I love uncovering new flavors, and grilled cheese sandwiches are the perfect canvas for my experiments. Here are my 12 top grilled cheese sandwich recipes, starting with the classic, an ideal version with a near-magic combination of butter and cheese on a golden-brown sandwich.
Then we move to some fantastic, near-glorious, variations: a Caprese, a Bacon and Avocado, a “Jalapeño Popper,” plus some other brilliant combos.
The 12 Best grill cheese sandwich recipes
1. Classic Grilled Cheese
A comforting, uncomplicated sandwich consists of two slices of bread, butter, and cheddar cheese. To make it, butter the outside of two slices of bread; place them in a frying pan over moderate heat; and fill the interior of the sandwich with cheese.
Season to taste with salt and pepper. Grill the sandwich until the bread is golden brown, and the cheese has melted.
Ingredients
2 slices of bread (e.g., white or sourdough)
2 slices of cheddar cheese
2 tablespoons of unsalted butter, softened
1 pinch of salt (optional)
1 pinch of black pepper (optional)
Instructions
1. A skillet should be heated to medium over a flame before the cooking begins.
2. One tablespoon of butter should be spread on one side of each slice of bread.
3. Take one slice, and place it buttered side down on the skillet. On top of that, you will add your cheese slices. They should go right on top of that first slice of bread. At this point, it is also perfectly reasonable to add some salt and/or pepper.
4. Finish by adding the second slice of bread to the top of the sandwich, with the buttered side facing up. Cook, covered, until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted, about 3–4 minutes per side.
2. Caprese Grilled Cheese
The Caprese Grilled Cheese features layers of fresh mozzarella, sliced tomatoes, and basil leaves—that’s a given. But there’s more.
The bread—sourdough or Italian—is the first major upgrade. The second comes with the balsamic glaze.
Olive oil or butter makes the third. And seasoning makes the fourth.
Ingredients
- Sourdough or Italian bread slices
- Fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
- Tomatoes, sliced
- Fresh basil leaves
- Balsamic glaze
- Olive oil or butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1. A skillet should be heated to medium before starting. Brush with olive oil or spread butter on one side of each slice of bread.
2. On one ungreased side of each slice, layer fresh mozzarella, sliced tomatoes, and basil. A drizzle of balsamic glaze slicked over these ingredients ups the ante. If you prefer a less sweet sandwich, skip the sauce. Either way, complete the layering with a sprinkle of salt and a few cracks of black pepper.
3. Take the remaining slice of bread and place it on top, with the oiled side facing outward. Use care as you move the sandwich it to the skillet that’s been preheated and has oil in the bottom.
4. Toast the sandwich until the outer surface of the bread is golden brown and the cheese is fully melted, which should take about 3-4 minutes per side. Serve it right away.
3. Bacon Avocado Grilled Cheese
Made with bacon that is as crispy as you could want, creamy avocado, and cheddar cheese that is nearly as melty and gooey as the stuff you’d find in your average mac ’n’ cheese, this sandwich comes equipped with everything you could want from a grilled cheese, plus a whole lot more.
Ingredients
4 slices of bread (e.g., sourdough or country loaf)
4 slices of bacon, cooked until crispy
1 ripe avocado, sliced
4 slices of cheddar cheese
2 tablespoons of butter, softened
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1. A skillet should be preheated over medium heat. The softened butter should be spread evenly on one side of each slice of bread.
2. Put together the sandwiches: On the unbuttered side of two pieces of bread, lay down one slice of cheese. Then, on top of the cheese, add the avocado slices, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Put two slices of crispy bacon on top of the avocado; then, add another slice of cheese on top of the bacon. Complete the sandwiches with the remaining bread, buttering the outside of the bread before closing the sandwich.
4. Put the sandwiches into the skillet that has been preheated and cook them until the toasted sides are golden brown and the melted cheese is oozing from within, about 3-4 minutes per side. Serve them right away; they’re way better hot than cold.
4. Jalapeño Popper Grilled Cheese
Using sourdough bread, cream cheese, diced jalapeños, shredded cheddar cheese, and crumbled bacon, I make a zesty Jalapeño Popper Grilled Cheese. Each bite is a delightful blend of textures with a satisfying kick.
Ingredients
2 slices of sourdough bread
2 tablespoons cream cheese, softened
1 small jalapeño, seeded and diced
1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
2 slices of cooked bacon, crumbled
1 tablespoon butter, softened
Instructions
1. Evenly spread the cream cheese on one side of each slice of sourdough bread.
2. Put the diced jalapeño, shredded cheddar cheese, and crumbled bacon on top of the cream cheese, and place one slice of bread on top of the other.
