Jack O’ Lantern Grilled Cheese
Jack o’ Lantern Grilled Cheese is a fun Halloween twist on a classic cheese sandwich.
A spooky pumpkin face is cut into one slice of bread, allowing the bright orange melted cheddar underneath to show through.
It’s an easy Halloween lunch, dinner, or party snack that takes only a few minutes to make.
You can also add your favorite sliced meats underneath the cheese such as salami or ham for an extra protein kick.
For something a little spicier use pepper jack cheese instead of the cheddar.
Ingredients
- 8 slices sandwich bread
- 8 oz (225 g) sharp cheddar cheese, sliced or grated
- 4 tablespoons butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, optional
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder, optional
Instructions
Make the Jack o’ Lantern Faces
Place four slices of bread on a cutting board.
Using a small sharp knife, carefully cut two triangular eyes and a small triangular nose from each slice.
Cut a smiling or zigzag mouth underneath. Keep the shapes relatively simple so the bread doesn’t tear while cooking.
Assemble the Grilled Cheese
Spread one side of each uncut bread slice with a thin layer of butter.
Turn the bread over and, if using, spread a little Dijon mustard on the inside.
Generously cover with cheddar cheese.
Place a Jack o’ Lantern bread slice on top and gently press the sandwich together.
Spread softened butter over the top of the bread.
Cook
Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium-low heat.
Place the sandwiches in the pan and cook for about 3–4 minutes, until the bottoms are crisp and golden.
Carefully flip and cook for another 2–4 minutes, until the second side is toasted and the cheddar is completely melted.
Keep the heat relatively low so the cheese has enough time to melt without burning the bread.
Serve
Transfer the sandwiches to plates and serve immediately while the cheese is hot and gooey.
The melted orange cheddar will show through the eyes, nose, and mouth, creating the Jack o’ Lantern effect.
Best Cheese for Jack o’ Lantern Grilled Cheese
Sharp or mature cheddar is an excellent choice because it provides plenty of flavor while giving the sandwich its distinctive pumpkin-orange color.
For an especially gooey grilled cheese, combine cheddar with a good melting cheese such as Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or American cheese.
Recipe Tips
Use fairly thick sandwich bread so that the Jack o’ Lantern face is easier to cut without tearing.
Grate the cheddar rather than using thick slices if you want it to melt particularly quickly and evenly.
Make each face different. Smiling, angry, surprised, and crooked Jack o’ Lantern expressions make a platter of sandwiches much more fun.
For smaller Halloween appetizers, make the sandwiches first and then cut each one into halves or quarters.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Jack o’ Lantern Grilled Cheese with tomato soup or warm marinara sauce for dipping.
The red sauce adds another Halloween-inspired touch and pairs particularly well with melted cheddar.
For a Halloween party, arrange several sandwiches with different carved expressions on a platter and serve them warm alongside small bowls of tomato dipping sauce.
