Name: Donut Grilled Cheese
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 7 min
Total time: 12 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 glazed donuts, sliced in half horizontally; 4 slices cheddar cheese; 2 tablespoons maple syrup; 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

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This donut grilled cheese is the ultimate sweet and savory comfort food. With gooey cheddar cheese, warm glazed donuts, and a drizzle of maple syrup, I get the perfect balance of indulgence in every bite. It’s a recipe I make when I want something fun, decadent, and definitely out of the ordinary.

Donut Grilled Cheese

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s a playful twist on the classic grilled cheese. Instead of bread, I use glazed donuts, which caramelize beautifully when grilled. The combination of melty cheese, sweet maple syrup, and a touch of cinnamon creates a flavor explosion that feels like breakfast, lunch, and dessert all at once.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

2 glazed donuts, sliced in half horizontally
4 slices cheddar cheese
2 tablespoons maple syrup
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Directions

I slice the glazed donuts in half horizontally, just like I would for a bagel.
I place one slice of cheddar cheese on the bottom half of each donut, then layer another slice of cheese on top.
I cover it with the donut top and place the sandwiches in a skillet over medium heat.
I grill each side for 2–3 minutes until the cheese melts and the donut turns golden and slightly caramelized.
I drizzle with maple syrup and sprinkle with a little ground cinnamon before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 2 servings. It takes about 5 minutes to prepare and 5–7 minutes to cook, so in just around 12 minutes I can enjoy this decadent sandwich.

Variations

I sometimes swap cheddar for pepper jack to give it a spicy kick.
If I want extra sweetness, I add a thin spread of cream cheese before grilling.
For a more savory version, I use plain donuts instead of glazed.
I like experimenting with different cheeses like gouda or brie for a richer flavor.

Storage/Reheating

I think this sandwich is best eaten fresh, but if I have leftovers, I wrap them in foil and store them in the fridge for up to 1 day. To reheat, I place the sandwich in a skillet over low heat until warmed through and the cheese melts again. I avoid microwaving since it makes the donuts soggy.

FAQs

Can I use plain donuts instead of glazed?

Yes, I can use plain or even cake donuts if I prefer less sweetness.

Can I make this in a panini press?

Absolutely, I often use a panini press to get the donuts extra crispy and the cheese perfectly melted.

What’s the best cheese for this recipe?

I usually go with cheddar, but any melty cheese like gouda, provolone, or mozzarella works well.

Can I add toppings to this sandwich?

Yes, I like adding a drizzle of chocolate syrup or even some fresh fruit like strawberries for a fun twist.

Can I make this ahead of time?

I don’t recommend making it too far in advance since the donuts can get soggy. Preparing it fresh gives the best texture and flavor.

Conclusion

This donut grilled cheese is a sweet and savory treat I love making when I want to indulge. The melted cheese, caramelized donuts, and drizzle of maple syrup are irresistible. It’s quick to make, fun to eat, and always a conversation starter.