5 Creative Recipes to Celebrate National Grilled Cheese Sandwich Day

National Grilled Cheese Sandwich Day takes place on April 12th each year. This day is the perfect excuse to indulge in one of the most classic comfort foods - the grilled cheese sandwich. While a basic grilled cheese made with bread, butter, and cheese is delicious, I have rounded up 5 creative recipes that take this comfort food to the next level.

Grilled Cheese Sandwich Day Recipe 1: Pesto Grilled Cheese

Kick off your celebration of National Grilled Cheese Sandwich Day with this fresh and flavorful Pesto Grilled Cheese. The traditional combination of mozzarella cheese is taken to another level with the bright, herby flavor of basil pesto.

Ingredients

• 2 slices focaccia bread
• 4-5 slices mozzarella cheese
• 2 tbsp basil pesto
• Butter for spreading

Instructions

• Start by spreading a tablespoon of pesto on one side of each slice of focaccia bread.
• Layer the mozzarella cheese slices evenly on one pesto-spread slice of bread.
• Top with the second slice of bread, pesto side down so the pesto acts as a glue between the bread and cheese.
• Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and add a tablespoon of butter. Once melted and foamy, place the grilled cheese sandwich in the pan.
• Cook for 3-4 minutes per side, pressing down occasionally with a spatula, until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
• Remove from heat and cut in half to serve. Enjoy this delicious pesto grilled cheese!

Cooking Tips

• For best results, use high-quality focaccia bread that is slightly firm. This will hold up nicely on the pan without getting soggy.
• Keep a close eye on the sandwich as it cooks. Grilled cheese can go from beautifully golden brown to burnt very quickly, so don't walk away from the pan.
• Try different cheese combinations like mozzarella and provolone for extra melty richness.
• Consider serving the grilled cheese with a fresh green salad and sliced tomatoes for a complete meal. The pesto flavors will complement the salad perfectly.

Grilled Cheese Sandwich Day Recipe 2: Bacon and Tomato Grilled Cheese

Celebrate National Grilled Cheese Sandwich Day with a twist on a classic favorite, the Bacon and Tomato Grilled Cheese. This savory and satisfying sandwich combines the crispy, salty goodness of bacon with the juicy, tangy flavors of tomato, all enveloped in melted cheese and crispy bread.

Ingredients 

• 4 slices of bread
• 4 slices of bacon, cooked
• 2 slices of tomato
• 4 slices of cheddar cheese
• 2 tablespoons of butter

Instructions

• Preheat a skillet or griddle over medium heat.
• Butter one side of each slice of bread.
• Place two slices of bread, butter-side down, on the skillet.
• Top each slice with a slice of cheddar cheese, followed by a slice of tomato, a slice of cooked bacon, and another slice of cheddar cheese.
• Place the remaining slices of bread on top, butter-side up.
• Grill the sandwiches for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
• Serve immediately.

Cooking Tips

• Use high-quality bread and cheese for the best flavor and texture.
• Cook the bacon until crispy for a satisfying crunch.
• Preheat the skillet or griddle to ensure even cooking and a crispy exterior.
• Press down on the sandwiches with a spatula to help the cheese melt and the bread brown evenly.
• Serve the sandwiches with a side of tomato soup or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Grilled Cheese Sandwich Day Recipe 3: Grilled Ham and Swiss

Take your grilled cheese to the next level with this classic combo of ham and melty Swiss cheese. Sandwiched between slices of wheat bread, this Grilled Ham and Swiss is a satisfying meal in itself.

Ingredients

• 2 slices wheat bread
• 2 slices Swiss cheese
• 2 thin slices of cooked ham
• Butter for spreading

Instructions

• Layer one slice of Swiss cheese and one slice of ham onto each slice of wheat bread.
• Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a tablespoon of butter.
• Once the butter is melted and foamy, place one sandwich into the pan.
• Grill for 3-4 minutes per side until the bread is lightly golden and the cheese is melted.
• Repeat with the second sandwich.

