Fireside Feasts: Grilled Cheese Four Ways

Take your taste buds for a spin with these four twists on a classic.

They’re tasty. They’re simple. They’re classic. When it comes to campfire dishes, nothing quite beats a grilled cheese sandwich fresh from the pie iron. This cast iron creation is an easy, wholesome meal whether you’re braving the wilderness or just relaxing by the fire pit in your backyard. As hearty as they are, though, a simple grilled cheese can get a bit boring with its flavor. So, if you’re looking to put some sizzle in your sandwich, try out these four pie iron recipes for a different take on the legendary grilled cheese.

1. HORSERADISH CHEDDAR CHEESE & APPLE GRILLED CHEESE SANDWICH 

MAKES: 1 sandwich
PREP: 5 minutes
COOK TIME: 2-3 minutes

INGREDIENTS

  • 2 slices of bread
  • 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
  • 2 slices horseradish cheddar cheese
  • 5-6 honeycrisp apple slices

COOKING TOOLS

  • Pie iron
  • Spatula

INSTRUCTIONS

  1. Spread mayonnaise evenly on both slices of bread (one side only).
  2. Place the two slices of bread on each side of the iron face down, mayo side on the cast iron.
  3. Place horseradish cheddar and honeycrisp apple slices on one slice of bread.
  4. Close iron and place in fire, turning occasionally.
  5. Grill 2-3 minutes or until cheese is melted and bread is golden brown.
  6. Open pie iron and remove sandwich (use spatula if necessary). Serve immediately.

2. PIZZA GRILLED CHEESE

MAKES: 1 sandwich
PREP: 4 minutes
COOK TIME: 2-3 minutes

INGREDIENTS

  • 2 slices of bread
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 tablespoons pizza sauce
  • 2 tablespoons shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 5 slices of pepperoni
  • Italian seasoning (to taste)

COOKING TOOLS

  • Pie iron
  • Spatula
  • Measuring cups

INSTRUCTIONS

  1. Spread butter evenly on both slices of bread (one side only).
  2. Place the two slices of bread on each side of the iron, butter side down.
  3. Spread pizza sauce evenly on a slice of bread and add shredded mozzarella cheese, Italian seasoning and pepperoni.
  4. Close the iron and place in fire, turning occasionally.
  5. Grill 2-3 minutes or until cheese is melted and bread is golden brown.
  6. Open pie iron and remove sandwich (use spatula if necessary). Serve immediately.

3. BREAKFAST GRILLED CHEESE

MAKES: 1 sandwich
PREP: 6 minutes
COOK TIME: 2-3 minutes

INGREDIENTS

  • Spray butter
  • 1 egg
  • Pinch of kosher salt
  • Pinch of freshly-ground black pepper
  • 2 slices of bread
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 2 tablespoons avocado, mashed
  • 1 slices of Pepper Jack cheese

COOKING TOOLS

  • Pie iron
  • Spatula
  • Measuring cups

INSTRUCTIONS

  1. Spray pie iron with spray butter
  2. Crack egg in the pie iron and season (to taste) with salt and pepper. Cook egg to preference.
  3. Remove egg from pie iron and clean cast iron.
  4. Spread butter evenly on both slices of bread (one side only). Place the two slices of bread on each side of the cast iron, butter side down.
  5. Spread avocado mash on a slice of bread followed by Pepper Jack cheese and egg.
  6. Close iron and place in fire, turning occasionally.
  7. Grill 2-3 minutes or until cheese is melted and bread is golden brown.
  8. Open pie iron and remove sandwich (use spatula if necessary). Serve immediately.

4. BACON & TOMATO GRILLED CHEESE

MAKES: 1 sandwich
PREP: 6 minutes
COOK TIME: 2-3 minutes

INGREDIENTS

  • 3 pieces of bacon
  • 2 slices of bread
  • 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
  • 1 slice of Havarti cheese
  • 1 slice of large heirloom tomatoes (sliced ¼” Thick)
  • 1 slice of provolone cheese

COOKING TOOLS

  • Pie iron
  • Spatula
  • Paper towels
  • Plate

INSTRUCTIONS

  1. Layer bacon in pie iron evenly and cook until crisp, roughly two minutes per side and transfer bacon to a paper towel-lined plate.
  2. Spread mayonnaise evenly on both slices of bread (one side only). Place bread slices in the pie iron, mayonnaise side down.
  3. Place Havarti cheese on a slice of bread followed by cooked bacon, tomato and provolone cheese.
  4. Close iron and place in the fire, turning occasionally.
  5. Grill 2-3 minutes or until cheese is melted and bread is golden brown.
  6. Open pie iron and remove sandwich. Use a spatula if necessary. Serve immediately.

Take a break from the norm and experiment with these off-kilter grilled cheese recipes. The combination of flavors and variety can be a surefire way to spice up your backyard or campsite campfire. Try these meals to keep you and your guests satisfied, full of good food and great memories.

Have a sweet tooth? Try these four fireside desserts as well.