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Grilled Cheese Sandwich - Taking It Beyond the Norm
You may not find yourself interested in a grilled cheese sandwich; but this is not just any grilled cheese sandwich. This is a sandwich that you will be remembered for.
Everything is good with cheese on it; and, when cheese is the main ingredient, it can’t help but be even better. Spice up the sandwich with a meat and condiment combo, and you have created a sure winner.
Serve with a banana, jello, carrot sticks and 3-5 cookies, and get ready to enjoy a meal for less than $1.00 per person.
Gather Your Ingredients
Gather together the ingredients for your deluxe grilled cheese sandwich. Each sandwich will require:
- two slices of bread
- margarine
- two 3/8" slices of pastuerized cheese food
- meat and condiments (5 slices pepperoni, 1/4 small onion, 1 clove garlic)
Thinly slice or chop 1/4 small onion per sandwich and chop 5 slices pepperoni per sandwich, or use a combination of your choice of ingredients. More ideas below.
Butter one side of each slice of bread.
Slice cheese. Halve half of the cheese slices.
Spice Things Up
A grilled cheese sandwich does not have to be boring!
You can brown any one of these meat and condiment combinations in a small amount of oil and add them to your grilled cheese sandwich:
- 3 minced or sliced pepperoni per serving, sliced or minced onions, minced garlic
- finely sliced or chopped grilled chicken breast, sliced or minced onions, minced garlic
- minced grilled steak, sliced or minced onions, minced garlic
- chopped sausage, chopped tomato, chopped cilantro
Almost anything could be added, especially in very small quantities. Other ingredients to consider: chopped bell pepper, chopped or shredded pork, shredded squash, sliced black olives, chopped bologna, chopped pastrami, chopped ham, taco meat, bacon, etc.
With all the combinations that are possible, you will be able to have lots of variety. You will be able to use up small scraps of vegetables and meats to create delicious sandwiches.
Warm pan to medium heat level. Put bread in pan butter side down. Then place one whole cheese slice and two halved cheese slices as shown in photo. Top with the meat and condiment combo.
Don't let pan get too hot. You want to give the cheese time to heat up and begin melting.
Top this with another slice of butter bread, buttered side out.
Two sandwiches can usually be prepared at once. Check the bread, and as it achieves the toasted appearance that you see in this picture, flip it over to brown other side.
How Not to Make Grilled Cheese Sandwiches!
I love the movie, Benny and Joon. This video clip was taken from that movie. Johnny Depp does another one of his really unique performances in this movie.
Click on this link is see a video of an awesome grilled cheese pizza sandwich.
Related Links:
- Building Meals Under $1.25: Using 10 Pounds of Chicken in 5 Recipes to Make 26 Servings and Feeling
- Meals under $1.25: Easy Chicken Spaghetti
Chicken Spaghetti is a wonderful pasta inspired casserole. Not only will it help you save on your food budget, but it will please you and all that you serve it to. Try this one - it is pleasing to the budget and the palate. - Meals Under $1.25: Easy Chicken Enchilada Casserole
If you like enchiladas but not all the work associated with making them, you will like this easy to make layered casserole. This healthy casserole has a lot of flavor at a very reasonable cost. - Meals Under $1: Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup
Nothing beats the taste of chicken noodle soup. It is especially good on a cold winter day, or when you are feeling under the weather. Using the batch cook method this soup is as economical as it is tasty! - Meals Under $1: Homemade Chicken Pot Pie
Discover homestyle chicken pot pie. Chicken Pot Pie is an unbelieveably delicious way to use up leftover chicken or turkey. Create your chicken pie using this flaky pie crust recipe included. - Meals Under $1: Chicken Fried Rice and Egg Drop Soup
If you like simply made Asian food that simply tastes good, this is a recipe for you. This is part of the series, Using 10 pounds of Chicken in 5 Recipes to Make 26 Servings.
© 2011 Cindy Murdoch
Comments: "Meals Under $1: Not Just Another Grilled Cheese Sandwich"
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Think about adding a feel of this other additions and they may never find enough things to say about your sandwiches.
My grandkids say I make the best grilled cheese sandwiches! I always tell them it's because I make them with real cheese, real butter, good bread and on cook them on cast iron. Thanks for writing this!
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Jools99 - well, enjoy it, even if you didn't have to pay a lot for it.
