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Use mayo to coat the bread -

Most people use butter to coat the bread on the outside, but swapping it out for mayo helps it get perfectly browned and crispy, and adds a really decadent tanginess.

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Try different cheeses -

It has long past the time to retire those single slices of cheese. If your go-to is cheddar, try mixing it up with brie, Camembert, Monterey Jack, smoked gouda, Gruyère—the possibilities are endless.

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Add fruit -

Don't be afraid of adding fresh fruit like apples (pair with brie), pears (pair with goat cheese), and fig (blue cheese).

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Make it in a panini press -

Go beyond the traditional stovetop and try out a panini press, which also cuts down on butter while toasting the bread and melting the cheese. The lines are a gourmet touch as well.

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Use multiple cheeses -

What’s more luxurious than having multiple kinds of cheese in one sandwich? Try provolone, sharp cheddar, parmesan, and gouda, or any combination of cheeses you have in your fridge.

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Shred hard cheese -

If the cheese you want to use comes in a block, instead of slicing it, shred before placing in the sandwich and grilling to ensure the perfect melted texture.

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Put cheese on the outside too -

Placing shredded cheese (like parmesan, cheddar) directly onto the skillet and then placing your buttered sandwich on top of it will allow the cheese to melt and attach to the bread while forming a crispy layer that is a delicious crunch to bite into.

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Toast both sides of the bread -

To achieve maximum crispiness, toast your bread in the toaster on both sides before assembling and grilling the sandwich.

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Infuse the butter -

Before adding your butter or oil, try infusing it by adding aromatic ingredients like a clove of garlic or some herbs like rosemary and thyme.

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Experiment with sweetness -

 Adding a little bit of jelly, Nutella, some shaved dark chocolate, or a drizzle of honey might seem strange when it comes to a grilled cheese, but the sugar actually allows the complex flavors of the cheese to shine.

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Add nuts -

A little crunch of chopped nuts can completely elevate a grilled cheese. Imagine a grilled cheese with pear, walnuts, and goat cheese. It’s a fine dining palate everyone can access at home.

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Pick a nice bread -

What if instead of your regular loaf you used brioche, which has a perfectly golden and fluffy feel to it? Or what if your grilled cheese used the tangy, crusty sourdough? The options are limitless!

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Make it spicy -

Use a spicy Asiago cheese or habanero cheddar, or throw some jalapenos, chili oil, or hot sauce into the sandwich for a grown-up level of enjoyment.

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Employ a second pan -

Using a second pan to press your sandwich into the first pan will help you achieve a meltier cheese and crispier bread.

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Add umami flavor -

Sundried tomatoes pack the perfect umami punch for a grilled cheese, but kimchi and noori also work extremely well.

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Add caramelized onions -

This is truly decadent, as caramelized onions take time (though also very little effort) and pair with the cheese very well to add a depth of flavor.

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Grilled cheese croutons -

If you are making the smart decision to pair grilled cheese sandwiches with tomato soup, cut them up into little squares to use as croutons for the soup. It’s genius and keeps your hands clean while you eat.

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Drizzle on truffle oil -

There’s nothing that says gourmet like truffle, and this very simple addition can add so much depth.

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Make many sandwiches at a time in the oven -

This trick is great for serving many mouths without anyone having to wait and let theirs get cold. Simply lay out the prepared sandwiches on a baking sheet and place another baking sheet on top before baking in the oven.

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Add mustard -

A thin layer of grainy Dijon mustard adds a brightness to what could otherwise be a somewhat dull grilled cheese sandwich.

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Combine two comfort foods in one -

Instead of just putting cheese in your sandwich, add mac and cheese. It combines the powers of two comfort foods in one, and is sure to soothe the soul.

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Make it breakfast -

Add a little protein and some silky texture by cutting out a hole in the bread and adding an egg. It’s beautiful, and it’s breakfast!

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Add some color -

Rainbow grilled cheese had its moment before everyone realized they could be making it at home instead of paying so much more for mere food dye. Just a few drops can brighten up the whole meal.

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Make grilled cheese roll-ups -

Prepare half of a grilled cheese sandwich using just one slice of bread, then roll it into a stick and grill on all sides. It’s perfect for dipping in tomato soup.

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Make it a double decker -

A grilled cheese sandwich, though delicious, sometimes doesn’t feel like it’s enough for a meal. Making it a double decker can help, plus it gives you so much more space to add different cheeses and ingredients.

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Use the air fryer -

Did you know you could make grilled cheese in an air fryer? It’s healthier and yet still comes out super crispy on the outside and gooey in the middle.

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Cut them diagonally -

It’s hard to explain, but grilled cheese sandwiches that are cut in half on a diagonal just taste better!

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Grilled cheese chips -

Use pita bread and make a grilled cheese as you would, then cut it up into little chips and watch everyone marvel at how genius you are.

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Actually grill cheese -

Sturdy cheeses such as halloumi have a high melting point and thus need to be grilled or baked to get that crisp exterior and creamy center. Use with bread, or not!

Sources: (Bustle) (Something About Sandwiches) (Better Homes and Gardens)

See also: Unusual ways of using fruit in your savory meals

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