Elevate Your Grilled Cheese

Is there any sandwich more satisfying than a grilled cheese during the winter (and especially in Lent!)? Take this comfort food to the next level by adding or changing a few ingredients. The options are endless whether you pair it with the classic tomato soup or make the sandwich itself the star.

BY ANNIE LUST

GET CREATIVE WITH YOUR BREAD: You can use the sandwich bread you have on hand, but consider opting for something more interesting? Sourdough, baguettes, ciabatta, pumpernickel and rye each offer delicious bases for your sandwich. A rustic loaf of bread with a great crust adds a nice crunch that traditional grilled cheese lacks.

ADD SOMETHING FROM YOUR PANTRY: The pantry is a hidden gem for taking your grilled cheese to the next level. Pesto will add a bright, herbaceous layer of flavor. Relish offers acidity to balance the creamy cheese. Even a sweet or spicy jam can make a tasty pairing. Try Gouda with prosciutto, spinach and raspberry jam

SWAP YOUR BUTTER: Using mayonnaise instead of butter is popular because of the higher smoke point. Simply put, burning a grilled cheese sandwich is harder when you use mayonnaise! You can also add flavor to the outside of your bread by using whatever type of aioli you have on hand — garlic, dill or chipotle, for example.

FIND SOMETHING FRESH: Fruits and vegetables taste delicious on a grilled cheese sandwich. You cannot go wrong with tomatoes, but almost any veggie you have on hand will work: peppers, onions, spinach, zucchini and mushrooms. The same is true for fruit! Apples are a safe option, but berries, peaches and pears all work, too.

GO FOR VARIETY: The essential ingredient is the cheese. Why keep it basic when there are so many incredible options? And you don’t need to stick with just one. Multiple cheese selections can add flavor and creaminess. No cheese is off limits, although you should consider that some cheese is more difficult to melt. Try Havarti, cheddar and pepperjack