Movie Master - So glad you enjoyed this.
John Sarkis - cheese is cheese, and it all tastes great. I encourage everyone to try different types of cheese. They all have such different flavors. And then try different ingredients to go with the cheese.
Thanks so much to all of you for stopping by and sharing your thoughts. I certainly do appreciate it.
Great hub homesteadbound. Even without the onions and bell peppers grilled cheese sandwiches taste good. We have this truck around the Los Angeles area (where I'm from) that actually makes grilled cheese sandwiches; they make grilled cheese sandwiches with different kinds of cheese depending upon what type you like e.g. American, Swiss, etc.
Great hub - voted up
John
Yes please, sounds delicious and love the pics!
Oh my gosh, Cindy, this looks so professional and delicious, like something I could but in a fancy lunch restaurant over here in the UK and I'd pay a lot more for it than $1 (about 70 pence over here).
Voted up and shared!
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alocsin - Yes, those are the pictures that I took while making the sandwiches. My husband teases me that a computer and a camera are now standard kitchen equipment in our house. Thanks for the votes and thanks for stopping by!
Are all these your pics? You should give yourself some credit because they are a great addition to a great recipe. Voting this Up and Useful.
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scarytaff - I hope you enjoy your sandwiches! Thanks so much for stopping by!
You've inspired me to make sandwiches as good as these. Thanks for SHARING.
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rednickle - I hope you have a chance to try this. They are great. We love them.
Thanks so much for stopping by.
Now this is what i call getting down to the basics.to top it all up, they even look really appetizing.
Peace!!
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formosangirl - I hope your kiddos enjoyed the grilled cheese sandwich. Thanks so much!
This may be lunch for the kids today. What a great idea to put pepperoni in grilled cheese sandwiches. This is a lot easier than making pizza.
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Great!
Thanks for the compliment and thanks for the e mail. I will get back to you as soon as I can!
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leroy64 - no hurry, I was just asking. Can you send me the link to your hub and I will add it to mine?
Thanks so much for catching me on this hub as I was running by!
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f - As you can tell from the pictures, I make my in a frying pan. It appears there are many ways to make a grilled cheese sandwich.
Thanks for stopping by!
Sorry, I have been concentrating on some other issues. I will get the pictures; but, right now that's not at the top of my list.
To answer your q: sometimes on the grill and sometimes in a waffle maker!
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leroy64 - I thought it was yous also, but I couldn't find it when I went to look, and a search on grilled cheese brought up more than I cared to look through. But I went to your profile page and search for a while. So I am glad that you saw this and spoke up! Did you ever post pictures?
I think that was mine that actually used a grill. Too much work for a grilled cheese sandwich.
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Hi, f! Good to see you again. I love grilled cheese sandwiches. Do you make yours on the grill. I recently read a hb where someone actually did that but I can't find it now!
Thanks so much!
Voted up. Good hub. We should use our grill more.
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Hello, kntrygal95! It was great celebrating Thanksgiving with you and yours.
I keep hearing this tomato and basil with grilled cheese and it keeps making my mouth water. I can tell that I am going to have to give that one a try. It sounds so good!
Thanks for stopping by and for commenting!
Yummm will have to try this. My fave is fresh basil and tomato on grill cheese with a little dash of fajita seasoning. Ok, hungry now, headed to see if i have any pepperoni in the freezer =0)
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htodd - You will have to give it a try. They are yummy!
This is really great info..Nice
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PDXKaraokeGuy - Who doesn't like a grilled cheese sandwich, especially with tomato soup! Yum! And basil too! I saw the picture of you and your lovely wife on your 100th hub. Congrats again on that milestone.
homestead, I love a good loaded grilled cheese sandwich, served with tomato basil soup. I think I'll have one for dinner tonight!
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leroy64 - would be nice if it were true. I think living on a farm and raising you own veggies, cows and chickens probably had more to do with it.
Thanks for stopping by.
My grandparents used bacon grease and lived to their 90's as well. Perhaps bacon grease is the key to long life? Probably not, but one can dream.
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leroy64 - I have used the spray, also and I do like real butter. Today when I was making it, and fried the bacon bits, I even used some of the bacon grease. I know it's bad for you, but it was so tempting, and it was so good. I grew up on a farm in the panhandle and we used lots of bacon and bacon grease for seasoning. My grandmother did it her whole life and lived to be 97.
