How to Make Party Grilled Cheese

As a kid, there was nothing quite like a grilled cheese and tomato soup after school or on a rainy Saturday. Now that you're grown up, perhaps it's time to take the old school sandwich to the next level by making it a party food.

One great way to make grilled cheese the centerpiece of your next shindig is to cut up a few sandwiches into bite-size pieces and serve them as appetizers. You could even get one of those tiny pumpernickel loaves and make adorable mini grilled cheeses.

The best part about the grilled cheese is that it's so easy to tweak. For instance, if you're having a wine party, consider making your mini sandwiches with brie or gorgonzola. If you're serving beer, then a cheddar and rye grilled cheese will go nicely with the malty brew.

If you've got a guest list full of grilled cheese-lovers, you may even want to consider making an activity around the meal by setting up a grilled cheese bar where people can make their own.

On a counter or long table, arrange your basics along with some additions that guests can use to personalize their grilled cheese.

Consider putting out a few different types of bread, like whole wheat, French, croissants or even raisin. Then, choose some varieties of cheese, like Swiss, pepper jack, brie, goat, gouda, mozzarella or even cream cheese.

You're also going to want to put out some butter – duh. The delish spread can be flavored easily with roasted garlic, chives, truffle oil or cinnamon and sugar.

Next, have fun with your additions. Olive tapenade, roasted peppers, fresh herbs, ham, bacon and sliced tomatoes and other fruits all make an ordinary grilled cheese special.

At the final station of your grilled cheese bar, you can have either a hot griddle or a couple of frying pans ready for your guests to complete their sammys.