150 Best Grilled Cheese Sandwiches (There’s a Book!)

From the time we were kids, most of us were familiar with the classic Grilled Cheese Sandwich.  Some people call it grilled, some call it toasted – heck, I’ve even done an open face version (which is the way the original grilled cheese sandwich was made) under the broiler in the oven (baked cheese sandwich?)  But one thing is certain, there’s nothing like a warm grilled cheese sandwich!

(That’s Dinner ^^)

Last night for dinner, I enjoyed a classic grilled cheese (buttered bread, cheddar cheese, skillet – perfection) and creamy tomato soup.  It was heaven…exactly what my body needed after a cold evening pick-up rush.  Also, my kids love it.  They love that they can help me put them together and who doesn’t love melty, gooey cheese?

I’ve mixed it up a bit in the past by using a variety of cheeses, maybe even a little honey mustard and turkey or tomato, and there was the time I made the four-cheese grilled cheese sandwich in the waffle iron (omgee…), but nothing I’ve ever come up with on my own could have prepared me for the mouthwatering selection of Grilled Cheese options laid our for me in Alison Lewis’ new book 150 Best Grilled Cheese Sandwiches.

The list of melting cheeses is fairly extensive, though most people tend to stick to Cheddar and Mozzarella.  American, Brie, Colby, Fontina, Gouda, Gruyere, Havarti and so on.  If you’re looking to branch out, 150 Best Grilled Cheese Sandwiches is a great place to start.  There are very few cheeses mentioned in the book that aren’t widely available in my area and I’m sure the same is true for you and Alison gives great tips on how to pair the right bread with the right cheese to get the perfect texture and flavor.

This book takes grilled cheese to a whole new level… there’s options for pretty much anything you could possibly need.  Grilled cheese as an appetizer?  Yep.  Brunch?  Yep.  Having a party?   Yep.  I can guarantee that your spread will be talked about, and only in a good way.  Alison’s recipes are not only creative and inventive, but they are so versatile!  And really, what’s easier to make than a grilled cheese sandwich?  Or, how about a biscuit?

So, now that you want a delicious grilled cheese, the pros and cons for the book:

Pro – Beautiful photography!  I could almost lick the pages.  Almost.  I love being able to see what I’m making.

Con – I wish there were more more of those awesome pictures!  There’s 150 recipes in this book, but only 20 photographs of all of that cheesy deliciousness.

Pro – Organized, Categorized and Do-able!  You can find what you’re looking for very easily.  Recipes are indexed by name, ingredients and genre.  Also, the book isn’t full of crazy ingredients you can’t get your hands on.

Con – I wish the Light and Healthy section was longer.  I know, I know… healthy is hard to do when it comes to cheese, but I think the section could have had at least a few more recipes.

Pro – Nicely laid out, easy to read, good font size.  I can’t stand books with tiny print (especially as I get older) and I love how the tips for each recipe are laid out to the right verses lost in the body of the recipe.

Con – The cookbook won’t lay flat without laying something on top of it to hold it down or sitting it up using a book stand.

Overall, this is an excellent buy and well worth the cover price of $24.95.  I will (read: my hips will) probably deeply regret the fact that I now own this book.  I see a lot of grilled cheese in our future!
150 Best Grilled Cheese Sandwiches just hit shelves in October, so be sure to snag your copy now or add it to your Holiday Wish List!

Grilled Cheese just got way more interesting!

Do you have a favorite ‘extra’ that you love to include on your favorite grilled cheese?

* Alison Lewis is a nationally known recipe developer, television and social media food spokesperson and consultant, mom food blogger, food educator, food photographer/stylist and nutritionist.  She is also the president of Ingredients, Inc., a food consulting company in Birmingham, Alabama.  She is also author to 400 Best Sandwich Recipes.

** Mama.Mommy.Mom. received a copy of 150 Best Grilled Cheese Sandwiches from the publisher for the purpose of this review.  No other compensation was received.  All thoughts are those of Mama.Mommy.Mom. and were in no way influenced by the publisher, author and/or any other person or company.