The Best Cheese for Your Grilled Cheese

As any connoisseur of grilled cheese sandwiches knows, cheddar isn’t the only game in town. You want a cheese that features a sharp, intense flavor and–most importantly–melts with ease. Read on to discover five cheeses that are perfect for grilling between two slices of bread.

1. Colby

This cheese could double as a stand-in—visually, at least—for cheddar, considered the best cheese for grilled cheese. It’s a similar yellow-gold hue, and also a cow’s-milk cheese. Invented in the Wisconsin town of Colby in 1885, Colby is often blended with Monterey Jack and Swiss in a grilled cheese sandwich, like this Sourdough Turkey Melt. (It’s a super-quick sandwich, using deli turkey and shredded cheese.)

2. Provolone

For an Italian spin on your grilled cheese sandwich, Provolone does the trick! Melt Provolone along with fresh basil leaves and tomato slices for a hot-and-crispy twist on a Caprese sandwich. Provolone also works well with prosciutto and hard salami in this delicious recipe for a Grilled Cheese & Prosciutto sandwich.

3. Blue Cheese

Blue cheese can taste tangy on its own but when you melt it with another ingredient–wow! Fresh or dried figs (as well as fresh or dried peaches) melted with blue cheese between two slices of bread is divine, and caters to sweet-tooths everywhere. Another tasty concoction? This Grilled Beef & Blue Sandwiches Recipe, which adds thinly sliced red onion as well as cream cheese.

4. Muenster

One of the most divisive cheeses out there, Muenster is also an ideal semi-soft cheese for grilling in a sandwich. A riff on French Munster cheese, annatto is rubbed into the rind for additional flavor as well as its characteristic orange hue. This kid-friendly recipe for Cinnamon-Apple Grilled Cheese adds peeled apple, chopped walnuts, honey, cream cheese and cinnamon to Muenster. Sounds perfect for lunch!

5. Monterey Jack

Looking for an alternative to quesadillas that’s just as tasty? By adding chopped peppers and onions (including jalapeno for some heat) to shredded Monterey Jack cheese, and grilling between slices of rye bread with caraway seeds, this Grilled Cheese and Pepper Sandwich recipe is an easy fix.

Ready to up your game with grilled cheese? Have fun playing around with these cheeses and if you’re still looking for inspiration, check out this collection of gooey grilled-cheese sandwich recipes.

Our Most Gooey Grilled Cheese Sandwiches Ever

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The Best Ever Grilled Cheese Sandwich

Spreading a mixture of mayo and butter on the bread creates a delightfully crispy crust with the well-loved, wonderful flavor of butter one expects on a grilled cheese sandwich.—Josh Rink, Taste of Home Food Stylist

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Grilled Cheese and Avocado SandwichWho doesn’t love a grilled cheese sandwich? This version kicks it up a notch with avocado, tons of cheese and extra-crispy bread. —Josh Rink, Taste of Home Food Stylist

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Grilled Cheese, Bacon and Oven-Dried Tomato Sandwich Recipe photo by Taste of Home

Grilled Cheese, Bacon and Oven-Dried Tomato SandwichTake your grilled cheese sandwich to a place it's never been before with crispy bacon and tangy tomatoes and five—yes, five!—types of cheese. —Josh Rink, Taste of Home Food Stylist

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Blackberry Grilled Cheese SandwichIf you’re looking for a gourmet grilled cheese recipe, your search is over. With five kinds of cheese and fresh blackberries, this sandwich is impressive enough to serve to guests.—Josh Rink, Taste of Home Food Stylist

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Grilled Cheese and Pickled Onion SandwichIf you’re looking to add a little bite to your classic grilled cheese recipe, look no further than pickled onions. We love sandwiching a few inside this sandwich for a touch of acidity and some foodie flair. —Josh Rink, Taste of Home Food Stylist

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Grilled Cheese and Mushroom SandwichGive your favorite grilled cheese sandwich a boost with the addition of earthy portobello mushrooms. This savory recipe takes this portobello mushroom sandwich into gourmet territory. —Josh Rink, Taste of Home Food Stylist

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Grilled Cheese and Pepperoni SandwichWho doesn't love a good grilled cheese sandwich recipe? This super decadent version comes fully loaded with pepperoni and five types of cheese!—Josh Rink, Taste of Home Food Stylist

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Grilled Bacon-Tomato SandwichesMy family loves these sandwiches and they are very easy to prepare. Fresh basil, tangy Italian dressing and melted cheese meld perfectly together in this simple sandwich. —Betty Snoddy, Franklin, Missouri

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Gourmet Grilled Cheese with Date-Bacon Jam Recipe photo by Taste of Home

Gourmet Grilled Cheese with Date-Bacon JamThis sandwich doubles up on melty cheese, but the star of the show is the sweet and salty date-bacon jam. It makes for a truly grown-up version of grilled cheese. —Kathy Cooper, Tucson, Arizona

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Basil-Tomato Grilled CheeseThe tastes of summer abound in this easy Italian-style grilled cheese sandwich. Not only is it delicious, it's super-fast, so you can get back to those summer outdoor activities. —Sylvia Schmitt, Sun City, Arizona

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Green Chile Grilled Cheese MeltMy daughter created a masterpiece with her ultimate grilled cheese and chiles sandwich. Want more heat? Use a 4-ounce can of diced jalapenos instead of the mild green chiles. —Julia Huntington, Cheyenne, Wyoming

