Build-Your-Own Grilled Cheese

Be the first to rate & review!

It's called a grilled cheese, so why not make it on the grill? Multiply this recipe by the number of people you're serving, then set out all the toppings and let everyone make their own creations.

By
Breana Lai Killeen, M.P.H., RD
A portrait of Breana Killeen, M.P.H., RD
Breana Lai Killeen, M.P.H., RD

Breana Lai Killeen, M.P.H, RD, is a Chinese and Jewish chef and dietitian who has worked in all facets of the food world. She is a recipe developer, culinary nutritionist and marketing specialist with more than 15 years of experience creating editorial and digital content for top food and kitchen brands.

EatingWell's Editorial Guidelines
Updated on April 19, 2024
Tested by
EatingWell Test Kitchen
Eating Well Bio Page
Tested by EatingWell Test Kitchen

The EatingWell Test Kitchen is comprised of a group of culinary professionals who develop and test our recipes. Our recipes go through a rigorous process, which includes testing by trained recipe testers, using different equipment (e.g., gas and electric stoves) and a variety of tools and techniques to make sure that it will really work when you make it at home. Testers shop major supermarkets to research availability of ingredients. Finally, a Registered Dietitian reviews each recipe to ensure that we deliver food that's not only delicious, but adheres to our nutrition guidelines as well. Learn more about our food philosophy and nutrition parameters.

Meet the EatingWell Test Kitchen
Reviewed by Dietitian
Emily Lachtrupp, M.S., RD
Emily Lachtrupp Headshot
Reviewed by Dietitian Emily Lachtrupp, M.S., RD

Emily Lachtrupp is a registered dietitian experienced in nutritional counseling, recipe analysis and meal plans. She's worked with clients who struggle with diabetes, weight loss, digestive issues and more. In her spare time, you can find her enjoying all that Vermont has to offer with her family and her dog, Winston.

EatingWell's Editorial Guidelines
8239545.jpg
Prep Time:
15 mins
Total Time:
15 mins
Servings:
1
Yield:
1 sandwich
Nutrition Profile:
High-Calcium Bone-Health Healthy Aging Healthy Immunity Vegetarian
Jump to Nutrition Facts
Cook Mode (Keep screen awake)

Ingredients

  • 2 slices whole-wheat bread

  • 2 teaspoons softened butter or mayonnaise

  • 2 teaspoons flavoring, such as chopped fresh herbs, pesto, mustard and/or chopped sun-dried tomatoes

  • 2 slices cheese, such as Cheddar, American and/or Havarti

  • 1/4 cup vegetables, such as sliced tomato, avocado and/or baby spinach

Directions

  1. Preheat grill to medium-high.

  2. Brush one side of each slice of bread with butter (or mayonnaise). Brush or sprinkle the other side of one slice with flavoring. Top with 1 slice cheese, vegetables, then the remaining slice of cheese. Top with the remaining slice of bread, butter (or mayo) side up. Place the sandwich on a piece of foil.

  3. Grill the sandwich on the foil, flipping once, until the cheese is melted and the bread is toasted, about 1 minute per side.

Tips

Nutrition values shown are with butter, basil, sharp Cheddar and tomato.

Nutrition bonus: Vitamin A (38% daily value), Vitamin C (29% dv).

Originally appeared: EatingWell Magazine, July / August 2020

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

461 Calories
29g Fat
30g Carbs
22g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 1
Serving Size 1 sandwich
Calories 461
% Daily Value *
Total Carbohydrate 30g 11%
Dietary Fiber 5g 18%
Total Sugars 6g
Protein 22g 44%
Total Fat 29g 37%
Saturated Fat 16g 81%
Cholesterol 76mg 25%
Vitamin A 1913IU 38%
Vitamin C 17mg 19%
Folate 59mcg 15%
Sodium 623mg 27%
Calcium 506mg 39%
Iron 2mg 11%
Magnesium 72mg 17%
Potassium 484mg 10%

Nutrition information is calculated by a registered dietitian using an ingredient database but should be considered an estimate.

* Daily Values (DVs) are the recommended amounts of nutrients to consume each day. Percent Daily Value (%DV) found on nutrition labels tells you how much a serving of a particular food or recipe contributes to each of those total recommended amounts. Per the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the daily value is based on a standard 2,000 calorie diet. Depending on your calorie needs or if you have a health condition, you may need more or less of particular nutrients. (For example, it’s recommended that people following a heart-healthy diet eat less sodium on a daily basis compared to those following a standard diet.)

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a special diet for medical reasons, be sure to consult with your primary care provider or a registered dietitian to better understand your personal nutrition needs.

Related Articles

4565002.jpg
Tomato-&-Avocado Cheese Sandwich
15 mins
Fruit, Veggie & Cheese Plate
Fruit, Veggie & Cheese Plate
10 mins
6608261.jpg
Vegetarian All-American Portobello Burgers
20 mins
5694957.jpg
Spinach & Feta Scrambled Egg Pitas
15 mins
spanakopita grilled cheese sandwiches
Spanakopita Grilled Cheese Sandwiches
30 mins
3757453.jpg
Tomato & Provolone Sandwiches
15 mins
5492806.jpg
Grilled Pizza with Summer Squash, Feta & Basil
20 mins
4473428.jpg
Collards & Portobello Grilled Cheese
30 mins
a photo of a plated Spinach & Egg Scramble with Raspberries
Spinach & Egg Scramble with Raspberries
10 mins
4536252.jpg
Campfire Caprese Grilled Cheese
30 mins
4538536.jpg
Green Goddess Salad with Chickpeas
15 mins
5847757.jpg
Easy Vegetarian Taco Salad
15 mins
6272025.jpg
Grilled Blackened Shrimp Tacos
20 mins
4526607.jpg
Prosciutto Pizza with Corn & Arugula
20 mins
Ricotta-Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms with Arugula Salad
Ricotta-Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms with Arugula Salad
30 mins
3758916.jpg
Mac & Cheese with Collards
30 mins