Food & Nutrition Meal Ideas The No-Fail Grilled Cheese Formula That Wins Lunch Every Time Get creative with unexpected cheeses, fruits, veggies, and misc. toppings. By Marnie Soman Schwartz Published on March 6, 2018 Share Tweet Pin Email Photo: Ted Cavanaugh. American cheese on white bread will forever remain a classic, but there's also something to be said for changing up your grilled cheese. (See: 10 Healthy Grilled Cheese Recipes That Will Make Your Mouth Water) Mix in sophisticated ingredients, vary your cheese, and give it a hit of the unexpected (harissa! honey!) for a thoroughly upgraded flavor bomb of a meal, says food blogger Tieghan Gerard (@halfbakedharvest), the author of Half Baked Harvest Cookbook. Try one of her creative twists here-or play around to invent your own. (BTW, here's what your love of grilled cheese means about your sex life.) Start with the cheese. Choose one of your favorites, like: Cheddar Gruyère Mozzarella or burrataGoat cheese or fetaSwissBrieHavartiFontinaMuensterBlue or Gorgonzola Next, layer on fruits or veggies: Freshly sliced figs, persimmons, pears, or applesWhole cranberriesJams, like blueberry or figRoasted vegetables, like kale, zucchini, or peppersGreens, like spinach, arugula, or shredded brussels sproutsCaramelized onionsSun-dried tomatoesMarinated artichokes or olives Finally, add some crunchy texture or bold flavor: Slivered almondsHerbs, like thyme or sageBacon or prosciuttoHoneySpreads, like peanut butter, pesto, harissa, or tapenade Five of Tieghan's melty mash-ups (pictured from top to bottom): Goat cheese + Spinach + Olives + HarissaCheddar + Blueberry jam + Slivered almondsBurrata + Roasted red peppers + TapenadeCheddar + Roasted veggies + PestoBrie + Persimmons + Fried sage + Honey Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit