I was a latecomer to the wonderful world of grilled cheese. When I was younger, I didn't eat much cheese, due to apparent insanity, and when I got a little older, I honestly thought that you couldn't make grilled cheese without using American cheese.

Sooooo not a fan of American cheese.

But it finally dawned on me - use other things!

So, here are a few interesting takes on the old-fashioned Grilled Cheese.

Greek Grilled Cheese
From Allrecipes.com

1 1/2 teaspoons butter, softened
2 slices whole wheat bread, or your favorite bread
2 tablespoons crumbled feta cheese
2 slices Cheddar cheese
1 tablespoon chopped red onion
1/4 tomato, thinly sliced (I usually skip this)

Directions

Heat a skillet over medium heat. Butter one side of each slice of bread. On the non buttered side of one slice, layer the feta cheese, Cheddar cheese, red onion and tomato. Top with the other slice of bread with the butter side out.

Fry the sandwich until golden brown on each side, about 2 minutes per side. The second side always cooks faster.

Grilled Roasted Red Pepper and Ham Sandwich
From Allrecipes.com

I usually make this without the ham and the mayo, of course. Delicious!

2 teaspoons mayonnaise, or condiment of your choice (optional)
2 slices sourdough bread
2 slices provolone cheese
2 thin slices ham
1/2 roasted red pepper packed in oil, drained and sliced
2 teaspoons butter
2 teaspoons grated Parmesan or Romano cheese

Directions

Spread mayonnaise onto one side of each slice of bread. On one slice of bread, place one slice of provolone cheese, then ham, red peppers, and the other slice of cheese. Top with the other slice of bread with the mayonnaise facing the filling. Butter the outsides of the sandwich, and sprinkle a little bit of Parmesan cheese onto the butter.

Heat a skillet over medium heat until warm. Fry the sandwich on both sides until golden brown and cheese is melted. If you have an indoor grill, this sandwich may be grilled that way also. Cut the sandwich in half, and serve.

Italian Grilled Cheese Sandwiches
From Allrecipes.com

1/4 cup unsalted butter
1/8 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
12 slices white or wheat bread
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 (8 ounce) package shredded mozzarella cheese
1 (24 ounce) jar vodka marinara sauce

Directions

Preheat your oven's broiler.

Place 6 slices of bread onto a baking sheet. Spread a small handful of the mozzarella cheese over each slice. Top with the remaining 6 slices of bread. Mix together the butter and garlic powder, brush some over the tops of the sandwiches, or spread with the back of a tablespoon. Sprinkle with dried oregano.

Place baking sheet under the broiler for 2 to 3 minutes, until golden brown. Remove pan from oven, flip sandwiches, and brush the other sides with butter, and sprinkle with oregano. Return to the broiler, and cook until golden, about 2 minutes.

Cut sandwiches in half diagonally, and serve immediately with vodka sauce on the side for dipping.

Mexican Grilled Cheese
From Betty Crocker

4 slices bread
4 oz Mexican prepared cheese product with jalapeño peppers (from 16-oz loaf), thinly sliced
2 tablespoons butter or margarine, softened
1 teaspoon Old El Paso® taco seasoning mix (from 1.25-oz package)
1/2 cup Old El Paso® Thick 'n Chunky salsa

Directions

1. Heat griddle to 350°F or heat 12-inch skillet over medium heat. Top 2 slices of the bread with cheese; cover with remaining bread.

2. In small bowl, mix butter and taco seasoning mix. Spread half of mixture on one side of each sandwich.

3. Place sandwiches, buttered sides down, on hot griddle. Spread top sides with remaining butter mixture. Cook 5 to 7 minutes, turning once, until golden brown on both sides and cheese is melted. Serve with salsa as a dip.

Tomato Bacon Grilled Cheese
From Safeway.com

8 slices bacon
1/4 cup butter, softened
8 slices white bread
8 slices American cheese
8 slices tomato

Directions

1. Place bacon in a large, deep skillet. Cook over medium high heat until evenly brown. Drain, and set aside.

2. Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Spread butter onto one side of each slice of bread. Lay 4 slices of bread, butter side down, in the skillet. Top with a slice of cheese, 2 slices tomato, bacon, and another slice of cheese. Cover with a slice of bread, butter side out. Fry sandwiches until golden on both sides.

ANY OTHER WAYS THAT YOU MAKE YOUR GRILLED CHEESE JUST A LITTLE DIFFERENT?