16 Unexpected Breads That Will Put A Fun Spin On Your Next Grilled Cheese
Grilled cheese. If the first word that comes to your mind is "yum," you're not alone. Grilled cheese is a simple yet utterly delicious meal. You really only need a few slices of bread and cheese to make a quick sandwich, though you can make it taste even better with some butter or by adding ham, bacon, tomato, or other toppings. White and wheat bread are most traditionally used to make grilled cheese, often because those are what most individuals or restaurants have on hand.
While there is nothing wrong with making grilled cheese using one of these types of bread, you can level up your sandwich by using something different. Not only will various breads impart unique flavors, but they can also change the overall texture of the sandwich. Some may give it more of a crispy and crunchy taste, while others may add a softer touch. Read on for some different bread options you may want to try for your next grilled cheese sandwich. Some of these combinations may surprise you, but they are definitely worth trying!
1. Sourdough bread
Sourdough is one of the best types of bread to use when making a grilled cheese sandwich. Its taste and texture will really take the sandwich up a notch and have you (and any guests) looking for more. If you've ever had sourdough bread before, you know that it is a thicker and denser bread. This makes it an optimal choice if you're looking to craft a hearty grilled cheese with additional toppings, such as meats or veggies, but don't get us wrong — it will still be utterly delicious with just cheese on top.
Sourdough also has more of a unique flavor, with the sourdough starter it's made with giving it a bit of a tangier taste. This, paired with the cheese, will be heaven in your mouth. You can make a sourdough grilled cheese sandwich with any type of cheese, but it will be particularly good with muenster, Gouda, cheddar, or some combination of these three cheeses.
2. Multigrain bread
Using multigrain bread can help you cook a filling and satisfying grilled cheese sandwich. Grains you might find in these hearty breads include wheat, oats, barley, and flax. Seeds are often part of multigrain bread recipes, as well. All these ingredients give the bread more of a texture, as you can often taste the individual grains or seeds in each bite.
Pairing this textured bread with cheese to make a grilled sandwich can only mean one thing: a party in your mouth! Every bite will be enjoyable as you taste the gooey melted cheese mixed with the hearty bread. Some of the best types of cheese to add to a multigrain grilled cheese sandwich include Gouda, brie, or American. This could also be the perfect bread to use if you want to add some sliced tomatoes to your sandwich. Want some extra crunch? Add some crispy bacon, too.
3. Rye bread
Many people associate rye bread with Reuben sandwiches, but it can also be an excellent option if you're making grilled cheese. This bread has a very distinct taste that is a bit earthy. It is often a bit denser and chewier than some other types of breads, though this can vary depending on how much rye flour the chef adds to the recipe. If you enjoy the unique flavor and texture of rye bread when eating a Reuben or other sandwiches, then it stands to reason that you'll enjoy a grilled cheese made on it.
When making your grilled cheese on rye bread, use Swiss cheese to really replicate the flavors of a Reuben. You can also opt for something a little different, such as brie, provolone, or pepper jack to create a unique combo. Experiment some to find the perfect combination that will get your taste buds singing.
4. Brioche bread
Brioche may not be the first to come to mind when you think about grilled cheese, but you may be pleasantly surprised if you give it a try the next time you make a sandwich. Brioche bread is made using enriched dough. Because of this, it has a softer, lighter texture than some other types of bread. Brioche is also sweeter than other breads, so using it will certainly put a spin on your grilled cheese and give it a much different taste than you'd find with a rye, sourdough, or pumpernickel bread.
When you make a grilled cheese sandwich with brioche, you'll find that the outside of the bread gets nicely toasted, crispy, and buttery as it cooks in your pan. However, the inside of the bread that is touching the cheese will remain oh so soft. Biting into the crispy edge and then tasting the soft middle and melty cheese is an incredible experience. You can add any cheese to a brioche grilled cheese sandwich, but some notably tasty options to try include muenster, mild cheddar, Gruyère, or Gouda.
5. Pretzel buns
Do you want to make a grilled cheese sandwich at home that you'd swear was purchased from an upscale restaurant? If so, the bread you choose can make all the difference. For an elevated experience, try making your next grilled cheese creation on a pretzel bun. The pretzel bun will impart a unique flavor to the sandwich, which will be a real treat for your tongue. If you've never had a pretzel bun, think about how soft pretzels taste: a little salty and chewy on the outside with a perfectly soft inside. The pretzel bun will bring these same characteristics to your sandwich, with the welcome addition of gooey melted cheese. What could go wrong?
