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Home » Recipe Collections

13 Updated Grilled Cheeses That Bury Your Childhood Version

Published: Apr 14, 2025 by Shruthi · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

Grilled cheese just got a major upgrade. These recipes take the classic sandwich you grew up with and make it even better—way better. Forget about boring, basic flavors. These new versions are packed with great ingredients and bold combinations that are sure to impress your taste buds. Perfect for anyone who wants to skip the old version and try something a little more exciting.

A stack of pulled pork grilled cheese on a plate.
BBQ Pulled Pork Grilled Cheese with Caramelized Onions. Photo credit: Call Me PMc.

Kimchi Grilled Cheese

An image of a sliced kimchi grilled cheese sandwich resting on the other slice.
Kimchi Grilled Cheese. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Tangy kimchi, melted mozzarella, and sharp cheddar are sandwiched between crisp sourdough slices, creating a bold and flavorful grilled cheese. Ready in just 20 minutes, it pairs perfectly with fall soups for a hearty meal.
Get the Recipe: Kimchi Grilled Cheese

Air Fryer Grilled Cheese

A close-up photo of Air Fryer Grilled Cheese.
Air Fryer Grilled Cheese. Photo credit: Everyday Family Cooking.

The air fryer creates a crisp and golden grilled cheese with minimal effort. This hands-off method works well with any soup, making it a quick and easy meal choice.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Grilled Cheese

Waffle Grilled Cheese

Waffle grilled cheese on a white plate with flowers.
Waffle Grilled Cheese. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

Using a waffle iron for grilled cheese gives it a crispy texture and golden crust, making this a fun variation on the classic. It’s an easy method that complements fall soups.
Get the Recipe: Waffle Grilled Cheese

Turkey & Apple Grilled Cheese

Two Turkey & Apple Grilled Cheese on a black slate.
Turkey & Apple Grilled Cheese. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Smoked turkey, crisp green apple, and garlic cheese come together on buttery sourdough, offering a fresh twist on the traditional grilled cheese. It pairs nicely with seasonal soups.
Get the Recipe: Turkey & Apple Grilled Cheese

BBQ Pulled Pork Grilled Cheese with Caramelized Onions

A stack of pulled pork grilled cheese on a plate.
BBQ Pulled Pork Grilled Cheese with Caramelized Onions. Photo credit: Call Me PMc.

Caramelized onions and sharp cheddar deepen the flavors in this BBQ pulled pork grilled cheese. It’s a filling, flavorful option that goes well with hearty seasonal soups.
Get the Recipe: BBQ Pulled Pork Grilled Cheese with Caramelized Onions

Bacon Grilled Cheese Sandwiches

A stack of Bacon Grilled Cheese Sandwiches.
Bacon Grilled Cheese Sandwiches. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Crispy bacon and hot honey butter bring extra flavor to this grilled cheese, offering a simple yet satisfying twist. It’s a great option when paired with a comforting soup.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Grilled Cheese Sandwiches

Pulled Pork Grilled Cheese

A pulled pork grilled cheese sandwich on a slate plate.
Pulled Pork Grilled Cheese. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

Pulled pork combined with gooey cheese makes this grilled cheese rich and hearty. It’s a filling option that pairs well with a bowl of soup for a complete meal.
Get the Recipe: Pulled Pork Grilled Cheese

Pear Bacon and Brie Grilled Cheese

A close-up photo of Pear Bacon and Brie Grilled Cheese.
Pear Bacon and Brie Grilled Cheese. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Caramelized onions, crispy bacon, creamy brie, and pear create a sweet and savory balance that takes this grilled cheese to the next level. It’s an exciting alternative to the classic.
Get the Recipe: Pear Bacon and Brie Grilled Cheese

Air Fryer Tuna Melt

A stack of air fryer tuna melt on a plate.
Air Fryer Tuna Melt. Photo credit: Everyday Family Cooking.

The air fryer tuna melt brings together the best of a tuna sandwich and grilled cheese in just 10 minutes. This quick and easy dish is perfect for lunch or game day.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Tuna Melt

Roast Beef Gouda Grilled Cheese

Smoked gouda roast beef grilled cheese cut in half and stacked.
Roast Beef Gouda Grilled Cheese. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Smoked gouda and tender roast beef make this grilled cheese a hearty and satisfying choice. It’s a perfect match for tomato soup, creating a comforting meal.
Get the Recipe: Roast Beef Gouda Grilled Cheese

Rachel Sandwich

Rachel Sandwich stacked.
Rachel Sandwich. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

The Rachel sandwich offers a flavorful twist on the traditional Reuben, with plenty of meaty and cheesy goodness. It’s a bold choice for anyone looking for a standout grilled cheese.
Get the Recipe: Rachel Sandwich

Paneer Sandwich

Paneer Sandwich close up.
Paneer Sandwich. Photo credit: Easy Indian Cookbook.

Paneer brings a creamy texture to this grilled cheese, complemented by the bright, tangy flavor of green chutney. Quick to make, it’s perfect for any meal of the day.
Get the Recipe: Paneer Sandwich

Eggplant Grilled Cheese

Four eggplants grilled cheese with Yemenite green hot sauce on a wooden board.
Eggplant Grilled Cheese. Photo credit: At The Immigrant's Table.

This grilled cheese combines Jarlsberg cheese, grilled eggplant, cherry tomatoes, and Yemenite green hot sauce, offering bold Middle Eastern flavors. It makes a great companion to a variety of seasonal soups.
Get the Recipe: Eggplant Grilled Cheese

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Hi, I'm Shruthi! I am the owner and blogger at Parallel Plates. I love everything about food, and I hope that you can find the best recipe inspiration, trends, hacks, and more here.

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