17 Things to Add to Spice up a Plain Old Grilled Cheese Sandwich ...

By Eliza

A grilled cheese sandwich is great, as is, but if you want to make it a bit more exciting, there are lots of tasty options. When you pile these on your sandwich, you get something you love, while also trying something new. If you want to really impress someone, a gourmet grilled cheese sandwich is just the thing you’ve been looking for. Here are some super yummy ideas. The only problem will be choosing which one you want to try first.

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1. Bacon

Bacon Bacon is bacon and it pretty much speaks for itself. After all, everything is better with bacon, right?

  • Absolutely! A regular grilled cheese is great on its own, but adding fun ingredients like bacon or avocado can make it even better. It's like taking it from simple to gourmet!

  • Oh, there are so many! Think juicy tomatoes, crispy bacon, or even sweet fig jam. You can get really creative with what you have in your fridge.

  • Yes, definitely! A buttery crust and melty cheese are a must. Plus, using a mix of cheeses can add amazing flavor. And don’t forget, low and slow heat to get that perfect golden brown.

  • You could add some jalapeños for a kick, or a dash of hot sauce. Even sprinkling some chili flakes can do wonders. It’s all about adding a bit of heat to surprise your taste buds!

  • Oh, for sure! Try adding apple slices with cheddar, or brie with cranberry sauce. Even things like pesto or a fried egg can switch things up. The combinations are endless and exciting!

2. Tomatoes

Tomatoes A couple of thick, juicy slices of tomatoes will turn an ordinary grilled cheese sandwich into something you’d find in a fancy restaurant. Yum!

  • Absolutely! A regular grilled cheese is great on its own, but adding fun ingredients like bacon or avocado can make it even better. It's like taking it from simple to gourmet!

  • Oh, there are so many! Think juicy tomatoes, crispy bacon, or even sweet fig jam. You can get really creative with what you have in your fridge.

  • Yes, definitely! A buttery crust and melty cheese are a must. Plus, using a mix of cheeses can add amazing flavor. And don’t forget, low and slow heat to get that perfect golden brown.

  • You could add some jalapeños for a kick, or a dash of hot sauce. Even sprinkling some chili flakes can do wonders. It’s all about adding a bit of heat to surprise your taste buds!

  • Oh, for sure! Try adding apple slices with cheddar, or brie with cranberry sauce. Even things like pesto or a fried egg can switch things up. The combinations are endless and exciting!

3. Onions

Onions Whether you choose red, yellow or white onions, adding them to your grilled cheese gives it a perfect crunch and just a dash of spiciness. You’re going to love it!

  • Absolutely! A regular grilled cheese is great on its own, but adding fun ingredients like bacon or avocado can make it even better. It's like taking it from simple to gourmet!

  • Oh, there are so many! Think juicy tomatoes, crispy bacon, or even sweet fig jam. You can get really creative with what you have in your fridge.

  • Yes, definitely! A buttery crust and melty cheese are a must. Plus, using a mix of cheeses can add amazing flavor. And don’t forget, low and slow heat to get that perfect golden brown.

  • You could add some jalapeños for a kick, or a dash of hot sauce. Even sprinkling some chili flakes can do wonders. It’s all about adding a bit of heat to surprise your taste buds!

  • Oh, for sure! Try adding apple slices with cheddar, or brie with cranberry sauce. Even things like pesto or a fried egg can switch things up. The combinations are endless and exciting!

4. Avocado

Avocado The rich and creamy taste and texture of avocado perfectly balances the flavor of the cheese. Mash it before you put it on or you’ll have a sandwich that is really messy and hard to eat.

  • Absolutely! A regular grilled cheese is great on its own, but adding fun ingredients like bacon or avocado can make it even better. It's like taking it from simple to gourmet!

  • Oh, there are so many! Think juicy tomatoes, crispy bacon, or even sweet fig jam. You can get really creative with what you have in your fridge.

  • Yes, definitely! A buttery crust and melty cheese are a must. Plus, using a mix of cheeses can add amazing flavor. And don’t forget, low and slow heat to get that perfect golden brown.

  • You could add some jalapeños for a kick, or a dash of hot sauce. Even sprinkling some chili flakes can do wonders. It’s all about adding a bit of heat to surprise your taste buds!

  • Oh, for sure! Try adding apple slices with cheddar, or brie with cranberry sauce. Even things like pesto or a fried egg can switch things up. The combinations are endless and exciting!