Pretzel buns are on the thicker side compared to many slices of bread, so you may want to toss on an extra slice or two of cheese. You could also use the thickness of the bun as an opportunity to add some extra ingredients to the sandwich, such as bacon, mushrooms, ham, or tomatoes.
6. Pumpernickel bread
If you enjoy dense bread, you could also try making a grilled cheese sandwich with pumpernickel bread. Pumpernickel, known for its stronger flavor, is made by grinding whole rye berries, whereas only the endosperm of the berries is used when making rye bread. Another reason rye and pumpernickel taste different is that they are cooked for different amounts of time, with pumpernickel baking for longer. This longer bake time can give it more of a coffee or even dark chocolate flavor.
If you want to really enjoy your pumpernickel grilled cheese sandwich, you'll want to choose the right type of cheese and toppings. Some great cheeses to try include Swiss (if you want to conjure up thoughts of a Reuben), pepper jack, cheddar, or American. Top the cheese with a slice of ham, turkey, or even roast beef. Don't forget to add a pickle to up the crunch and flavor of your creation.
7. French bread
French bread is another great option to consider when you want to create a tasty grilled cheese. Known for its crispy crust and soft insides, a grilled cheese made on French bread is certain to delight. French bread baguettes can go stale rather quickly, but if you have a loaf that is starting to get stale, don't toss it out. You can breathe new life into it by making tasty sandwiches. Heating the bread with butter will help liven it back up; you likely won't even notice any stale taste or texture after cooking it.
In addition to thinner baguettes, you can also find larger loaves of French bread, which can help you craft a phenomenal grilled cheese sandwich. As to which cheese you'll want to add, some good options include American, brie, or Monterey jack. For an upscale treat, try adding a few caramelized onions or sautéed mushrooms to your sandwich.
8. Ciabatta bread
If you've tried ciabatta bread, you know that it has a different taste and texture from most other types of bread. What makes ciabatta more unique is that its recipe calls for more hydration than other breads. The result? A large and chewy loaf of bread with holes throughout. Unlike French bread that tends to get stale quickly, a loaf of ciabatta will stay fresher for longer.
The bread's texture makes it a perfect complement for soft and melty cheeses. The inside is nice and soft, letting you enjoy the way the bread and cheese taste together. Try a ciabatta grilled cheese sandwich with any type of cheese, but Gouda, brie, and mozzarella can work exceptionally well. Want a more upscale or fancy sandwich? Try adding some pesto, bacon, or spinach to your grilled cheese. The resulting sandwich will be good enough to share, though you may want to keep it for yourself.
9. Focaccia bread
As a flatter bread, focaccia often gets overlooked by those making grilled cheese sandwiches. However, doing so would be a mistake and rob you of the opportunity to enjoy the spectacular combination that occurs when focaccia bread is paired with warm and melty cheese. After all, pizza crusts are pretty flat, and they taste amazing with gooey cheese. Focaccia is made by kneading flour, yeast, water, and oil together. The dough then needs to rise for several hours before being stretched out into the shallow pans it is baked in.
Because it is so much thinner, you'll likely want to use two slices of focaccia bread (rather than trying to cut one piece in half) when making your sandwich. Rather than using a plain focaccia bread, try choosing an herbed or garlic loaf to further enhance the flavor of your sandwich. The best cheese to pair with focaccia can vary depending on the herbs and other ingredients in the bread, but some choices to consider include sharp cheddar, muenster, and fontina.
10. Pita bread
While pita bread is usually associated with Mediterranean wraps, it can be used in several other ways — like making grilled cheese sandwiches. Very flat and often baked with a hollow pocket on the inside, pita bread is mostly soft but can also be a bit chewy.
Add some butter and your choice of cheese directly inside the pita's pocket when crafting your grilled cheese creation. No pocket? No problem. You can also cut the pita round in half and treat each half as one slice of bread when putting your sandwich together. Having a hard time deciding what type of cheese to use for your pita grilled cheese sandwich? There are so many different options to try. One idea is to stick with a Mediterranean theme and use mozzarella and feta cheeses. Add some olives, spinach, olive oil, and onion powder to bring even more Mediterranean flair to your plate.
11. Naan
Like pita bread, naan is another type of flatbread. However, the two come from different parts of the world. While pita is a Mediterranean flatbread, naan originated from Central and South Asia. Naan's ingredient list also differs quite a bit from pita bread, which has a much more basic profile. Yogurt and egg are often added during the baking process, giving naan a softer and more tender texture.
