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.
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Époisses Grilled Cheese and Pepper Jelly Sandwiches
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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.
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Inside-Out Grilled Ham and Cheese Sandwiches
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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.
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Grilled Gruyère and Sweet Onion Sandwiches
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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.
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The New American Grilled Cheese
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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."
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Multigrain Grilled Cheese Sandwiches
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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.
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Grilled Cheese and Bacon Sandwiches with Cheese Curds
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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.
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Grilled Ham and Cheese with Strawberry-Red-Wine Jam
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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.
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Tomato, Prosciutto, and Gruyère Sandwiches
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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.
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Knife-and-Fork Grilled Cheese with Honey
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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.
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Ham and Gruyère French Toast Sandwiches
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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.
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Grilled Cheese with Spinach and Tomato Sauce
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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.
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Grilled Cheese and Chorizo Sandwiches
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Pickled jalapeños, chorizo sausage, and Pepper Jack cheese are paired with Havarti and sourdough bread to give this sandwich a zingy kick.
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Grilled Cheese with Corn and Calabrian Chile
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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.
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Opulent Grilled Cheese
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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.
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Sweet and Smoky Grilled Cheese Toastie
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A combination of chipotle-spiked béchamel and mild Comté cheese melts together to create the rich, creamy center in this pressed "toastie" sandwich.
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