The grilled cheese sandwich is a staple on most lunch menus found in restaurants throughout the country. The crisp and buttery bread encompassing a cheesy, gooey center makes for a tasty lunch or dinner when you are craving comfort food or just want something simple. While the classic recipe is flawless, there are countless ways you can spice up your sandwich if you’re feeling adventurous.

How to Improve Your Grilled Cheese

1. Tomatoes

Somewhere in history, the grilled cheese sandwich and a cup of tomato soup became the ideal lunch menu pairing. However, if you’d rather skip the soup and just eat with your hands, try moving the tomatoes inside of the sandwich. A few slices of fresh, thick-cut tomatoes seasoned in salt and pepper will make your choice of American, Monterey Jack, or Gruyere cheese pop with flavor.

2. Bacon

It’s true: everything is better with bacon. In this case, cooking a few strips and adding them on top of or in between multiple cheese layers provides a nice, salty crunch and some added protein.

Ask your waiter to put the bacon on top of or in between the cheese layers for salty crunch and added protein. Ask if it can be served on thick, hearty bread that won't fall apart. If you’re really up for some game-changing action, order tomato and bacon to make a BCT (bacon, cheese, tomato). 

3. Condiments

It’s not always about what you add to the inside of the sandwich. Sometimes, spicing up the outside is enough to change up the flavor profile of your standard grilled cheese.

Jazz up the sandwich with condiments like ketchup or Dijon mustard. For an added kick, try it with hot sauce. You can ask for it to be layered onto the grilled cheese or it can be served as a dipping sauce on the side. Pump up the heat by using a pepper jack cheese or tone it down by adding provolone, Muenster, or colby cheeses.  

For a grilled cheese with your choice of ingredients, head to Steve T. Hots & Potatoes in Rochester, NY. This 24-hour burger restaurant is family-owned and -operated. Their famous plates run the gamut from Zwiegle’s® hot dogs and potatoes to grilled cheese sandwiches with ham or bacon. Visit their website to view their complete dinner, breakfast, and lunch menu, and call them at (585) 429-6388 with any questions.