Comfort Food Classics: 6 Best Grilled Cheese Sandwiches

2 Comments | Written on April 26, 2012 at 3:00 pm, by The Editors

grilled cheese sandwich recipes The recipe for comfort is easy: take two slices of bread, put cheese in the middle, and grill. Grilled cheese sandwiches are truly one of life’s simplest pleasures; they’re as effortless to make as they are to enjoy. We’ve gathered some of our favorite grilled cheese sandwich recipes, each one offering a spin on the classic bread-and-cheese combo. Part of a grilled cheese sandwich’s appeal is how quick it is to prepare; they’re the perfect meal for a lunch at home or a quick but satisfying dinner at the end of a long day. After all, the shorter the prep time, the sooner you get to eat!

Of course it’s hard to go wrong with just a good ol’ grilled cheese sandwich, but there are any number of creative variations on the classic. We have a farmer’s market version featuring plenty of fresh veggies, a tasty sandwich with fruit and nuts and even an elegant open-faced herb toast smothered in two kinds of cheese.

As with any comfort food, the grilled cheese sandwich provides plenty of opportunity for personal variation. Whether you like Havarti cheese on whole wheat with side of mixed greens or American cheese on white bread alongside a cup of tomato soup, the result is the same: pure satisfaction.

Grilled Cheese Sandwich

Can’t get more simple than this. All you need are your favorite cheese and two slices of white bread, plus butter for cooking. Yes, butter. Versus margarine or other spreads, butter is the most reliable in yielding that perfect golden hue. Let it soften for easier spreading (we’ve also had good results gently melting it in the microwave and brushing it on the bread).

Farmer’s Market Grilled Cheese

Fresh spinach, tomato and zucchini give this grilled cheese a nutritious boost in addition to its great taste. The creamy goat cheese pairs wonderfully with the crisp fresh vegetables.

Grilled Cheese and Fruit Sandwich

It’s a cheese board rolled into a sandwich! This clever variation brings popular grilled-cheese accompaniments into the sandwich itself. Sliced apple or pears add sweetness and crunch. Nuts give the sandwich even more flavor (and add a little protein as well).

Ham and Caramelized Onion Grilled Cheese

Gooey and decadent-tasting, this grilled cheese sandwich actually weighs in at less than 300 calories, thanks to low-fat cheese and ham. Sweet caramelized onions are nicely balanced by the spicy kick of brown mustard and horseradish. A side of mixed greens gives you a quick, easy and surprisingly low-cal meal.

Grilled Three-Cheese Sandwich

What’s better than a grilled cheese sandwich? A grilled cheese sandwich with three cheeses. Not only does this sandwich up the cheese ante, but also it uses unexpected cheeses. Cottage cheese and Parmesan combine with the more conventional cheddar to make a delicious spread that also features celery and raisins for a truly unconventional treat.

Grilled Double-Cheese and Herb Bread

Grilled cheese goes adult with this elegant take on the classic. Oregano and basil add fresh herb flavor to this open-faced grilled cheese, which makes for a perfect hors-d’oeuvre at your next dinner party.