How To Put A Delicious Spin On Grilled Cheese

A Grilled Cheese Sandwich is a classic comfort food, but you can easily give it a delicious twist by adding some extra ingredients, unique cheeses, or fun toppings. Here are a few creative ideas to put a fun spin on your traditional grilled cheese:

1. Gourmet Grilled Cheese with Caramelized Onions and Bacon

Elevate your grilled cheese by adding the sweetness of caramelized onions and the smokiness of bacon.

Ingredients:

• 2 slices of hearty bread (sourdough, whole grain, or brioche works great)
• 2-3 slices of cheese (sharp cheddar, Gruyère, or a mix)
• 1/2 cup caramelized onions (cook thinly sliced onions in butter until golden and sweet)
• 2-3 slices of crispy bacon
• 2 tbsp butter

Instructions:

1. Butter one side of each slice of bread.
2. Layer one slice of cheese, followed by caramelized onions, bacon, and the second slice of cheese.
3. Place the other slice of bread on top, buttered side facing out.
4. Grill on medium heat until golden brown on both sides and the cheese has melted (about 3-4 minutes per side).

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2. Avocado & Tomato Grilled Cheese

For a fresh and creamy twist, add avocado and tomatoes to your grilled cheese.

Ingredients:

• 2 slices of bread (your choice)
• 2 slices of cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or provolone)
• 1/2 ripe avocado, mashed
• 2-3 slices of ripe tomato
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tbsp butter

Instructions:

1. Butter one side of each slice of bread.
2. Spread mashed avocado on the unbuttered side of one slice of bread.
3. Layer with cheese and tomato slices, then season with salt and pepper.
4. Top with the second slice of bread, buttered side facing out.
5. Grill on medium heat until golden brown and crispy, about 3-4 minutes per side.

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3. Pesto Grilled Cheese with Mozzarella

For an Italian-inspired grilled cheese, spread pesto sauce on the bread before grilling.

Ingredients:

• 2 slices of ciabatta or baguette bread
• 2 slices fresh mozzarella
• 2 tbsp pesto sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• 2 tbsp butter

Instructions:

1. Spread pesto on the unbuttered side of each slice of bread.
2. Layer mozzarella slices between the bread slices.
3. Butter the outside of the sandwich.
4. Grill on medium heat until golden and the cheese is melted (about 3-4 minutes per side).

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4. BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese

Add some BBQ flavor to your grilled cheese with shredded chicken and tangy sauce.

Ingredients:

• 2 slices of sourdough or Texas toast bread
• 2 slices of cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend)
• 1/2 cup cooked, shredded chicken
• 2 tbsp BBQ sauce
• 2 tbsp butter

Instructions:

1. Mix the shredded chicken with BBQ sauce in a small bowl.
2. Butter one side of each slice of bread.
3. On the unbuttered side, layer cheese, BBQ chicken, and another slice of cheese.
4. Grill on medium heat until golden brown and the cheese is melted, about 3-4 minutes per side.

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5. Apple & Brie Grilled Cheese

For a sweet and savory grilled cheese, add thinly sliced apples and creamy brie.

Ingredients:

• 2 slices of crusty bread (like French bread or multigrain)
• 2-3 slices of brie cheese
• 1/4 apple, thinly sliced (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work well)
• 2 tbsp butter
• Honey (optional)

Instructions:

1. Butter one side of each slice of bread.
2. On the unbuttered side, layer brie cheese, apple slices, and drizzle a little honey for sweetness (optional).
3. Top with the second slice of bread, buttered side facing out.
4. Grill on medium heat until golden and the cheese has melted, about 3-4 minutes per side.

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6. Spicy Jalapeño Grilled Cheese

If you like a little heat, try adding sliced jalapeños and pepper jack cheese.

Ingredients:

• 2 slices of bread (your choice)
• 2 slices of pepper jack cheese
• 1-2 fresh jalapeños, thinly sliced (or pickled jalapeños for less heat)
• 2 tbsp butter

Instructions:

1. Butter one side of each slice of bread.
2. Layer with pepper jack cheese and jalapeño slices.
3. Top with the second slice of bread, buttered side facing out.
4. Grill on medium heat until golden brown and cheese is melted (about 3-4 minutes per side).

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7. Bacon & Egg Breakfast Grilled Cheese

Transform your grilled cheese into a breakfast treat by adding crispy bacon and a fried egg.

Ingredients:

• 2 slices of bread (Texas toast or a thicker variety)
• 2 slices of cheese (cheddar, Swiss, or American)
• 2 slices crispy bacon
• 1 egg (fried or scrambled)
• 2 tbsp butter

Instructions:

1. Butter one side of each slice of bread.
2. Layer cheese, crispy bacon, and the fried egg on one slice of bread.
3. Top with the second slice of bread, buttered side facing out.
4. Grill on medium heat until golden brown and the cheese is melted, about 3-4 minutes per side.

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Bonus Tips for Delicious Grilled Cheese:

• Use multiple cheeses: Try a blend of cheeses like cheddar, Gruyère, and provolone for added flavor and meltiness.
• Add herbs: Sprinkle fresh basil, thyme, or oregano inside your sandwich for extra freshness.
• Change the bread: Experiment with different bread types like challah, rye, or garlic bread to add more flavor.
• Grill with mayonnaise: Instead of butter, spread mayonnaise on the outside of the bread for a golden, crispy crust and extra richness.

Serving Suggestions:

• Serve your grilled cheese with a side of tomato soup, a simple salad, or some pickles for a complete meal.

By adding these flavorful ingredients and twists, your Grilled Cheese Sandwich will go from simple to spectacular!