Grilled Cheese...in 50 different ways!

After a very very very long break from blogging...I'M BACKKK! Sorry for keeping everyone waiting. My school life has been hectic lately and as my mother always says "School comes first". The good news for all my viewers though is I have stockpiled a bunch of recipes which means you will be seeing a lot of great things from me over the next few weeks!

Grilled Cheeses can be a college students best friend. They use minimal ingredients (meaning they are super cheap) and are insanely fast and easy to make...I have yet to meet a person who has not been able to make a grilled cheese! Whip one up, make a quick cup of soup and voila! A complete delicious meal!

I was just grocery shopping at my local Publix and while I was checking out, the latest Food Network Magazine grabbed my eye. On the cover was a giant picture of a delicious looking tart topped with an egg, bacon and cheese (YUM) and the title "Easy 122 No-Fuss Recipes". Now that is right up my alley. The eye catching cover combined with the limited time I had to flip through it led me to impulsively buy it. As I sit at home going through it, I found that in the center of the magazine is a bonus recipe booklet full of all the different ways to make grilled cheeses...SCORE!

I cannot hoard all these wonderful recipes for my own enjoyment so I figured I would spend my Saturday evening sharing my wonderful find with all of y'all.

P.S. Sorry there are no pictures included in this post :(

50 Grilled Cheeses
To make any of the recipes listed below:
1. Heat 1 tablespoon salted butter in a cast-iron or nonstick skillet over medium-low heat
2.Press the sandwich slightly and place it in the skillet. Cook until golden brown on the bottom.
3. Flip, adding more butter to the pan if needed, and cook until the other side is golden brown and the cheese melts. About 3-5 minutes more.

1. Classic: Sandwich 2 slices cheddar, monterey jack or Swiss cheese between 2 slices country white bread; cook, flipping once, until golden brown.

2. Bacon and Tomato: Make Classic Grilled Cheese (No. 1) adding 3 slices crisp bacon and 1 slice tomato between the cheese.

3. Triple Cheese: Make Classic Grilled Cheese (No. 1) using 1 slice each cheddar, muenster and Swiss cheese.

4. Spicy Nacho: Sandwich 2 slices white bread with 1 slice monterey jack or American cheese, some pickled jalapeno slices and 1 slice cheddar. Cook, flipping once, until golden brown.

5. Crunchy Nacho: Make Spicy Nacho Grilled Cheese (No.4), adding 1 tablespoon crushed corn chips with the jalapeno.

6. Goat Cheese-Peppadew: Mix 1/2 cup cream cheese with 3/4 cup goat cheese and 8 chopped Peppadew peppers. Sandwich 1/4 of the mixture between 2 slices multi grain bread; cook, flipping once, until golden. (Use the remaining cheese mixture for more sandwiches.)

7. Grilled Cheese Fingers: Make Classic Grilled Cheese (No. 1). Cut off the crusts and cut the sandwich into strips

8. Diner: Sandwich 2 slices American cheese between 2 slices white bread. Spread mayonnaise on the the outside of the sandwich and cook, flipping once, until golden. Serve with ketchup.

9. Spicy Diner: Mix 1 tablespoon mayonnaise with 1/4 teaspoon Sriracha. Make Diner Grilled Cheese (No. 8), replacing the mayonnaise with the spicy mayonnaise mixture.

10. Cheddar and Pickles: Make Diner Grilled Cheese (No.8), replacing the American cheese with aged white cheddar and adding sliced pickles between the cheese.

11. Havarti and Chicken Salad: Sandwich 2 slices potato bread with 1 slice havarti, 2 to 3 tablespoons chicken salad and another slice of havarti. Cook, flipping once, until golden.

12. Garlic Ham and Cheese: Prepare 2 thick slices frozen garlic bread as the label directs. Sandwich with 2 slices each monterey jack and ham. Cook, flipping once, until golden brown.

13. Pesto: Spread pesto on 1 slice white bread. Top with 1 slice each provolone and mozzarella. Top with another slice of bread and cook, flipping once, until golden brown.

