Nothing says comfort like a grilled cheese sandwich — and the holidays are the perfect time to give this classic a festive twist. From sweet cranberry pairings to savoury gourmet layers, these 22 creative grilled cheese recipes bring warmth and nostalgia to your plate. They’re quick to make, easy to customize, and budget-friendly. Whether you’re cooking for guests or enjoying a quiet evening by the fire, these recipes turn a simple sandwich into pure holiday comfort.
1. Cranberry Brie Grilled Cheese
The sweetness of cranberry meets the creamy melt of brie for the ultimate holiday flavour combo. Spread cranberry sauce on one slice of bread, layer brie slices, and grill until golden. The tart and creamy balance feels luxurious yet easy to make. Great for using leftover cranberry sauce after Christmas dinner.
2. Apple Cheddar Grilled Cheese
Sharp cheddar and crisp apples create the perfect sweet-savory mix. Layer thin apple slices with cheddar on whole-grain bread. Grill in butter until crispy. For extra comfort, drizzle a touch of honey or add a pinch of cinnamon before grilling.
3. Spinach Artichoke Grilled Cheese
Turn your favourite dip into a sandwich. Mix spinach, artichokes, and vegan or regular cream cheese. Spread between two slices and grill until bubbly. It’s hearty, creamy, and perfect for holiday movie nights. Add a sprinkle of parmesan for extra richness.
4. Pesto Mozzarella Grilled Cheese
A simple twist that tastes gourmet. Spread pesto on sourdough, layer mozzarella, and grill until crisp. The herby flavour pairs beautifully with a tomato soup or salad. Use homemade or store-bought pesto for convenience.
5. Sweet Potato and Gruyère Grilled Cheese
Creamy mashed sweet potatoes pair beautifully with nutty Gruyère. Spread a thin layer of sweet potato puree and add cheese. Grill until toasty. It’s comforting, slightly sweet, and perfect for cozy December dinners.
6. Caramelized Onion and Swiss Grilled Cheese
Slow-cooked onions bring deep flavour to this comforting sandwich. Pile them with Swiss cheese and grill until gooey. Serve with a bowl of warm soup or a salad. Affordable ingredients, big flavour — a winter favourite.
7. Fig Jam and Goat Cheese Grilled Cheese
Sweet fig jam and tangy goat cheese make this sandwich elegant and indulgent. Spread jam on one slice, add goat cheese, and grill lightly. Perfect with sparkling wine or a festive mocktail.
8. Roasted Veggie Grilled Cheese
Use your leftover roasted vegetables for this easy meal. Layer veggies with mozzarella or vegan cheese, then toast until golden. It’s nutritious, filling, and a great way to reduce food waste during the holidays.
9. Turkey and Cranberry Grilled Cheese
Perfect for post-Thanksgiving or Christmas leftovers. Combine turkey slices, cranberry sauce, and provolone cheese between two slices of bread. Grill in butter until melted. Quick, hearty, and festive.
10. Mushroom and Thyme Grilled Cheese
Sauté mushrooms with garlic and thyme, then layer them with your favourite cheese. Grill until golden and crisp. The earthy flavour feels gourmet yet takes minutes to make. Serve with a glass of red wine for a cozy night in.
11. Tomato Basil Grilled Cheese
A comforting classic with a holiday twist. Add fresh basil and tomato slices between layers of cheese. Grill until bubbly and pair with tomato soup for a nostalgic Christmas lunch.
12. Pumpkin Butter and Havarti Grilled Cheese
Sweet pumpkin butter meets creamy cheese for a seasonal treat. Spread a thin layer on one side, add cheese, and grill until toasty. It’s sweet, savory, and perfect for breakfast or brunch.
13. Pear and Blue Cheese Grilled Cheese
Bold and sophisticated. Thinly slice ripe pears, layer with blue cheese, and grill until the bread is crisp. The creamy and fruity balance feels restaurant-worthy. Use rye or sourdough for extra flavour.
14. Spinach and Sun-Dried Tomato Grilled Cheese
Sauté spinach and sun-dried tomatoes, then sandwich with mozzarella or vegan cheese. Grill until the bread is golden. The tangy, savoury filling adds a Mediterranean twist to your winter comfort food lineup.
15. Jalapeño Popper Grilled Cheese
Spicy and creamy with the perfect crunch. Mix cream cheese with chopped jalapeños, spread it on bread, and add cheddar before grilling. It’s a quick fix for spice lovers who still crave comfort.
16. Vegan Avocado Grilled Cheese
Mash avocado with salt and lemon, layer it with vegan cheese, and grill. Use coconut oil or vegan butter for crispness. It’s simple, healthy, and rich in texture — perfect for plant-based holiday meals.
17. BBQ Jackfruit Grilled Cheese
This one’s smoky, tangy, and satisfying. Mix pulled jackfruit with BBQ sauce and stuff it into your sandwich with cheese. Grill until crisp. It’s a meatless twist that tastes indulgent and fills you up.
18. Maple Bacon Grilled Cheese (Vegan Option)
Sweet and smoky meet melty cheese. Use real or vegan bacon coated in maple syrup for that sticky, rich bite. Add cheddar or dairy-free slices, then grill. Great for brunch or a late-night snack.
19. Apple Cranberry Brie Grilled Cheese
The perfect holiday trio. Layer brie, thin apple slices, and cranberry sauce on sourdough. Grill until golden. Each bite balances sweet, creamy, and tangy notes beautifully.
20. Caramel Apple Dessert Grilled Cheese
Dessert and dinner combined. Sauté apples with cinnamon and caramel, spread cream cheese on bread, and grill until golden. Dust with powdered sugar for a warm, sweet treat.
21. Caprese Grilled Cheese
Turn a classic salad into comfort food. Stack mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil between sourdough slices. Grill and drizzle with balsamic glaze. Light, crispy, and full of holiday charm.
22. Chocolate Hazelnut Grilled Cheese
A sweet finale to your meal. Spread chocolate hazelnut spread on bread, add banana slices, and grill. The heat melts the chocolate into a gooey dessert sandwich. Perfect for cozy nights in with cocoa.
Conclusion
Grilled cheese doesn’t have to be basic — it’s a canvas for creativity. These 22 comforting holiday grilled cheese recipes turn a simple sandwich into something festive, fun, and delicious. From savoury herb-loaded melts to sweet dessert versions, each one brings comfort to your table. Grab your skillet, some good bread, and your favourite cheese — it’s time to make the holidays a little warmer, one crispy bite at a time.
Hannah Collins is a passionate home cook and food storyteller who believes every recipe tells a little love story. At TastyWriter, she shares simple, delicious recipes made for real kitchens and busy days — from cozy comfort dishes to creative new favorites. When she’s not cooking, you’ll find her photographing food, testing family recipes, or sipping tea while dreaming up her next tasty idea.
Leave a Reply