15 Hot Sandwich Melts That Are Full of Gooey Goodness
They're melt-in-your-mouth delicious.
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Hot sandwich melts are the epitome of comfort food, combining toasty bread, gooey melted cheese, and a variety of delicious fillings to create a satisfying meal. Whether you're in the mood for classic grilled cheese recipes, a savory tuna melt, or a meaty patty melt, there's endless room to customize these sandwiches to suit any craving. Just take it from Ree Drummond herself! Here, you can find a variety of her hot, gooey, and golden melts—from sandwich ideas that are considered simple classics to bites with bold flavors.
A "melt" sandwich, like a grilled cheese or a tuna melt, is defined by its gooey cheese and toasted bread. Each sandwich melt on this list brings its own unique taste, showcasing different breads, cheese types, and fillings that are expertly combined and melted to perfection. There are easy dinner ideas like grilled cheese you can make in an air fryer along with plenty of panini loaded with vegetables and protein. You'll also find extra hearty options, such as Reuben sandwiches. Looking for breakfast and brunch options, too? Try a breakfast patty melt or an indulgent Monte Cristo. No matter if you reach for a skillet or a panini press, the versatility and simplicity of these melty, mouthwatering sandwiches is sure to turn them into new household favorites. Let the melting begin!
Reuben Sandwich
This diner favorite brings together buttery toasted rye bread, tangy sauerkraut, creamy homemade Russian dressing, and juicy corned beef, finished with melty Swiss cheese. Paired with potato chips and pickles, it's especially good for leftover corned beef from St. Patrick's Day.
Get Ree's Reuben Sandwich recipe.
Patty Melts
Here's a sandwich for those who love the perfect fusion of burger and grilled cheese! Featuring juicy ground beef patties, caramelized onions, buttery rye bread, and melty Swiss cheese, it's simple yet so indulgent.
Get Ree's Patty Melts recipe.
Leftover Ham, Swiss, and Pear Panini
Turn leftover ham into a hearty sandwich with this warm and melty delight that takes thinly sliced ham, sweet pears, Swiss cheese, and a creamy herb-infused spread, all pressed between toasted ciabatta rolls.
Get Ree's Leftover Ham, Swiss, and Pear Panini recipe.
Pesto Caprese Panini
A vibrant twist on the classic Caprese salad, this melt has layers of creamy mozzarella, fresh tomatoes, roasted peppers, and pesto nestled between crusty sourdough bread. Tip: If you don't have a panini press, you can cook these on a grill pan or skillet, and press down with another heavy pan.
Get Ree's Pesto Caprese Panini recipe.
Air Fryer Grilled Cheese
True: a grilled cheese may not technically be considered a melt, but it can be with additional fillings. Use this method to create a perfectly gooey, melty center with toasted bread.
Get the Air Fryer Grilled Cheese recipe.
Monte Cristo
This sandwich is a delightful blend of savory and sweet, ideal for brunch or an indulgent breakfast-for-dinner. It has a luscious combination of warm ham, melty Swiss cheese, and comforting French toast that's dusted with powdered sugar and served with raspberry jam for dipping.
Get the Monte Cristo recipe.
Tuna Melts
Check out this classic, 20-minute treat ideal for lunch! The melt combines a zesty tuna salad with finely chopped red onion, bell pepper, jalapeños, and eggs atop an English muffin. Bubbling, melted Swiss cheese finishes it off.
Get Ree's Tuna Melts recipe.
Breakfast Patty Melt
Start your day off right with this hearty breakfast sandwich that's packed with the flavorful combo of a breakfast sausage patty, fluffy scrambled eggs, caramelized onions, and gooey cheese, all between buttered, golden-crisp slices of bread.
Get Ree's Breakfast Patty Melt recipe.
Ultimate Grilled Cheese Sandwich
Crispy bacon, creamy avocado, melty cheddar, Muenster or Swiss cheese, and a perfectly fried egg—what more could you want? This sandwich is an indulgent take on a classic grilled cheese that will leave everyone satisfied.
Croque Monsieur
Experience the elegance of French bistro cuisine with this elevated ham and cheese sandwich. It's brought to life with creamy béchamel sauce, gruyère cheese, and Dijon mustard. Everything gets added to buttery toasted bread and broiled to golden, bubbly perfection.
Get the Croque Monsieur recipe.
Leftover Turkey and Swiss Panini
Repurpose your Thanksgiving leftovers with this delightful panini that comes together with shredded turkey, tangy cranberry sauce with pecans, creamy Dijon mustard, and rich Swiss cheese stuffed between toasted sourdough bread. Bonus: it's ready in just 10 minutes.
Get Ree's Leftover Turkey and Swiss Panini recipe.
Loaded Grilled Cheese
Get ready to feast on this creative grilled cheese! It's salty, sweet, and savory, made with crispy bacon, sweet raspberry preserves, and even crunchy potato chips. Of course, there's also plenty of cheese that gets grilled to golden perfection.
Get the Loaded Grilled Cheese recipe.
Ree's Ultimate Grilled Cheese Sandwich
Take comfort food to new heights when you craft this recipe, featuring layers of hard-boiled eggs, crispy bacon, golden sautéed onions, and melty cheese. Slathered with a spicy mayo sauce and then grilled, it's great for brunch or a satisfying dinner.
Get Ree's Ultimate Grilled Cheese Sandwich recipe.
Grilled Chicken and Roasted Red Pepper Panini
You'll surely want to treat yourself to this flavorful fusion of marinated chicken, roasted peppers, melty provolone, and a tangy sun-dried tomato-pesto spread. It's pressed between two pieces of hearty bread before going on the grill.
Get Ree's Grilled Chicken and Roasted Red Pepper Panini recipe.
Chicken Bacon Ranch Panini
It takes just 20 minutes to turn simple ingredients into a delightful dinner when you whip up panini that's loaded with juicy chicken, crispy bacon, sharp cheddar, and tangy ranch dressing, all between crusty French bread brushed with butter.
Get Ree's Chicken Bacon Ranch Panini recipe.
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