As part of taking control over your health and wellbeing, it's important to pay attention to the amount of sugar you consume daily. Did you ever wonder how many grams of sugar are in a teaspoon? Understanding this can help you make healthier choices and avoid those sneaky sugars that add up throughout the day. No doubt, your body will thank you!

5. A Fried Egg

A Fried Egg Nothing tastes better on a fried egg than a gooey slice of melted cheese. If you crave a grilled cheese for breakfast, adding an egg makes it a perfect morning meal.

  • Absolutely! A regular grilled cheese is great on its own, but adding fun ingredients like bacon or avocado can make it even better. It's like taking it from simple to gourmet!

  • Oh, there are so many! Think juicy tomatoes, crispy bacon, or even sweet fig jam. You can get really creative with what you have in your fridge.

  • Yes, definitely! A buttery crust and melty cheese are a must. Plus, using a mix of cheeses can add amazing flavor. And don’t forget, low and slow heat to get that perfect golden brown.

  • You could add some jalapeños for a kick, or a dash of hot sauce. Even sprinkling some chili flakes can do wonders. It’s all about adding a bit of heat to surprise your taste buds!

  • Oh, for sure! Try adding apple slices with cheddar, or brie with cranberry sauce. Even things like pesto or a fried egg can switch things up. The combinations are endless and exciting!

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6. Macaroni and Cheese

Macaroni and Cheese If you want an epic grilled cheese sandwich, you have to try yours stuffed with cooked macaroni and cheese. Talk about a tasty way to satisfy a cheese craving!

  • Absolutely! A regular grilled cheese is great on its own, but adding fun ingredients like bacon or avocado can make it even better. It's like taking it from simple to gourmet!

  • Oh, there are so many! Think juicy tomatoes, crispy bacon, or even sweet fig jam. You can get really creative with what you have in your fridge.

  • Yes, definitely! A buttery crust and melty cheese are a must. Plus, using a mix of cheeses can add amazing flavor. And don’t forget, low and slow heat to get that perfect golden brown.

  • You could add some jalapeños for a kick, or a dash of hot sauce. Even sprinkling some chili flakes can do wonders. It’s all about adding a bit of heat to surprise your taste buds!

  • Oh, for sure! Try adding apple slices with cheddar, or brie with cranberry sauce. Even things like pesto or a fried egg can switch things up. The combinations are endless and exciting!

7. Potato Chips

Potato Chips Sandwich experts say that potato chips add just the perfect crunch to a grilled cheese sandwich. Try barbecue or sour cream and onion if you want to really shake things up.

  • Absolutely! A regular grilled cheese is great on its own, but adding fun ingredients like bacon or avocado can make it even better. It's like taking it from simple to gourmet!

  • Oh, there are so many! Think juicy tomatoes, crispy bacon, or even sweet fig jam. You can get really creative with what you have in your fridge.

  • Yes, definitely! A buttery crust and melty cheese are a must. Plus, using a mix of cheeses can add amazing flavor. And don’t forget, low and slow heat to get that perfect golden brown.

  • You could add some jalapeños for a kick, or a dash of hot sauce. Even sprinkling some chili flakes can do wonders. It’s all about adding a bit of heat to surprise your taste buds!

  • Oh, for sure! Try adding apple slices with cheddar, or brie with cranberry sauce. Even things like pesto or a fried egg can switch things up. The combinations are endless and exciting!

8. French Fries

French Fries Thick cut French fries are perfect in a sandwich. When the cheese melts, it combines the two ingredients and you get something ooey and gooey and totally perfect. Salt the fries before you put them in for the perfect taste.

  • Absolutely! A regular grilled cheese is great on its own, but adding fun ingredients like bacon or avocado can make it even better. It's like taking it from simple to gourmet!

  • Oh, there are so many! Think juicy tomatoes, crispy bacon, or even sweet fig jam. You can get really creative with what you have in your fridge.

  • Yes, definitely! A buttery crust and melty cheese are a must. Plus, using a mix of cheeses can add amazing flavor. And don’t forget, low and slow heat to get that perfect golden brown.

  • You could add some jalapeños for a kick, or a dash of hot sauce. Even sprinkling some chili flakes can do wonders. It’s all about adding a bit of heat to surprise your taste buds!

