Pregnancy brings on some gnarly cravings, and many women rank cheese high on their list of needs while growing a human. If you happen to be one of these cheese-loving moms-to-be, a grilled cheese sandwich may make your menu as a must-have a few times a week (or every day, we don’t judge). Instead of simply slapping some cheese on bread and tossing it into the skillet, fancy that sandwich up!

Even if cheese isn’t the greatest way to consume protein, it still has a significant amount, and protein is needed during pregnancy. Choose your cheeses wisely, though and skip the overly-processed versions. Some cheese brands include unhealthy preservatives, food dyes, and other ‘natural flavorings’ that are anything but natural. Read labels or head to your local farmer’s market for the freshest (and tastiest) cheese options.

There’s another bonus to grilled cheese sandwiches: Toddlers love them! You can sneak some veggies into them pretty easy, too!

Update your menu with a few of these cheese-filled heaven-sent sandwiches to meet your cravings!

 

Crave-able Grilled Cheese Recipes

Before adding anything to your pan, know that there is an art to creating the perfect grilled cheese. You can use your favorite bread, thick or thin, as healthy as you’d like, or stick with 100% white slices. Slather some real butter on both sides of the pieces -yes, both sides. This is what sets your sandwich apart from the amateurs. Heat one side of each slice and flip them over before adding your cheese(s) and other ingredients. This helps start the melting process and prevents any sogginess with the bread. Keep the heat low and take your time browning your sandwich. It will be worth the wait.

 

Extra Cheese 

This sandwich will meet every cheese craving, as it pulls off the impossible - crispy cheese on the outside of the bread!

• 2 large slices of whole grain sourdough, or your favorite crusty bread
• Enough Dijon mustard for a thin layer across one slice of bread (about 1 ½ teaspoons)
• 1 cup lightly packed (3 ounces) freshly grated sharp cheddar cheese, plus a little more for sprinkling on the outside (optional)
• 2 teaspoons chopped green onion, green parts only
• Unsalted butter, for melting in the pan

 

Herbs and Cheese  

There’s no way you won’t want to dip this sandwich in soup, or salsa, or pickle juice.

• 8 slices good quality bread I used thick cut Artisan bread
• Mayonnaise for spreading
• 12 oz Gruyere cheese sliced thinly OR grated, at room temperature
• 6 oz White cheddar cheese sliced thinly OR grated, at room temperature
• 4 slices thin Muenster cheese at room temperature
• 2 yellow onions diced
• 1 tsp fresh thyme minced
• 2 tsp fresh rosemary minced, divided
• 1 tsp brown sugar
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 3 Tbsp butter divided
• 1 Tbsp olive oil

 

 

Spicy and Delicious 

This sandwich has cheese, a killer crunch, and enough spice to make you pour some milk!

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 white onion sliced
• 3 tablespoons sriracha divided
• 2 jalapenos sliced
• 4 tablespoons softened butter
• 8 slices bread
• 12 slices pepper jack cheese
• 1 cup crumbled jalapeno potato chips

 

Pickles, Bacon, and Cheese! Oh My! 

Your mouth will be watering.

• 2 tbsp. mayonnaise
• 4 large slices sourdough bread
• 8 slices cheddar
• 6 slices bacon, cooked
• 6 slices dill pickle

 

Grilled Cheese Chicken Parmesan

Completely filling and will have you dreaming about leftovers.

• 1 tbsp. butter
• 2 slices white or sourdough bread
• 1 tbsp. plus 2 tsp. marinara
• 1 c. shredded mozzarella, divided
• 1/4 c. freshly grated Parmesan, plus more for garnish
• 3 oz. fresh or frozen breaded chicken, cubed
• A few torn basil leaves
• Freshly ground black pepper

 

Tomatoes and Bacon

Crispy bacon, juicy, firm tomatoes, and spectacular cheesy goodness.

• 2 large heirloom tomatoes, sliced 1/4" thick
• Sea salt (such as Maldon)
• 12 oz. bacon
• 8 slices Pullman bread, cut 1/2" thick
• 1/2 c. mayonnaise
• 1/2 lb. sliced Gruyère cheese
• 1/2 lb. sliced provolone

 

Hawaiin Grilled Cheese 

Did someone say pineapple?

• 4 tbsp. butter
• 8 slices white Hawaiian sweet bread
• 8 slices sharp cheddar
• 4 slices provolone
• 8 pineapple rings
• 1 c. teriyaki sauce

 

Pizza Cheesy Sandwich 

Is it pizza? Is it grilled cheese? It is delicious, and that is what matters.

• 2 tbsp. butter
• 2 slices white or sourdough bread
• 1 tbsp. plus 2 tsp. pizza sauce
• 1 c. shredded mozzarella, divided
• 8 slices pepperoni, divided
• 1 tbsp. finely grated parmesan, plus more for garnish
• 1 fresh basil leaf
• Crushed red pepper flakes, for garnish

 

Spinach Artichoke Grilled Cheese

How can you go wrong turning a dip into a sandwich? You cannot.

• 1/2 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 c. baby spinach, packed
• 1/2 15-oz. can artichokes, chopped
• 1 tbsp. sour cream
• 1 tsp. garlic powder
• kosher salt
• Freshly ground black pepper
• 1 tbsp. butter
• 2 slices bread
• 1/4 c. shredded mozzarella
• 2 tbsp. freshly grated Parmesan

 

Chipotle Chicken Grilled Cheese

The ingredient list will make your way into your grocery list week after week. It’s that good. 

•  cup cooked chicken recipe below
• 10-12 slices of Emmi Le Gruyere
• 1/2 onion sliced
• 2 tablespoon butter divided
• 4 slices of bread
• Shredded chicken
• 1 medium boneless chicken cutlet
• 1/4 cup water
• 1 teaspoon oil
• salt and pepper to taste
• Chipotle Sauce
• 1 chipotle chile in adobo sauce plus 1 tsp. sauce canned
• ½ cup mayonnaise
• ⅓ cup plain Greek yogurt
• 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
• ¼ tsp. ground cumin
• ¼ tsp. dried dill
• Kosher salt to taste