A Drizzle Of This Turns A Basic Grilled Cheese Into A Fancy, Tangy Flavor Bomb

No matter which way you cut it, a classic grilled cheese is anything but basic, and it doesn't need a recipe to be a satisfying meal at any time of day. There are also plenty of ways to build on your grilled cheese canvas by way of perfect pairings, like sweet fig jam against the contrast of salty Gruyère or Comté. You could also combine fresh mozzarella, slices of vine-ripened tomato, pesto sauce, and fresh basil leaves to make a pesto Caprese sandwich. And when it comes to condiments, sauces, and other additions that can pack a punch, balsamic glaze is a winning choice. Its sweet-and-sour acidity cuts through the richness of the ingredients while adding a flavorful finish to every bite.

Balsamic vinegar is praised for its depth of flavor and subtle sweetness. You can give this grape-based vinegar a thick, velvety texture by slowly reducing it over low heat until it becomes balsamic glaze. As the water evaporates, the vinegar's naturally pungent flavor becomes more concentrated, giving way to a sweetness and fruity depth that — like fig jam — pairs exceptionally well with salty, melty cheese. To make balsamic glaze at home, you need only a bottle of balsamic vinegar, and any basic balsamic vinegar will do. Simply reduce it until it coats the back of a spoon. (Just be mindful of the cooking time, as the glaze will continue to thicken as it cools.) If you'd rather skip the work of reducing it yourself, there are plenty of affordable balsamic glaze options readily available at your local supermarket.

Caprese salad often gets a drizzle of balsamic vinegar, so a generous drizzle of balsamic glaze makes sense in sandwich form if you're using mozzarella in your grilled cheese. Other cheeses that pair well with the sweet glaze while offering exceptional meltability include Gruyère, fontina, and provolone. For a sharp, funky element that plays beautifully against the sweetness of the balsamic glaze, try adding some Gorgonzola or Roquefort alongside a milder melting cheese. Hard cheeses like Parmigiano Reggiano, Pecorino Romano, and Asiago can also bring a saltier counterpoint when grated into a sandwich with a meltier cheese.

There are plenty of sandwich ingredients that not only play off the balsamic glaze but also complement the cheese. Slabs of salty, crispy bacon or prosciutto bring a welcome sweet-and-savory element, while pickled red onions or pickled mustard seeds introduce a heightened sour note. Balsamic glaze also works exceptionally well with fruity jams and preserves, including strawberry, blueberry, and raspberry. The result is a grilled cheese that hits all the right notes: salty, sweet, tangy, and complex.