Grilled cheese sandwiches are a simple American classic that requires little-to-no effort. Two pieces of toast, a couple slices of American cheese and butter, and there you have it. But when it’s National Grilled Cheese Day (or any day because they’re delicious), you have to step it up a notch (or two). Why not add a variety of cheeses, some protein…and Sriracha? Here are 19 unconventional ways to enjoy a grilled cheese sandwich for #NationalGrilledCheeseDay.

Roasted Tomato, Garlic and Basil (Margherita) Grilled Cheese

grilled cheese sandwich
Photo: Cooking for Keeps

Cauliflower Crusted Grilled Cheese

Photo:
Photo: Kirbie Cravings

Sriracha BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese

Photo: Grilled Cheese Academy
Photo: Grilled Cheese Academy

Ratatouille Grilled Cheese

Photo: Woks of Life
Photo: Woks of Life

Pretzel Grilled Cheese 

Photo: The Noble Pig
Photo: The Noble Pig

Steak Fajita Grilled Cheese

Photo: The Noble Pig
Photo: The Noble Pig

Pretzeled Cheesesteak Grilled Cheese

Photo: Grilled Cheese Academy
Photo: Grilled Cheese Academy

Blueberry, Ham and Swiss Grilled Cheese

Photo: Grilled Cheese Academy
Photo: Grilled Cheese Academy

Arugula, Pesto and Tomato (Caprese) Grilled Cheese

Photo: Feasting at Home
Photo: Feasting at Home

Dulce de Leche and Mascarpone Grilled Cheese

Photo:
Photo: Nutmeg Nanny

Soup or Salad with Grilled Cheese Croutons

Photo:
Photo: Damn Delicious

Fried Chicken and Waffle Grilled Cheese

Photo:
Photo: Taste Spotting

Grilled Macaroni and Cheese Sandwich 

Photo: DeJanae Evins

Prosciutto and Pineapple (Hawaiian) Grilled Cheese

Photo: Domesticate Me
Photo: Domesticate Me

Buffalo Chicken and Bacon Grilled Cheese 

Buffalo Chicken Bacon Grilled Cheese
Photo: Half Baked Harvest

Chorizo, Corn and Jalapeño Grilled Cheese

Photo: Grilled Cheese Academy
Photo: Grilled Cheese Academy

Spinach and Artichoke Grilled Cheese

Lobster Grilled Cheese

Photo: Grilled Cheese Academy

Baked Potato Grilled Cheese

grilled cheese sandwich
Photo: B’s in the Kitchen

And who knows, adding your own original twist on this childhood favorite could be good enough to win you first place in the Wisconsin Grilled Cheese Academy Contest.


 

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