Are you craving for a comforting grilled cheese sandwich but worried about the calories and unhealthy fats? The good news is that grilled cheese recipes can be made with healthier food swaps and just as delicious by choosing the right healthy ingredients and cooking techniques. Using low-fat cheeses, like mozzarella, part-skim ricotta, or reduced-fat cheddar, including whole-grain bases and nutritious fillings, ensures you get the creaminess and flavour without the extra fat. Pairing these with whole-grain wraps or even veggies as a base increases the nutrition profile of your grilled cheese recipes.
Ready to taste the cheesy goodness with a healthy twist? In this blog, we’ll explore 10 delicious and healthy grilled cheese recipes and the best cheese for grilled cheese recipes, giving you exciting new ideas to satisfy your cravings while nourishing your body. Let’s get started!
Table Of Contents
1. 10 Delicious Grill Cheese Recipes
2. What Type Of Cheese Is Best For Grilled Cheese?
3. The Final Say
4. FAQs
5. References
10 Delicious Grill Cheese Recipes
Who doesn't love a warm, gooey grilled cheese? It's the ultimate comfort food, but it mustn't be basic! Try these 10 delicious recipes bursting with flavour; we've got something to satisfy every craving. You can visit ToneOp Eats to experience the taste and wellness of nutrient-dense and calorie-counted meals. So, let's get started!
1. Grilled Cheese & Mushroom Sandwich
Consuming this Indian-style mushroom sandwich recipe gives multiple vitamins from B-complex vitamins, dietary fibre and protein, and vitamins from mushrooms and whole-grain bread. Mushrooms deliver selenium antioxidants that strengthen the immune system, and dairy cheese supplies protein and calcium content. Including whole-grain bread in the meal obtains nutritious complex carbohydrates that deliver continuous energy and beneficial digestive effects.
Ingredients:
- Whole-grain bread slices – 2
- Low-fat mozzarella cheese – 1/4 cup (shredded)
- Mushrooms – 1/2 cup (sliced)
- Olive oil – 1 teaspoon
- Garlic – 1 clove (minced)
- Oregano – 1/4 teaspoon
- Black pepper – a pinch
- Salt – a pinch
Steps To Make This Grill Cheese Recipes:
1. Heat olive oil and sauté minced garlic for a few seconds until fragrant.
2. Add the sliced mushrooms, a pinch of salt, black pepper, and oregano. Cook until the mushrooms release their water and turn golden.
3. Spread the cooked mushrooms evenly over one slice of bread. Sprinkle shredded cheese on top.
4. Cover with the second slice of healthy bread to form a sandwich.
5. Grill the sandwich in a pan or sandwich maker until the bread is golden and crispy and the cheese melts.
6. Serve hot with salad or tomato slices for extra nutrition.
2. Spinach & Corn Grilled Cheese Tortilla
This recipe offers iron, fibre, and vitamin A from spinach, while corn adds antioxidants like lutein, which supports eye health. Cheese provides protein and calcium, and the whole-grain tortilla offers complex carbohydrates and more fibre to aid digestion.
Ingredients:
- Whole-grain tortilla – 1 large
- Spinach – 1/2 cup (chopped)
- Sweet corn – 1/4 cup (boiled)
- Low-fat cheese – 1/4 cup (shredded)
- Olive oil – 1 teaspoon
- Garlic – 1 clove (minced)
- Chilli flakes – 1/4 teaspoon (optional)
- Salt – a pinch
Steps To Make This Grill Cheese Recipes:
1. Heat healthy olive oil and sauté minced garlic for a few seconds.
2. Add chopped spinach, a pinch of salt, and chilli flakes (if using). Cook for 1-2 minutes until wilted.
3. Mix the boiled corn into the spinach mixture and set aside.
4. Lay the tortilla flat and spread the spinach-corn mixture evenly on one half. Sprinkle cheese over it.
5. Fold the tortilla in half to form a semi-circle.
6. Grill the tortilla on a non-stick pan until both sides are golden, plus the cheese melts.
7. Slice into wedges and serve warm with a yoghurt dip or salsa.
3. Sprouted Chickpea Grilled Cheese Salad
This Indian-style cheese recipe is high in plant-based protein, dietary fibre, and essential nutrients like folate and iron from sprouted chickpeas. Adding cheese balances the dish with calcium and protein, while fresh veggies provide vitamins like vitamin C for a complete, nutritious meal.
