Everyone is always looking for the perfect, quick meal that is filling, yet delicious. With a busy schedule, cooking can become quite difficult, and as the weather drops you also start craving a meal that warms your insides. My answer to your cries is the grilled cheese sandwich. I’m not talking about that boring two pieces of bread with some cheddar cheese. I’ve recently uncovered tons of creative and healthy grilled cheese recipes that are sure to please! This is honestly one of the most versatile recipes I know. You can choose your favorite bread, cheese, and load on the extras, like nutrient-rich vegetables, or even proteins that can go in between the slices; my favorite add-ins are tomatoes and spinach. Additions like pesto or hot sauce can also really pump up the flavor of your cheesy meal as well. Making your grilled cheese is easy and can be done on the stovetop, just flipping the sandwich over halfway in between cooking. I have a little counter-top grill I love to use and Panini makers work great too. Here are some of my favorites recipes to try for your next meal!
Garlic Bread Sandwich
Slice fresh mozzarella and place between two slices of whole wheat bread. Drizzle the outsides of the bread with olive oil and sprinkle with garlic powder. Grill to your liking. Serve with a side of warm marinara sauce for dipping.
Brie, Turkey, and Arugula
On a whole grain flatbread, add sliced turkey breast, arugula, and a few slices of heavenly Brie cheese. Fold the flatbread in half and grill to your liking.
Pizza Sandwich
Between two slices of bread layer mozzarella cheese, pepperoni, Italian seasoning, and basil. Grill to your liking. After cooking, sprinkle the sandwich with fresh grated Parmesan cheese. Dip into a side of pizza sauce.
Ketchup Butter Grilled Cheese
You may think this one sounds crazy, but you will love it once you have tried it. I thought this would be gross the first time I heard about it, but I do recall dipping my grilled cheese crusts in ketchup with my brother as a child. In a bowl, mix equal parts butter and ketchup. Butter one side of two slices of bread with your ketchup butter mixture. Top one slice with cheddar cheese and the remaining slice of bread. Grill to your liking. Now, be amazed at how wonderful it tastes.
AMT (Avocado, Mozzarella, and Tomato)
Love avocados as much as I do? Place one slice avocado, two slices of Mozzarella cheese, and one slice tomato between two slices of bread. Drizzle outsides of bread with olive oil and salt and grill to your liking.
Get the idea? The options are truly endless! Now open your fridge and get creative!
Want more mouth-watering recipes on how to perfect the grilled cheese? Email Courtney at cpelot@wisc.edu with questions, advice, or ideas of your own.
