When it comes to comfort food, few things can rival the allure of a perfectly toasted grilled cheese sandwich. But why settle for plain old cheddar and American when you can elevate this classic to new heights with gourmet ingredients and creative combinations? From rich truffles to tangy pesto, we’re counting down the top 18 fancy grilled cheese recipes that will make your taste buds do the happy dance.
In this article, we’ll explore the world of artisanal cheeses, cured meats, and sweet spreads that can transform a humble grilled cheese into a culinary masterpiece. Whether you’re a foodie looking to impress or just someone who loves a good sandwich, these 18 decadent recipes are sure to satisfy your cravings…
Truffle Oil and Gruyère Grilled Cheese
Elevate your grilled cheese game with the luxurious combination of truffle oil and Gruyère cheese.
Ingredients:
– 2 slices of artisanal bread (such as baguette or ciabatta)
– 1/4 cup Gruyère cheese, sliced
– 1 tsp truffle oil
– 1 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
– 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 sliced Gruyère cheese, then drizzle with truffle oil.
5. Place the second bread slice, butter-side up, on top of the cheese.
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
Brie and Fig Jam Grilled Cheese
Elevate your grilled cheese game with this sweet and savory combination: Brie and Fig Jam Grilled Cheese.
Ingredients:
– 2 slices of artisanal bread (such as brioche or challah)
– 1 wheel of Brie cheese, softened
– 2 tbsp fig jam
– 1 tsp unsalted butter, divided
– 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 1/2 tsp of butter.
3. Place one bread slice, butter-side down, in the skillet.
4. Top with a slice of Brie cheese and a dollop of fig jam (about 1-2 tbsp).
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 and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes or until the other side is also golden brown.
8. Remove from heat and let cool slightly before serving.
Cooking Time: Approximately 5-6 minutes
Caramelized Onion and Gouda Grilled Cheese
Elevate your grilled cheese game with this rich and savory recipe featuring caramelized onions and melted Gouda.
Caramelized Onion and Gouda Grilled Cheese
Ingredients:
- 2 large onions, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 2 cups grated Gouda cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 slices of bread (white or whole wheat)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Caramelize the onions: In a large skillet, melt 1/4 cup butter over medium-low heat. Add sliced onions and cook for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they’re dark golden brown and caramelized.
- Assemble the sandwich: Butter one side of each bread slice. Place one slice, butter-side down, in a skillet or grill pan. Top with Gouda cheese, caramelized onions, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Top with the second bread slice, butter-side up.
- Cook the sandwich: Cook over medium heat for 2-3 minutes or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted. Flip and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Pesto and Sun-Dried Tomato Grilled Cheese
This Italian-inspired grilled cheese sandwich combines the creaminess of pesto, the sweetness of sun-dried tomatoes, and the gooey goodness of melted mozzarella.
Ingredients:
– 2 slices of bread ( Ciabatta or rustic bread work well)
– 1/4 cup pesto
– 1/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 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 olive oil.
3. Spread pesto on the unbuttered side of one bread slice, leaving a small border around the edges.
4. Top with shredded mozzarella cheese and chopped sun-dried tomatoes.
5. Place the second bread slice, buttered side up, on top of the filling.
6. Cook for 2-3 minutes or until golden brown, then flip and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
7. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: Approximately 4-5 minutes
Avocado and Pepper Jack Grilled Cheese
This creamy and spicy grilled cheese sandwich combines the richness of melted cheddar with the smoothness of avocado, all wrapped up in a crispy bread package. Perfect for a quick lunch or satisfying snack.
Ingredients:
– 2 slices of white bread
– 1 ripe avocado, mashed
– 2 slices of Pepper Jack cheese
– 1 tablespoon butter
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat.
2. Butter one side of each slice of bread.
3. Place one slice of bread, butter-side down, in the skillet.
4. Top with a slice of Pepper Jack cheese, followed by a layer of mashed avocado.
5. Place the second slice of bread, 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
Bacon and Blue Cheese Grilled Cheese
Elevate the classic grilled cheese sandwich with the smoky richness of bacon and the tanginess of blue cheese. This indulgent combination is sure to satisfy your cravings.
Ingredients:
– 2 slices of artisanal bread (such as brioche or challah)
– 4 slices of thick-cut bacon
– 1/4 cup of crumbled blue cheese
– 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter, divided
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. Cook the bacon slices until crispy, flipping halfway through (about 6-8 minutes). Remove from heat and set aside.
