Say Cheese: Dressed-Up Grilled Cheese Sandwiches

UPDATED April 9, 2020: Grilled cheese sandwiches combine two of our favorite things – cheese and more cheese. We love mixing and matching cheeses with other ingredients to find our flavor of the week. Whether throwing together a quick lunch or needing something to pair with a stew or soup, grilled cheese is always our go-to.

These sandwiches are foolproof, especially if you make them in your Breakfast Sandwich Maker or Panini Maker. We came up with these six varieties that we hope inspire you to dress up your lunch:

1. Turkey Club Panini 

This grilled cheese was a favorite with our tasting panel. It combines turkey, tomato, sautéed onions, sharp cheddar and (wait for it…) bacon and barbecue sauce into a not-so-average grilled cheese. We spread mayonnaise (but you could always use butter) on the outside of Italian bread. Mayo adds a golden brown color and extra crisp crunch to the bread once it’s cooked. If you’re a fan of easy cleanup and perfect grill marks, make this in your panini maker. Make enough to share and serve with extra barbecue sauce on the side for dipping.

2. Three Cheese Avocado and Bacon Panini

Three different cheeses, check. Avocado, check. Bacon, check. This grilled cheese was cooked on the panini maker and is packed with flavor. A tangy mixture of mayonnaise, ketchup and mustard tops bacon, avocado, and three types of cheese – Jarlsberg, mozzarella and cheddar – to make a filling sandwich perfect for lunch or dinner. Mix and match your favorite cheeses and try adding a fried egg for a breakfast version.

3. Grilled Pepperoni Pizza Sandwich

While the Breakfast Sandwich Maker is a time-saver in the mornings, don’t forget about it when preparing lunch or dinner. Fresh mozzarella, sliced pepperoni and pizza sauce are sandwiched between two slices of buttery, garlic bread to make this Grilled Pepperoni Pizza Sandwich. Serve with a side of your favorite marinara sauce for an Italian take on grilled cheese that the whole family will enjoy.

4. Monte Cristo Sandwich

Our version of a Monte Cristo cooks to perfection in the Breakfast Sandwich Maker. Beat an egg and soak both halves of your english muffin in the mixture before adding them to the Breakfast Sandwich Maker. Swiss cheese, turkey, ham and cranberry sauce complete the Breakfast Sandwich Maker Monte Cristo Sandwich. Add extra cranberry sauce or even powdered sugar and serve for a quick lunch or dinner that is the perfect combination of sweet and savory.

5. Grilled Pimento Cheese and Bacon Sandwich

If you’re in the mood for something a little more elevated, use your Breakfast Sandwich Maker to make a grilled pimento cheese and bacon sandwich.

6. Grilled Cheese Sandwich

Looking for a plain ole grilled cheese? Use your Breakfast Sandwich Maker to craft the perfect comfort food in just a couple of minutes. You can use the removable rings of the Breakfast Sandwich maker to cut the bread into 4-inch circles for a perfect fit. See the steps here.

What is your favorite grilled cheese sandwich recipe? Share your best creation with us on Instagram by tagging @HamiltonBeach in your photo.