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 796 calories, 46g fat (25g saturated fat), 124mg cholesterol, 2000mg sodium, 62g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 3g fiber), 35g protein.
7/35
Grilled Cheese, Ham and Apple Sandwich
From the Recipe Creator:
In this stepped-up version of a ham and cheese sandwich, melty cheeses, crispy apples and smoky ham are the ultimate combination. —Josh Rink, Taste of Home Food Stylist
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 725 calories, 50g fat (27g saturated fat), 141mg cholesterol, 1415mg sodium, 37g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 2g fiber), 32g protein.
8/35
Samosa Grilled Cheese Sandwiches
From the Recipe Creator:
I created a fun spin on traditional grilled cheese by adding samosa flavors. This vegetarian sandwich is hearty, comforting and flavorful and will satisfy even the pickiest eater. —Chetna Macwan, Monroeville, Alabama
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 514 calories, 37g fat (17g saturated fat), 76mg cholesterol, 1712mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 4g fiber), 18g protein.
9/35
Grilled Pimiento Cheese Sandwiches
From the Recipe Creator:
Rich and creamy pimiento cheese is a southern favorite. It makes this grilled pimiento cheese sandwich shine, especially when sweet hot pepper jelly is added. —Amy Freeze, Avon Park, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 869 calories, 52g fat (28g saturated fat), 105mg cholesterol, 1856mg sodium, 70g carbohydrate (19g sugars, 2g fiber), 27g protein.
10/35
Grilled Cheese with Cream Cheese
From the Recipe Creator:
These gooey grilled cheese sandwiches taste great for lunch with sliced apples. And they're really fast to whip up too. Here's how to make grilled cheese the right way. —Kathy Norris, Streator, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 646 calories, 50g fat (18g saturated fat), 84mg cholesterol, 885mg sodium, 32g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 16g protein.
11/35
Fig, Caramelized Onion and Goat Cheese Panini
From the Recipe Creator:
A taste of this sandwich whisks you to the Italian countryside. It combines sweet honey, dried figs, tangy goat cheese, nutty Asiago and salty prosciutto. We often pack it in our picnic basket for summer or fall outings. —Maria Brennan, Middlebury, Connecticut
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 572 calories, 31g fat (18g saturated fat), 108mg cholesterol, 1144mg sodium, 52g carbohydrate (25g sugars, 5g fiber), 26g protein.
12/35
Burger Grilled Cheese
From the Recipe Creator:
Cheeseburgers served grilled cheese-style on white bread are a go-to meal for us. Dunk in a side of ketchup and you're golden! —Anna Miller, Churdan, Iowa
Nutrition Facts:
1 cheeseburger: 800 calories, 57g fat (31g saturated fat), 187mg cholesterol, 1209mg sodium, 32g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 39g protein.
13/35
Grilled Cheese, Bacon and Oven-Dried Tomato Sandwich
From the Recipe Creator:
Take your grilled cheese sandwich to a place it's never been before with crispy bacon, tangy tomatoes and five—yes, five!—types of cheese. —Josh Rink, Taste of Home Food Stylist
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 659 calories, 49g fat (27g saturated fat), 125mg cholesterol, 1017mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 24g protein.
14/35
Grilled Cheese and Pepperoni Sandwich
From the Recipe Creator:
Who doesn't love a good grilled cheese sandwich recipe? This super decadent version comes fully loaded with pepperoni and five types of cheese. —Josh Rink, Taste of Home Food Stylist
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 719 calories, 55g fat (29g saturated fat), 134mg cholesterol, 1207mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 27g protein.
15/35
Mushroom Grilled Cheese
From the Recipe Creator:
Give your favorite grilled cheese sandwich a boost with the addition of earthy portobello mushrooms. This savory recipe takes this portobello mushroom sandwich into gourmet territory. —Josh Rink, Taste of Home Food Stylist
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 797 calories, 62g fat (31g saturated fat), 138mg cholesterol, 1143mg sodium, 35g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 3g fiber), 26g protein.
16/35
Grilled Cheese and Pickled Onion Sandwich
From the Recipe Creator:
If you’re looking to add a little bite to your classic grilled cheese recipe, look no further than pickled onions. We love sandwiching a few inside this sandwich for a touch of acidity and some foodie flair. —Josh Rink, Taste of Home Food Stylist
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 668 calories, 49g fat (27g saturated fat), 122mg cholesterol, 1122mg sodium, 32g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 24g protein.