3. Place the other slice of bread on top, with the cream cheese facing down, to make a sandwich.
4. Spread butter on the outside surfaces of both slices of bread, and grill them over medium heat until they are golden brown and the cheese has melted, approximately 3-4 minutes per side.
5. Philly Cheesesteak Grilled Cheese
A combination of thinly sliced ribeye steak, provolone cheese, and caramelized onions and green bell peppers makes the Philadelphia Cheesesteak Grilled Cheese a delectable sandwich. This new twist on the classic grilled cheese, made with Italian bread, is a more substantial and flavorful alternative to the original.
Ingredients
Ribeye steak, thinly sliced
Provolone cheese slices
Onion, thinly sliced
Green bell pepper, thinly sliced
Butter
Italian bread, sliced
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1. In a medium-sized skillet, add a small amount of butter over medium heat, and sauté the onions and bell peppers until soft and just a little sweet—cooking them long enough to make them mildly caramelized. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
2. In the same skillet, increase the heat a little and sauté the thinly sliced ribeye steak with a bit of salt and pepper until it is nicely browned. Remove from heat.
3. Take an Italian bread slice, butter one side, and place it butter-side down. Layer on this slice provolone, cooked steak, and sautéed onions and peppers. Place another slice of provolone on top, and close the sandwich with the other slice of Italian bread, buttered on the outside.
4. To make a grilled cheese sandwich, use a clean skillet and the medium heat of your stovetop. Place the sandwich in the skillet when it is at the desired cooking temperature. Cook the sandwich on one side until it is golden brown. When it is done, flip the sandwich and cook the other side. Repeat these steps for any additional sandwiches you wish to make. Serve the sandwich while it is hot, and enjoy.
6. Pesto Mozzarella Grilled Cheese
Crispy Pesto Mozzarella Grilled Cheese sandwiches are made using sourdough bread, fresh mozzarella, and pesto. The addition of grated Parmesan takes these sandwiches to a whole new level, cranking up the butteriness and crispness of the crust, enhancing the savory, melty, and gooey experience that is a grilled cheese sandwich.
Ingredients
2 slices of sourdough bread
2 tablespoons of pesto
4 ounces of fresh mozzarella, sliced
2 tablespoons of butter, softened
1 tablespoon of grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
1. Evenly spread 1 tablespoon of pesto on one side of each slice of sourdough bread.
2. Between the two slices of bread coated with pesto, place the slices of fresh mozzarella, constructing a sandwich.
3. Butter the outside of each slice of bread and then sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese.
4. Set a medium heat under a frying pan and grill the sandwich for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until the bread is golden brown and the mozzarella has melted.
7. BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese
The BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese takes your standard melted cheesy sandwich and transforms it into something uniquely delicious. Shredded chicken is combined with BBQ sauce and cheeses before being grilled to crispy, creamy perfection.
Red onion and cilantro add a burst of flavor to this toasty knockout.
Ingredients
BBQ sauce
Cooked chicken breast, shredded
Cheddar cheese, grated
Slices of bread (such as sourdough or white bread)
Butter, softened
Red onion, thinly sliced
Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
Instructions
1. In a bowl, thoroughly combine the shredded chicken with BBQ sauce until the chicken is completely coated.
2. Spread butter on one side of each slice of bread. Place the bread with the buttered side down on a skillet that has been preheated.
3. Place one slice of bread and layer it with these ingredients: grated cheddar cheese, BBQ chicken mixture, diced red onion, and chopped cilantro.
4. Position the second slice of bread on top of the sandwich, with the buttered side facing up, and grill the entire assembly until both slices of bread are golden brown and the cheese is melted.
8. French Onion Grilled Cheese
French Onion Grilled Cheese combines caramelized yellow onions, Gruyère cheese, and sourdough bread for a savory twist on a classic. The onions are caramelized with sugar and balsamic vinegar, infusing the cheesy delight with wonderful depth.
Ingredients
2 medium yellow onions, thinly sliced
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 teaspoon sugar
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
4 slices of bread (such as sourdough or country loaf)
4 slices of Gruyère cheese
2 tablespoons mayonnaise or softened butter (for spreading on bread)
Instructions
1. In a skillet over medium heat, melt the butter and add the sliced onions. Stir in the sugar and cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions are caramelized and have turned golden brown, about 20-25 minutes. Add the balsamic vinegar and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes. Remove from heat.
2. Evenly spread the mayonnaise or butter on one side of each slice of bread. In a skillet over medium heat, place two slices of bread, with the spread side down.
3. Place a slice of Gruyère on each piece of bread in the skillet. Distribute the onions evenly on top of the cheese. Add another slice of Gruyère to each onion-topped piece of bread, then place the rest of the bread (spread side up) on top.