14. Avocado: Toss 1/4 sliced avocado with lime juice and lime zest to taste. Sandwich 2 slices white bread with 2 slices pepper jack and the avocado. Cook, flipping once, until golden brown.

15. Potato Chip: Spread yellow mustard on 1 slice whole-wheat bread; top with 2 slices American cheese and 8 potato chips. Top with another slice of bread and cook, flipping once, until golden brown.

16. Swiss-Mushroom: Spread 2 slices rye bread with Thousand Island dressing. Sandwich with 1 slice Swiss cheese, some sauteed mushrooms and onions, and another slice of Swiss. Cook, flipping once, until golden brown.

17. Bagel: Spread a split bagel with mayonnaise and spicy mustard. Sandwich with 1 slice muenster, 2 slices salami and another slice of muenster. Cook, flipping once, until golden, pressing to flatten.

18. Cajun: Sandwich 2 slices country white bread with 2 slices provolone. Cook in butter with a pinch of Cajun seasoning.

19. Muffuletta: Make Cajun Grilled Cheese (No. 18), adding 1 tablespoon deli olive salad between the cheese.

20. Roasted Tomato: Toss 4 halved plum tomatoes with 1 tablespoon olive oil, and thyme, salt and pepper to taste. Roast at 350 degrees for 1 hour; mash. Spread 2 slices sourdough bread with 1/4 of the tomato mixture and sandwich with 2 slices cheddar. Cook, flipping once, until golden brown. (Use the remaining tomato mixture for more sandwiches).

21. Blue Cheese and Onion: Sandwich 2 slices marble rye bread with 1 slice each muenster and soft blue cheese, some caramelized onions and another slice of muenster. Cook, flipping once, until golden brown.

22. Italian: Sandwich 2 slices sourdough bread with 1 slice provolone, 1 slice mortadella, some chopped pickled vegetables and another slice of provolone. Cook, flipping once, until golden brown.

23. Fontina and Sage: Fry 4 sage leaves in a skillet in butter and olive oil until crisp. Sandwich 2 slices crusty bread with 2 slices fontina and the fried sage. Cook in the same skillet.

24. Mediterranean: Spread baba ghanoush on 2 slices wholegrain bread. Sandwich with 1 slice monterey jack, a few thin slices grilled zucchini, 2 tablespoons crumbled feta and another slice of monterey jack. Cook in olive oil.

25. Gruyere and Sauerkraut: Spread dijon mustard on 1 slice crusty bread. Top with 2 slices gruyere, 1 tablespoon sauerkraut and another slice of bread. Cook, flipping once, until golden brown.

26. Roast Beef and Brie: Spread 2 slices sourdough bread with dijon mustard and brie (remove the rind). Sandwich with osme caramelized onions and 1 slice roast beef. Cook, flipping once, until golden brown.

27. Inside-Out Bun: Sandwich 1 slice each pepper jack and Swiss cheese on an inside-out seedless hamburger bun. Cook, flipping once, until golden brown.

28. Patty Melt: Cook a thin hamburger patty to medium doneness. Sandwich an inside-out seedless hamburger bun with 1 slice cheddar, the hamburger patty and 1 slice American cheese. Cook, flipping once, until golden.

29. Hot Dog: Halve a hot dog lengthwise; brown in a skillet. Spread a hot dog bun with ketchup and mustard, then sandwich with the hotdog and 1 slice American cheese. Cook, flipping once, until golden brown, pressing to flatten.

30. Meaty Macaroni: Spread 3 tablespoons warm macaroni and cheese on 2 slices potato bread. Drizzle with hot sauce and sandwich with 1/4 cup warm pulled pork. Cook, flipping once, until golden brown.

31. Spanish Olive: Sandwich 1/4 cup grated manchego cheese and 1 tablespoon sliced green olives between 2 slices white bread. Cook, flipping once, until golden brown.

32. Fig and Olive: Make Spanish Olive Grilled Cheese (No. 31), spreading the bread with fig jam before building the sandwich.

33. Bacon Waffle Cheddar: Sandwich 2 thawed toaster waffles with 1 slice cheddar, 2 slices crisp bacon and another slice of cheddar. Cook, flipping once, until golden brown. Serve with maple syrup.