Ingredients:
- Sprouted chickpeas – 1/2 cup
- Cherry tomatoes – 1/4 cup (halved)
- Cucumber – 1/4 cup (diced)
- Low-fat feta cheese – 1/4 cup (crumbled)
- Whole-grain bread cubes – 1/2 cup (grilled)
- Olive oil – 1 teaspoon
- Lemon juice – 1 teaspoon
- Oregano – 1/4 teaspoon
- Black pepper – a pinch
- Salt – a pinch
Steps To Make This Grill Cheese Recipes:
1. Toss sprouted chickpeas, cherry tomatoes, and cucumber in a bowl.
2. Drizzle olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, black pepper, and salt. Mix well.
3. Add crumbled feta cheese and grilled bread cubes. Gently combine.
4. Serve immediately as a fresh and wholesome salad.
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4. Creamy Chicken Grilled Cheese Nuggets
These nuggets provide lean protein from chicken, healthy fats from olive oil, and calcium from cheese. The whole-grain crumbs used for coating add fibre, while the creamy texture satisfies cravings more healthily.
Ingredients:
- Boneless chicken – 1/2 cup (minced)
- Low-fat cream cheese – 2 tablespoons
- Low-fat mozzarella cheese – 1/4 cup (shredded)
- Whole-grain bread crumbs – 1/2 cup
- Olive oil – 1 teaspoon
- Garlic powder – 1/4 teaspoon
- Salt – a pinch
- Black pepper – a pinch
Steps To Make This Grill Cheese Recipes:
1. In a bowl, mix minced chicken, cream cheese, shredded cheese, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
2. Shape the mixture into small, nugget-sized pieces.
3. Coat each piece lightly with whole-grain bread crumbs.
4. Heat healthy olive oil in a clean, non-stick pan and grill the nuggets until golden brown and cooked through, turning occasionally.
5. Serve warm with a side of hummus or low-fat yoghurt dip.
5. Vegan Grilled Cheese With Tomato Soup
This vegan alternative is rich in plant-based protein from tofu or cashew cheese and provides vitamin C and antioxidants like lycopene from homemade tomato soup. The whole-grain bread adds fibre and keeps the dish hearty and filling.
Ingredients:
- Whole-grain bread slices – 2
- Vegan cheese (cashew-based or tofu-based) – 1/4 cup
- Tomatoes – 2 (chopped)
- Olive oil – 1 teaspoon
- Garlic – 1 clove (minced)
- Basil leaves – 2-3 (chopped)
- Black pepper – a pinch
- Salt – a pinch
Steps To Make This Grill Cheese Recipes:
1. Heat healthy olive oil and sauté minced garlic until fragrant.
2. Add chopped tomatoes, basil leaves, salt, and black pepper. Cook until soft, then blend into a smooth soup.
3. Spread vegan cheese between two slices of whole-grain bread to make a sandwich.
4. Grill the sandwich until the bread is crispy and the cheese melts.
5. Serve the sandwich with warm tomato soup for a comforting and healthy meal.
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6. Stuffed Bell Peppers Grill Cheese Roll-Ups
This recipe combines the goodness of bell peppers, which are high in vitamin C and antioxidants, with the creamy protein of cheese. Whole-grain wraps or tortillas add fibre, aiding digestion and providing long-lasting energy. This dish is also a great source of vitamins A and E.