3. Butter one side of each bread slice.
4. Place one slice of bread, butter-side down, in the grill or grill pan.
5. Top with a slice of bacon, a sprinkle of blue cheese, and another slice of bread (butter-side up).
6. Cook for 2-3 minutes or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted. Flip and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
7. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: approximately 10-12 minutes
Apple and Cheddar Grilled Cheese
This recipe combines the comfort of grilled cheese with the crunch of fresh apple, all wrapped up in melted cheddar goodness.
Ingredients:
– 2 slices of bread (white or whole wheat)
– 1/4 cup grated cheddar cheese
– 1/2 apple, sliced (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work well)
– 1 tablespoon 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 grated cheddar cheese, sliced apple, and another bread slice (butter-side up).
5. Cook for 2-3 minutes or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
6. Flip and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, until the other side is also golden brown.
Cooking Time: 4-6 minutes
Spinach and Artichoke Grilled Cheese
Elevate your grilled cheese game with this creamy, cheesy, and savory twist on a classic comfort food. This Spinach and Artichoke Grilled Cheese is perfect for a quick lunch or dinner.
Ingredients:
– 2 slices of bread (white or whole wheat)
– 1/4 cup cream cheese, softened
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh spinach
– 1/2 cup marinated artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
– 1/2 cup shredded 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. On the unbuttered side of one slice, spread cream cheese, spinach, and artichoke hearts.
4. Top with mozzarella cheese.
5. Place the other bread slice, butter-side up, on top of the filling.
6. Cook for 2-3 minutes or until golden brown and the cheese is melted.
7. Flip and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
Cooking Time: 4-6 minutes total
Prosciutto and Mozzarella Grilled Cheese
Elevate the classic grilled cheese with the salty sweetness of prosciutto and the creaminess of mozzarella.
Ingredients:
– 2 slices of artisanal bread (such as baguette or ciabatta)
– 1/4 cup of fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
– 2-3 slices of prosciutto, thinly cut
– 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter, softened
– 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 a slice of mozzarella, 2-3 slices of prosciutto, and another slice of mozzarella.
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 golden brown.
Cooking Time: 4-5 minutes total
Crab and Havarti Grilled Cheese
Elevate your grilled cheese game with the addition of sweet crab meat and creamy Havarti cheese. This indulgent sandwich is perfect for a special occasion or a cozy night in.
Ingredients:
– 2 slices of bread (white or whole wheat)
– 1/4 cup of lump crab meat, flaked
– 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter, softened
– 2 slices of Havarti cheese
– 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat a griddle or skillet over medium heat.
2. Butter one side of each bread slice.
3. Place one slice, butter-side down, on the griddle.
4. Top with Havarti cheese, crab meat, and Dijon mustard.
5. Place the second bread slice, butter-side up, on top.
6. Cook for 2-3 minutes or until golden brown.
7. Flip and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes or until the other side is also golden brown.
Cooking Time: Approximately 4-6 minutes per sandwich
Roasted Red Pepper and Feta Grilled Cheese
Roasted Red Pepper and Feta Grilled Cheese: A flavorful twist on the classic grilled cheese sandwich, featuring sweet roasted red peppers and tangy feta cheese.
Ingredients:
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 large red bell pepper
– 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
– 2 slices of bread (white or whole wheat)
– 1 tablespoon butter
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Place the red bell pepper on a baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, and roast for 30-40 minutes, or until charred and blistered.
3. Remove the pepper from the oven and let it cool. Peel off the skin, remove seeds, and slice into strips.
4. Butter one side of each bread slice.
5. Place one slice of bread, butter-side down, in a skillet over medium heat. Top with a few strips of roasted red pepper, some crumbled feta cheese, and another slice of bread (butter-side up).
6. Cook for 2-3 minutes or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
7. Flip the sandwich and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes or until the other side is also golden brown.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Pear and Brie Grilled Cheese
Pear and Brie Grilled Cheese: Elevate Your Lunch Game with This Sweet and Savory Twist!
Ingredients:
– 2 slices of artisanal bread (white or whole wheat)
– 1 ripe pear, sliced into thin wedges
– 1 wheel of brie cheese, softened
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 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 slice, butter-side down, in the skillet.
4. Top with a slice of brie cheese, a few pear wedges, and a drizzle of honey.
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 1-2 minutes or until the other side is also golden brown.
Cooking Time: 5-6 minutes
Jalapeño and Monterey Jack Grilled Cheese
Elevate your grilled cheese game with this flavorful combination of spicy jalapeños and creamy Monterey Jack cheese.
