Recipes Sandwiches + Wraps Cheese Sandwiches Grilled Cheese 15 Melty Grilled Cheeses You Need to Try By Food & Wine Editors Updated on August 24, 2022 Share Tweet Pin Email Trending Videos Sometimes, nothing beats the comfort of a good grilled cheese, from crisp bread that shatters with each bite, to savory, melty cheese that stretches as you pull it apart. And you don't have to limit yourself to plain cheese and bread — try adding honey (trust us on this one), slapping on tomato and prosciutto, or including tangy jam. We've gathered all of our favorite recipes to celebrate the humble grilled cheese — all you have to do is pick which one to make first. 01 of 15 Époisses Grilled Cheese and Pepper Jelly Sandwiches © CHRISTINA HOLMES This indulgent sandwich from chef Vivian Howard is a fun combination of Époisses, the pungent French cow-milk cheese, and sweet and spicy pepper jelly. Get the Recipe 02 of 15 Inside-Out Grilled Ham and Cheese Sandwiches The best way to improve on a great grilled cheese is to sprinkle some cheese on the outside of the bread. It creates a super-crisp, cheesy crust. Get the Recipe 03 of 15 Grilled Gruyère and Sweet Onion Sandwiches © YUNHEE KIM Our reinvention of the classic grilled cheese features caramelized onion, sour pickles, Dijon mustard, and Gruyère cheese nestled between layers of buttery-crisp whole-grain bread. Get the Recipe 04 of 15 The New American Grilled Cheese © QUENTIN BACON The best grilled cheese is the gooiest grilled cheese, says author Laura Werlin: "After you bite into it, the cheese should stretch out past your face as far as your arm will reach. Otherwise, it's just not right." Get the Recipe 05 of 15 Multigrain Grilled Cheese Sandwiches Chef Seamus Mullen's gooey Spanish version of a grilled cheese contains Mahón, Manchego, and Idiazàbal, as well as roasted plum tomatoes. To simplify, opt for more accessible cheeses like smoked cheddar and Gouda. Get the Recipe 06 of 15 Grilled Cheese and Bacon Sandwiches with Cheese Curds © FREDRIKA STJÄRNE Cheese curds are small chunks of just-made cheese that haven't been pressed into a shape. They're milky and delicious in a grilled cheese sandwich like this one. Get the Recipe 07 of 15 Grilled Ham and Cheese with Strawberry-Red-Wine Jam © CEDRIC ANGELES The secret to burger chef Chris Kronner's delectable sandwiches is his Pinot Noir-spiked jam. Kronner got the idea when he was helping Tartine's Elisabeth Prueitt test jam recipes while they drank wine. Get the Recipe 08 of 15 Tomato, Prosciutto, and Gruyère Sandwiches © James Merrell Chef Daniel Humm's broiled open-face cheese sandwiches make a terrific snack or a decadent lunch. They evoke classic Swiss fondue because they combine bubbling hot Gruyère with white wine and kirsch. Get the Recipe 09 of 15 Knife-and-Fork Grilled Cheese with Honey © Con Poulos Chef Chris Cosentino proves here that you can elevate the humble grilled cheese sandwich into something magical with just a few tweaks. His simple, jaw-droppingly good version is filled with luscious Taleggio cheese, then drizzled with honey and sprinkled with flaky salt and coarsely ground black pepper. Get the Recipe 10 of 15 Ham and Gruyère French Toast Sandwiches © FREDRIKA STJÄRNE Chef Jesse Cool likes to tuck maple apples in with his ham and cheese, but the fruit can be served on the side, along with a spicy mustard or horseradish sauce. Get the Recipe 11 of 15 Grilled Cheese with Spinach and Tomato Sauce © ASHLEY COLBOURNE Call it an adult version of the grilled cheese sandwich: Slices of country bread are layered with mozzarella, mild goat cheese, and spinach-laden tomato sauce, then toasted to a golden brown. Get the Recipe 12 of 15 Grilled Cheese and Chorizo Sandwiches © PERNILLE PEDERSEN Pickled jalapeños, chorizo sausage, and Pepper Jack cheese are paired with Havarti and sourdough bread to give this sandwich a zingy kick. Get the Recipe 13 of 15 Grilled Cheese with Corn and Calabrian Chile Photo by Tara Donne / Food Styling by Chris Lanier / Prop Styling by Raina Kattelson Chef Nancy Silverton's upgraded grilled cheese is filled with a charred sweet corn-studded blend of nutty English cheddar, sharp caciocavallo, and just enough mayonnaise to bind it all together. Thick slices of sourdough get a beautifully buttery, golden crust in a cast iron skillet, while Calabrian chile sneaks in with just the right amount of heat. Get the Recipe 14 of 15 Opulent Grilled Cheese Photo by Victor Protasio / Food Styling by Rishon Hanners / Prop Styling by Audrey Davis The combination of creamy, silky Taleggio and nutty aged Gruyère cheeses in these small but decadent sandwiches results in the perfect melt, with plenty of flavor. Pops of fresh salinity from lightly smashed capers stirred into sweet, jammy strawberries balance the richness. Get the Recipe 15 of 15 Sweet and Smoky Grilled Cheese Toastie Photo by Victor Protasio / Food Styling by Emily Nabors Hall / Prop Styling by Thom Driver A combination of chipotle-spiked béchamel and mild Comté cheese melts together to create the rich, creamy center in this pressed "toastie" sandwich. Get the Recipe Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit