Once you have mastered the basics and you can make a perfect grilled cheese sandwich every time, there is no need to fear getting bored as there are near endless things that you can do with grilled cheese sandwiches. You can start by changing up the basics by trying different breads and cheeses and then you can move on to adding condiments like mustard and meats like ham. From there you can start experimenting and you might be surprised to find that sweet things like jams work very well when combined with melted cheese in a light, buttery and toasty sandwich! Sweet and spicy chutneys are just packed with flavour and they are also really amazing in a grilled cheese sandwich! One of my favourite things to add to grilled cheese sandwiches is pestos and when combined with other ingredients they can become a real treat indeed! Another great way to go is with salads like a chicken salad, an egg salad or a tuna salad which when made in the form of a grilled cheese sandwich is sometimes called a melt.
Before we start you might want to take a look at my tips for making the perfect grilled cheese sandwich every time and each of those tips applies to these gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches!
What is your favourite grilled cheese sandwich? Let me know in a comment below!
The Caramelized Apple Grilled Cheese Sandwich (photo above) has to be my favorite take on a grilled cheese sandwich so far! Apples and cheddar are a great combo and this grilled cheese sandwich is a perfect example with the sweet and savoury coming together to form something greater than the sum of its parts.
Jalapeño Popper Grilled Cheese Sandwich – A close second is this grilled cheese sandwich that includes all of the flavours of jalaeno poppers including roasted jalapeno peppers, cream cheese cheddar cheese and even some crumbled tortilla chips for crunch!
Buffalo Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwich – Like buffalo wings? If so, this is the grilled cheese sandwich for you with its spicy, moist and tender chicken all smothered in melted cheddar cheese including with a hint of blue cheese.
Caprese Grilled Cheese Sandwich – Another twist on a classic and this time the caprese salad. This grilled cheese sandwich includes ripe tomatoes, fresh mozzarella and a healthy dollop or two of basil pesto.
Spinach Pesto Grilled Cheese Sandwich – Pestos work amazingly well in grilled cheese sandwiches and this one was inspired by the flavours of spanakopita using a spinach pesto and lots of melty cheese.
Asparagus Grilled Cheese Sandwich – This roasted asparagus sandwich is a favourite when asparagus is available! Just look at that melted cheese dripping out!
Mushroom Grilled Cheese Sandwich (aka The Mushroom Melt) – A decadent grilled cheese sandwich filled to the brim with caramelized mushrooms and a sea of ooey gooey melted cheese!
Lobster Grilled Cheese Sandwich – When you think about a grilled cheese sandwich you think of quick, simple and cheap but there is nothing stopping you from indulging every once in a while and this lobster grilled cheese certainly is decadent.
Grilled Cheese Sandwich with Mango Chutney – Sweet, and spicy mango chutney is simply amazing when combined with melted cheese and encased in light, toasty and buttery bread!
This Jalapeno Cornbread Grilled Cheese with Chipotle Caramelized Onions, Refried Black Beans and Guacamole is a bit out there as far as grilled cheese sandwiches go but it is truly amazing both with it’s perfect combination of flavour and with the different textures. Definitely a must try!
Still looking for more grilled cheese sandwich recipes
VeggieGirl says
April 12, 2010 at 11:26 pmAwesome tribute and recipe collection for a classic sandwich!!
Jane says
April 13, 2010 at 12:08 amYou must have been reading my mind (which I think I left behind somewhere in the cheese department at Fairway this morning)!
Kelly says
April 13, 2010 at 12:59 amThese all sound amazing and unique in their own ways. The lobster one especially is making me miss being in New England and having it so closely at my disposal.
Belinda @zomppa says
April 13, 2010 at 1:51 amI'm drooling! I keep thinking one's my favorite and then I move on the next one…Kelly, I'm with you about the lobster!!
Suzee says
April 13, 2010 at 2:02 amOn a day you may be feeling lazy, don't forget apple butter as a filling – already cooked and flavorful!
Cakebrain says
April 13, 2010 at 4:22 amI would say that Lobster Grilled Cheese Sandwich looks tops to me!
Rina the Mama Bear says
April 13, 2010 at 5:15 amI love love love turkey and cranberry sauce sandwiches – never thought about trying it grilled!!
Ana Powell says
April 13, 2010 at 7:33 amI am completely speechless, no idea which one to choose.
They all look and sound so delicious.
Do you take away orders?
