Image via Complex Original
Grilled cheese is as much an American pastime as baseball or, perhaps more accurately, beer pong. It's a simple pleasure that recalls childhood memories of mom making you a crispy sandwich (no crusts!) oozing with American cheese with a side of cold milk.
But now that you're grown, you can improvise. You can swap out that Land 'O Lakes American slice for a hunk of gruyere, and even add some proscuitto. It's your kitchen and you can get creative if you want to. Learn how with our guide to upgrading your lunch with these next-level takes on grilled cheese. Somewhere in America, your mom is impressed.
RELATED: The Worst Chain Restaurants in America
RELATED: Fast Food Chains That NYC Needs ASAP
RELATED: 25 Fast Food Items That Stoners and Pregnant Women Love
RELATED: First We Feast - The Ultimate Guide to Cheese
Buffalo Chicken Grilled Cheese
Main ingredients: cooked shredded chicken, hot sauce, mayo, grated carrots, sliced celery, green or red onions, crumbled blue cheese, grated cheddar cheese, butter
Buffalo chicken grilled cheese will definitely leave you full and licking your fingers afterwards. It's a fact. Get the recipe here.
Brazilian Banana Grilled Cheese
Main ingredients: banana, bread, mozerella, cinnamon, butter
It's strange, but scrumptious at the same time. Get the recipe here.
Kale and Mushroom Grilled Cheese
Main ingredients: whole grain bread, kale, baby bella mushrooms, dijon mushrooms, crumbled goat cheese, raw milk (white cheddar), salt, pepper
Whether you're vegan or you happen to be on a health kick, this kale and mushroom grilled cheese sandwich will change your life. Get the recipe here.
Crab Grilled Cheese
Main ingredients: salt, pepper, dried chives, butter, brioche bread, extra sharp white cheddar cheese, fresh crab meat
Everyone knows that crab meat completes any meal. It was only a matter of time before someone came up with crab grilled cheese sandwiches. Get the recipe here.
Kimchi Ramen Grilled Cheese
Main ingredients: ramen noodles, ramen seasoning packet, kimchi, oil, butter, bread, mozerella or monterey jack cheese, american or cheddar cheese
If college didn't make you hate ramen noodles, this combination grilled cheese sandwich is on the list of things to try. Get the recipe here.
The "Noble Pig" Grilled Cheese
Main ingredients: pretzels, bacon, havarti cheese, butter
An easy recipe that puts a twist on your average grilled cheese sandwich. Get the recipe here.
Wasabi Mayo and Smoky Bacon Grilled Cheese
Main ingredients: wasabi mayo, potato bread, habanero bbq sauce, smoky bacon cheddar cheese, arugula, salt, pepper
A burst of flavor that will have your taste buds jumping from excitement. Get the recipe here.
Caprese Grilled Cheese
Main ingredients: hot pepper infused olive oil, garlic salt, olive oil and garlic ciabatta, clove of garlic, mozerella, balsalmic glaze, big basil leaves, hierloom tomato
Caprese is both healthy and filling. Just wait until you try it mixed with grilled cheese, you'll be speechless. Get the recipe here.
Cream Cheese Grilled Cheese
Main ingredients: everything bagel, baby hierloom tomatoes, salted butter, fresh thyme, organic cream cheese
Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, so make sure you start it off right with this delicious cream cheese grilled cheese breakfast sandwich. Get the recipe here.
Inside Out Grilled Cheese
Main ingredients: butter, bread, cheddar cheese (shredded)
Not only are you getting cheese on the inside, but you get cheese on the outside as well. Get the recipe here.
Asparagus Grilled Cheese
Main ingredients: asparagus, salt, pepper, cheese, bread, (Optional: grainy mustard or hummus and butter)
Get fancy by adding some asparagus to your grilled cheese sandwich. Get the recipe here.
Beer Bread Grilled Cheese Sandwich
Main ingredients: all-purpose flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, beer, butter, gruyere cheese, bacon, mayo, mayo, olive oil
Unfortunately, the beer bread won't give you a buzz, but it will satisfy all your cravings. Get the recipe here.
Greens, Eggs and Ham Grilled Cheese
Main ingredients: butter, egg, rye bread, ham, baby spinach, gruyere cheese
Sam-I-Am would absolutely adore this sandwich, and after you get a taste, so will you. Get the recipe here.
Taco Grilled Cheese
Main ingredients: bread, butter, cheddar, taco seasoned ground beef, salsa, lettuce, tomato, sour cream, guacamole
Everyone loves a good taco. Now you can enjoy them anytime of the day with these taco grilled cheese sandwiches. Get the recipe here.
Raspberry Chipotle BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese
Main ingredients: bread, shredded chicken breast, raspberry chipotle barbecue sauce(seperate recipe), red onion, mozerella or monterey jack cheese, chopped cilantro, salt, pepper,
This sandwich may sound like a lot is going on, but once you taste it you'll become a believer. Get the recipe here.
Baked Potato Grilled Cheese
Main ingredients: bacon, potato, sour cream, cheddar cheese, green onions/chives, bread butter, canola oil, garlic powder, salt, pepper
If you love potatoes then you will most definitely enjoy this tasty sandwich. Just think bacon cheese baked potato meets bread. Get the recipe here.
French Onion Grilled Cheese
Main ingredients: yellow onions, butter, salt, shredded fontina/gruyere cheese, sourdough or wheat bread, softened butter
Skip the french onion soup and get a french onion grilled cheese instead. You won't regret it. Get the recipe here.
BBQ Macaroni and Cheese Grilled Cheese
Main ingredients: french bread, barbecue meat, macaroni and cheese, cheddar cheese, butter
This amazing grilled cheese sandwich consists of a full course meal that is finger licking good. Get the recipe here.
Roasted Strawberry, Brie + Chocolate Grilled Cheese
Main ingredients: strawberries, canola oil, salt, butter, multigrain bread, brie cheese, chocolate
Chocolate can make anything taste amazing. Who would've ever known strawberries, cheese and chocolate were such a great trio? Get the recipe here.
Blueberry-Tomato Grilled Cheese
Main ingredients: cream cheese, sharp cheddar cheese, nutmeg, blueberries, sour batard bread, multi-colored heirloom tomatoes
When it comes to this sandwich, you definitely cannot judge a book by its cover. Despite the purple slime, the burst of several flavors in one bite will have you smacking your lips. Get the recipe here.