Ingredients:
- Bell peppers (any colour) – 2 (large, sliced into long strips)
- Low-fat mozzarella cheese – 1/2 cup (shredded)
- Whole-grain tortillas – 4
- Olive oil – 1 teaspoon
- Garlic powder – 1/4 teaspoon
- Oregano – 1/4 teaspoon
- Black pepper – a pinch
- Salt – a pinch
Steps To Make This Grill Cheese Recipes:
1. Heat healthy olive oil in a pan, add bell pepper strips, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper, and sauté for 2-3 minutes until slightly tender.
2. Lay each tortilla flat and spread shredded cheese over the surface.
3. Place the sautéed bell peppers in the centre and properly sprinkle oregano for added flavour.
4. Roll up each tortilla tightly and secure with toothpicks if needed.
5. Grill the roll-ups until slightly golden and crispy, ensuring the cheese melts.
6. Slice into bite-sized pieces and serve warm with a yoghurt dip or salsa.
7. Roasted Paneer Grill Cheese Skewers
Paneer offers high portions of calcium and protein, essential for strong bones and muscle health. Pairing it with gluten-free diet foods, such as vegetables like bell peppers and zucchini, adds vitamins C and A, while olive oil enhances healthy fats. These healthy Indian snacks are a low-carb, nutrient-dense alternative to fried snacks.
Ingredients:
- Paneer (Indian cottage cheese) – 200 grams (cubed)
- Bell peppers – 1 cup (cubed)
- Zucchini – 1/2 cup (cubed)
- Low-fat cheddar cheese – 1/4 cup (shredded)
- Olive oil – 1 teaspoon
- Paprika – 1/4 teaspoon
- Oregano – 1/4 teaspoon
- Black pepper – a pinch
- Salt – a pinch
- Skewers – 4-5
Steps To Make This Grill Cheese Recipes:
1. In a bowl, mix olive oil, paprika, oregano, cooking salt, and healthy black pepper to make a marinade.
2. Add paneer, bell peppers, and zucchini cubes to the marinade and carefully toss to coat evenly.
3. Assemble the skewers by alternating paneer, bell peppers, and zucchini.
4. Grill the skewers on a non-stick pan or in the oven until lightly roasted.
5. Sprinkle shredded cheese over the skewers and allow it to melt slightly before serving.
8. Sweet Potato & Kale Grill Cheese Balls
Sweet potatoes provide complex carbohydrates, beta-carotene, and fibre, making them a great energy source. Kale adds iron, vitamin K, and antioxidants, while cheese delivers calcium and protein. These nutrient-rich balls are both filling and delicious.
Ingredients:
- Sweet potatoes – 1 cup (mashed)
- Kale – 1/2 cup (finely chopped)
- Low-fat mozzarella cheese – 1/4 cup (shredded)
- Whole-grain bread crumbs – 1/2 cup
- Olive oil – 1 teaspoon
- Garlic powder – 1/4 teaspoon
- Salt – a pinch
- Black pepper – a pinch
Steps To Make This Grill Cheese Recipes:
1. In a bowl, mix mashed sweet potatoes, chopped kale, shredded cheese, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
2. Shape the potato mixture into small balls and roll them in whole-grain bread crumbs to coat.
3. Heat olive oil in a clean, non-stick pan and grill the balls until golden brown and crispy on all sides.
4. Serve warm with a tangy yoghurt or mustard dip.
9. Grill Cheese Kimchi & Broccoli Quesadillas
The probiotics in kimchi strengthen gut health, and broccoli delivers both vitamin C and antioxidant benefits. The cheese is a protein and calcium source, whereas whole-grain tortillas carry energy-sustaining complex carbohydrates. These healthy veg recipes present delicious nutritional elements in every bite.
