A grilled cheese sandwich is a classic comfort food, but you can easily elevate it with a few creative twists to make it even more delicious! Here are some ideas to give your grilled cheese a delicious spin:
1. Add Gourmet Cheeses
Experiment with different cheeses to take your grilled cheese to the next level. Instead of just using plain cheddar, try a mix of cheeses for a more complex flavor.
- Gruyère or Fontina for a rich, nutty flavor.
- Brie or Camembert for a creamy, melty texture.
- Goat cheese or Blue cheese for a tangy bite.
- Pepper Jack for a spicy kick.
2. Include Sweet & Savory Additions
Incorporate ingredients that balance the richness of the cheese with sweet and savory flavors.
- Caramelized onions: The sweetness of the onions complements the savory cheese.
- Tomato slices: Fresh or roasted tomatoes add juiciness and tang.
- Apple slices: Thin slices of green apple pair perfectly with sharp cheeses like cheddar or Gruyère.
- Bacon: Add crispy bacon for a smoky, salty crunch.
- Honey or fig jam: A drizzle of honey or spread of fig jam offers a lovely contrast to the savory cheese.
3. Play with Herbs and Seasonings
Fresh herbs or spices can add an unexpected twist to your grilled cheese.
- Fresh basil or arugula: Add a handful of fresh herbs to the inside of the sandwich for an herby, peppery kick.
- Garlic butter: Spread a thin layer of garlic butter on the outside of the bread before grilling to infuse a rich, savory flavor.
- Dried oregano or thyme: Sprinkle on the inside for an Italian-inspired grilled cheese.
4. Use Different Breads
Switching up the type of bread can make a big difference in texture and flavor.
- Sourdough: Tangy and sturdy, perfect for holding up all your fillings.
- Brioche: Buttery and slightly sweet, ideal for a richer, softer grilled cheese.
- Rye: Offers a nice, hearty flavor that pairs well with Swiss cheese or corned beef.
- Ciabatta: Light and airy, this bread adds a nice crunch when grilled.
5. Add Veggies for Extra Texture
Adding vegetables to your grilled cheese can bring in color, texture, and extra flavors.
- Grilled or sautéed mushrooms: Earthy and savory, mushrooms pair well with melty cheeses.
- Spinach or kale: Wilted spinach or sautéed kale adds a fresh, nutritious element.
- Roasted red peppers: Sweet and smoky roasted peppers are an excellent complement to cheese.
6. Spice It Up
If you like a bit of heat, there are several ways to spice up your grilled cheese.
- Jalapeños: Add fresh or pickled jalapeño slices for a zesty kick.
- Sriracha mayo: Spread some spicy mayo or drizzle sriracha on the inside of the sandwich.
- Hot sauce: A few dashes of your favorite hot sauce can take your grilled cheese to a new level of spicy goodness.
7. Try a Different Cooking Method
- Grilled Cheese with a Twist of BBQ: Try grilling your sandwich on the barbecue for a smoky flavor. You can even add some shredded pulled pork or brisket for a BBQ-style grilled cheese.
- Open-faced grilled cheese: For a fun, different take, make your grilled cheese open-faced and top it with extra ingredients like sautéed veggies, prosciutto, or a fried egg.
Some Delicious Grilled Cheese Spin Ideas:
- Classic with a Twist:
- Use sourdough bread, sharp cheddar, and add caramelized onions and crispy bacon.
- Spicy Southwest Grilled Cheese:
- Pepper Jack cheese, jalapeños, avocado slices, and a smear of chipotle mayo on ciabatta.
- Apple and Brie Grilled Cheese:
- Spread fig jam on brioche and layer with Brie cheese and thinly sliced green apple.
- Italian-Inspired Grilled Cheese:
- Use mozzarella and parmesan, and add fresh basil and tomato slices on ciabatta or focaccia.
- Veggie-Packed Grilled Cheese:
- Use goat cheese and layer in sautéed spinach, grilled mushrooms, and roasted red peppers on whole grain bread.
Tips for Grilling:
- Low and slow: Grill your sandwich over medium-low heat to allow the cheese to melt fully without burning the bread.
- Butter or mayonnaise: Use butter for a rich, classic grilled cheese or mayonnaise for a golden, extra-crispy crust.
- Press down: Use a spatula to press the sandwich gently while grilling to get an even, crispy texture.
With these simple adjustments, you can create a grilled cheese sandwich that’s anything but ordinary. Whether you like it savory, sweet, spicy, or loaded with toppings, the possibilities are endless!