34. Egg in a Hole: Cut out a 2-inch round from the center of 1 slice country white bread; place the bread in a hot buttered skillet and crack an egg into the hole. Cook until the white sets, then flip and top with 1 slice cheddar. Meanwhile, add another slice of bread to the skillet and top with 1 slice cheddar and 3 slices crisp bacon. Sandwich the 2 halves and cook until golden brown.

35. Pear-Camembert: Spread 2 slices multi grain bread with camembert (remove the rind). Sandwich with thin pear slices. Cook, flipping once, until golden brown.

36. Ham-Apple Butter: Spread 1 slice country white bread with apple butter and another with dijon mustard. Sandwich with 1 slice Swiss cheese, 1 slice ham and another slice of Swiss. Cook, flipping once, until golden brown.

37. Hawaiian: Spread 2 slices Hawaiian sweet bread or challah bread with pineapple preserves. Sandwich with 2 slices each monterey jack and ham. Cook, flipping once, until golden brown.

38. Taleggio and Broccoli Rabe: Sandwich 2 slices crusty bread with 2 slices taleggio and some sauteed broccoli rabe. Cook in a mixture of butter and olive oil.

39. Ricotta-Garlic: Mix 1 cup shredded mozzarella, 1/2 cup ricotta, 1/3 cup grated parmesan, 1 small grated garlic clove, and salt to taste. Sandwich 2 slices sourdough bread with 1/4 of the ricotta mixture and cook, flipping once, until golden brown. (Use the remaining ricotta mixture for more sandwiches).

40. Fried Mozzarella: Whisk 1 egg and 2 tablespoons milk in a shallow dish. Mix 1/4 cup flour and 2 tablespoons grated parmesan in another dish. Sandwich 2 slices white bread with 2 slices fresh mozzarella. Dredge in the flour mixture, then dip in the beaten egg. Cook, flipping once, until golden brown.

41. Open-Face Cutouts: Cut shapes out of sliced white bread using a cookie cutter. Cut matching shapes out of sliced cheddar. Broil the bread until lightly toasted, then flip, top each with a piece of cheese and broil until the cheese melts.

42. Open-Face Caprese: Broil a split ciabatta roll until lightly toasted. Drizzle with olive oil and top each half with 2 slices tomato and 2 slices fresh mozzarella. Broil until the cheese melts. Top with chopped basil.

43. Pizza: Spread 2 slices Italian bread with marinara sauce and sandwich with 1 slice provolone, 2 slices pepperoni and 1 slice mozzarella. Cook in a mixture of butter and olive oil.

44. Open-Face French Onion: Broil baguette slices until toasted. Top with caramelized onions and shredded gruyere; broil until the cheese melts. Top with chives.

45. Open-Face Pastrami: Spread Russian dressing on 1 slice pumpernickel bread. Top with a few slices pastrami and 1 slice Swiss cheese. Broil until the cheese melts.

46. BBQ Roast Beef: Spread 1 slice country white bread with 1 tablespoon barbecue sauce. Top with 2 slices each cheddar and roast beef, then top with another slice of bread. Brush melted butter on the outside of the sandwich and cook on a grill, turning, until golden brown.

47. Truly Grilled Cheese: Toss 1 thick slice haloumi cheese with olive oil and chopped oregano. Rub 1 thick slice crusty bread with garlic and brush with olive oil. Cook the cheese and bread separately on a grill, turning, until marked. Rub the bread with a halved tomato and top with the cheese; sprinkle with salt and lemon juice.

48. Brie and Marmalade: Spread 2 slices cinnamon-raisin bread with orange marmalade. Sandwich with 2 slices brie (remove the grind) and cook, flipping once, until golden brown.

49. Creamy Quince: Spread 2 slices brioche with quince preserves; sandwich with 2 slices triple-cream cheese, such as Saint Andre, or brie (remove the rind). Cook, flipping once, until golden brown.

50. Nutella and Banana: Spread 1 slice challah bread or brioche with ricotta; spread another with Nutella. Sandwich with sliced bananas and cook, flipping once, until golden brown.