Thanks for stopping by!
I love it! Pepperoni and onions and other delicious stuff. Sometimes I use spray on olive oil, instead of margarine, for a different taste.
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cookie512 - hope it tastes as good as you expect.
Thanks for stopping by!
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christinepurr - we never want to be in a food slump. I like food too much to ever let that happen. Hope this helps. Let me know if you come across anything especially yummy!
Thanks for stopping by!
like it a lot :)!
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hazelwood4 - thanks for returning, and I look forward to seeing how it went. Grilled cheese sandwiches go really wonderful with tomato soup. Have a great one!
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Elaina Grinias - Thank you. I hope you enjoy the upscale grilled cheese sandwich! Have a great week and thanks for stopping by!
I've been in a food slump lately, but this hub gives me so many wonderful ideas - and for cheap, too! Thank you!!!
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adrienne2 - I just had one of these with bacon and onions and it was yummy. Hope you get a chance to make one soon.
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davenmidtown - I've been meaning to return to your weight loss hub and see how you were doing. Sounds like you are doing well. Congratulations!
I will let you know. Have a great week too.
This looks so yummy! I have never thought about doing this before, but I'm going to have to now. You took great pictures too. Well done.
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ktrapp - You know what I really like about fast food though - no clean-up. But this is a great sandwich.
I know what you mean about not gaining weight by seeing all these great recipes scroll by. Some of the desserts look absolutely fabulous.
Thanks for stopping by! have a great week!
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hazelwood4 - I hope that you and your family enjoy the sandwich. You will have to come back and let me know.
Thanks for stopping by! have a great week.
I love the way you also included the math equation how the meal breaks down to under $1. Haven't had a grilled cheese sandwich in ages. They used to be my favorite snack. Still love 'em just have not made any in such a long time. The pictures you have here of the sandwiches look so delicious. Thank you for another wonderful article.
I had one of these for lunch yesterday... HSB... it was my treat for being so good on my weight loss journey... I can only say... HEAVENLY!
It's a good thing I can't gain weight by viewing all the wonderful food photos on HubPages. This sandwich looks delicious. I like how you have broken down the per person cost in these hubs. There's so much you can make at home that costs less than fast food, but I'm sure tastes tons better!
Wow, and double wow! This grilled cheese sandwich looks amazing! I will have to make this for my wife and boys. Thanks for sharing! Voted up and useful!
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PDXKaraokeGuy - now that I have looked over it again, it's making me hungry also. Might have to make me one for lunch!
Thanks for stopping by and hope you enjoy a loaded grill cheese sandwich soon.
This looks like a wonderful take on the loaded grilled cheese sammy. Wonderful hub! I'm hungry now
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Hello back at you, Clara! I hope you enjoy them! And I hope you come back and share how you enjoyed them!
Thanks for coming by!
Hello, The grilled cheese sandwich with all of the add on looks delicious I will have to try it , also the chicken recipes gives a lot of new ideas , I'll be back and get some of them later. Keep up the good work .clara
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Hello again, Karen N. - mushrooms .... hummm... that sounds really good. Now I'm getting hungry! Great to see you here!
Another delicious recipe! I like to make a grilled cheese with onions mushrooms and a tomato slice along with a little Worcestershire sauce.
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Carolyn2008 - That sounds really good. I like rye bread. That sounds like it would taste good with some chopped pastrami too. You are right, it's hard to go wrong with a grilled cheese sandwich. Thanks for sharing your tips!
I like suggestions that are tasty and thrifty. My favorite is swiss cheese on dark or marble rye. Sometimes I will add a tomato. I also like swiss on dark rye with bacon and tomato. I think I'll try it with pepperoni. A good grilled cheese sandwich can be made anyway you like!
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MikeSyrSutton - Grilled cheese can indeed be yummy! Hope you try out some of the combinations and like everyone of them. Thanks for stopping by!
Wow,
Who thought grilled C could be so interesting? Great job!
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SheliaKay - It's making me hungry too come to think of it. Hummmm. I just might have ... no better not. You really shouldn't tempt me like that. Food is one of my weaknesses! Great to have you visit!
Yum!! I am glad to see that I am not the only one who likes grilled onions on my grilled cheese. Pepperoni sounds delis and I must try it soon. Now I have late night craving for a grilled cheese. Great hub!
