Must Try Grilled Cheese Recipes that Will Melt Your Heart

This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, read my full disclosure policy.  

Adult grilled cheese is the ultimate comfort food. Why settle for the basics when you can indulge in something extraordinary? From savory and spicy to sweet and unexpected, these 19 must-try grilled cheese recipes will revolutionize your sandwich game.

Whether you crave gooey cheese paired with smoky meats, fresh veggies, or bold flavors, there’s a recipe here for everyone. Grab your skillet, butter up your bread, and get ready to discover your new favorite grilled cheese creation.

Sloppy Joe Grilled Cheese

A grilled cheese with a twist features a savory ground beef filling, perfectly melted cheese, and golden toasted bread, all elegantly presented on a plate.
Image Credit: It Is a Keeper

SAVE THIS RECIPE!

Enter your email below and we’ll send this recipe straight to your inbox.

Save Recipe Final

This Sloppy Joe Grilled Cheese combines two childhood favorites into one indulgent sandwich. The rich, savory beef filling is paired with melted cheese and crispy, buttery bread, making it a messy yet irresistible meal. Every bite is loaded with cheesy goodness and hearty Sloppy Joe flavor, making it perfect for a comforting dinner or a fun weekend treat.

GET THE RECIPE: Sloppy Joe Grilled Cheese

Bacon, Egg, and Cheese Grilled Cheese

A delectable close-up of a grilled cheese with a twist, featuring scrumptious scrambled eggs, savory bacon, and a sprinkle of fresh green herbs on top.
Image Credit: It Is a Keeper

Perfect for breakfast or brunch, this sandwich layers crispy bacon, fluffy eggs, and gooey cheese between golden brown slices of bread. It’s a classic morning combination turned into a grilled cheese masterpiece.

GET THE RECIPE: Bacon, Egg, and Cheese Grilled Cheese

Buffalo Chicken Grilled Cheese

A close-up of a grilled cheese with a twist features crispy bread, molten cheese, and savory onions, all garnished with fresh chopped herbs.
Image Credit: It Is a Keeper

If you love buffalo chicken wings, this grilled cheese is a must-try. Shredded buffalo chicken meets melty cheese and crispy bread for a spicy, tangy, and utterly satisfying bite. The combination of buttery toasted bread with the bold flavors of buffalo sauce creates a sandwich that is both comforting and exciting.

GET THE RECIPE: Buffalo Chicken Grilled Cheese

Pizza Grilled Cheese

A grilled cheese with a twist: melted cheese and pepperoni meld perfectly on toasted bread, stacked neatly on a plate.
Image Credit: Insanely Good

This sandwich brings all the flavors of a classic pizza into a handheld, cheesy delight. Marinara sauce, mozzarella, and your favorite pizza toppings come together between crispy slices of bread. It’s perfect for when you’re craving pizza but want something easy, quick, and utterly satisfying.

GET THE RECIPE: Pizza Grilled Cheese

Grilled Cheese with Pickles

Grilled cheese with a twist: sandwiches stacked, filled with melted cheese and pickles, garnished with a parsley sprig.
Image Credit: The Picky Eater

For a tangy twist, this grilled cheese features crunchy, briny pickles nestled between layers of melty cheese. It’s an unexpected yet delicious combination that will surprise your taste buds.

GET THE RECIPE: Grilled Cheese with Pickles

Spicy Chicken Bacon Grilled Cheese

Grilled cheese with a twist: sandwiches featuring shredded chicken and jalapeños, all artfully presented on a wooden board and garnished with parsley.
Image Credit: A Paige of Positivity

This sandwich is loaded with bold flavors from spicy chicken, crispy bacon, and melty cheese. The combination of heat, crunch, and gooeyness makes it a standout grilled cheese.