  • Oh, for sure! Try adding apple slices with cheddar, or brie with cranberry sauce. Even things like pesto or a fried egg can switch things up. The combinations are endless and exciting!

9. Roasted Green Chilies

Roasted Green Chilies If you like things with a little bit of spice, roasted green chilies are the perfect thing for a grilled cheese sandwich. They add crunch and heat and you’ll never want yours without them again.

  • Absolutely! A regular grilled cheese is great on its own, but adding fun ingredients like bacon or avocado can make it even better. It's like taking it from simple to gourmet!

  • Oh, there are so many! Think juicy tomatoes, crispy bacon, or even sweet fig jam. You can get really creative with what you have in your fridge.

  • Yes, definitely! A buttery crust and melty cheese are a must. Plus, using a mix of cheeses can add amazing flavor. And don’t forget, low and slow heat to get that perfect golden brown.

  • You could add some jalapeños for a kick, or a dash of hot sauce. Even sprinkling some chili flakes can do wonders. It’s all about adding a bit of heat to surprise your taste buds!

  • Oh, for sure! Try adding apple slices with cheddar, or brie with cranberry sauce. Even things like pesto or a fried egg can switch things up. The combinations are endless and exciting!

10. Apples

Apples Thinly sliced apples pair surprisingly well with cheese, especially Cheddar. They also add a delightful crunch and tartness to your favorite lunchtime meal.

  • Absolutely! A regular grilled cheese is great on its own, but adding fun ingredients like bacon or avocado can make it even better. It's like taking it from simple to gourmet!

  • Oh, there are so many! Think juicy tomatoes, crispy bacon, or even sweet fig jam. You can get really creative with what you have in your fridge.

  • Yes, definitely! A buttery crust and melty cheese are a must. Plus, using a mix of cheeses can add amazing flavor. And don’t forget, low and slow heat to get that perfect golden brown.

  • You could add some jalapeños for a kick, or a dash of hot sauce. Even sprinkling some chili flakes can do wonders. It’s all about adding a bit of heat to surprise your taste buds!

  • Oh, for sure! Try adding apple slices with cheddar, or brie with cranberry sauce. Even things like pesto or a fried egg can switch things up. The combinations are endless and exciting!

11. Spinach

Spinach Want to make your grilled cheese just a little bit healthier? Fresh spinach leaves are the best option. Kale also works if you like it better.

  • Absolutely! A regular grilled cheese is great on its own, but adding fun ingredients like bacon or avocado can make it even better. It's like taking it from simple to gourmet!

  • Oh, there are so many! Think juicy tomatoes, crispy bacon, or even sweet fig jam. You can get really creative with what you have in your fridge.

  • Yes, definitely! A buttery crust and melty cheese are a must. Plus, using a mix of cheeses can add amazing flavor. And don’t forget, low and slow heat to get that perfect golden brown.

  • You could add some jalapeños for a kick, or a dash of hot sauce. Even sprinkling some chili flakes can do wonders. It’s all about adding a bit of heat to surprise your taste buds!

  • Oh, for sure! Try adding apple slices with cheddar, or brie with cranberry sauce. Even things like pesto or a fried egg can switch things up. The combinations are endless and exciting!

12. Ham and Pickles

Ham and Pickles Just when you thought a grilled cheese couldn’t get any better, comes one piled with ham and pickles. You will never believe how good this tastes. Try it today!

  • Absolutely! A regular grilled cheese is great on its own, but adding fun ingredients like bacon or avocado can make it even better. It's like taking it from simple to gourmet!

  • Oh, there are so many! Think juicy tomatoes, crispy bacon, or even sweet fig jam. You can get really creative with what you have in your fridge.

  • Yes, definitely! A buttery crust and melty cheese are a must. Plus, using a mix of cheeses can add amazing flavor. And don’t forget, low and slow heat to get that perfect golden brown.

  • You could add some jalapeños for a kick, or a dash of hot sauce. Even sprinkling some chili flakes can do wonders. It’s all about adding a bit of heat to surprise your taste buds!

  • Oh, for sure! Try adding apple slices with cheddar, or brie with cranberry sauce. Even things like pesto or a fried egg can switch things up. The combinations are endless and exciting!

13. Pesto

Pesto The wonderful flavor of pesto pairs just right with all kinds of cheese. Smear it on the inside of both slices of bread then melt the cheese in between. Perfect!