Hope this helps spice up your ordinary Grilled Cheese! Let me know what you think! Comment below and don't forget to follow me! :)

Pork Chops and Scalloped Potatoes

I've been a little under the weather lately and every time I get sick I get homesick. Seeing as how I am not able to go home for a couple weeks, I decided to make one of my childhood favorites and bring a little bit of home to me. 

Tonight's dinner is Pork Chops and Scalloped Potatoes. The pork chops are a classic that my mom always makes and the scalloped potatoes was something new I wanted to try. I also made more Green Giant green beans with almonds that aren't pictured until the last photo. Refer to my other posts for information on Green Giant veggies!

As always, this is all easy, inexpensive and doesn't take very long to make!

Pork Chops

-Shake 'N Bake Original Pork (comes with coating mix and a shaker bags)

-Pork chops (bone-in or boneless...I used bone-in)

Scalloped Potatoes

-Betty Crocker Scalloped Potatoes (comes with potatoes and sauce mix)

-3 tablespoons margarine or butter

-2 2/3 cups of BOILING water

1 1/2 cups milk

The potatoes can be cooked in the oven or over the stove but I used the oven.

Heat the oven to 450 degrees. Stir sauce mix, boiling water, milk and margarine with a whisk in a 2-quart casserole. Stir in potatoes.

Bake uncovered about 32 minutes or until top is golden brown and potatoes are tender (sauce will thicken as it stands). Stir before serving.

Heat oven to 425. Moisten pork chops with water.

Shake the chops, 1 or 2 at a time, in the shaker bag with 1 package of the coating mix.

Bake in ungreased for foil-lined pan for 15 minutes or until done (minimum internal temperature of 160 degrees with the meat thermometer).

So. Good. :)

Don't forget to follow me! Thanks for all the support!

Mummy Dogs

In the spirit of Halloween I wanted a halloweeny meal so "halloweeny wieners" it was (Ha Ha corny I know..)! Thank you Mrs. Martin for providing the recipes/ideas! Y'all should check out Pillsbury.com for this and other great inspiring recipes! They have a lot of wonderful holiday food ideas. This is a great Holiday meal that will easily impress family/friends


Mummy Dogs
-1 can (8oz) Pillsbury refrigerated crescent dinner rolls (8 count)
-10 large hot dogs
-2 1/2 slices (2.5oz) American cheese slices, quartered
-cooking spray
-mustard and/or ketchup, if desired

Heat the oven to 375 degrees. Open the can of crescents and unroll the dough. 

Seperate at perforations creating 4 rectangles; press perforations to seal. 

With a knife or kitchen scissors, cut each rectangle lengthwise into 10 pieces, making a total of 40 pieces of dough. Slice cheese into quarters. (I cut 4 squares but it would turn out better if 4 long rectangles were cut)

Wrap 4 pieces of dough around each hot dog and 1/4 slice of cheese to resemble "bandages" stretching dough slightly to completely cover the hot dog. About 1/2 inch from one end of each hot dog, separate "bandages" so hot dogs show through for the "face". Place wrapped hot dogs (cheese side down) on ungreased large cookie sheet; spray dough lightly with cooking spray.

Bake 13 to 17 minutes or until dough is light golden brown and hot dogs are hot.

Draw features on the "face". Mustard works the best, however I used ketchup because I do not like Mustard.

The "mummy dogs" turned out very well and wonderfully delicious. It was a good holiday meal however it did take a little time to do thanks to the tedious details. From start to finish this took me about 45 minutes (including cook time).



Fish Pasta and Easy Mac 'N Cheese

This fish dish was once again made by Robert. I simply made the mac 'n cheese and the pasta. Robert deserves all the credit for not only making this dinner but for inventing it as well.

I would also like to give thanks to my MaMaw for the beautiful plate pictured below and in the upcoming posts. She thought I should spice up my blog with colorful plates instead of using bland whites ones all the time. They are from Target and contrary to their pottery-like looks, they are plastic and "unbreakable". I put that in quotations because me being me, have been able to break several "unbreakable" plates and bowls so only time will tell if the plate will live up to its name.