Naan is a delicious bread that can be used for many things, but if you haven't tried it for grilled cheese, then you're really missing out. The soft and buttery flavor pairs beautifully with many types of cheese. Try it with brie, mozzarella, or havarti. You can also find mini-naans, which could be perfect for making scrumptious grilled cheese appetizers for your next get-together. Try adding a little marinara sauce, hummus, or another dip on the side to really delight your guests.
12. Raisin bread
You're going to have to be willing to think outside of the box a little for this one, but raisin bread can also make a tasty grilled cheese sandwich. Not only will the raisins in the bread give the sandwich a more unique texture, but they'll also enhance the way it tastes, offering a hint of sweetness that will turn a standard grilled cheese into a special treat.
When you use raisin bread, you'll even have a reason to eat grilled cheese for breakfast. Want to step it up even more? Try adding a fried egg or some scrambled eggs to make a sweetly satisfying breakfast sandwich. Serve alongside some bacon, hash browns, and fresh fruit, and you've got yourself a full breakfast or brunch feast. Choose the perfect cheese based on your overall vision for the sandwich. Looking for something with a bit more kick? Try pepper jack. If you prefer something with a milder flavor, consider muenster or Gouda.
13. English muffins
Can you use English muffins to make grilled cheese? Of course you can. With all of their nooks and crannies to soak up butter and melted cheese, you can surely imagine how amazing a grilled cheese English muffin will taste. Today, you can find several variations of English muffins, allowing you to further customize the taste of your grilled cheese sandwich. From standard white English muffins to whole wheat, multigrain, or even raisin or blueberry, the possibilities of what you can create are nearly endless.
English muffins are traditionally associated with breakfast, so you could consider putting a breakfast spin on your grilled cheese by adding eggs and bacon. However, you most certainly can enjoy an English muffin grilled cheese sandwich for lunch or dinner too. Consider adding a slice of deli ham, some caramelized onions, arugula, zucchini, or avocado to your creation. The right herbs can also make all the difference when it comes to flavor. Some tasty options to try include garlic, rosemary, parsley, and basil.
14. Lavash
Lavash is another flatbread that one doesn't always associate with grilled cheese. However, if we've learned nothing else at this point, it's that non-traditional bread options can be used to make glorious grilled cheese creations. Lavash is soft and folds easily, making it an excellent choice for a grilled cheese sandwich. Simply butter a large piece of lavash and add your favorite cheese — such as havarti, provolone, or cheddar — over half of the bread. Fold it over and cook it over medium heat in some butter, flipping to nicely brown each side. Once cooked, the melted cheese coupled with the soft, tasty lavash will be absolutely delightful.
If you want to veer even further from a standard grilled cheese sandwich, consider adding some asparagus, mushrooms, spinach, or pesto over the cheese before folding over the bread. You could also add ham, turkey, or other meats for a heartier and more filling sandwich.
15. Bagels
If you're in the mood for a thicker and chewier grilled cheese sandwich, try making it on a sliced bagel. While they may traditionally come served with cream cheese, there's nothing stopping you from putting some cheddar, American cheese, or pepper jack on your bagel and grilling it up to melted and gooey perfection in some butter.
You can also try different bagel types, including sesame seed, poppy seed, or anything else, when making your sandwich. Just remember: If you're going to be cooking the grilled cheese on the stovetop, seeds or seasonings on the bagel could fall off into the pan and make a bit of a mess. If you want to try a seeded or seasoned bagel but don't want to lose your seeds in the pan, you could also try making your bagel grilled cheese in an air fryer. Because bagels are much thicker than a standard slice of bread, consider adding some meat or veggies to balance out the extra dough.
16. Matzo
Matzo is a very flat unleavened bread. The dough — made from flour and water — is not allowed to rise, which is why those of the Jewish faith are allowed to eat the bread during Passover. Before you set out to make a matzo grilled cheese sandwich, it is important to note that it is pretty crispy. You'll have to work carefully to avoid crumbling the matzo and ending up with a big (though likely still tasty) mess.
To soften the matzo a bit before assembling your grilled cheese sandwich, try dipping it into water for just two or three seconds. Doing this will also allow the matzo to brown nicely when you cook it in butter to make your sandwich. Some of the best cheeses to pair with matzo for a grilled cheese sandwich include mozzarella, brie, and havarti, but you can use whatever you have available at home.