  • Absolutely! A regular grilled cheese is great on its own, but adding fun ingredients like bacon or avocado can make it even better. It's like taking it from simple to gourmet!

  • Oh, there are so many! Think juicy tomatoes, crispy bacon, or even sweet fig jam. You can get really creative with what you have in your fridge.

  • Yes, definitely! A buttery crust and melty cheese are a must. Plus, using a mix of cheeses can add amazing flavor. And don’t forget, low and slow heat to get that perfect golden brown.

  • You could add some jalapeños for a kick, or a dash of hot sauce. Even sprinkling some chili flakes can do wonders. It’s all about adding a bit of heat to surprise your taste buds!

  • Oh, for sure! Try adding apple slices with cheddar, or brie with cranberry sauce. Even things like pesto or a fried egg can switch things up. The combinations are endless and exciting!

14. Smoked Salmon

Smoked Salmon Traditionally, smoked salmon is paired with cream cheese. However, it works pretty well on a melty grilled cheese too.

  • Absolutely! A regular grilled cheese is great on its own, but adding fun ingredients like bacon or avocado can make it even better. It's like taking it from simple to gourmet!

  • Oh, there are so many! Think juicy tomatoes, crispy bacon, or even sweet fig jam. You can get really creative with what you have in your fridge.

  • Yes, definitely! A buttery crust and melty cheese are a must. Plus, using a mix of cheeses can add amazing flavor. And don’t forget, low and slow heat to get that perfect golden brown.

  • You could add some jalapeños for a kick, or a dash of hot sauce. Even sprinkling some chili flakes can do wonders. It’s all about adding a bit of heat to surprise your taste buds!

  • Oh, for sure! Try adding apple slices with cheddar, or brie with cranberry sauce. Even things like pesto or a fried egg can switch things up. The combinations are endless and exciting!

15. Mushrooms

Mushrooms If you love Swiss or Cheddar on your grilled cheese, sautéed mushrooms are the perfect complement. You won’t be sorry you tried this one!

  • Absolutely! A regular grilled cheese is great on its own, but adding fun ingredients like bacon or avocado can make it even better. It's like taking it from simple to gourmet!

  • Oh, there are so many! Think juicy tomatoes, crispy bacon, or even sweet fig jam. You can get really creative with what you have in your fridge.

  • Yes, definitely! A buttery crust and melty cheese are a must. Plus, using a mix of cheeses can add amazing flavor. And don’t forget, low and slow heat to get that perfect golden brown.

  • You could add some jalapeños for a kick, or a dash of hot sauce. Even sprinkling some chili flakes can do wonders. It’s all about adding a bit of heat to surprise your taste buds!

  • Oh, for sure! Try adding apple slices with cheddar, or brie with cranberry sauce. Even things like pesto or a fried egg can switch things up. The combinations are endless and exciting!

16. Olives

Olives Most kinds of olives will taste yummy on a grilled cheese. That includes black and green. They give it just the right touch of tanginess and saltiness.

  • Absolutely! A regular grilled cheese is great on its own, but adding fun ingredients like bacon or avocado can make it even better. It's like taking it from simple to gourmet!

  • Oh, there are so many! Think juicy tomatoes, crispy bacon, or even sweet fig jam. You can get really creative with what you have in your fridge.

  • Yes, definitely! A buttery crust and melty cheese are a must. Plus, using a mix of cheeses can add amazing flavor. And don’t forget, low and slow heat to get that perfect golden brown.

  • You could add some jalapeños for a kick, or a dash of hot sauce. Even sprinkling some chili flakes can do wonders. It’s all about adding a bit of heat to surprise your taste buds!

  • Oh, for sure! Try adding apple slices with cheddar, or brie with cranberry sauce. Even things like pesto or a fried egg can switch things up. The combinations are endless and exciting!

17. Sauerkraut

Sauerkraut If you really want to try something new, sauerkraut is the way to go. It’s got such a distinctive taste and it perfectly balances your cheese.

What’s your favorite thing to put on a grilled cheese sandwich? Which of these are you excited to try?

Thanks for sharing your thoughts!

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Feedback Junction

Where Thoughts and Opinions Converge

I love, love, love grilled cheese sandwiches!! So many delicious choices!!!

yummy looks great

These all look so good

Love these recipes

i always put avocado bacon and ranch on mine...they're perfect!

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