
Grilled cheese sandwiches come in many forms, and April 12th, National Grilled Cheese Day, is the perfect time to explore their diversity. Falling in the middle of National Grilled Cheese Month, this day invites you to go beyond the basics. Forget just adding tomato or bacon—discover these innovative and mouthwatering grilled cheese creations.
1. DONUT GRILLED CHEESE // TOM & CHEE
A haiku for grilled cheese donuts: Cheese melts so gently, On a golden, crispy donut, Grilled Cheese Donuts win. #EatsWhatsFun #HaikuFriday Posted by Tom + Chee on Friday, March 18, 2016
Tom & Chee (a clever nod to grilled cheese and tomato soup) is spreading its passion for comfort food nationwide, with over 30 locations offering a menu of inventive grilled cheese delights. Among their standout items is a full lineup of Grilled Cheese Donuts—exactly as they sound. While many are sweet, The Classic features a grilled cheddar cheese sandwich served on a donut.
2. THE POPPER // CHEESIE'S PUB AND GRUB
Jalapeno Popper Posted by Cheesie's Pub & Grub on Monday, May 9, 2011
The logo of Cheesie’s Pub and Grub, a grilled cheese sandwich, hints at the Chicago-based mini-chain’s specialty. Their menu boasts nearly a dozen grilled cheese varieties, each packed with surprising ingredients. Take The Popper, for example: a sourdough sandwich stuffed with cheddar, cream cheese, cheddar cheese sauce, jalapeño, and bacon, accompanied by a chipotle mayo dipping sauce.
3. MELTER SKELTER // MELTKRAFT
In collaboration with Valley Shepherd Farm, MeltKraft—with locations in Philadelphia and New York City—delivers a farm-to-table grilled cheese experience. One of their standout creations is the Melter Skelter, featuring raclette-style cheese paired with pickled green tomatoes, jalapeños, barbecue potato chips, and watercress.
4. SOUTHERN FRIED CHICKEN & WAFFLE MELT // MS. CHEEZIOUS
Widely recognized as one of Miami’s top food trucks, Ms. Cheezious has been delighting Magic City since 2010 with nearly 20 unique sandwiches. Among them is the Southern Fried Chicken and Waffle Melt, combining cheddar cheese, gravy, and maple syrup for a savory-sweet treat.
5. PIMENTO MAC & CHEE // THE GRILLED CHEESERIE
Pimento Mac N Chee Posted by The Grilled Cheeserie on Sunday, January 20, 2013
In Nashville, The Grilled Cheeserie serves up what they call "cheesy goodness." This description perfectly fits their Pimento Mac & Chee, a sandwich that merges two beloved cheesy dishes—grilled cheese and mac and cheese. It features housemade pimento cheese, local cheddar, macaroni, bacon bits, and tomato.
6. THE MELT CHALLENGE // MELT BAR AND GRILLED
Approaching its 10th anniversary, the grilled cheese experts at Cleveland’s Melt Bar and Grilled remain dedicated to crafting exceptional sandwiches. For true grilled cheese enthusiasts, they offer The Melt Challenge (featured on Man vs. Food in 2009). This challenge dares you to conquer over five pounds of food, including a 13-cheese grilled sandwich with three slices of bread, topped with French fries and coleslaw. Best of luck!
7. GRILLED CHEESE BAR // RIPPLE
While Ripple in D.C. is a charming restaurant, grilled cheese lovers should head straight to the bar area. There, you’ll discover Ripple’s Grilled Cheese Bar, where you can customize your sandwich with a variety of breads, cheeses, housemade spreads like hot pepper jelly, and premium toppings such as duck egg or duck prosciutto. The menu advises moderation ("don't make it gross, please stop at two cheeses"). If you prefer, you can also select from their signature creations, like the Jolly Green Giant, featuring taleggio, sopresatta, and hazelnut ramp pesto.
8. ROXY’S GRILLED CHEESE
Snow in the forecast for Sunday?? #tbt warmer days and Green Muensters! Get yours in Southie 11-5, Allston 11-10, and the truck is back at Harvard Science Center today 11-7! ? @hangry_diaries Posted by Roxy's Grilled Cheese on Thursday, March 17, 2016
Bostonians can enjoy Roxy’s offerings through two brick-and-mortar locations, an upcoming expansion, and a food truck. The menu features a variety of grilled cheese sandwiches, burgers, and even vegan options, ensuring there’s something for everyone. A local favorite is the Green Muenster, a grilled Muenster sandwich with bacon and housemade guacamole.
9. THE GRILLED CHEESE TRUCK
MENU SPOTLIGHT: THE PEPPERBELLY MELT! Posted by The Grilled Cheese Truck on Thursday, February 18, 2016
The Grilled Cheese Truck lives up to its name by specializing in crafting the ultimate cheesy sandwiches. Their reputation has grown so much that they now operate across the country, from New York to Los Angeles, with stops in Austin, Phoenix, and more. Their standout menu includes creations like the Pepperbelly Melt, packed with homemade chili, habanero Jack cheese, cilantro lime sour cream, fire-roasted tomato salsa, and Fritos for added crunch.
10. GRILLED CHEESE AND WINE DINNER // {THREE} SHEETS
Atlanta’s {Three} Sheets elevates grilled cheese to an art form. The restaurant hosts a monthly Grilled Cheese and Wine Dinner, offering a five-course meal with perfectly paired grilled cheese and wine selections, including a dessert course like a cheddar, apple, and brown sugar pecan sandwich on cinnamon bread. Their regular menu features a Signature Grilled Cheese with Applewood smoked cheddar and Tillamook, served with a side of bisque.