10 Ways to Dress Up a Basic Grilled Cheese Sandwich
Same easy sandwich, ten new reasons to make it again.
Ten simple ways to upgrade a basic grilled cheese sandwich, from ingredient swaps to technique tricks that make it crispier and more flavorful.
A basic grilled cheese is already good, which is exactly why it's worth having a few tricks to make it even better without much extra effort.
1. Mayo Instead of Butter
Spread mayonnaise on the outside of the bread instead of butter. It has a higher smoke point and browns more evenly, giving you a crispier crust.
2. Mix Two Cheeses
Combine a good melting cheese like mozzarella with something sharper like cheddar or gruyère for both gooey texture and real flavor.
3. Add a Thin Layer of Jam
A thin spread of fig or apricot jam against the cheese adds a sweet contrast that plays surprisingly well with sharp cheddar.
4. Caramelized Onions
A spoonful of caramelized onions tucked inside turns a simple sandwich into something close to French onion soup in sandwich form.
5. A Sprinkle of Parmesan on the Outside
Press grated parmesan onto the buttered bread before it hits the pan for a crispy, savory crust.
6. Sliced Apple or Pear
Thin fruit slices inside add crunch and a bit of natural sweetness against the melted cheese.
7. A Fried Egg on Top
Slide a fried egg with a runny yolk onto the finished sandwich for an easy breakfast-for-dinner upgrade.
8. Garlic Butter Instead of Plain
Mix a little minced garlic into softened butter before spreading it on the bread for extra flavor in every bite.
9. Cook It Low and Slow
Use medium-low heat and give it more time than feels necessary. This melts the cheese all the way through without burning the bread.
10. Dip It in Tomato Soup
Sometimes the best upgrade isn't inside the sandwich at all. A bowl of tomato soup on the side turns grilled cheese into a full, comforting meal.