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13 Ways to Improve Your Grilled Cheese
Grilled cheese sandwiches are a beloved comfort food, but did you know there are plenty of ways to take them to the next level? With just a few extra ingredients, you can transform a simple grilled cheese into a delicious masterpiece. Whether you’re a culinary expert or a novice in the kitchen, these creative ideas will help you create a grilled cheese that’s both delicious and Instagram-worthy.
Add fruit or jam
Adding fruit or jam to your grilled cheese is a fantastic way to infuse it with complex and interesting flavors. The combination of savory and sweet creates a delightful taste experience. For example, try an apple grilled cheese by caramelizing the apples with maple syrup. Other fruit options, such as roasted grapes or crushed blackberries, also work well. If you don’t have fresh fruit, jelly or jam can be a great substitute. Grape jelly or fig jam can add a touch of sophistication to your sandwich. Don’t forget to use leftover cranberry sauce from holiday meals as a unique and delicious addition.
Add condiments
As with other sandwiches, condiments can enhance the flavor of your grilled cheese. The key is to find a balance between the condiments and the cheese so that they complement each other rather than overpowering the sandwich. Mustard, garlic aioli, barbecue sauce, and salad dressings like ranch or blue cheese can add an extra layer of flavor. Marinara sauce and Worcestershire sauce are also great choices. For a bolder flavor, consider adding kimchi, pesto, tapenade, or fresh and sun-dried tomatoes with pesto.
Step up your bread game
The bread you use plays an important role in the overall flavor and texture of your grilled cheese. While classic white bread works well, don’t be afraid to experiment with different types of bread. Sourdough, seeded bread, focaccia, English muffins, and bagels can all provide unique and delicious variations. You can even try using sweet breads like French toast or raisin bread for a twist. You can also add texture to your sandwich by dipping the bread in an egg wash and panko bread crumbs, or sprinkling shredded cheese on top for crispy cheese bits.
Add Veggies
Incorporating vegetables into your grilled cheese not only adds flavor, but also increases its nutritional value. To help the cheese hold everything together, layer the veggies between slices of cheese. If you prefer cooked vegetables, be sure to cook them first and remove any excess moisture to prevent a soggy sandwich. Some delicious options include cooked mushrooms, caramelized onions, broccoli, grilled zucchini, grilled red peppers, green onions, and fresh spinach. These additions provide a satisfying crunch and a burst of freshness.
Add Meat
While adding meat to a grilled cheese may resemble a panini, it can still let the cheese shine. Layer slices of meat next to the bread and between the cheese for a melty, creamy experience. Thinly sliced Italian cured meats such as salami, prosciutto, and pepperoni are excellent choices. Ham and pickles with mustard create a delightful Cuban sandwich flavor. Bacon can be added in strips, crumbled throughout, or even wrapped around the sandwich. Shredded meats like pulled pork or chicken, with or without BBQ sauce, are another option. You can even experiment with seafood options like shrimp dip and Old Bay seasoning.
Go international
Adding international flavors to your grilled cheese can create a fusion dish that will tantalize your taste buds. The possibilities are endless, and you can experiment with different ingredients, sauces, and condiments. For a Mediterranean twist, consider using feta cheese, red onion slices, tomato slices, pesto, roasted red peppers, spinach, fresh herbs, and olives. Italian grilled cheese can include Italian meats, basil, oregano, marinara sauce, mozzarella, and olives. Mexican-inspired options include shredded birria meat, cilantro, chopped onions, and fajita vegetables. You can even add a French twist with Dijon mustard, ham, gruyere cheese, and béchamel sauce, or go Korean with gochujang and sesame oil. Indian flavors can be achieved by adding chutney, Indian spices, and grilling the sandwich in ghee.
Season it
Seasoning your grilled cheese can really enhance its flavor and make it even more enjoyable. Beyond the classic salt and pepper, you can experiment with different herbs and spices to create a unique flavor profile. Garlic is an obvious choice and can transform your sandwich into a garlic bread grilled cheese. You can also try paprika, cayenne pepper, chili flakes, chili powder, sumac, or any other spice you like. Don’t be afraid to get creative and mix different seasonings together to discover new flavor combinations.
Add extra cheese
If you’re a cheese lover, why settle for just one type of cheese in your grilled cheese sandwich? Adding extra cheese can take your sandwich to a whole new level of cheesiness. Experiment with different cheese combinations to create a melty, gooey, and flavorful experience. Some popular choices include cheddar, Swiss, mozzarella, provolone, gouda, brie, blue cheese, and pepper jack. You can mix and match cheeses based on their meltability and flavor profiles to find your perfect combination.