This is actually last nights dinner. I was in a rush to get to work and didn't have time to post this beforehand. The dinner is a delicious fish pasta, mac 'n cheese and teriyaki vegetables. Again, Robert deserves the credit and the tilapia used in the pasta is the best fish he has made yet. :)

Fish Pasta

-Tilapia filets (we used 2)

-Knorr Pasta Sides Butter & Herb

-Garlic Salt

-Lemon Juice

-Pam or other nonstick cooking spray

Mac 'N Cheese

-Elbow Macaroni

-Velveeta Cheese

Green Giant Teriyaki Vegetables



This fish is made the exact same way as it was in my first post, so if you need instructions refer to (Robert's) Easy Tilapia.

Cook the fish using the pan, garlic salt, and lemon juice. Meanwhile boil water in 2 3 quart saucepans; one for the maraconi and one for the butter and herb pasta.

Once the water boils add the Knorr side to one of the saucepans and follow the intructions given. In the other pot add the elbow macaroni. Once it is cooked, drain the water and replace the macaroni in the saucepan. 

Meanwhile, chop up the velveeta cheese into cubes. Once the water is drained, reduce the heat to low and add the cheese cubes, constantly stirring until completely melted. 

Chop up the fish in the pan. You can just leave it whole and eat it with the pasta but we chopped it up into fine peices and added it directly into the pasta itself. This allowed us to conserve the fish filets. 

This is what the pasta will look like after the pasta is fully cooked and the fish is added.

Bona petit! It is absolutely delicious and very fulfilling. I hope you enjoy it just as much as we do!



Although we specifically used Knorr Sides, there are many variations you can use. You can just make rotini or speghetti noodles and add the fish to that. You could also add some alfredo sauce to that and make a whole new dish. Let me know if you need or want any ideas! I have plenty :)

If you do decide to use Knorr Sides there is a Butter & Herb Rice dish along with other noodle/rice variations if you would prefer one of those instead.

Also keep in mind there are several store brand names of side pasta/rice items if you would prefer those instead.

Chicken and Rice Casserole

This is one of my all time favorite recipes. My mom used to make this a lot so I made sure to bring this recipe with me when I moved out. I absolutely love it, and haven't met anyone who doesn't.

This dish is paired with Green Giant's Green Beans & Almonds. The veggie is for you mom ;) Roberts mom was the one who introduced me to Green Giant, and I thank her for that. All their side dishes require little to no work and are delicious...and healthy! You really can't beat that! You can cook the green beans on the stove top or you can take the easiest method and microwave them. They come in a pouch so they steam in the bag while they cook. Delicious.

Side note: I tend to buy brand names such as Green Giant when there are "Buy 1 Get 1 Free" deals at the local grocery store. If you're looking to save money the store brands are typically cheaper but have the same great taste :)


Chicken and Rice Casserole
-1 can french onion soup
-1 can water
-1 stick margarine
-1 cup rice (uncooked)
-chicken peices (skinless)

Melt margarine in a 9x13 dish. Add soup, water and rice. Salt and pepper chicken and place in the rice mixture.

Bake, uncovered at 350 for 1 hour.

Easy right?! Digg in! 2 minute assembly and the work is done :)

Don't forget to follow me and submit your favorite recipes that you would like to see on here :)

Hamburger Helper

I have always seen the Hamburger Helper ads on TV but never really thought much of it. Now that I am cooking every night and always looking for new and inexpensive ideas to spice up the routine dinners, Hamburger Helper has become my new best friend. There are over 40 Hamburger Helper kits, each one being just over a dollar at Publix. The combined price of ground beef makes a complete meal for roughly $5. It can't get better than that. Not to mention it feeds me, my boyfriend, and his roommate AND leaves some for leftovers. It's the perfect meal. Oh, and if the idea of making a complete dinner in a few easy steps for a low price isn't enough, there is also a Chicken Helper and a Tuna Helper. You could use these every night for a month and have a different meal. Every. Single. Night.

In the past hour I have made dinner, gotten ready for work (did I mention it practically cooks itself?), and updated my blog all before work. It'd say its been productive evening. Thank you Hamburger Helper!