GET THE RECIPE: Spicy Chicken Bacon Grilled Cheese

French Onion Grilled Cheese

Close-up of a grilled cheese with a twist, featuring crispy bread and melted cheese, layered with caramelized onions and stacked on a white plate.
Image Credit: Insanely Good

Inspired by the classic soup, this sandwich features caramelized onions, Gruyère cheese, and crispy bread for a rich and savory experience. It’s like a bowl of French onion soup in sandwich form! The deep, umami flavors of the onions combined with the nutty Gruyère make this a truly gourmet grilled cheese.

GET THE RECIPE: French Onion Grilled Cheese

Pesto Grilled Cheese Sandwich

A grilled cheese with a twist, featuring melted cheese, juicy tomato slices, crispy bacon, and a smear of pesto sauce. Perfectly cut in half and artistically stacked on a plate for an enticing presentation.
Image Credit: Insanely Good

Fresh basil pesto adds a burst of flavor to this grilled cheese, pairing perfectly with melty mozzarella for a bright and cheesy delight. The herby, garlicky notes of pesto bring an Italian twist to this sandwich, making it a flavorful and refreshing take on the classic.

GET THE RECIPE: Pesto Grilled Cheese Sandwich

Italian Grilled Cheese

Two grilled cheese sandwiches with a twist—oozing melted cheese alongside fresh spinach and juicy tomatoes—sit invitingly on a white plate, garnished with mixed salad leaves.
Image Credit: Ask Chef Dennis

Layered with fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and herbs, this Italian-inspired grilled cheese is bursting with Mediterranean flavors. The combination of creamy cheese, juicy tomatoes, and fragrant basil makes this sandwich a fresh and vibrant delight.

GET THE RECIPE: Italian Grilled Cheese

BLT Grilled Cheese

A close-up of a toasted sandwich, offering grilled cheese with a twist: crispy bacon, lettuce, tomato slices, and melted cheese meld perfectly between two slices of expertly grilled bread.
Image Credit: Insanely Good

A classic BLT gets an upgrade with layers of crispy bacon, fresh lettuce, ripe tomatoes, and melty cheese sandwiched between buttery toasted bread. The addition of gooey cheese brings extra richness to this already delicious classic, making it even more satisfying.

GET THE RECIPE: BLT Grilled Cheese

Cream Cheese Grilled Cheese

A stack of grilled cheese sandwiches with a twist, featuring melted cheese, tomatoes, and basil on a wooden cutting board, with slices of bread and fresh basil leaves in the background.
Image Credit: Aleka’s Get-Together

For an ultra-creamy and decadent twist, this grilled cheese features smooth, tangy cream cheese melted between crispy slices of bread. The result is a rich, luscious sandwich that takes comfort food to the next level. If you’re looking for something extra indulgent, this is a must-try.

GET THE RECIPE: Cream Cheese Grilled Cheese

Apple Grilled Cheese

A hand holds a grilled cheese with a twist, its melted cheese stretching beside a jar of honey, where a wooden dipper rests invitingly.
Image Credit: Upstate Ramblings

Sweet and savory lovers, this Apple Grilled Cheese for you! This sandwich layers crisp apple slices with gooey cheese, creating a delightful balance of flavors and textures. The tartness of the apple pairs perfectly with the buttery crunch of the bread, making this a sophisticated twist on a childhood favorite.

GET THE RECIPE: Apple Grilled Cheese

Goat Cheese, Pear, and Arugula Paninis

Two halves of a grilled cheese sandwich with a twist feature arugula and melted cheese on whole-grain bread, artfully stacked on a wooden surface. A dish with pepper sits in the background, adding an extra layer of flavor to this classic favorite.
Image Credit: The Picky Eater

This recipe features creamy goat cheese, sweet pear slices, and peppery arugula for a fresh and elegant sandwich. The combination of flavors is both light and satisfying, making it a fantastic choice for a more refined take on grilled cheese.

GET THE RECIPE: Goat Cheese, Pear, and Arugula Paninis

WANT MORE EASY RECIPES? Get our 5 Best Super Fast Supper recipes delivered straight to your inbox.