Emily says
April 13, 2010 at 7:49 amI would like one of each, please. 🙂
Cherine says
April 13, 2010 at 8:06 amA great collection! They all look delicious!
Beth (Jam and Clotted Cream) says
April 13, 2010 at 8:18 amI'd like the turkey, brie and cranberry thank-you – mouth watering now
Joanne says
April 13, 2010 at 10:09 amI have to say. You make a damn good grilled cheese.
Grumpy & HoneyB says
April 13, 2010 at 10:25 amI love all your creative grilled cheese sandwiches 🙂 The furthest thing from boring!
Chiara "Kika" Assi says
April 13, 2010 at 11:21 amI'm practically drooling… it's really hard to pick which one looks or sounds the best!
Marisa says
April 13, 2010 at 11:54 amGreat roundup. The mango & cardamom jam one is my favourite!
The Short (dis)Order Cook says
April 13, 2010 at 12:03 pmI should not have opened this post while I was feeling hungry!
I was a late bloomer on grilled cheese. Couldn't stand them as a kid. Then one day I saw the light! Now there isn't much I wouldn't do for a grilled cheese, particularly one with tomato and bacon! Your collection is making me drool. You have so many good ones on the list I don't know how I'd choose.
Lauren says
April 13, 2010 at 12:14 pmMmmmm grilled cheese. Your recipes are so creative and delicious-looking! I love the concept of lobster grilled cheese :).
Cheri says
April 13, 2010 at 12:24 pmWow! I haven't deviated much from the norm besides adding a slice or two of meat. But, this has definitely inspired me to try some different variations. Great round up!
Bellini Valli says
April 13, 2010 at 1:28 pmI would never turn down any of these sandwiches Kevin. There is something so comforting about them.
Jacqueline says
April 13, 2010 at 2:04 pmYou have truly elevated the humble cheese sandwich Kevin. I would go for the one with carmelised onions or the one with chutney.
Pam says
April 13, 2010 at 4:01 pmThat lobster grilled cheese is calling my name!
Lindsay C says
April 13, 2010 at 5:38 pmGrilled cheese is one of my favorite comfort foods but I have never been this creative! I love all of these ideas. Yum!
Design Wine and Dine says
April 13, 2010 at 7:50 pmHands down my favorite sandwich, with a side of chips and a pickle! Love all the combos in this post…a classic made even more exciting! Love all your photos!!!
Elana says
April 13, 2010 at 9:00 pmReally awesome sandwiches!!!!!
I have this little grilled cheese skillet that I got from Lodge cast iron and I can't wait to use it. Thanks for all the great ideas
James says
April 13, 2010 at 9:41 pmGood to see you're keeping your cholesterol in check =)
Cara says
April 13, 2010 at 11:15 pmYum! I think my favorites among your grilled cheeses would be the one with caramelized apples or the one with turkey and cranberries. Can you tell I like fruit with cheese?
cpwalk2 says
April 17, 2010 at 5:04 pmIs there anything better than a grilled cheese sandwich?? I made one with granny smith slices and white cheddar…divine. Also wanted to say that your blog is awesome; I have it bookmarked (and I am very exclusive hehe).
Aggie says
April 20, 2010 at 9:59 pmwell this is a droolworthy post!!! unbelievable collection of reciopes!
Desi's Thoughts and Idea's says
April 21, 2010 at 4:13 amI love your collection of grilled cheese sandwiches. Have you ever tried a pesto,provolone,and egg grilled cheese? it's delicious
chopinandmysaucepan says
April 13, 2011 at 2:08 pmThis is no closet cooking. You obviously have a PHD in making grilled cheese sandwich. Thanks for sharing!
Liv says
June 17, 2011 at 1:07 amThose look simply delicious. Whenever I read your blog I seem to walk away from the computer with a hungry belly…… =P
Anonymous says
November 1, 2011 at 3:41 amHow about a tuna melt. Tuna (with mayo) and cheese.
mcmuffin says
November 3, 2011 at 12:49 amToday I made a sauteed garlic mushroom grilled cheese sandwich for my husband.
I don't like mushrooms but he does.
margaret says
November 3, 2011 at 1:09 ami'm pretty sure you are officially my hero now.
Yasmeen says
November 3, 2011 at 4:10 amI couldn't ever say no to a lobster grilled cheese! Like I mentioned on Twitter, my absolute favorite is the Middle Eastern-style grilled cheese my dad used to make for me growing up:
Halloumi, fresh mint and a drizzle of olive oil, toasted in Arabic bread hot and crispy. Mmm!
