Grilled cheese is a classic comfort food, and here at FoodGoodWe know there are many ways to spice it up. From classic grilled cheese with veggies like tomatoes and cabbage to warm and comforting protein-packed melts, these sandwiches make a delicious lunch or dinner, perfect for colder weather. Try our spinach and tomato grilled cheese for a quick and nutritious snack or our fried chicken salad melt for a protein-packed dish.
Love any of these recipes? Join MyRecipes to save, search and organize your EatingWell recipes in one place. It’s free!
Grilled cheese with spinach and tomato
Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Julian Hensarling, Props Stylist: Claire Spollen.
​​This Spinach and Tomato Grilled Cheese is a flavorful twist on the classic sandwich, cooked to perfection on the stovetop. Wilted spinach is enriched with plenty of garlic. Juicy tomato slices add color and a fresh bite to the melting mozzarella filling. This sandwich is an easy lunch or dinner and pairs well with tomato soup or a simple green salad.
Broccoli melts
Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall, Props Stylist: Julia Bayless
These Broccoli Cheese Melts combine crispy-tender broccoli with a layer of melted cheese in two pieces of crusty bread for a rich and creamy sandwich. These 20-minute cheese melts are the ultimate comfort food – filling and packed with the cheesy goodness everyone loves.
Grilled cabbage cheese
Photographer: Morgan Hunt Glaze, Props Stylist: Lydia Pursell, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall
This warming cabbage grilled cheese has it all: melty cheese, tender cabbage, and crispy, sweet-tart apple slices. This sandwich is great simply for lunch or served with a green salad for dinner. A thin layer of mayonnaise on the outside of the bread is a great way to toast a grilled cheese until golden brown without relying on butter. We love tender, sweet savoy cabbage, but this recipe also goes well with red or kale.
Melt-in fried chicken salad
Photographer Victor Protasio, food stylist Julian Hensarling, props stylist Tucker Vines
This classic melted chicken salad features a dressing lightened with yogurt and shredded rotisserie chicken for ultimate comfort. We bake the sandwiches in pairs over medium-low heat to crisp up the bread and melt the cheese without fear of burning.
Melt cauliflower spanakopita
Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall, Props Stylist: Lindsey Lower
This cauliflower spanakopita melt is a dream come true! It combines the flavors of the Greek spinach pie spanakopita with the handy comfort and convenience of a grilled cheese sandwich. Chopped roasted cauliflower adds a healthy, vegetarian touch.
Grilled Sweet Potato Cheese
Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Julian Hensarling, Props Stylist: Josh Hoggle
The crispy, golden exterior of this sweet potato grilled cheese is thanks to the mayonnaise, which spreads easily and browns more evenly than butter or oil. Roasted red onions and sweet potato slices make up the filling, but you can also roast the onions separately and use leftover roasted sweet potatoes if you have them on hand.
5-ingredient grilled cheese with brie and blackberry jam
Photography: Rachel Marek, Food Stylist: Lauren McAnelly, Props Stylist: Gabriel Greco
Combining creamy brie cheese with a sweet-savory blackberry jam spread, this sandwich is the perfect option for an ultra-quick lunch or dinner. You can easily double the recipe by using a medium sized skillet or using a sandwich press if you have one on hand.
French Onion Grilled Cheese
One of our favorite comfort foods – French onion soup – meets the popular grilled cheese in a sandwich with the flavors of both dishes, without a lot of the traditional sodium and saturated fat. Caramelized onions are the star here: Their sharp, concentrated flavor means just a touch of Gruyere is more than enough to make this sandwich shine. The other key? Shave the cheese with a micro slicer, which allows the cheese to evenly distribute its melty goodness and makes even a little bit of cheese feel like a lot.
Grilled Cabbage and Portobello Cheese
Meaty portobello mushrooms and sauteed cabbage make this easy grilled cheese recipe a healthy meal. If you don’t have Dijonnaise on hand, make your own by stirring 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard into 3 tablespoons mayonnaise.
Open Cauliflower Cheddar Melts
Brie Goldman
Melty cheddar cheese is the perfect complement to cauliflower in this filling open-faced sandwich made from whole-grain country bread. Serve with a spinach salad for a great fall lunch.
Mushroom and spinach melts
These mushroom and spinach mixes tick all the boxes: They’re cheesy, full of veggies, and easy to make—what’s not to love? Balsamic vinegar gives the cheese a wonderful spiciness and pairs well with sautéed vegetables.