Brie, Blackberry, and Ham Grilled Cheese

Grilled cheese with a twist: A crispy sandwich of melted cheese and berry jam, served on a plate with fresh blackberries. A glass of red wine is artfully placed in the background.
Image Credit: Healthy Delicious

Brie lovers, rejoice! This Brie, Blackberry, and Ham Grilled Cheese blends creamy brie with sweet blackberries and savory ham for an unforgettable flavor explosion. It’s the perfect mix of sweet and salty, with a melty texture that makes every bite divine.

GET THE RECIPE: Brie, Blackberry, and Ham Grilled Cheese

Avocado Grilled Cheese

Close-up of a grilled cheese with a twist: sliced in half, revealing a creamy, green avocado mixture inside.
Image Credit: Damn Delicious

Creamy avocado meets melty cheese in this ultra-satisfying Avocado Grilled Cheese. The richness of the avocado enhances the cheese’s gooey texture while adding a fresh, buttery flavor. This is a must-try for avocado lovers looking for a simple yet delicious upgrade.

GET THE RECIPE: Avocado Grilled Cheese

WANT MORE EASY RECIPES? Get our 5 Best Super Fast Supper recipes delivered straight to your inbox.

Smoked Brisket Grilled Cheese

Grilled cheese with a twist, this sandwich is filled with gooey melted cheese and savory shredded meat, all stacked on a white plate.
Image Credit: Spleed

Brisket lovers, you don’t want to miss this one! The Smoked Brisket Grilled Cheese is a smoky, savory masterpiece, featuring tender, flavorful brisket nestled between layers of melted cheese and crispy bread. It’s the perfect way to elevate your grilled cheese with a hearty, barbecue-inspired twist.

GET THE RECIPE: Smoked Brisket Grilled Cheese

Air Fryer Grilled Cheese

A close-up of two halves of a grilled cheese with a twist reveals melted cheese oozing from toasted bread. In the softly blurred background, a striped cloth and a bowl of strawberries add to the inviting scene.
Image Credit: Food Lovin’ Family

This Air Fryer Grilled Cheese is a game-changer if you love crispy grilled cheese without the hassle. The air fryer ensures a perfectly golden, crunchy crust with gooey, melted cheese inside. It’s quick, easy, and delivers foolproof results every time.

GET THE RECIPE: Air Fryer Grilled Cheese

Smoked Gouda Grilled Cheese with Apples and Bacon

A grilled cheese with a twist: This sandwich features crisp apple slices nestled between layers of melted goodness on a red plate, paired perfectly with a whole red apple.
Image Credit: Gimme Some Oven

Bold flavors come together in this Smoked Gouda Grilled Cheese with Apples and Bacon. The smokiness of the gouda, the crunch of the apples, and the savory bite of bacon create an unforgettable trio. It’s a grilled cheese that hits all the right notes—smoky, sweet, salty, and deliciously melty.

GET THE RECIPE: Smoked Gouda Grilled Cheese with Apples and Bacon

Want More Easy Recipes Like This?  

  • VISIT MY WEBSITE: Visit www.itisakeeper.com for more easy recipes like this. Every recipe has been tested and approved as a “keeper”!  
  • FREE DINNER IDEAS CHEAT SHEET:  Get 200 dinner ideas and a free meal planning cheat sheet delivered to your inbox! 
  • COOK ALONG WITH ME: Check out my YouTube channel for all of our best cooking videos. 

Meet Christina

Woman in red blouse slicing lemons in a kitchen setting.

Hi there, it’s nice to meet you!  I’m a recipe developer, author, TV contributor and recipe hoarder that shares tried and true recipes anyone can make.  It Is a Keeper started in 2010 as a hobby that quickly grew.  Spending time in the kitchen has always made me happy – whether I’m making an old favorite that I know by heart or trying a new recipe. You can learn more about me here

2 thoughts on “Must Try Grilled Cheese Recipes that Will Melt Your Heart”

  1. Most of these aren’t grilled cheese recipes. They’re melt recipes. A grilled cheese sandwich consists of bread, spread, and cheese, nothing more. If it has anything not on that list of three items, it’s a melt.

    Reply

Leave a Comment