The Urban Sociopath says
November 3, 2011 at 7:05 amYou are a genius.
Joanne says
November 3, 2011 at 10:32 amI'm pretty sure I have EVERY ONE of these bookmarked! Proof that I need to get my grilled cheese on…imminently.
Charlie says
November 3, 2011 at 1:02 pmHi Kevin!
Definitely a couple here I will try.
Have you trie grilled cheese and raisins?
Use raisin bread, then spread soaked raisins over the entire piece of bread. Cover with cheese, butter outsides; fry in frying pan or put under the grill in the oven.
Kevin says
November 3, 2011 at 1:46 pmCharlie: The raisin grilled cheese does sound good. The next time I make raisin bread I will try it!
sherri lynn says
November 3, 2011 at 3:01 pmAll of these sound amazing! My latest favorite is fontina, roasted red peppers, and bacon on sourdough. delicious!
Lauren says
November 3, 2011 at 3:22 pmIve made the jalapeno popper one before and it is by far the most amazing thing ever.
Anonymous says
November 3, 2011 at 3:37 pmI love them all!! I'm drooling.
Cajunlicious says
November 3, 2011 at 5:32 pmDrool…Kevin you have hit my weakness the Jalapeño Popper Grilled Cheese Sandwich is calling out to me 🙂
Michelle Oaks says
November 3, 2011 at 11:27 pmOMG! Your pic made me so hungry for a grilled cheese. I haven't had one in a while. You can bet that cheese will be on our grocery list this week, and bread…can't wait to eat that oooey gooey grilled cheese 🙂
Girl With A Pearl Earring says
November 4, 2011 at 8:24 amGosh, I love grilled cheese sandwiches, but this really takes it to the next level. It is now my new goal to make all of these. 😀
Anonymous says
November 4, 2011 at 1:01 pmYum! I don't even eat cheese but these look so so good. You've really mastered the melty-ness, hehe. Here is a vegan version of this classic sandwich:
http://thehungrybirdie.com/2011/04/17/gettin-cheesy/
Sara Angel says
November 5, 2011 at 10:25 amwow Your recipes are so creative and delicious-looking! I love the concept of lobster grilled cheese :)thanks for sharing this superb.
Sara Angel says
November 5, 2011 at 10:27 amwow Your recipes are so creative and delicious-looking! I love the concept of lobster grilled cheese :)thanks for sharing this superb.
Kevin says
November 6, 2011 at 1:40 pmsherri lynn: What a nice combo for a grilled cheese! I have a freezer full of roasted red peppers just waiting for a home!
Rebecca's Amazing Creations says
November 8, 2011 at 5:18 amThis looks deliciously messy!
Charlie says
November 10, 2011 at 1:16 pmKevin: Let me know if you like the raisins with the grilled cheese, please.
kate says
January 23, 2012 at 4:30 amWOW! I found you for the first time tonight. I was intrigued because I also cook in a closet! This is one of the best blog posts I've ever seen! Very impressive! Great job!….now got to go make a grilled cheese. Funny, I suddenly have this odd craving……..:)
Renee says
February 6, 2012 at 12:16 amI made the jalapeno popper grilled cheese for my boyfriend's birthday lunch today – (he loves jalapeno poppers) and it was amazing. What a great, imaginative combo! He loved it so much.
cooking grill says
March 26, 2012 at 7:35 pmyummy! i wish i could taste the food.
Anonymous says
May 1, 2012 at 2:45 pmmy husband loves anything with chocolate chips. We put them in our grilled cheese sandwich. Yummy. You can substitute a chocolate bar instead.
Erica says
July 17, 2012 at 8:45 pmI was looking for a knockout grilled cheese sandwich recipe to make for dinner tonight (to use up some bread) and I knew EXACTLY what site to come to 🙂 Thanks for all the tasty, melty, cheesy recipes!
Anonymous says
September 18, 2012 at 9:21 pmI was in Sam's Club the other day, they had grilled cheese using a new Garlic Butter! The best Grilled Cheese EVER!
Cathleen says
May 1, 2013 at 9:39 pmThis is making me so hungry. I love cheese in any form, but sandwich form is way up there. YuM!
Unknown says
February 20, 2015 at 8:09 pmThey all look exquisite! Personally, I love Muenster on English muffin toasting bread, as well as Cheddar on raisin bread. Yum!
Peggy says
October 26, 2018 at 1:45 pmJalapeno Popper Grilled Cheese sandwich! Love it!!!!