4. Prepare until the loaf achieves a deep, golden hue, and the fromage within is oozing, about 3-4 minutes on each side. You will naturally want to use a spatula to press down lightly, just to ensure everything is cooking evenly. After that, just slice and serve.
9. Spinach Artichoke Grilled Cheese
Sourdough bread, fresh spinach, artichoke hearts, cream cheese, mozzarella, and Parmesan make up the Spinach Artichoke Grilled Cheese. This delightful take on a classic sandwich is just about perfect for an indulgent meal.
Ingredients
- Sourdough bread slices
- Fresh spinach leaves
- Artichoke hearts (canned or jarred), drained and chopped
- Cream cheese, softened
- Shredded mozzarella cheese
- Grated Parmesan cheese
- Unsalted butter, softened
Instructions
1. In a bowl, blend the cream cheese, artichoke hearts, shredded mozzarella, and grated Parmesan until uniform and smooth.
2. Preheat a skillet to medium. Generously spread softened butter on one side of each slice of sourdough.
3. Put a slice of bread, buttered on one side, into the skillet; the buttered side should face down. On top of the bread, add fresh spinach leaves, a liberal amount of artichoke mixture, and finish the layering with another slice of bread, this one buttered on the up side.
4. Prepare the sandwiches for 3-4 minutes per side until they take on a golden-brown color and a crisp texture, and—most importantly—until the cheese is melted. Serve the sandwiches as they come off the grill.
10. Brie and Raspberry Jam Grilled Cheese
I offer a delightful take on a classic favorite: the Brie and Raspberry Jam Grilled Cheese Sandwich. This sandwich features not only creamy Brie, sweet raspberry jam, and substantial sourdough but also (optionally) a handful of fresh mint leaves—an herb that hates instant hot water, loves fresh cocktails, and begs to be hugged.
Ingredients
Brie cheese, sliced
Raspberry jam
Sourdough bread, sliced
Unsalted butter, softened
Fresh mint leaves (optional)
Instructions
1. On one side of a slice of sourdough bread, spread a bounteous layer of raspberry jam.
2. Top the raspberry jam with slices of Brie cheese. If desired, add fresh mint leaves for a hint of brightness.
3. Add a final slice of sourdough to the top of the sandwich.
4. Spread butter on the outer sides of the bread, then grill in a skillet over medium heat until golden brown and melted. Cook about 3-4 minutes per side.
11. Buffalo Chicken Grilled Cheese
The combination of shredded chicken, buffalo wing sauce, and Swiss cheese grilled in between two crispy, buttery slices of sourdough bread makes for one epic sandwich. Add blue cheese dressing and a side of pickles, and you’ve got a meal fit for a king.
Ingredients
2 slices of sourdough bread
1/2 cup cooked chicken breast, shredded
2-3 tablespoons buffalo wing sauce
1/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 tablespoon butter, softened
1-2 tablespoons blue cheese dressing (optional)
Instructions
1. In a small bowl, mix the shredded chicken with the buffalo wing sauce so that the chicken is nicely coated.
2. Butter one side of each slice of sourdough bread with softened butter. In a skillet, over medium heat, add one slice of bread, buttered side down.
3. Add the mozzarella, buffalo chicken mixture, and cheddar cheese in layers to the bread in the skillet. Top with the second piece of bread.
4. If desired, serve with blue cheese dressing for dipping. To make the grilled cheese sandwich:• Brush the outsides of 2 slices of bread with melted butter.• Place 2 slices of cheese between the bread slices and grill the sandwich for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
12. Apple Cheddar Grilled Cheese
Tart apple slices, sharp cheddar cheese, and Dijon mustard fill a grilled cheese sandwich made with either sourdough or whole-grain bread, optionally enhanced with a hint of cinnamon or honey.
Ingredients
8 slices of bread (sourdough or whole-grain recommended)
2 medium tart apples, thinly sliced
8 slices of sharp cheddar cheese
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
Optional: a pinch of ground cinnamon or a drizzle of honey
Instructions
1. A large skillet or griddle should be preheated to medium heat.
2. To prepare the sandwiches, butter the bread. Spread a thin layer of unsalted butter on one side of each slice of bread. On the other side, spread some Dijon mustard.
3. Take 4 slices of bread and layer them, buttered side down, with cheese and apple slices, adding a pinch of cinnamon or a drizzle of honey if you like. Crown with the top layer of bread, buttered side up.
4. Put the sandwiches on the skillet and grill them until the bread is golden brown and crispy and the cheese has melted, about 3-4 minutes per side. Serve them immediately.