Cooking Tips

• Look for artisan wheat bread with a lighter texture that won't overwhelm the other flavors.
• Consider adding mustard, mayo, or Dijon for extra moisture and flavor between the bread and filling.
• Get creative with different deli meats like turkey or roast beef instead of ham.

Grilled Cheese Sandwich Day Recipe 4: Turkey and Avocado Grilled Cheese

Take your grilled cheese to the next level with this fresh and healthy spin featuring turkey, avocado, and provolone cheese. Sandwiched between slices of hearty sourdough bread, this Turkey and Avocado Grilled Cheese makes for a delicious and satisfying meal.

Ingredients

• 2 slices sourdough bread
• 2 slices provolone cheese
• 2 oz sliced turkey breast
• 1/4 avocado, thinly sliced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

• Layer one slice of provolone cheese between the slices of sourdough bread.
• Arrange the turkey slices on one half of the cheese and lay avocado slices on the other half.
• Season turkey and avocado with salt and pepper.
• Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and cook the sandwich for 3-4 minutes per side, until the bread is golden brown.
• Cut in half and serve the Turkey and Avocado Grilled Cheese, enjoying the blend of fresh and savory flavors.

Cooking Tips

• Be gentle when flipping the sandwich so the avocado doesn't get mushy. Use a spatula to support the ingredients.
• For optimal freshness, prep the avocado right before making the grilled cheese. If prepping in advance, squeeze fresh lime juice over sliced avocado to prevent browning.
• Consider adding honey mustard or herbed mayonnaise between the bread and ingredients for extra moisture and flavor.
• Use high-quality sourdough bread with a hearty texture that can stand up to the moisture from the avocado without getting soggy.
• Keep the heat at medium so the turkey doesn't dry out before the bread is toasted. Adjust the temperature up or down as needed.
• Serve the grilled cheese with vegetable strips or a simple green salad for a well-balanced meal. The avocado provides healthy fats to keep you full and satisfied.

Grilled Cheese Sandwich Day Recipe 5: Brie, Apple and Caramelized Onion Grilled Cheese

Celebrate National Grilled Cheese Sandwich Day with this indulgent grilled cheese featuring brie cheese, caramelized onions, and crisp apples. Sandwiched between slices of bread, this decadent yet fall-inspired combination is sure to become a new favorite.

Ingredients

• 2 slices focaccia bread
• 2 ounces brie cheese, rind removed, sliced
• 1/2 apple, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons caramelized onions
• Butter for cooking

Instructions

• Layer the brie cheese slices evenly over one slice of bread.
• Arrange the apple slices in an overlapping pattern over the cheese.
• Sprinkle the caramelized onions over the apple slices.
• Top with the second slice of bread.
• Melt butter in a skillet and cook the sandwich for 3-4 minutes per side, until the bread is golden brown.
• Cut in half and serve the warm, ooey-gooey Brie, Apple, and Caramelized Onion Grilled Cheese.

Cooking Tips

• Opt for firmer bread like focaccia that won't get soggy from the juices of the brie and apples.
• Finish with a sprinkle of cracked black pepper over the melted cheese for added flavor.
• Consider bruising the sandwich with a kitchen torch at the end to caramelize the browned bread.
• Pair with a crisp Riesling or hard cider to complement the sweet-savory flavors.

Conclusion

 I hope these five creative recipes have provided plenty of inspiration to celebrate National Grilled Cheese Sandwich Day in style. From traditional favorites like the Bacon and Tomato grilled cheese to more adventurous combinations such as the Brie, Apple, and Caramelized Onion version, there are options here for every taste. Don't be afraid to get creative with your own ingredients too - that's what grilled cheese is all about. Most importantly, enjoy the comfort of this classic toast and all the melty, cheesy indulgence it brings. Whether you're craving something savory, sweet or anywhere in between - get grilling and bon appétit! I can't wait to see which recipe becomes your new go-to for cozy nights.