There's just something about the simple combo of bread, butter, and cheese that's almost
perfection. While grilled cheese is simple to make, sometimes you want someone else to
do it. So, here's our look at where to go — and where not to go — when you're craving
grilled cheese.
So, you're probably hitting Dairy Queen for a taste of their legendary fries, classic
burgers, or ice cream in the form of those addictive Blizzards. But, we're privy to a
little thing called their secret menu.
This insider knowledge will expand your awareness of what’s even possible from DQ, and that
includes ordering a grilled cheese. That really isn't really a shocker, since we know they
have bread and cheese laying around in massive amounts.
For the Dairy Queen secret menu grilled cheese, they actually use the Texas Toast that usually
accompanies many of the restaurant's basket meals, like their chicken strips. The Texas
Toast is loaded with cheese and then cooked, and while this sounds all well and dandy,
what we've seen is nothing short of cheese blasphemy. The toast, in most cases, was far
from crisp and the cheese was only halfway melted through. This lackluster sandwich also
packs an unwanted 14 grams of fat and 1,230 milligrams of sodium. Yikes! Stick to what
you know, DQ.
"Two scoops, sir?"
"Two? Make it three, I'm not driving."
Okay, so this next one is pretty much just as bad as Dairy Queen's failed attempt at
the grilled cheese. Five Guys does dish out some pretty incredible burgers and fries in
a fast-casual setting, but they should probably just stick to doing that.
For a worthless 420 calories (and between $5 and $6), you could literally throw your
money away on their version of the grilled cheese. Five Guys takes a hamburger bun and
loads it with five entire slices of American Cheese before it hits the grill. We didn't
think there could be such a thing as too much cheese, but this is it.
Why? The cheese is barely melted and quite frankly, we were disgusted. They also use
this molten monstrosity as a literal bun for an off-menu burger that's basically a patty
melt, but most certainly not worthy of the name. But please, whatever you do, we beg
you, do not order this thing.
We sure hope our first few entries didn't make you swear off grilled cheese forever.
It gets better, you guys… but not quite yet. Panera Bread has made a name for itself
for offering visitors a little something of everything — from sandwiches and salads
to soups and even pastries — all served quick and to-order in a fast-casual setting.
Their sandwiches are a big draw here, and include everything from the bacon turkey bravo
to the fan favorite chipotle chicken avocado melt. You also can't go wrong with any number
of their soups, but if your tastes are more vanilla, you could opt for grilled cheese
instead.
Fun fact: At one time, Panera Bread did offer a more interesting take on the classic sandwich,
but that's since been discontinued. These days, you'll have to settle for a version
that features American cheese on thick-sliced white bread, but — we sure hope you don't.
Quite frankly, the price on Panera's grilled cheese is nothing short of offensive. This
very, very basic sandwich, which also happens to be inconsistently served, will set you
back over $7 and 860 calories. Definitely give this one a pass.
If you're not familiar with them, Cook Out is a fast food chain that is mostly found
in the Southeastern US. Their menu is large and extensive, and there to meet your every
need. From a spicy crispy chicken sandwich and corn dog to a quesadilla and hushpuppies,
they've got it all, including over 40 flavors of milkshakes to choose from. If you're feeling
the need for cheese, you could choose from white cheddar cheese bites or a cheddar cheese-loaded
char-grilled chicken sandwich. You could also get grilled cheese.
Available by itself or as a side, their grilled cheese actually makes use of Cook Out’s
hamburger buns. At the end of the day, it's just fine if you're visiting a Cook Out and
the craving hits, but it's nothing special or remarkable. In fact, there's a chance you'll
be seriously disappointed. We say stick to their fresh char-grilled cheeseburgers or
a classic hot dog with some cheese fries and a big ole Cheerwine.
In-N-Out is the stuff of legend. This predominantly West coast chain is surrounded by so much
fanfare and hype that it might make those not in-the-know wonder if it's really worth
it. In our opinion, it absolutely is. To anyone who hasn't been there? You won't get it until
you've had a Double Double and some animal style fries. It's a lifestyle. They also happen
to have a not-so-secret, secret menu.
It's not a secret that it's become so popular that they went ahead and listed it right on
their website for the whole world to see. As part of this menu, you could have your
burger prepared "animal style," or served protein style, which means served on lettuce
in lieu of the bun. Also, on this menu, you'll find In-N-Out's version of the grilled cheese
sandwich.
On one of their freshly baked buns, they load two slices of melted American Cheese, lettuce,
tomato, their signature mayo-based spread, and onions. But it's not grilled in butter
like a traditional grilled cheese and reminds us of a burger that's, well, missing the burger
patty. However, they do use fresh ingredients, so points for that. But at the end of the
day, their grilled cheese sandwich is pretty forgettable — especially if you're making
the West coast pilgrimage to this coveted spot. Bottom line, if you're at In-N-Out,
there's plenty of other things you should be ordering.
If you're hitting that ridiculously long Chick-fil-A drive-thru line, you've probably got their
signature crispy fried chicken on the brain. The popular chain shows little signs of slowing
down, and along with legions of fans and over 2,300 restaurants throughout the United States,
Chick-fil-A also has its very own secret menu. If you're in the know, you could indulge in
everything from a spicy chicken, egg, and cheese breakfast bagel sandwich to a fried
chicken club.
