Best Grilled Cheese Recipes: Finding the Perfect Grilled Cheese Recipe for You
Get ready to go cheesy with these best grilled cheese recipes! Whether you’re looking for the classic combination of melted cheese and buttery toast, or something a bit more daring like brie and fig jam, there are plenty of options available to satisfy your taste buds.
This list of the best grilled cheese recipes will feature the top options and will allow you to find the perfect grilled cheese recipes for you. From classic recipes to unique twists, this list will have something for everyone.
Take a few minutes to check out our lists of the best tuna melt recipes, best Reuben sandwich recipes, and best French dip sandwich recipes. They will pair up nicely with this list of the best grilled cheese recipes and provide even more great sandwich recipes.
Top 20 Grilled Cheese Recipes:
1. Ultimate Gourmet Grilled Cheese
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Primary Ingredients: Artisan bread, Gruyère cheese, white cheddar cheese, Muenster cheese, herbed caramelized onions, rosemary butter
About Grilled Cheese Recipe: This sandwich elevates the classic grilled cheese by incorporating a blend of Gruyère, white cheddar, and Muenster cheeses, all melted to perfection.
The addition of sweet, herbed caramelized onions adds depth and a hint of sweetness. Cooking the sandwich in rosemary-infused butter imparts an aromatic, savory flavor that complements the cheeses. The result is a crispy, gooey, and indulgent sandwich that’s hard to resist.
2. Fancy Schmancy Grilled Cheese
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Primary Ingredients: Sourdough bread, cheddar cheese, Muenster cheese, Asiago cheese, Dijon mustard, garlic-thyme-red pepper butter
About Grilled Cheese Recipe: This recipe takes grilled cheese to a new level with a trio of cheeses—cheddar, Muenster, and Asiago—creating a rich and complex flavor profile. A light smear of Dijon mustard adds a tangy kick that balances the richness of the cheeses.
The bread is brushed with a butter infused with garlic, thyme, and red pepper flakes, adding a subtle heat and aromatic depth. The result is a crispy, melty, and flavor-packed sandwich that’s both comforting and sophisticated.
3. Apple & Thyme Gourmet Grilled Cheese
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Primary Ingredients: Sourdough bread, camembert cheese, sharp cheddar cheese, honeycrisp apple, fresh thyme, lemon zest
About Grilled Cheese Recipe: This sandwich combines the creamy richness of camembert and sharpness of cheddar with the sweet crunch of honeycrisp apple slices. Fresh thyme and lemon zest add aromatic and citrusy notes, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
Grilled on sourdough bread, the result is a harmonious blend of sweet, savory, and tangy elements. It’s a sophisticated twist on the classic grilled cheese that’s both refreshing and indulgent.
4. My Best Grilled Cheese Sandwich
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 7 minutes
Primary Ingredients: Sourdough bread, mozzarella cheese, vintage cheddar cheese, salted butter
About Grilled Cheese Recipe: This recipe emphasizes the importance of using two types of cheese: mozzarella for its excellent melting qualities and vintage cheddar for a robust flavor. The sandwich is cooked in a skillet until the bread achieves a crispy, golden-brown exterior, encasing the gooey, melted cheese. Buttering both sides of the bread ensures a rich, buttery taste throughout. It’s a simple yet perfected version of the classic grilled cheese.
5. Jalapeño Popper Grilled Cheese
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Primary Ingredients: White bread, cream cheese, cheddar cheese, jalapeños, crispy bacon
About Grilled Cheese Recipe: This spicy twist on grilled cheese draws inspiration from jalapeño poppers by using cream cheese, shredded cheddar, and fresh jalapeños. Crispy bacon adds a smoky, savory crunch to every bite. The creaminess of the cheeses balances out the heat from the peppers. It’s bold, rich, and perfect for spice lovers.