Ingredients:
- Whole-grain tortillas – 2
- Kimchi – 1/2 cup (chopped)
- Broccoli – 1/2 cup (steamed and chopped)
- Low-fat cheese – 1/2 cup (shredded)
- Olive oil – 1 teaspoon
- Chilli flakes – 1/4 teaspoon (optional)
Steps To Make This Grill Cheese Recipes:
1. Lay one tortilla flat and spread shredded cheese evenly over it.
2. Top with chopped kimchi and steamed broccoli, sprinkling chilli flakes for an extra kick.
3. Place the second clean tortilla on top to form a quesadilla.
4. Grill the quesadilla in a non-stick pan with a little olive oil until golden brown and crispy on both sides.
5. Cut into wedges and properly serve hot with guacamole or salsa.
10. Roasted Tofu & Zucchini Grill Cheese Bowl
This bowl is a high-protein, low-carb option. Plant-based protein and calcium exist in tofu, while zucchini consists of vitamin A and potassium. The dish's creamy texture benefits from adding cheese, which also delivers protein and calcium. Olive oil incorporates essential fats for a nutritious component.
Ingredients:
- Firm tofu – 1/2 cup (cubed)
- Zucchini – 1 cup (sliced)
- Low-fat cheddar cheese – 1/4 cup (shredded)
- Olive oil – 1 teaspoon
- Soy sauce – 1 teaspoon
- Garlic powder – 1/4 teaspoon
- Black pepper – a pinch
- Salt – a pinch
Steps To Make This Grill Cheese Recipes:
1. Toss tofu and zucchini slices with olive oil, soy sauce, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper in a bowl.
2. Spread the tofu mixture on a baking tray and carefully roast in the oven at 180°C (350°F) for nearly 15 minutes or until golden.
3. Transfer the roasted tofu and zucchini to a bowl, sprinkle shredded cheese on top, and microwave for nearly 1-2 minutes until the cheese melts.
4. Serve warm as a wholesome meal or side dish.
Also Read: 6 Nutritious Rice Flour Breakfast Recipes: Diet & Benefits
What Type Of Cheese Is Best For Grilled Cheese?
Well, it's all about meltability and flavour. You want a gooey and stretchy cheese, not oily or clumpy. Classic choices like cheddar, Monterey Jack, and Colby are fantastic because they melt beautifully and have a mild flavour that pairs well with other ingredients. For a richer, tangier experience, try Gruyere or Havarti. Provolone is another great melter with a slightly sharper taste.
Ultimately, the "best" cheese is the one you love most! Try and find your perfect cheesy pull. A blend of two or three cheeses can also create a truly amazing flavour and texture. So, grab your favourite, get that bread buttered, and get ready for grilled cheese heaven!
Also Read: 10 Nutritious Chia Seed Fruit Juice Recipes
The Final Say
So, whether you're a grilled cheese purist or an adventurous foodie, the possibilities are endless! Try different healthier ingredients and techniques to create your perfect grilled cheese. Just remember to consider the melting point of your cheese, keep the heat moderate to avoid burning, and don't overcrowd your pan or grill for even cooking. With these tips, you'll enjoy gooey, delicious grill cheese recipes in no time!
FAQs
1. What can you put on a grilled cheese?
You can add anything you like, from classic chicken and tomato to gourmet ingredients like caramelised onions, fig jam, or even kimchi. Try to experiment with different flavours and textures.
2. What is grilling cheese used for?
Grilling cheese is a type of cheese that holds its shape when heated. It's perfect for grilling or pan-frying and can be used in various dishes, such as salads, sandwiches, and appetisers.
3. How to customise grilled cheese maker recipes?
To customise grilled cheese maker recipes, experiment with different cheeses like Gruyere or Fontina. Add flavorful spreads such as pesto, blueberry jam, or fig jam. Include extras like sautéed spinach, caramelised onions, or sliced apples for unique flavour combinations.
References
- https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/photos/grilled-cheese-recipes
- https://tasty.co/article/lavanyanarayanan/grilled-cheese-sandwich-recipes
- https://www.allrecipes.com/search?q=grilled+cheese
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/meals-menus/g40220529/grilled-cheese-recipes/
- https://www.allrecipes.com/gallery/fancy-grilled-cheese-recipes/
About ToneOp Eats
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