This Denver Grilled Cheese Sandwich is the perfect make-ahead and freezer-friendly meal. Packed with protein and whole grains, it’s loaded with fluffy eggs, savory ham, melty cheese, and crisp veggies between two slices of golden-brown toast. Enjoy it for breakfast, lunch, or dinner!
Cheesy, Eggy, and Delicious
On any given morning, I’m grabbing breakfast for the 2-year-old, grabbing breakfast for the 4-year-old, almost making it to the coffee maker before someone needs seconds. And by the time I finally sit down with my own plate, little hands are already reaching for it. Lunch and dinner? Same mad scramble.
That’s exactly why I love a sandwich that works as hard as I do.
And I always find myself coming back to the Denver Grilled Cheese. It’s got everything: hearty bread, quality ham (the real stuff, no shortcuts), eggs, peppers, green onions, and the best melty cheese you can find. It’s filling, it’s packed with protein, and the true beauty of this grilled cheese? The eggs can be prepped ahead and stashed in the fridge or freezer. Pull them out whenever you need a quick, healthy meal with zero chaos!
You can make a big pan to easily serve a crowd, or save some for later in the week. You can even improvise and customize with different veggies or different cheeses to suit everyone’s tastes.
Ingredients for Denver Grilled Cheese
- Milk: Any kind works here — whole, skim, or even a dairy-free alternative.
- Green pepper: Finely chopped. Feel free to add other veggies like mushrooms or red onion.
- Ham: Use pre-cooked ham steak or even thick-sliced deli ham.
- Green onion: You can also use chives if that’s what you have on hand!
- Cheese: Sliced or shredded works. We love a good sharp cheddar, but provolone or Swiss are also delicious.
- Whole-grain bread: A sturdy slice is best to hold everything together. Sourdough or rye would be great too.
Delicious Variations to Try
- Sprinkle some fresh herbs like parsley or dill on top of the egg before adding the top slice of bread. It really brightens up the flavor!
- For a tangier flavor and crispier crust, spread a thin layer of mayo on the outside of the bread instead of butter.
- If you like things spicy, mix a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce into the egg mixture.
What to Serve with a Denver Grilled Cheese Sandwich
A side of Fruit Salad is a great way to balance out the rich, savory flavors of the sandwich. You could also keep it simple with a green salad and a light vinaigrette. And for those extra hungry days? You can’t beat the classic combo of grilled cheese and a warm bowl of Creamy Tomato Soup for dipping!
How to Store Denver Grilled Cheese
The prepared Denver (the egg mix) can be stored in the refrigerator to be used and assembled later. You can also make a large batch, wrap each egg individually in plastic wrap, and store it in a freezer bag in the freezer for later. Just let it sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes or thaw briefly in the microwave before assembling your grilled cheese!
Denver Grilled Cheese Sandwich
written by Ashley Fehr
Ingredients
- 5 Large eggs
- ½ cup milk
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ Green pepper, chopped (about 1 cup)
- 1 cup ham, chopped
- 1 Green onion, sliced
- 4 slices cheese
- 8 slices whole-grain bread
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F and lightly grease an 8×8" pan with canola oil.
- In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk and salt. Stir in green pepper, ham and onions. Pour into prepared pan, cover with foil and bake for 22-25 minutes, until completely set. Slice into 4 even squares.
- Butter one side of each piece of bread, and place half butter side down in a large skillet. Top with 1 slice of cheese and ¼ of the baked Denver. Place the remaining pieces of bread butter side up on top of the eggs.
- Cook over medium heat for 3-4 minutes, until golden brown. Flip and cook another 3-4 minutes until golden brown. Serve immediately.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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Judy says
Recently I saw a grilled cheese sandwich recipe and in stead of using butter or margarine for the bread mayo was used. I HAD to try it and it was divine!! At this point who really cares about fats and calories!!
Ashley Fehr says
”Tis the season! Sounds amazing!
Laura Christensen says
I too love a great sandwich……but do get in a rut with the same old fixings. You have given me great ideas and I checked out the breads web site and came up with some other great ideas as well. Thanks Ashley. Looking for more great ideas from you. For me just putting on a slice of lunch meat is not a sandwich. I have to add lots of other things to it. I notice that I am not the only one that likes to add cranberry sauce to a turkey sandwich. Turkey and cranberry sauce just naturally go together!
Ashley Fehr says
Yes, I totally agree! I love turkey and cranberry, and pork too! I’m so glad you were able to find some new ideas — I’d love to hear about any that turn out particularly well! Thanks Laura 🙂
Jane Smyth says
My favourite sandwich is a Denver. Made with bacon. Or maybe my favourite is “fried” cheese the way my dear old Dad taught me, sixty plus years ago. This offers the best of both.
I have never baked the egg mixture, but sure am going to give your recipe a try just as you have written it. Never to old to learn new ways.
Ashley Fehr says
Hi Jane! I would love to hear how to make a “fried” cheese sandwich — is it just a new name for a grilled cheese sandwich? My kids love grilled cheese but we definitely love eggs too! We often cook our eggs in a pan but I just love how I can make a big batch in the oven and keep them in the fridge all week. I hope you enjoy it!
Jane says
Hi Ashley,
A fried cheese sandwich is what we called a grilled cheese sandwich.
I remember the first time I ordered a grilled cheese sandwich in a restaurant I thought I was going to get something new and different. I was disappointed to find it was a just a fried cheese sandwich. I was about 13. But we stuck with the same old name we always used. And I still do
Ashley Fehr says
That is so interesting! I’ve never heard that before! Thanks for filling me in 🙂
Kelly says
Breakfast is our favorite and yep, the kids totally eat a few times before mama even has a chance to eat once lol. This sandwich is just perfect for those busy mornings or even lunch and dinner! They look SO good and I love that you can make them ahead of time too!
Ashley Fehr says
Thanks Kelly! Make ahead is where its at for us these days — fall is just crazy!
Diane says
My favorite sandwich is thick sliced turkey on marble rye bread. Slather both slices of the rye with mayonnaise. Top the mayo with cranberry sauce and sliced green pimento olives. Add the turkey and some lettuce. Enjoy
Ashley Fehr says
Ooo I love the cranberry sauce with the turkey! Perfect for Thanksgiving leftovers!
Dorothy Dunton says
Hi Ashley! Great idea for busy folks! I love a good egg sandwich and adding other stuff just makes it better!
Ashley Fehr says
I agree! I just love how long the cooked eggs can last — perfect for making a big batch! Have a good weekend Dorothy!
Gayle @ Pumpkin 'N Spice says
Breakfast is my favorite meal too, especially when it involves savory ingredients, like eggs, pancakes, and LOTS of coffee! Such a great idea to make a grilled cheese sandwich, Ashley! This combines all of my faves in one…love this!
Ashley Fehr says
Thanks Gayle! This is my go-to for every meal of the day!