5 ideas for a grilled cheese sandwich

Few would disagree that there is something deeply gratifying about the simple combination of bread, butter and melted cheese that together make up the classic grilled cheese sandwich. We decided to take the indulgence levels one notch higher and have come up with five new and exciting ways to serve it, taking inspiration from all over the globe. 

What's more, these oozing cheese toasties are actually fried rather than grilled. That means you can leave that dusty sandwich maker tucked away in the back of the cupboard and quickly whip up one of these beauties for lunch, or as a comforting supper with soup, with no fuss. From a smoky mac 'n' cheese sandwich to a sweet and fruity ricotta bagel, you're bound to find a variation you love.

Our top 5 grilled cheese sandwiches

1. Quattro formaggi

Not satisfied with just one type of cheese in your toastie? Then why not try four delicious varieties all melded together between two slices of crispy white bread. Once you've tried this divine mixture of ricotta, parmesan, mozzarella and Gorgonzola, you'll fully appreciate the mantra of 'more-is-more' when it comes to griled cheese.

Find the recipe for our quattro formaggi grilled cheese sandwich.

2. Ricotta, fig & sesame toasted bagel

For fromage fans who also have a sweet tooth, this fruit and cheese bagel may just be the stuff of dreams. Replace your normal white bread for a toasted cinnamon bagel, filled with deliciously creamy ricotta, honey and a fruity mix of fig and blackcurrant jam. Top the filling with some crispy sesame snaps for texture before closing your sweet sandwich creation inside its lightly spiced crust. 

Find the recipe for our ricotta, fig & sesame bagel.
 

3. Potato, bacon & Gruyère toastie

Elevate the classic toastie by drawing flavour inspiration from Alsace in France (bordering on Germany and Switzerland). The classic combination of ingredients from this region works a treat and makes for a terrifically tasty sandwich with rich textures and flavours. Pile your sourdough bread high with peeled potato, juicy bacon lardons, sauerkraut and a strong alpine cheese like Reblochon or Gruyère. You may have a job trying to contain all these fabulous fillings in one sandwich!

Find the recipe for our potato, bacon & Gruyère toastie.
 

4. Smoked mac 'n' cheese

If you could combine two of the nation's favourite comfort foods in one, it might look something like this! Mix a generous portoin of macaroni with smoky cheese, cream and maple syrup (yes, you read that right) for a satisfyingly stodgy filling piled between two slices of fresh sourdough, then finished with a dollop of barbecue sauce. It's sure to get your tastebuds tingling. 

Find the recipe for our smoked mac 'n' cheese sandwich.
 

5. Spinach, squash & tamarind

Give your cheese toastie an exotic, spicy kick with a splash of hot sauce, a dash of allspice and a light touch of tamarind paste to bring a heady burst of Asian flavour. The textures of butternut squash, spinach, cheddar and mozerella also give this sandwich real substance if you're going meat-free.

Find the recipe for our spinach, squash & tamarind grilled cheese sandwich.
 

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What other grilled cheese recipes do you like making? Tell us in the comments section below...