To incorporate some protein or fresh vegetables into a classic lunch staple—or as just a way to throw more of your favorite things into one delicious sandwich—whip up a Caprese or bacon guacamole grilled cheese. Both are easy, simple and almost foolproof (yes, even for a college student).

Caprese Grilled Cheese

Easy

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes

Servings: 1

Ingredients:
2 slices of bread
1/2 tomato
1/2 cup of Mozzarella cheese
4 tablespoons of pesto
2 teaspoons of olive oil
Black pepper

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Photo by Gabby Phi

Directions:

1. Slice the tomato evenly into four slices.

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Photo by Gabby Phi

2. Brush one side of each slice of bread with the olive oil. Then, spread pesto on the other side of both slices of bread. With one slice, sprinkle the mozzarella on top of the pesto, top evenly with tomato slices and season with salt and pepper.

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Photo by Gabby Phi

3. Put the two slices of bread together and heat up a skillet. Grill until both sides of the bread are golden brown and the cheese has melted (about 2-4 minutes on each side).

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Photo by Gabby Phi

Tip: These are easy sandwiches to make while you’re cooking breakfast, so pop one in a Ziploc bag in the morning for lunch.

Bacon Guacamole Grilled Cheese

Easy

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes

Servings: 1

Ingredients:
2 slices of bread
2 slices bacon
1 tablespoon butter, room temperature
1/2 cup shredded cheese of your choice
4 tablespoons guacamole

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Photo by Gabby Phi

 

 Directions:
1. Cook the bacon and set it aside on a paper towel to drain (I used turkey bacon and blasted it in the microwave for about 3 minutes).

2. Butter one side of each slice of bread. Then, sprinkle half of the cheese onto the unbuttered side of one slice of bread followed by the guacamole and bacon. Top with the remaining cheese and place the remaining slice of bread on top with the buttered side up.

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Photo by Gabby Phi

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Photo by Gabby Phi

3. Grill over medium heat until the edges of the sandwich are golden brown and the cheese has melted (about 2-3 minutes per side).

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Photo by Gabby Phi

Voilà! Enjoy the gooey goodness.

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Photo by Gabby Phi

Tip: Experiment with how much guacamole and cheese you use on each sandwich. Be generous if you want more flavor!