Experiment with dips and sauces
Take your grilled cheese to the next level by serving it with a variety of dips and sauces. These accompaniments can complement the flavors of the sandwich and add an extra layer of indulgence. Classic tomato soup is a timeless pairing, but you can also try dipping your grilled cheese in creamy tomato bisque, roasted red pepper soup, or even a spicy chipotle sauce. Other options include garlic aioli, honey mustard, ranch dressing, BBQ sauce, or a spicy salsa. Your choice of dip or sauce will depend on your personal taste preferences and the flavor profile of your grilled cheese.
Go Gourmet
If you’re feeling adventurous and want to create a truly gourmet grilled cheese experience, consider adding gourmet ingredients to your sandwich. Truffle oil, caramelized onions, arugula, sun-dried tomatoes, roasted garlic, prosciutto, fig jam, balsamic glaze, and fresh herbs like basil or thyme can take your grilled cheese to a whole new level of sophistication. These gourmet additions can add complexity, depth and a touch of elegance to your sandwich, making it a standout dish.
Try different cooking techniques
While the classic stovetop method works great, you can also experiment with different cooking techniques to create a unique grilled cheese. One option is to use a panini or sandwich press, which can give your sandwich a nice grill mark and evenly melted cheese. Another technique is to bake your grilled cheese in the oven, which can result in a crispy exterior and a gooey interior. You can also try grilling your sandwich on a barbecue for a smoky and charred flavor. Each cooking method brings its own texture and flavor profile to the grilled cheese.
Get creative with shapes
Who says grilled cheese sandwiches have to be boring rectangles? Have fun with your grilled cheese by using different shapes and sizes. Use cookie cutters to make heart-shaped, star-shaped, or animal-shaped sandwiches. You can also experiment with mini grilled cheese sliders or even grilled cheese bites for bite-sized indulgence. Getting creative with shapes adds a playful touch to your sandwich and makes it more visually appealing.
Make it a dessert
Grilled cheese doesn’t have to be limited to savory flavors. You can also turn it into a delicious dessert option. Use a sweet bread like cinnamon swirl, brioche, or even pound cake as the base for your grilled cheese. Add sweet fillings like Nutella, peanut butter, marshmallow fluff, chocolate chips, or sliced fruit like strawberries or bananas. Sprinkle with powdered sugar or drizzle with caramel or chocolate sauce for an extra touch of indulgence. A dessert grilled cheese is a delicious treat that will satisfy your sweet tooth.
BOTTOM LINE
With these 13 ways to elevate your grilled cheese, you can turn a simple sandwich into a culinary masterpiece. Whether you prefer sweet or savory, mild or bold, there’s a grilled cheese option for everyone. Don’t be afraid to get creative, experiment with different ingredients, and make every grilled cheese your own. So the next time you’re in the mood for a comforting and delicious meal, take your grilled cheese to the next level and enjoy the delicious results.
FAQS
Can I use any type of bread for these Grilled Cheese Upgrades?
Yes, you can use a variety of bread options to upgrade your grilled cheese. Classic white bread works well, but you can also experiment with sourdough, seeded bread, focaccia, English muffins, bagels, and even sweet breads like French toast or raisin bread.
Are there vegetarian ways to upgrade grilled cheese sandwiches?
Absolutely! There are many vegetarian ways to upgrade your grilled cheese. You can add vegetables like cooked mushrooms, caramelized onions, broccoli, grilled zucchini, grilled red peppers, green onions, and fresh spinach for added flavor and crunch. In addition, delicious vegetarian variations can be created by incorporating fruit, condiments, and various cheeses.
Can I make these grilled cheese upgrades if I have dietary restrictions?
Yes, many of the Grilled Cheese Upgrades can be adapted to accommodate dietary restrictions. For example, if you’re lactose intolerant, you can use lactose-free or vegan cheese alternatives. If you have a gluten sensitivity, there are gluten-free bread options. Feel free to customize upgrades based on your specific dietary needs.
Are these grilled cheese upgrades suitable for children?
Absolutely! These grilled cheese upgrades can be a fun and tasty way to introduce kids to new flavors. You can involve them in the process of choosing ingredients and let them create their own customized sandwiches. Just be sure to tailor the upgrades to their preferences and any dietary restrictions they may have.
Can I make these grilled cheese upgrades ahead of time?
While Grilled Cheese Sandwiches are best enjoyed fresh and hot, some elements of the upgrades can be prepared ahead of time. For example, you can pre-cook vegetables, prepare condiments, or marinate ingredients ahead of time. However, it’s best to assemble and cook the sandwiches just before serving for maximum flavor and texture.