Take Grilled Cheese From Flat To Fancy With A Jar Of This Italian-Inspired Condiment

There is hardly a comfort food that hits better than a classic grilled cheese. But one of the best parts about it is that you can elevate a grilled cheese just about any way you want. Thanks to its simple ingredients, it's a great vessel for all kinds of flavors. To take this staple from standard to elevated with a sweet, smoky note, you need one Italian-inspired food: roasted red peppers.

Roasted peppers are usually sold in jars, chopped or whole. For a grilled cheese, the chopped ones are a little easier to work with, though you can also buy a jar of whole peppers and cut them yourself. The peppers are usually soaked in oil or water and salt, which helps preserve them but also causes them to fill with moisture. Before adding the roasted peppers to the grilled cheese, pat them dry with a few paper towels to remove some of that moisture. Otherwise, you'll have a pretty soggy sandwich. Then, just add them atop the cheese between your bread slices, and cook the grilled cheese as usual until it's nice and crispy.

Roasted red peppers carry plenty of flavor on their own, but there are ways you can take this grilled cheese to another level. Instead of purchasing classic roasted red peppers, buy fire-roasted peppers, which have a little more of a charred note and give the grilled cheese an additional flavor element. You can also season the peppers prior to adding them to the sandwich. Italian seasonings like oregano, dried basil, and garlic powder are great additions.

Any bread will work here, but since the peppers will still have some moisture, go with a hearty one that can stand up to them. Bakery-style Italian bread is a good choice, or if you want a thick crust on all sides, use sliced ciabatta or even focaccia bread. And as for the cheese, it's ultimately up to you. Any Italian-style cheese — mozzarella for mild flavor, provolone for sharp tanginess, or fontina for a creamy, nutty profile — are all worthwhile choices. For the ultimate finishing touch, swap plain butter and cook your grilled cheese in garlic butter instead.