Who doesn’t love the crispy yet ooey-gooey combo of a grilled cheese sandwich in the cooler months? If you’ve yet to move on from the basic American cheese classic, today’s post is made for you! I’m sharing the ten best grilled cheese sandwich combinations I’ve come across.
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Grilled Cheese 101
- Take the time to coat the exterior of your bread lightly and thoroughly. Butter is traditional but mayonnaise makes for an especially crispy exterior.
- Have patience when toasting. Cook over medium or medium-low heat and give it some time so that the inside fully melts. A higher heat can result in a scorched sandwich. 😞
- Mix things up! Don’t be afraid to experiment with different types of breads, fillings or dipping sauces. You can even add ground or grated cheese or egg to the exterior to give it a unique twist.
The Ten Best Grilled Cheese Sandwich Combinations
1. Italian Grilled Cheese with Dipping Sauce
I discovered this easy and delicious combo years ago and it launched my obsession with “outside the box” grilled cheese combinations. Find the recipe in this post from October 2017.
2. Apple Cheddar Bacon
Use extra-sharp cheddar, thin slices of a crisp variety of apple (Gala, Honeycrisp, Braeburn), and your favorite thick-cut bacon.
3. Fig, Goat Cheese & Prosciutto
Spread your bread interiors with a thin layer of your favorite fig jam. Slice 2-3 rounds of goat cheese and top one of the jam layers. Add a thin slice of prosciutto or two and then toast.
4. Pulled Pork + Pepper Jack
Using Texas Toast as your base, combine a half-cup or so of pulled pork with BBQ sauce with a generous slice of pepper jack cheese. Top with a thin layer of coleslaw before toasting.
5. Turkey, Cranberry & Brie
A great option for Thanksgiving leftovers! Combine 2-3 slices of turkey with a couple of slices of brie and a dollop of cranberry sauce. For an even more unique twist, try using cornbread as your bread base. The recipe HERE is in loaf form and isn’t as crumbly as traditional cornbread, making it more suitable for toasting.
6. Roast Beef & Gouda
Layer thin slices of good quality, deli roast beef with thin slices of smoked gouda cheese. Top with some carmelized onions. Best on sourdough.
Vegetarian Option: Combine smoked gouda with slices of your favorite roasted vegetables (eggplant, red peppers, zucchini) or sautéed mushrooms.
7. Croque Monsieur or Croque Madame
Leave it to the French to turn a ham and cheese into a culinary masterpiece! While this classic sandwich is a bit more complex to prepare thanks to its Bechamel sauce, it’s a super-delicious bistro classic. The recipe HERE represents a very traditional preparation.
FUN FACT: When you top a Croque Monsieur with a fried egg, that’s when it becomes a Croque Madame. The egg is said to resemble a woman’s hat.
8. Grilled Peach, Mozzarella & Basil
The summer month grilled cheese! Thinly slice and grill and fresh, ripe peaches. Place a slice of mozzarella on your bread then top with the grilled peaches and a few basil leaves and toast.
9. Nutella, Brie & Pear
For the sweet tooth! This combination can be used as a melty dessert or a comforting snack on a really bad day. Spread a thin layer of Nutella on each bread interior and then layer a slice or two of Brie and thin slices of ripe Bartlett pear. Ooze-y goodness!
10. Raisin Bread, Honey & Cream Cheese
This is a great breakfast/brunch option. Spread your favorite raisin bread with a generous layer of cream cheese then drizzle with honey. Toast away!
Do you have a favorite that should be on my radar? Let me know in the comments below!
Until next time…keep cultivating a simple, stylish, and satisfying life!
