Canned pumpkin can turn your regular grilled cheese into a gourmet sandwich that's extra rich and creamy. It may seem like a weird fusion, but cheese and pumpkin pair oddly well.

Usually sold plain and unsweetened, canned pumpkin is a great base for all kinds of herbs and spices. The thick yet spreadable puree also adds moisture and creaminess to dishes.

Having a fairly neutral flavor profile, the squash tastes great with most types of cheese, including creamy, tangy goat cheese, mild or sharp cheddar, and nutty gouda.

Simply spread a thin layer of pumpkin puree on your bread before piling it with cheese. For a more savory touch, mix the puree with Dijon mustard and spices of your choice.

Cayenne pepper and paprika can add heat and smokiness, which can be turned up by pepper jack cheese or mellowed out by mild gruyere. Caramelized onions can provide extra richness.

For a sweeter sandwich, pair the cheese and puree with apples and cinnamon. You can also swap the puree for pumpkin butter, which is a bit sweeter due to the added sugar and spices.