17/35
Air-Fryer Grilled Cheese
From the Recipe Creator:
The air fryer is a genius way to make these golden, toasty sandwiches. I think this method gets the cheese the gooiest. If I'm making only one, I'll also pop a few fries in with the sandwich. —Edie DeSpain, Logan, Utah
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 791 calories, 59g fat (29g saturated fat), 150mg cholesterol, 1470mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 37g protein.
18/35
Grilled Cheese
From the Recipe Creator:
Want to know the secret to making the ultimate grilled cheese sandwich? Use more than one cheese! This recipe uses sharp, tangy cheddar and creamy, savory American cheese to make the flavors really pop in the comforting classic. —Julie Andrews, Rockford, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 510 calories, 32g fat (19g saturated fat), 89mg cholesterol, 1000mg sodium, 34g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 2g fiber), 20g protein.
19/35
Bacon Grilled Cheese Sandwich
From the Recipe Creator:
Bacon lovers, this one’s for you! Overflowing with cheese and crispy bacon, this grilled cheese recipe is so hearty, you won’t even need a side of tomato soup. —Josh Rink, Taste of Home Food Stylist
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 767 calories, 57g fat (29g saturated fat), 145mg cholesterol, 1405mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 32g protein.
20/35
Avocado Grilled Cheese
From the Recipe Creator:
Who doesn’t love a grilled cheese sandwich? This version kicks it up a notch with avocado, tons of cheese and extra-crispy bread. —Josh Rink, Taste of Home Food Stylist
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 773 calories, 60g fat (28g saturated fat), 122mg cholesterol, 1023mg sodium, 36g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 6g fiber), 26g protein.
21/35
Sun-Dried Tomato Grilled Cheese Sandwich
From the Recipe Creator:
Grilled cheese is a classic quick and easy meal. I love experimenting with different combinations. This is one of my favorites. —Jessie Apfe, Berkeley, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 491 calories, 31g fat (14g saturated fat), 67mg cholesterol, 942mg sodium, 37g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 3g fiber), 19g protein.
22/35
Green Chile Grilled Cheese Melt
From the Recipe Creator:
My daughter created a masterpiece with her ultimate grilled cheese and chiles sandwich. Want more heat? Use a 4-ounce can of diced jalapenos instead of the mild green chiles. —Julia Huntington, Cheyenne, Wyoming
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 431 calories, 29g fat (15g saturated fat), 70mg cholesterol, 730mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 15g protein.
23/35
Pesto Grilled Cheese
From the Recipe Creator:
I made up this recipe for students in the foods and nutrition class I teach. The kids like it so much, they often go home and fix it for their families. —Beth Hiott, York, South Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 445 calories, 27g fat (10g saturated fat), 35mg cholesterol, 759mg sodium, 32g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 2g fiber), 20g protein.
24/35
Bacon Grilled Cheese
From the Recipe Creator:
This bacon sandwich with Dijon mustard and two kinds of cheese is the perfect combo of creamy-melty filling and crispy, buttery bread. —Sharon Delaney-Chronis, South Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 743 calories, 51g fat (22g saturated fat), 124mg cholesterol, 1263mg sodium, 36g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 37g protein.
25/35
Bistro Apple Panini
From the Recipe Creator:
My family loves panini press recipes. The bacon, apple and tarragon in this recipe go together so well. If you don’t have a panini maker or an indoor grill, you can easily pan-fry or broil these excellent sandwiches. —Noelle Myers, Grand Forks, North Dakota
Nutrition Facts:
1 panini: 512 calories, 25g fat (12g saturated fat), 62mg cholesterol, 1235mg sodium, 50g carbohydrate (13g sugars, 2g fiber), 22g protein.
26/35
Pizza Grilled Cheese
From the Recipe Creator:
I give grilled cheese a special treatment by using slices of mozzarella cheese and adding delicious extras like pepperoni and fresh tomatoes. Dipped in warm pizza sauce, this will be a fast favorite! —Mary Monaco, Columbus, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 495 calories, 31g fat (16g saturated fat), 79mg cholesterol, 1121mg sodium, 33g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 22g protein.
27/35
Chiles Rellenos Grilled Cheese
From the Recipe Creator:
Since my early days of cooking, one thing hasn’t changed: I still love to make these zippy grilled chile relleno sandwiches. —Gladys Hill, Qulin, Missouri
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich (calculated without salsa): 388 calories, 22g fat (12g saturated fat), 194mg cholesterol, 713mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 2g fiber), 16g protein.
