30+ Gourmet Grilled Cheese Recipes to Make Your Mouth Water

All the most delicious and creative grilled cheese sandwich recipes your heart could desire.

grilled cheese
Steve Giralt

Even the most unskilled of cooks usually know how to make a basic grilled cheese decently well. It's a classic comfort food recipe — one that's hard to dislike, easy to assemble, and costs almost nothing. Its simplicity is also why it's such an simple dinner recipe to kick up a notch. Simply add a few more ingredients here and there and you have endless ideas for gourmet grilled cheese sandwich recipes at your fingertips.

From adding in fruit (apples and cheese go well together for a reason!) to piling on the meats to swapping out traditional American slices for a more surprising combination of cheeses, there are endless possibilities when it comes to grilled cheese if you're willing to get a little creative. Once you have your favorite classic grilled cheese recipe down, try experimenting by adding some sautéed onions, slices of ham, a dab of mayo, or all of the above. Whether you tend to lean more savory (bacon grilled cheese, anyone?) or you want something on the sweeter side (s'mores grilled cheese, perhaps?), odds are there's a grilled cheese recipe out there for you that you haven't dreamed up quite yet. Looking for some inspiration? Here are some easy recipes to get you started.

grilled cheese
Constantine Poulos
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Best-Ever Classic Grilled Cheese Sandwich

Let's start with the basics! Made with classic Pullman bread, cheddar, and butter you'll want to master this best-ever grilled cheese before going gourmet.

Get the recipe for Classic Grilled Cheese Sandwich.

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Southwestern Grilled Cheese Sandwich

This smoky recipe for a grilled cheese marries some of the best Southwestern flavors with the comforting basics of a traditional grilled cheese.

Get the recipe for Southwestern Grilled Cheese.

pimiento grilled cheese
Steve Giralt
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Ham and Pimiento Grilled Cheese Sandwich

Looking for a southern-inspired spin on a grilled cheese? This pimiento-stuffed version is it.

Get the recipe for Ham and Pimiento Grilled Cheese.

grilled cheese
Steve Giralt
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Roast Beef and Onion Grilled Cheese Sandwich

This is the roast beef sandwich of your dreams, but in grilled cheese form.

Get the recipe for Roast Beef and Onion Grilled Cheese.

grilled cheese
Steve Giralt
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Pear and Gouda Grilled Cheese Sandwich

Tart and fresh, this pear and gouda grilled cheese would be perfect for spring or summer picnics.

Get the recipe for Pear and Gouda Grilled Cheese.

pepperoni, spinach, and mozzarella grilled cheese
Steve Giralt
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Pepperoni, Spinach, and Mozzarella Grilled Cheese Sandwich

This Italian-inspired sandwich has all the makings of a great bite: Greens, salty cured meat, and rich cheese. Yum.

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

french toast grilled cheese
Chelsea Lupkin/Delish
7 of 32
French Toast Grilled Cheese Sandwich

Calling all brunch lovers! Combining French toast and grilled cheese (oh, and bacon!), this sweet-and-savory recipe is a winner.

Get the recipe at Delish.

RELATED: 19 of the Best Sandwiches to Make for Picnics

jalapeno grilled cheese
REPRINTED FROM CRAVINGS: HUNGRY FOR MORE
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Jalapeño Parmesan-Crusted Grilled Cheese Sandwich

Courtesy of Chrissy Teigen, this grilled cheese is as indulgent as a classic grilled cheese, but with a twist.

Get the recipe at Good Housekeeping.

pickle grilled cheese
John Komar
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Pickle Bacon Grilled Cheese Sandwich

If you're craving the simplicity of a grilled cheese and the flavors of a burger, this recipe is ideal. Dipping in ketchup encouraged.

Get the recipe at Delish.

roasted tomato, garlic and basil soup with grilled cheese croutons
LauriPattersonGetty Images
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Grilled Tomato Soup and Cheddar Sandwiches

Bring the smoky flavor of the grill to both your grilled cheeses and your accompanying tomato soup with this recipe.

Get the recipe for Grilled Tomato Soup and Cheddar Sandwiches.

delish grilled cheese
Tiffany Azure
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Hawaiian Grilled Cheese Sandwich

Filled with pineapple, cheese, and other delicious ingredients, this recipe is equal parts unique and delicious.

Get the recipe at Delish.

ina garten's grilled cheese
Quentin Bacon
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Ina Garten's Cheddar and Chutney Grilled Cheese Sandwich

Mango chutney, white cheddar, and the genius of Ina Garten come together in perfect harmony for this delicious grilled cheese recipe.