The secret menu grilled cheese uses the standard Chick-fil-A bun and toasts it with sliced
cheese. If you're looking to jazz it up, you could order the Chick-fil-A Deluxe without
chicken to have a grilled cheese with a little more gusto in the form of pickle chips, lettuce,
and tomato. According to Reddit users, it's usually up to the manager and kitchen to decide
if they want to create this special-to-order item for you, and warning: You may be waiting
a bit. Is it worth it? If you're already there, sure: pick one up! But know that there's plenty
of other, better options.
Shake Shack is taking the nation by storm. What started as a literal shack in New York
City has expanded rapidly across the United States, to cities big and small. This new
millennial version of the roadside food stand offers some of the best fast-casual versions
of burgers and fries, as well as incredible frozen custard. It's not surprising that this
hip, counter-service spot also has a secret menu. The ravenously hungry can take the challenge
with their four-layered Shake Shack Quad Burger, while fans of their sauce can tempt themselves
with Shack-Sauced cheese fries. There's something for everyone — including grilled cheese.
Shake Shack’s secret menu grilled cheese takes the burger's potato bun, but uses them
inside-out and first grills them until they're golden brown with just the right amount of
crispiness. Sandwiched inside are layers of melty cheese. It's buttery just like the classic,
but unique enough, earning its rightful position towards the top of our ranking.
Zaxby's is quickly gaining attention for their solid interpretations of classic, American
fast food served in a family-friendly, casual setting. Zaxby's seems to be able to do no
wrong, and with everything from boneless wings to fried white cheddar bites, it's become
a favorite.
You've probably spotted the grilled cheese, also known as the kiddie cheese, on Zaxby's
children's menu. Lucky for the big kids at heart, they also serve an adult grilled cheese
meal. It's just like the kids version, but spoiler alert: It's bigger. This is everything
we love about the classic grilled cheese our Mom made us as kids.
"There ya go."
The bread is perfectly grilled in butter, and the cheese does that ooey, gooey thing
that pulls you in bite after bite. If you're not getting chicken when at Zaxby's, get this.
It's solid and a wonderful interpretation in classic form.
Culver's may not be nationwide yet, but they are certainly on the right track. Founded
in Wisconsin in the mid-1980s, Culver's has become a family favorite in the casual fast
food sector thanks to their standout service and quality food items. Their restaurants
also feature clean and welcoming dining rooms that are more akin to a standard, table-service
restaurant. We'll never turn away from one of their signature ButterBurgers or their
fresh frozen custard. While they do have standout burgers, they also have an equally show-worthy
grilled cheese.
Their classic take on the favorite uses Wisconsin-made American cheese, and this spectacular cheese
is layered and melted onto buttered and grilled sourdough bread. It’s on the kid's menu,
but we've been known to partake in it from time to time — no shame. Pair it with cheese
curds, and we'd call it an all-around stellar meal.
Thanks to that Midwestern hospitality they are known for, you can kindly ask for whatever
modification you'd like for your grilled cheese. Go ahead, go nuts, add condiments, sauces,
even a burger patty. You name it.
Apologies in advance if you're geographically located nowhere near this next one. Oh, Wawa
— how we love thee! You can do no wrong in our eyes, and honestly, that extends to
their grilled cheese, too.
There's nothing to joke about when it comes to the East coast chain that is Wawa. The
convenience store meets market meets gas station has a cult following, thanks to their standout
freshly prepared and reasonably priced food items, like hoagies, stuffed pretzels, and
the morning start-you-up that is their Sizzli. Don't call this gas station food!
When stepping up to that magical screen where opportunity awaits to delight your taste buds,
you could also feast your fancies with a build-your-own sourdough melt. Their perfect sourdough can
be layered to your preference with a variety of cheeses, and you can even choose to add
bacon or roasted chicken. If you're really looking to go all out, how about a Pepperoni-grilled
cheese sourdough melt? The opportunities are endless, divine, and just a few clicks away.
"Some cultures are defined by their relationship to cheese."
Sonic Drive-In is an experience in itself. A celebration and homage to the classic days
of the American drive-in, this fast-food chain has blown up in recent times, with nearly
3,500 locations across most of the United States. From the comfort of your own car,
you can sip on their signature Cherry Limeade or take a bite into American classics like
a corn dog or chili cheese fries. The menu is expansive, and you'll also be happy to
know that it includes a grilled cheese sandwich.
The ultimate expression of modesty, Sonic Drive-In's grilled cheese features just the
right amount of American cheese, in all of its melty glory, on buttery Texas Toast. The
toast is perfectly grilled on the exterior, while maintaining a nice give and chewiness
to it. No pomp and circumstance here — just a classic grilled cheese cooked to perfection.
If you close your eyes, we swear you'll be transported back to your childhood. It's also
one of the more reasonably priced options out there, since it's part of their value
menu and can often be found during promotions, like 50-cent Grilled Cheese Day.
We've made it, our dear, cheese loving friends. The mac daddy of all grilled cheeses can be
found at Steak 'N Shake. Sure, grilled cheese is nowhere to be found in the title of this
fast-casual chain, but there's immense joy to be found, and it lies beyond their classic
Steakburger and homemade milkshakes.
Steak 'N Shake's version of the grilled cheese is an ode to the original. It has no frills,
just cheese, bread, and butter, that come together in perfect harmony. Found on their
kids' menu, melted American cheese is enveloped by classic white bread, that is then grilled
to perfection. We probably have their wonderful burger grease to thank for the perfect, golden
brown exterior, but you won't find us complaining. It's buttery and flavorful, and paired with
their solid shoestring style fries, it's not just an excellent meal, it's humankind's greatest
invention in its most perfect presentation. You're welcome.
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