Grilled Cheese Grows Up: 7 Sophisticated Twists on the Classic

The sandwich you know and adore is no longer just for kids. Elemental in its construction and primal in its comfort, grilled cheese is the sandwich that’s as easy to make as it is to love. The American-single-on-white version, with its soft melted cheese, golden-brown crust, and irresistible buttery warmth, is the delicious classic. But grilled cheese also knows how to take a sophisticated turn. Here are 7 grown-up versions that use the iconic sandwich as a blank canvas for orphan morsels of every kind in your fridge.

Related: 20 Classic Comfort Food Recipes from Martha Stewart

Gruyere, Prosciutto, Arugula, and Tomato on White

With Gruyere cheese and layers of prosciutto, arugula, and tomato, this sandwich is a merger of grilled cheese and a BLT.

Fontina, Harissa, and Pear on Rye

A new use for that jar of harissa, this sandwich benefits from the appealing fusion of sweetness and spice.

Gruyere, Apple, and Sage on Rye

Crisp apple combined with a creamy, nutty Gruyere balances the earthiness of sage and rye.

Related: 25 New Ways to Eat Avocados

Cheddar, Dijon Mustard, Bacon, Tomatoes, Avocado, and Pepper on Sourdough

Dijon mustard and black pepper cut through the saltiness and fattiness of the avocado and bacon.

Gruyere, Red Onion, Prosciutto, and Pepper on Rye

With its peppery finish, this combo is reminiscent of a Reuben sandwich.

Cheddar, Jalapeno, and Cilantro on White

A little heat from the jalapeno goes a long way, and the cilantro adds brightness.

Gruyere, Oil-Packed Sardines, Peppadew Peppers, and Arugula on Rye

The king of melting cheeses can handle the flavor explosion from the sardines and the peppers.

More from Martha Stewart:
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36 Dinners You Can Make in Just 15 Minutes!
42 Slow-Cooker Recipes Worth the Wait
35 Pantry Staples for Healthy Eating

You know what would go great with that grilled cheese?