Grilled Cheese, spice it up!

I don't really know anyone that doesn't like to have a good grilled cheese once in a while. Remember the days of having a grilled cheese, and a cup of tomato soup, and it just really hitting the "spot"? It still tastes good today, even with the most simply made grilled cheese.

A long time ago, when I first started using something different for my grilled cheese, I sprinkled a little bit of garlic powder on it when grilling it. It gave an immediate "boost" to the whole sandwich. I was pretty impressed with myself, thinking I was getting somewhat creative. I had obviously only begun to realize all you can do.

Why not try something new with your grilled cheese sandwich? For instance, we like to get some good Italian bread, as opposed to cheaper flimsy bread. You can get French bread, or any of your favorite bread from the bakery or bakery section of your store. I know many people that make their own homemade bread, and that would be very good as well. Using real cheese is much better than processed cheese, in my opinion. Sliced cheese in packets never hurt anyone, but we are talking about a special grilled cheese here. You could go ahead and make up your grilled cheese with these two things and some butter..but why stop there?

Grilled Cheese variations:

You could do a few things, for variations, and I am going to share a few of my favorite ones. Use some real sliced cheddar from the deli, and add a few pieces of bacon. While not the healthiest, nor fat free, this won't hurt once in a while, and it will "stick to your ribs" as my grandmother would say. You won't have to eat anything for a while, because it will keep you full. A slice of fresh tomato, either on the sandwich or on the side adds a nice touch.

My favorite grilled cheese variation is one my husband shared with me. You sauté a mixture of onions, bell peppers, a little bit of sun dried tomatoes, add a little garlic, in some olive oil. Add sea salt and cracked black pepper also, and sauté this up first and have ready to add to the sandwich. For this one, mild cheddar is good, along with a slice of provolone cheese. Layer like this... Bread, mild cheddar, vegetable mixture, provolone then bread on top. You will want to try this one at least once, its very very good.

Here are some other options, to add to your grilled cheese sandwich:

Fresh sliced red onion

Use herb butter, with your favorite herbs, instead of regular butter

Grilled onions

Sauteed mushrooms

Salsa and cilantro or scallions (though I may just use the salsa for dipping it in, on the side, so as to not make the sandwich soggy at all)

Tomato slices and fresh chopped basil leaves

Onion, tomato, and sliced jalapeno. (I love jalapenos, but if its too much, try very thinly sliced)

Try using Rye Bread for a fun variation, its wonderful.

Alternate other cheeses, like Pepperjack

Roast beef, or your favorite deli meat

We don't want to the forget pickle spear that goes so well with a grilled cheese sandwich. I don't know why grilled cheese sandwiches are so good, but I am glad they are. Just one more tip, if you must have a cup of tomato soup fast, and live near a Panera Bread, or St. Louis Bread Company, they have my favorite tomato soup ever. I crave that tomato soup often, and it would go wonderfully with any grilled cheese. Having a can of Campbell's soup is great too, or their Select Harvest version is even better. If you are there anyway, why not pick up one of their great breads for your grilled cheese.