28/35
Athenian Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwiches
From the Recipe Creator:
Mozzarella and feta cheese make one delicious duo in this upscale grilled cheese that also features tender Athenian chicken and fresh herb flavor. —Michael Cohen, Los Angeles, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 605 calories, 36g fat (13g saturated fat), 112mg cholesterol, 918mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 3g fiber), 41g protein.
29/35
Basil-Tomato Grilled Cheese
From the Recipe Creator:
The tastes of summer abound in this easy Italian-style grilled cheese sandwich. Not only is it delicious, it's super fast so you can get back to those outdoor summer activities. —Sylvia Schmitt, Sun City, Arizona
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 467 calories, 27g fat (9g saturated fat), 34mg cholesterol, 723mg sodium, 34g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 23g protein.
30/35
Gourmet Grilled Cheese with Date-Bacon Jam
From the Recipe Creator:
This sandwich doubles up on melty cheese, but the star of the show is the sweet and salty date-bacon jam. It makes for a truly grown-up version of grilled cheese. —Kathy Cooper, Tucson, Arizona
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 572 calories, 33g fat (19g saturated fat), 97mg cholesterol, 1015mg sodium, 45g carbohydrate (14g sugars, 3g fiber), 25g protein.
31/35
Pulled Pork Grilled Cheese
From the Recipe Creator:
My family combined two of our favorite things: pulled pork and grilled cheese sandwiches. This recipe is super fast and easy when you use store-bought pulled pork. —Crystal Jo Bruns, Iliff, Colorado
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 605 calories, 29g fat (13g saturated fat), 74mg cholesterol, 1406mg sodium, 53g carbohydrate (22g sugars, 2g fiber), 29g protein.
32/35
Makeover Deluxe Grilled Cheese
From the Recipe Creator:
You might not have known healthy grilled cheese was possible. With a few simple tricks, we actually boosted the fantastic toasty taste of these mouthwatering sandwiches but slashed the fat, calories and cholesterol to less than half! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 225 calories, 12g fat (6g saturated fat), 30mg cholesterol, 400mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 12g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 medium-fat meat, 1 starch.
33/35
Stuffed Jalapeno Grilled Cheese
From the Recipe Creator:
Not your ordinary grilled cheese, these sandwiches are all grown up! Made with a comforting combination of jalapenos, roasted garlic, cream cheese, bacon and provolone, they please just about all adults—and even adventurous kids! —Melissa Haines, Valparaiso, Indiana
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 519 calories, 35g fat (17g saturated fat), 87mg cholesterol, 1009mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 4g fiber), 23g protein.
34/35
Apple-White Cheddar Grilled Cheese
From the Recipe Creator:
On rainy days when we need comfort food in a hurry, I toast sandwiches of cinnamon-raisin bread with white cheddar, apple and red onion. They also are totally tasty made with vegan cheese and olive oil instead of butter! —Kathy Patalsky, New York, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 456 calories, 27g fat (14g saturated fat), 75mg cholesterol, 616mg sodium, 37g carbohydrate (13g sugars, 5g fiber), 20g protein.
35/35
Ham and Brie Grilled Cheese
From the Recipe Creator:
Melty cheese, ham and apricot preserves offer a special change of pace from the classic grilled cheese. These quick, crispy sandwiches remind me of baked Brie. —Bonnie Bahler, Ellington, Connecticut
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 500 calories, 27g fat (16g saturated fat), 104mg cholesterol, 1208mg sodium, 39g carbohydrate (14g sugars, 3g fiber), 27g protein.
Grilled Cheese Ideas FAQ
What can I add to grilled cheese to make it taste better?
The easiest way to make a grilled cheese taste more flavorful is to upgrade the cheese. Extra-sharp cheddar, Gruyere, Brie, smoked Gouda and pepper jack strike the perfect balance between flavor and meltability. You can also add simple flavor bombs, like fresh chopped herbs, caramelized onions, Dijon mustard, pickled veggies or chili crisp, to the sandwich.
Should I use butter or mayo to toast a grilled cheese?
Ultimately, it is up to you. Some people swear by using mayo to make grilled cheese because it offers better flavor, texture and a golden hue. However, if you prefer the flavor of butter and don’t mind spending an extra minute or two toasting your grilled cheese, butter is still a great option.
What pairs best with grilled cheese?
To complete the meal, I like to pair grilled cheese with tomato soup or a simple side salad and potato chips. There’s nothing better when you want a cozy, comforting meal.