The kit posted is "Cheesy Enchilada". There hasn't been a Hamburger Helper kit yet that I haven't liked, but this is by far my favorite.

Hamburger Helper: Cheesy Enchilada
-1 pound lean ground beef
-1 cup milk + 3 tablespoons milk for the topping
-2 1/4 cups hot water

Brown ground beef in a skillet and drain the fat. Then stir in 1 cup milk, hot water, sauce mix and uncooked rice.



I'll admit, at this point it doesn't look very appetizing, but trust me. It will. The sauce will thicken, so don't be alarmed when it seems too "watery".

Heat to boiling, stirring occasionally. Then reduce heat. Cover and simmer about 20 minutes stirring occasionally, until the rice is tender. Meanwhile stir together the rest of the milk and the topping mix and set aside. Remove from heat and then pour the topping over the beef mixture.



Mmmmm. If you want, you can put this in a flour tortilla and add some salsa and have a delicious enchilada. :)

Enjoy! Leave a comment or email me, and follow me for more yummy meals :)

Onion-Roasted Chicken

This is an instant favorite. It's ridiculously easy to make and insanely good. I cut the recipe in half when I made the 3 chicken breasts but the recipe posted is the full serving amount. The chicken itself is very juicy, tender and incredibly flavorful when done. Sooo yummy :)


The rice pictured was Publix's chicken flavored rice mix and was dirt cheap but surprisingly delicious. It  greatly complimented the chicken.


Onion-Roasted Chicken
-1 envelope onion soup mix
-1/4 cup olive or vegetable oil
-1/2 tsp garlic power
-2 pounds boneless chicken breast halves

Add all the ingredients in a large ziplock bag. Toss to coat the chicken.

Roast, uncovered, in a baking pan at 450 degrees for 45 minutes. (Mine only took about 30 minutes so be sure to keep an eye on the time)

Baste halfway through cooking time and vola. A delicious chicken meal :)

Enjoy!

Let me know what you think! And don't forgot to follow me for more yummy meals and recipes!

(Robert's) Easy Tilapia

My first post! If you don't know this by now, I love cooking, but I was especially looking forward to making tonight's dinner because I knew it would end up on my blog! :) I do have a confession to make though, the fish pictured in tonight's post was not made by me, it was made by my boyfriend Robert. It's delicious and super easy to make. A guaranteed favorite of anyone who likes fish!

Tilapia is one of the cheapest fish available, not to mention one of the easiest and most versatile. Tonight's dish is very simple. It only requires 3 ingredients and takes 10-15 minutes to make. (Including prep time!)

We paired the fish dish with a "Knorr sides" chicken and broccoli rice dish to complete the meal. The packets are incredibly cheap and everything you need is included. Minus the water, obviously. Just combine everything in a pan, bring to a boil, reduce heat and cover with a lid until the rice is cooked. This brand has so many varieties of side dishes they will compliment almost any meal.

(Robert's) Easy Tilapia

-Tilapia Fillets
-Garlic Salt
-Lemon Juice

(you will also need a can of PAM or some other nonstick spray if the pan you are using is not nonstick)

Spray the pan down with cooking spray if needed and set the temperature on high and place the fillets in the pan. Sprinkle with garlic salt and lemon juice. Use as much or as little as your heart desires, just season it to your desired taste. You can't mess this recipe up!

Cook each side of each fillet 5-7 minutes and you're done! The fish will be very tender and flake easily with a fork. It will be solid white on the inside and white/golden brown on the outside when completely cooked.

Yummm :)

This fish is delicious but very simple so feel free to spice it up and season it with other spices and seasonings to give it a more powerful seasoned flavor if you'd like. The garlic salt and lemon juice are very subtle and still allow much of the "fishy" flavor.

If you would rather bake the fish, just place the prepared fillets in a 9x13 dish and bake at 375 for 25-30 minutes. When doing this I like to place lemon slices on top, rather than using lemon juice but that's just my personal preference.


Feel free to ask any questions or even email me of suggested recipes for me to share on here :)

Happy eating!