Get the recipe at Country Living.

cheese sandwich
Steve Giralt
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Broiled Turkey, Ham, and Grilled Cheese Sandwich

Inspired by the Croque monsieur, this sandwich delivers melted cheese on the inside and the outside.

Get the recipe for Broiled Turkey, Ham, and Grilled Cheese.

delish sloppy grilled cheese
Ethan Calabrese
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Sloppy Joe Grilled Cheese Sandwich

Two childhood classics in one great recipe.

Get the recipe at Delish.

grilled cheese with heart shape
Maren CarusoGetty Images
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Ree Drummond's Crispy Grilled Cheese Sandwich

This crunchy, melty, savory grilled cheese is slightly elevated of a classic grilled cheese.

Get the recipe at The Pioneer Woman.

mac and cheese grilled cheese
Chelsea Lupkin/Delish
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Mac and Cheese Grilled Cheese Sandwich

This recipe is pretty straight-forward. Mac and cheese grilled between two slices of bread. Pure, over-the-top comfort food.

Get the recipe at Delish.

grilled cheese
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Swiss Grilled Cheese Sandwich

Stuffed with Gruyere cheese, ham, mustard, and pickles, this is comfort food at its finest.

Get the recipe at Good Housekeeping.

giant grilled cheese
Alex Payesco
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Giant Grilled Cheese Sandwich

Have a bundt pan? Great! This recipe will take that bundt pan and use it to create the most epic grilled cheese of all time.

Get the recipe at Delish.

delish grilled cheese pepperoni
Chelsea Lupkin
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Pizza Grilled Cheese Sandwich

There's a lot going on here, and pretty much all of it is delicious.

Get the recipe at Delish.

cauliflower grilled cheese
John Komar/Delish
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Cauliflower Grilled Cheese Sandwich

Skeptical of a grilled cheese gilled with... cauliflower? Fair enough. But this recipe will make you think twice.

Get the recipe at Delish.

bourbon onion grilled cheese
Jonny Valiant
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Grilled Cheese with Bourbon Melted Onions Sandwich

For a smokey and savory combination, this grilled recipe recipe hits all the right notes.

Get the recipe at Good Housekeeping.

pickled pineapple and kimchi grilled cheese
Good Housekeeping
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Pickled Pineapple and Kimchi Grilled Cheese Sandwich

For those who can't get enough kimchi, this grilled cheese recipe will hit the spot.

Get the recipe at Good Housekeeping.

grilled cheese greek
Parker Feierbach
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Greek Grilled Cheese Sandwich

Filled with olives and fresh herbs, this grilled cheese is different than anything you've tried.

Get the recipe at Delish.

antipasto grilled cheese
Chelsea Lupkin
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Antipasto Grilled Cheese Sandwich

Stuffed with Italian meats and pickled vegetables, this is a heartier version of your typical grilled cheese with a little more spice.

Get the recipe at Delish.

bloody mary grilled cheese
Vineet Sawant
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Bloody Mary Grilled Cheese Sandwich

Love a Bloody Mary? Love a grilled cheese? You're in luck!

Get the recipe at Delish.

ham and cheese sliders
Ethan Calbrese/Delish
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Ham and Cheese Sliders

This isn't quite the grilled cheese you know, but it's a equally delicious twist on a grilled cheese. If you want to make these crispier, try putting them in a panini press.

Get the recipe at Delish.

kale grilled cheese
Lucy Schaefer/Delish
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Kale Grilled Cheese Sandwich

This is the savory grilled cheese you love, but packed with good-for-you greens.

Get the recipe at Delish.

fried bologna, grilled cheese sandwich with sweet pickles on light rye bread
LauriPattersonGetty Images
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Irish Grilled Cheese Sandwich

What's an Irish grilled cheese, you ask? It involves pickles, mustard, and aged cheddar, and it looks delicious. (Thinly sliced corned beef optional!)

Get the recipe at The Pioneer Woman.

sweet potato grilled cheese
June Xie
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Sweet Potato Grilled Cheese Sandwich

If you're gluten-free or trying to eat more veggies, this recipe is right up your alley.

Get the recipe at Delish.

bloody mary grilled cheese
Ethan Calbrese/Delish
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Grilled Cheese Dippers

There's nothing more classic than a grilled cheese with tomato soup. This grilled cheese recipes prioritizes dipping in the best way possible.

Get the recipe at Delish.

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