6. Caprese Grilled Cheese
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 8 minutes
Primary Ingredients: Ciabatta bread, mozzarella cheese, fresh basil, tomato slices, balsamic glaze
About Grilled Cheese Recipe: Inspired by the flavors of a Caprese salad, this grilled cheese features fresh mozzarella, juicy tomatoes, and fragrant basil leaves. A drizzle of balsamic glaze adds a tangy sweetness that complements the richness of the cheese. Grilled to golden perfection, this sandwich offers a fresh and flavorful take on the classic. It’s perfect for those who want something light yet satisfying.
7. Buffalo Chicken Grilled Cheese
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Primary Ingredients: White bread, cheddar cheese, shredded chicken, buffalo sauce, ranch dressing
About Grilled Cheese Recipe: This grilled cheese brings the heat with spicy buffalo chicken and gooey cheddar. The tangy buffalo sauce adds bold flavor, while ranch dressing cools things down and ties everything together. It’s a hearty sandwich perfect for game day or when you want a little kick with your comfort food. The crispy golden crust locks in the creamy, spicy filling.
Editor’s Picks for the Best Grilled Cheese Recipes
With so many delicious grilled cheese recipes to choose from, a few truly rise to the top. One standout is the Ultimate Gourmet Grilled Cheese, featuring a blend of Gruyère, white cheddar, and Muenster with rosemary-infused butter—it’s rich, balanced, and indulgent. Another editor favorite is the Apple & Thyme Gourmet Grilled Cheese, which mixes savory and sweet elements with fresh thyme and crisp apple slices. If you love bold flavor, the Jalapeño Popper Grilled Cheese delivers heat, creaminess, and crunch in every bite.
Frequently Asked Questions About Grilled Cheese Recipes
What’s the best cheese to use for grilled cheese?
The best cheese depends on your flavor preference, but top choices include cheddar, mozzarella, Gruyère, and Muenster. These melt smoothly and provide rich, creamy flavor. Many great grilled cheese recipes use a combination of cheeses for added depth and texture.
What type of bread works best for grilled cheese sandwiches?
Sourdough, ciabatta, and artisan white breads are popular because they hold up well when grilled and provide a nice crunch. Avoid thin or very soft breads that may get soggy or fall apart when cooking.
Should I butter the inside or outside of the bread?
Always butter the outside of the bread. This creates a golden, crispy crust as it grills. Some recipes use mayonnaise instead of butter for an extra-crispy finish and unique flavor.
Can I make grilled cheese without a skillet?
Yes! Grilled cheese can be made in a toaster oven, panini press, or even an air fryer. However, a skillet offers the best control over crispness and allows you to press the sandwich gently for an even melt.
Tips for Making the Perfect Grilled Cheese Sandwich
1. Use a cheese blend for better flavor and texture.
Combining cheeses like cheddar, mozzarella, and Gruyère gives you creaminess, tang, and a perfect melt. Mixing sharp and mild cheeses balances richness and sharpness.
2. Preheat your pan and cook low and slow.
A medium-low temperature prevents burning while giving the cheese time to fully melt. A hot pan with a slow cook makes for the crispiest bread and gooey interior.
3. Add moisture-rich fillings sparingly.
Tomatoes, apples, and sauces like buffalo or fig jam should be added in moderation to avoid sogginess. Layer them between slices of cheese to keep moisture in check.
4. Consider upgrading with flavored butters.
Garlic-thyme butter, rosemary butter, or chili-infused butter adds bold flavor directly to the crust. These simple upgrades can transform a basic grilled cheese into something gourmet.
5. Press your sandwich gently for a better melt.
Using a spatula or a sandwich press, apply light pressure as the sandwich grills. This helps the cheese melt evenly while giving the bread a uniform, crispy texture.
Best Grilled Cheese Recipes Conclusion
So there you have it – our best grilled cheese recipes. Whether you’re in the mood for a classic sandwich or something a little more creative, we hope you’ll give one of these a try.
From the crunchy, cheesy goodness of crispy grilled cheese to the savory complexity of a multiple-cheese sandwich, these recipes will have you reaching for seconds and thirds.
Do you have a favorite grilled cheese recipe? If you do, please feel free to share that below in the comments.
