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50 Insanely Good Grilled Cheese Recipes

Because who doesn't love a melty, heavenly grilled cheese sandwich?

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grilled cheese with bourbon melted onions
Jonny Valiant

Maybe you're looking to spice up your favorite easy weeknight meals and comfort food recipes, or you're looking for the ultimate kids' dinner ideas. Either way, when these epic grilled cheese recipes are on the menu, everyone is happy. Here, we're kicking things off with an easy how-to for the perfect grilled cheese sandwich recipe. Then, well, let's just say we're not holding back on ideas for what to put in the middle (Gruyère, bacon — there's even some bourbon in the mix). So, without further ado ...

1

Classic Grilled Cheese

classic grilled cheese
GETTY IMAGES / Cavan Images

Try our basic recipe to get started: Heat a small nonstick skillet on medium. Spread mayo (yes mayo) on tops of two slices of bread (about ½ in thick). Flip one piece over and top with 2 oz (about 4 thin slices) American or Cheddar cheese and sandwich with the remaining piece of bread, mayo side up). Add a thin pad of butter to skillet, swirling to melt, then place sandwich in and cook until golden brown, 3 to 4 min. Flip, add another thin pad of butter and cook, pressing gently with a spatula until golden brown and the cheese has melted.

2

Jalapeño Parmesan-Crusted Grilled Cheese

jalapeño parmesan crusted grilled cheese
REPRINTED FROM CRAVINGS: HUNGRY FOR MORE

Parmesan dusted on the outside of the bread creates an extra-crispy crust that you won't be able to resist.

Get the recipe for Jalapeño Parmesan-Crusted Grilled Cheese »

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3

Grilled Cheese With Peach and Mango Tea Chutney

grilled cheese with peach and mango tea chutney
SARAH ANNE WARD

Chutney made with peaches, mango, onion, vinegar, raisins and fruit tea is the perfect sweet-and-spicy contrast to melty Gruyère.

Get the recipe for Grilled Cheese with Peach and Mango Tea Chutney »

4

Grilled Cheese With Bourbon Melted Onions

grilled cheese with bourbon melted onions
Jonny Valiant

Um, we might have just spiked your grilled cheese. Call us crazy, but adding a splash of Bourbon to caramelized onions really works.

Get the recipe for Grilled Cheese with Bourbon Melted Onions »

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5

Ham and Pimiento Grilled Cheese

ham and pimiento grilled cheese
Steve Giralt

Pimento peppers add a Southern twist to your favorite grilled sandwich.

Get the recipe for Ham and Pimiento Grilled Cheese »

6

Pear and Gouda Grilled Cheese

pear and gouda grilled cheese
Steve Giralt

Juicy pears and arugula are a perfect match for that wedge of Gouda you're looking to devour.

Get the recipe for Pear and Gouda Grilled Cheese »

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7

Grilled Tomato Soup and Cheddar Sandwiches

grilled tomato soup and cheddar sandwiches
John Kernick

Grilling the onions and tomatoes before blending adds a slight smokiness to the soup that pairs perfectly with gooey grilled cheese.

Get the recipe from Woman's Day »

RELATED: 60+ Insanely Delicious Grilling Recipes to Try ASAP

8

Roast Beef and French Onion Grilled Cheese

roast beef and french onion grilled cheese
Steve Giralt

We cannot get over this French onion soup in sandwich form, complete with nutty Gruyère and caramelized onions.

Get the recipe for Roast Beef and French Onion Grilled Cheese »

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9

Croque Madames

croque madames
Brian Woodcock

A traditional French sandwich made with ham, cheese and a fried egg, this is like an amped-up grilled cheese that's great for breakfast, lunch or dinner.

Get the recipe from Country Living »

RELATED: 60 Best Brunch Ideas to Try This Weekend

10

Pepperoni, Spinach and Mozzarella Grilled Cheese

pepperoni, spinach and mozzarella grilled cheese
Steve Giralt

Here, we have two of the world's greatest foods combined. Add your favorite pizza toppings, like this pepperoni and spinach combo.

Get the recipe for Pepperoni, Spinach and Mozzarella Grilled Cheese »

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11

Monte Cristo Sandwiches

monte cristo sandwiches
Con Poulos

Originally a cross between grilled cheese and french toast, this savory version is made with fresh mozz, prosciutto and sourdough.

Get the recipe from Woman's Day »

RELATED: How to Make the Best French Toast Ever

12

Turkey, Brie, Bacon and Cranberry Sandwich

turkey, brie, bacon, and cranberry sandwich
Con Poulos

A grilled cheese for your Thanksgiving leftovers! Broil it for a few minutes so that the brie gets melty.

Get the recipe from Woman's Day »

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13

Turkey, Mozzarella and Kale Pesto Panini

turkey, mozzarella, and kale pesto panini
ERIKA LAPRESTO

Use up that leftover bunch of kale to make a delicious homemade pesto ... and then use up the pesto in this delectable grilled cheese.

Get the recipe from Delish »

14

Raspberry "Cheesecake" French Toast

raspberry "cheesecake" french toast
Mike Garten

Grilled cheese doesn't have to be savory! Sweetened cream cheese gets extra-creamy when stuffed in French toast and grilled to perfection.

Get the recipe for Raspberry "Cheesecake" French Toast »

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15

Smoked Ham and Grilled Cheese

smoked ham and grilled cheese
Jonny Valiant

Three types of cheese and a pinch of garlic give the childhood favorite a delicious makeover.

Get the recipe for Smoked Ham and Grilled Cheese »

16

Jalapeño-Popper Grilled Cheese

jalapeño popper grilled cheese
Jonny Valiant

Just wait 'til you try the combo of apricot and jalapeño jelly on grilled cheese.

Get the recipe for Jalapeño-Popper Grilled Cheese »

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17

Southwestern Grilled Cheese

southwestern grilled cheese
Romulo Yanes

Fresh lime, cilantro, and smoky adobo give this grilled cheese sandwich a Southwestern kick.

Get the recipe for Southwestern Grilled Cheese »

18

Ina Garten's Cheddar & Chutney Grilled Cheese Sandwiches

ina garten's cheddar  chutney grilled cheese sandwiches
QUENTIN BACON

Elevate the classic grilled cheese and tomato soup with a little mango chutney spread on good-quality white bread.

Get the recipe from Country Living »

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19

Ultimate Grilled Cheese Sandwich

ultimate grilled cheese sandwich
Julie Deily

If you like your grilled cheese with all the fixins' (think: bacon, avocado, a fried egg, and two kinds of cheeses), this one's for you.

Get the recipe from The Pioneer Woman »

20

Grown-Up Grilled Cheese

grown up grilled cheese
MITCH MANDEL

Try a grilled cheese with whole wheat bread and mozzarella for a lighter take.

Get the recipe from Prevention »

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