Crunchy on the outside with ooey-gooey cheesy centers, everyone loves a grilled cheese. They’re the perfect simple vessel for salty carboloaded goodness. And while we’re here for a classic Wonder Bread with American Cheese combination, the two best parts (the cheese and the bread) happen to be Italian specialities. So why not throw the best Italian ingredients together to make exceptionally delicious Italian grilled cheese sandwiches? We’ve put together some of our favorite quick and easy grilled cheese combinations to try any day or night of the week.

THE ROMAN

Where the fruity bitterness of Black Olive Tapenade meets the sweetness of melted provolone, the salt of cured salami and the tangy spice of peperoncini. Pan-fried to perfection with a dollop of butter, sourdough bread rounds out this perfect medley of Italian flavors. 

THE SICILIAN

Combining an aromatic spread of Fennel Pesto with creamy mozzarella and paper-thin prosciutto, bring a touch of sophistication to your next lunch with this simple and elegant grilled cheese. We’d recommend using a whole grain sourdough for this sandwich as it adds great texture and a complementary nutty flavor. 

THE LOMBARDY 

Marrying sharp, fragrant Taleggio with our Wild Pine Tree Honey and a pop of fresh shallot, experience the harmonious collision of sharp, sweet and zingy flavors in this grilled cheese. We’d recommend a whole grain sourdough or ciabatta for this luxuriously flavorful combination.  

THE GENOESE 

The Italian version of a grilled cheese and tomato soup recipe. The classic pop of Basil Pesto, gooey combination of melted mozzarella and provolone make for a standalone simple and perfect Italian grilled cheese. Add a fiery Arrabbiata Sauce and you get a tangy, sweet and spicy dipping sauce you’ll come back to again and again. Buttery fried sourdough is the ticket for that classic crunch you’re looking for. 

Have a favorite Italian style grilled cheese you'd like to share? Tell us about it in the comments below.