18 Ways To Celebrate National Grilled Cheese Day

If there is one true and constant fact in the universe, it is that grilled cheese will never cease to be one of the most perfect foods and more important human creations. That’s why, in honor of National Grilled Cheese Day on April 12, you should celebrate with some of the best, most outrageously good grilled cheese recipes out there — because a day without grilled cheese is a day wasted.

The secret to perfect grilled cheese is all about selecting the right type of cheese for your sandwich. More often than not, a mix of cheeses will create the right mix of gooey, melty, and overall deliciousness. But there are other grilled cheese hacks that will also result in an even more perfect sandwich. For example, coating each side of bread in mayonnaise before placing it on a hot pan will result in an even more buttery taste, and shredding cheese instead of slicing it will ensure totally even melting. With practice, it is possible to make the grilled cheese of your dreams, and with a little creativity, things can get really crazy.

These 18 recipes will help you to celebrate Grilled Cheese Day in the most wild way. Sure, a classic grilled cheese is always good with tomato soup, but why not think outside of the box? If there’s anything that’s certain in this world, it’s that when it comes to the ways we can enjoy grilled cheese, the limit does not exist.

1. Sweet Heat Grilled Cheese

Jalapeños and pineapple may sound like a strange combination at first, but trust A Beautiful Mess on this one — hot and sweet makes for one seriously standout grilled cheese.

2. Grilled Cheese With Balsamic Onions

Balsamic onions give Naturally Ella's grilled cheese plenty of kick. A bit of mustard rounds out the bold flavor.

3. Fried Chicken Grilled Cheese

Nothing is better than fried chicken except for fried chicken sandwiched between melty cheese and buttery toasted potato bread, of course. I Am A Food Blog nails it.

4. Grilled Cheese Animal Style

Even if you aren't blessed to live near an In-N-Out, you can enjoy animal sauce in your own home. House of Yumm makes a classic grilled cheese paired with the slightly sweet sauce.

5. Dijon Brussels Sprout Grilled Cheese

You can have your veggies and enjoy a grilled cheese thanks to A Cozy Kitchen. Dijon mustard gives Brussels sprouts some extra oomph — just be sure to shave them for proper sandwich placement.

6. Epic Breakfast Grilled Cheese Sandwich

When you start your day with a grilled cheese, it's bound to be a good day. Table for Two makes what may be the best breakfast sandwich of all with sausage, tater tots, and plenty of cheese.

7. Spinach Artichoke Grilled Cheese

If you're a dip fiend, meet the sandwich that will rock your world. Taste and Tell's spinach artichoke grilled cheese makes for an unbelievably savory lunch.

8. Mini Polenta Grilled Cheese Bites

In need of an appetizer? Try out The Kitchn's polenta grilled cheese bites. Served with marinara sauce, they're reminiscent of mozzarella sticks but with a more tender texture.

9. Hot Buffalo Chicken And Bacon Grilled Cheese

This sandwich by Half Baked Harvest is no joke. A mix of cheddar, cream cheese, and blue cheese makes a mild blend, while spicy buffalo chicken takes center stage.

10. Avocado, Mozzarella, And Jalapeño Chimichurri Grilled Cheese

Mozzarella melts easily while avocado gives Naturally Ella's sandwich a creamier edge. Don't be shy with the jalapeños on this one.

11. Almond Butter And Fig Grilled Cheese

Nutty almond butter and subtly sweet figs give melted Havarti cheese a whole new dimension in A Beautiful Mess' recipe. Don't forget the mayo to make your bread taste extra buttery.

12. Spinach Mozzarella Grilled Cheese

Spinach and mozzarella may be a seemingly simple combination, but the stand-out of I Am A Food Blog's recipe is the pretzel bread, which has a slightly sweet maltiness to it.

13. Sriracha And Jam Grilled Cheese

Sugar, spice, and everything nice — that's an appropriate way to describe House of Yumm's Sriracha and jam grilled cheese. Brie cheese makes it extra melty.

14. Egg-In-A-Hole Grilled Cheese

When in doubt, put an egg on it — or in it, as A Cozy Kitchen shows. A bit of prosciutto makes this a grilled cheese-Croque Madame hybrid.

15. Loaded Pepperoni Pizza Grilled Cheese

Skip the delivery and satisfy your pizza cravings with a sandwich. Yes, you read that right. Table for Two shows that pepperoni has a well-deserved spot in a grilled cheese sandwich.

16. Waffled Breakfast Grilled Cheese Sandwich

Skip your usual sausage, egg, and cheese for a different morning meal. Taste and Tell uses waffles instead of bread for a grilled cheese Ron Swanson would definitely approve of.

17. French Onion Soup Grilled Cheese

French onion soup may be the ultimate comforting soup, so when you transform it into a sandwich it's bound to be good. Sweet onions cut down on cooking time and give a classic taste in The Kitchn's recipe.

18. Asparagus French Toast Grilled Cheese Soldiers

This is brunch like you've never seen it before. Brioche-based grilled cheese is turned into perfect dunkers for soft boiled eggs in Half Baked Harvest's recipe.

For more ideas, check out Bustle on YouTube.

Images: I Am A Food Blog (3); A Beautiful Mess (2); Naturally Ella (2); House of Yumm (2); A Cozy Kitchen (2); Table for Two (2); Taste and Tell (2); The Kitchn (2); Half Baked Harvest (2)