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Dilly Turkey MeltThis is a hearty grilled sandwich with a distinctive and delicious combination of ingredients. The pickle slices add a bit of fun, and the barbecue sauce provides a hint of sweetness that's irresistible. —Henry Mujica, North Riverside, Illinois

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The Ultimate Grilled CheeseThese gooey grilled cheese sandwiches taste great for lunch with sliced apples. And they're really fast to whip up, too. Here's how to make grilled cheese the right way. —Kathy Norris, Streator, Illinois

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Green Chile Grilled Cheese MeltMy daughter created a masterpiece with her ultimate grilled cheese and chiles sandwich. Want more heat? Use a 4-ounce can of diced jalapenos instead of the mild green chiles. —Julia Huntington, Cheyenne, Wyoming

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Avocado Sandwiches Recipe photo by Taste of Home

Avocado SandwichesTry my avocado sandwich for an exciting flavor twist on grilled cheese. The avocados make them extra creamy. —Deborah Williams, Peoria, Arizona

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Bacon Grilled CheeseLevel up your grilled cheese with this bacon grilled cheese sandwich recipe. Featuring mustard, mayo, tomato, onion, and multiple types of cheese, this sandwich is anything but boring. Serve it with tomato soup and a side salad for a complete meal.

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Best Ever Grilled Cheese SandwichesYou can also use your imagination to come up with other grilled cheese sandwich ideas, such as chives, a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese or Italian seasoning, and even a spoonful of salsa. —Edie DeSpain, Logan, Utah

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Reuben Sandwiches Recipe photo by Taste of Home

Reuben SandwichesReuben sandwiches are shared by Kathy Jo Scott of Hemingford, Nebraska. "My mouth waters just thinking of these sandwiches," confesses Kathy Jo. "I adapted the recipe from one my mother found several years ago."

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Ham and Brie MeltsMelty cheese, ham and apricot preserves offer a special change of pace from the classic grilled cheese. These quick, crispy sandwiches remind me of baked brie. —Bonnie Bahler, Ellington, Connecticut

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Grilled Goat Cheese & Arugula SandwichesTo create a more “grown-up” grilled cheese sandwich, I threw in tangy goat cheese and peppery arugula. I enjoy a similar combination on pizza, and it worked here, too! —Jess Apfe, Berkeley, California

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Grilled Cheese & Tomato Soup Bake Recipe photo by Taste of Home

Grilled Cheese & Tomato Soup BakeThis casserole brings together two classic comfort foods: grilled cheese sandwiches and tomato soup. There’s no need for your hands to get messy dipping bread into a bowl of hot soup! Best of all, my picky-eater husband devours every bite. —Megan Kuns, Perrysburg, Ohio

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Portobello-Gouda Grilled SandwichesTake a simple grilled cheese sandwich to the next level with the earthy, rustic flavors of portobello mushrooms and gouda cheese. —Sheryl Bergman, Shady Side, Maryland

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Pizza SandwichesI give grilled cheese a special treatment by using slices of mozzarella cheese and adding delicious extras like pepperoni and fresh tomatoes. Dipped in warm pizza sauce, this will be a fast favorite! —Mary Monaco, Columbus, Ohio

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Italian Grilled Cheese Sandwiches Recipe photo by Taste of Home

Italian Grilled Cheese SandwichesI made up this recipe for students in the foods and nutrition class I teach. The kids like it so much, they often go home and fix it for their families. —Beth Hiott, York, South Carolina

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Sourdough Turkey Melts Recipe photo by Taste of Home

Sourdough Turkey MeltsWhen days feel rushed, these sandwiches with turkey and green chiles are one of my favorite standbys. They stack up in about 10 minutes, honestly. —Leah Carter, San Pedro, California

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Grilled Cheese & Pepper SandwichesThis is a tasty and wholesome sandwich to make for one or two. It’s a nice twist on a grilled cheese, very tasty and filling and especially good with rye bread. —Arline Hofland, Deer Lodge, Montana

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Mediterranean Turkey PaniniThe word panini refers to sandwiches that are pressed and toasted. I make panini for my fellow teachers and friends. For potlucks, make several and cut them into fourths. —Martha Muellenberg, Vermillion, South Dakota

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Taste of Home

Mushroom & Onion Grilled Cheese SandwichesWe took grilled cheese up a notch with baby portobello mushrooms, bacon and cheddar. For weeknight comfort food, it’s good to the last crumb. Readers of my blog, theseasonedmom.com, love these! —Blair Lonergan, Rochelle, Virginia

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Grilled Beef & Blue Cheese SandwichesRoast beef, red onion and blue cheese really amp up this deluxe grilled sandwich. If you like a little heat, mix some horseradish into the spread. —Bonnie Hawkins, Elkhorn, Wisconsin

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Grilled Pesto, Ham and Provolone SandwichesThese Italian-style sandwiches are loaded with zesty flavors. To lighten them a little, use fat-free mayo. We serve them with minestrone or a crisp salad. —Priscilla Yee, Concord, California

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Chicken & Caramelized Onion Grilled CheeseMy grilled cheese sandwich combines chicken with sweet caramelized onions, red peppers, Swiss cheese and sourdough bread. It’s oh-my goodness. —Kadija Bridgewater, Boca Raton, Florida

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