10 Great Sandwich Melts

If the words "melt sandwich" only bring to mind turkey and tuna, then you're missing out on a whole world of meats, cheeses, and vegetable mash-ups.

Click here to see 10 Different Ways to Make a Melt 

A melt can be more than just cheese and turkey, and here is an introduction, with a compilation of melts ranging from sweet to savory, all with gooey melted cheese in common. Let these recipes be your inspiration to any kind of melt you desire.

The key to making the perfect melt is twofold. First, you have to choose the right cheese. Selecting a cheese with superior "melt capacity" is crucial. Your best bets include: American, Cheddar, Gouda, provolone, Swiss, asiago, mozzarella, and Gruyère. Once you've decided what cheese you're going to use to glue the sandwich together, all you have to do is melt your sandwich.

There's no need to run out and buy a panini press to cater to all of your melt sandwich needs, and we'll show you why. There are several ways to ensure crisp, but not burnt, bread — with warm insides and a perfectly smooth melted cheese. The most common, and the easiest, way is using your broiler. Another method that won't steer your wrong is using a pan and covering it with a lid to speed up the melting process. This method is great for simultaneously toasting the bread, or for melting cheese while the sandwich is assembled in the pan. And even better, if you have a grill pan handy, throw any of these sandwiches on there, weigh it down with another pan (or anything heavy, really), and give your bread a nice char and some grill marks on there.

So there you have it: perfect cheese and your melting technique, and you're on your way to the perfect melt. Let these recipes serve as a guideline for how you'll prepare the ultimate meltdown at home.

Happy melting!