Ingredients:
– 2 slices of bread (white or whole wheat)
– 1/4 cup sliced Monterey Jack cheese
– 1-2 sliced jalapeños, depending on desired level of heat
– 1 tablespoon 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, buttered side down, in the skillet.
4. Top with sliced Monterey Jack cheese, followed by jalapeños.
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 1-2 minutes or until the other side is also golden brown.
Cooking Time: 4-5 minutes
Pulled Pork and Cheddar Grilled Cheese
Pulled Pork and Cheddar Grilled Cheese: A Twist on a Classic Comfort Food
This recipe combines the tender, fall-apart texture of pulled pork with the gooey goodness of cheddar cheese, all wrapped up in a crispy grilled cheese sandwich. It’s a match made in heaven!
Ingredients:
– 1 pound pulled pork
– 2 slices white bread
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 2 slices cheddar cheese
– 1/4 cup caramelized onions (see note)
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. Butter one side of each slice of bread.
3. Place one slice of bread, butter-side down, on the grill.
4. Top with pulled pork, cheddar cheese, and caramelized onions.
5. Place the second slice of bread, 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.
Note: To caramelize onions, heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a pan over low heat. Add 1/4 cup of sliced onions and cook for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they’re dark brown and caramelized.
Cooking Time: 6-8 minutes
Goat Cheese and Honey Grilled Cheese
Elevate your grilled cheese game with this sweet and savory combination of creamy goat cheese, drizzled honey, and melted cheddar.
Ingredients:
– 2 slices of artisanal bread (such as baguette or ciabatta)
– 1/4 cup crumbled goat cheese
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, softened
– 1/4 cup 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, butter-side down, on the grill.
4. Top with goat cheese, honey, and cheddar 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: 4-5 minutes
Kimchi and Swiss Grilled Cheese
This recipe combines the creamy goodness of melted Swiss cheese with the bold, spicy flavor of kimchi. The result is a unique and delicious sandwich that’s perfect for adventurous eaters.
Ingredients:
– 2 slices of bread
– 1/4 cup kimchi, chopped
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1 slice of Swiss 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. Place one bread slice, butter-side down, in the skillet.
4. Top with kimchi, Swiss cheese, and the second bread slice (butter-side up).
5. Cook for 2-3 minutes or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
6. Flip and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes or until the other side is also golden brown.
7. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 4-6 minutes
Chicken Pesto and Provolone Grilled Cheese
Elevate your grilled cheese game with this flavorful combination of juicy chicken, creamy pesto, and melted provolone cheese.
Chicken Pesto and Provolone Grilled Cheese Recipe
Ingredients:
– 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1/4 cup pesto sauce
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 slices of bread (white or whole wheat)
– 2 slices of provolone cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together pesto sauce and olive oil.
3. Brush both sides of the chicken breasts with the pesto mixture.
4. Grill the chicken for 5-6 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
5. Meanwhile, butter one side of each bread slice.
6. Assemble the sandwiches by placing a grilled chicken breast on each bread slice, followed by a slice of provolone cheese.
7. Place the sandwiches in the grill pan and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the bread is toasted.
8. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh basil leaves if desired.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Garlic Herb Butter and Fontina Grilled Cheese
Garlic Herb Butter Fontina Grilled Cheese Recipe
Elevate your grilled cheese game with this creamy and savory combination of garlic herb butter, fontina cheese, and crispy bread.
Ingredients:
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
– 1 clove garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 4 slices good-quality white bread
– 2 ounces fontina cheese, sliced
– Cooking spray or non-stick cooking spray
Instructions:
1. Preheat a griddle or skillet over medium-low heat.
2. In a small bowl, mix together the softened butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, and chopped thyme until well combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Butter one side of each bread slice.
4. Place two slices of bread, buttered-side down, on the griddle.
5. Top each slice with a slice of fontina cheese.
6. Spread about 1/2 tablespoon of garlic herb butter on top of the cheese.
7. Top with the remaining bread slices, buttered-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 or until the other side is also golden brown.
Cooking Time: 4-6 minutes
Summary
Indulge in gourmet-style grilled cheese with these 18 decadent recipes! From classic combinations like Truffle Oil and Gruyère to innovative pairings like Kimchi and Swiss, there’s something for every palate. Other highlights include Pesto and Sun-Dried Tomato, Bacon and Blue Cheese, and Goat Cheese and Honey. Whether you’re in the mood for savory, sweet, or spicy, these recipes are sure to elevate your grilled cheese game.