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A.A. Zavala - Your sandwich sounds awesome! I'm going to try that combo some day soon. Sounds like something to really look forward to Thanks for sharing!
Absolutely awesome! I make mine with sourdough bread, colby jack cheese, and slices of left over roast. Awesome!
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asmaiftikhar - I'm glad you enjoyed it. Hope you get to try it soon. Thanks for stopping by!
beautiful tempting tasty hub voted up!
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Victoria Lynn - If you run across something that I haven't included, just let me know and I will add it for everyone's dining pleasure. Thanks for stopping by!
Yummy! I love grilled cheese sandwiches, and these variations look great. I have made them with pepperonis before, and that was good. I need to branch out more. Great hub!
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Cloverleaf - I've had the pictures of this for over a month to write this hub. i just didn't think anyone would be interested in my take on a grilled cheese sandwich. But when davenmidtown came up with this collaboration, it seemed like a perfect time to put it out. Sorry it wasn't in time for your grilled cheese experience. There's always next time. Thanks for dropping by!
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RalphGreene - It would indeed be a very good snack. Hope you enjoy one soon. Thanks!
Hi homesteadbound, I wish I'd read your hub yesterday because I actually made grilled cheese sandwiches last night and served them with a bowl of homemade soup. I love the idea of adding onions and cilantro - I'll have to try that next time! "Meals under $1" is an awesome idea for a hub series and I'll be reading them all for sure! Voted up / useful.
Hmmm..perfect snack! :)
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Patty Inglish, MS - Never thought of it that way, but Yeah! Great to see you!
Very nice recipe - rather like a pizza on toast.
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Happyboomernurse - tomato, tomato soup - they both go good with grilled cheese. The spray is a good idea. I use spray on my popcorn for the same reason. Hope to get out a few of these soon. I want to make them first and then take pictures and get them formatted like I want them. Glad to see you here!
Sounds like a wonderful economic way to use leftovers. I like to add a few slices of fresh tomato to my grilled cheese sandwich and use non-stick butter flavored spray. It's tasty and helps keep the calorie and cholesterol count down.
Again, love what you're doing in this series.
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Marlena - That sounds absolutely wonderful. I love avocados. I will definitely have to give that one a try!
Thanks for stopping and sharing such a wonderful idea.
I always appreciate a cost-conscious article. If you ever feel like splurging a little, I highly recommend slicing an avocado and putting it on a grilled cheese sandwich with onion. Apparently, it's called a California Grilled Cheese. But I call it delicious!
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Cousin Fudd - It is one of my favorite combinations. I do plan on doing something a little different with tomato soup in the future, so be sure and check back. Thanks for mentioning one of my favorite combinations.
Love making and eating grilled cheese sandwiches with good old Campbell tomato soup.
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Sunshine625 - It's one of my comfort foods. We had one of these combos for lunch today! Thanks for stopping by and commenting!
An excellent comfort food!! Delish recipe and fab photos!!
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lundmusik - Good to see you again, my friend. Have missed seeing you around. Thank you so much for the compliments. Thanks for stopping by!
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Nspeel - I'm with you. I love eating also. But I prefer to call it inexpensive - sounds better! Glad to see you!
Very classy and very delicious sounding hub,, you make all of your topics so interesting...
amazing article. I LOVE EATING!! even more love eating cheap
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Just Ask Susan - That sounds wonderful. I added bacon to the list above. Thanks for the great idea. Let me know if you like it!
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NMLady - Thank you!
These all look so good! I like to make mine with bacon and thick slices of onion. Can't wait to try yours. Thanks.
Nice!
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Wesman Todd Shaw - Sometimes our comfort foods are the less expensive kind. Especially with cheese or chocolate! Glad you stopped by!
I'm all for cheap food, and often find that it's just as pleasing to my taste buds as much more expensive foods are - thanks for the great hub, and a tribute to classic yet under appreciated fare!
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Give it a try. Promise you will like it! Good to see you here!
sound sooo good!
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Bill - Your grilled swiss on rye sounds wonderful. I might have to give that one a try myself. And tomatoes and cheese always go good together. Thanks for stopping by!
Wow, great ideas! My favorite is grilled swiss on rye with a slice of fresh tomato, but your variations sound interesting. As an accompaniment, I love a large glass of ice cold tomato juice or chocolate milk.
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