16 New Takes on Grilled Cheese

With a few creative ingredients, you can elevate the classic grilled cheese sandwich from childhood favorite to a comforting and satisfying main.

August 04, 2022

By: Food Network Kitchen

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Photo By: Tara Donne ©FOOD NETWORK : 2012, Television Food Network, G.P.

Photo By: Armando Rafael

Photo By: Tara Donne ©FOOD NETWORK : 2012, Television Food Network, G.P.

Photo By: Sam Kaplan

Photo By: Tara Donne ©FOOD NETWORK : 2012, Television Food Network, G.P.

Photo By: Justin Walker

Photo By: Melissa Libertelli

Photo By: Armando Rafael

Photo By: Sam Kaplan

Smoked Gouda and Roasted Red Pepper Grilled Cheese

Get your veggies in this sandwich, which is stuffed with arugula and roasted red peppers and grilled up with Gouda and Muenster between thick slices of Pullman bread.

Get the Recipe: Smoked Gouda and Roasted Red Pepper Grilled Cheese

Cheddar and Apple Grilled Cheese Sandwiches

The classic combination of tart apples and savory Cheddar transform a basic grilled cheese into a sophisticated sandwich that everyone will love.

Get the Recipe: Cheddar and Apple Grilled Cheese Sandwiches

Soppressata and Provolone Grilled Cheese

Mild and melty provolone teams up with salty soppressata in this meaty grilled cheese.

Get the Recipe: Soppressata and Provolone Grilled Cheese

Corned Beef Grilled Cheese

This meaty grilled cheese is just like a Reuben sandwich but without the sauerkraut. For the perfect combination of sweet, spicy and vinegary flavor, add the corned beef to the skillet with the sauteed onions, whole-grain mustard and Worcestershire sauce before piling it onto the rye and Jarlsberg.

Get the Recipe: Corned Beef and Cabbage Grilled Cheese

Roasted Poblano and Mushroom Grilled Cheese

This grilled cheese with smoky roasted poblanos and creamy Monterey Jack is reminiscent of chiles rellenos, bringing two cultural classics together in one sandwich.

Get the Recipe: Roasted Poblano and Mushroom Grilled Cheese

Inside Out Bacon Grilled Cheese

Want even more cheese? This sandwich dishes out a double dose with cheese inside and outside the bread.

Get the Recipe: Inside Out Bacon Grilled Cheese

Grilled Tomato and Cheese

Dunking grilled cheese in tomato soup is classic, but this sandwich has thick slices of heirloom tomato grilled right in with the American cheese.

Get the Recipe: Grilled Tomato and Cheese

Iron Chef Grilled Cheese

Sweet meets savory in this delicious, chef-worthy sandwich. Thick slices of brioche are filled with melty cheese, bacon, fig jam and crunchy almonds.

Get the Recipe: Iron Chef Grilled Cheese

Grilled Cheese with Everything Bagel Seasoning

It looks like you really can add Everything Bagel Seasoning to just about anything. Molly's recipe has us convinced that it's the secret ingredient our grilled cheese sandwiches have been missing all along!

Get the Recipe: Grilled Cheese with Everything Bagel Seasoning

Garlicky Ham and Swiss

Take a loyal American classic to new heights when you brown this sandwich of nutty Swiss cheese, ham and cornichons in a rich, garlic-infused butter.

Get the Recipe: Garlicky Ham and Swiss

Kielbasa Grilled Cheese

Spice things up with a mustard, sausage and spicy jalapeno!

Get the Recipe: Kielbasa Grilled Cheese

Lemon Grilled Cheese

Need a fresh take on grilled cheese? Look no further! Giada sugar-sprinkled lemons to her mozzarella-based sandwich for a nice play on sweet-and-savory. Just remember to take the seeds out of the lemon first!

Get the Recipe: Lemon Grilled Cheese

Grilled Cheese Sandwiches with Bacon

Grilled cheese and bacon are a perfect match. Layer your sandwich with slices of cheddar and Monterey jack for an over-the-top cheesy experience.

Get the Recipe: Grilled Cheese Sandwiches with Bacon

Spicy Grilled Cheese

Get your tastebuds tingling with Ree’s jalapeno grilled cheese. Pro-tip: Use mayonnaise instead of butter on each slice of bread for extra a perfectly crispy crust.

Get the Recipe: Spicy Grilled Cheese

Cheddar and Apple Grilled Cheese

Ree amps up the flavor of her grilled cheese with bacon, onions and crisp apple slices. Each bite is sweet, savory, salty — and perfect!

Get the Recipe: Cheddar and Apple Grilled Cheese

Brussels Sprouts and Bacon Grilled Cheese

Sauteed Brussels sprouts add a great nutty bite to the tried-and-true combination of bacon and melted cheese. Slice them thin before cooking, then toss with the cooked bacon and some lemon zest.

Get the Recipe: Brussels Sprout and Bacon Grilled Cheese