This Weekend, Try The Kicked Up Grilled Cheese 2.0

Some say you shouldn't mess with a classic, like a straight-up old-fashioned grilled cheese sandwich. Do not listen to them.

A grilled cheese is the perfect vehicle to jump-start your taste buds. All that's needed are a couple of extra ingredients and --**POOF!**-- pure magic in your mouth! Don't we all deserve that every once in a while? Just change up what you'd ordinarily use for sandwich bread, and you'll find these two are 100% guaranteed to please...

Meatball Grilled Cheese Sandwiches (Serves 4)

1/3 of a 32-oz pkg frozen mini meatballs, 4 tbsp softened butter, 8 slices Italian bread, 8 slices mozzarella cheese, 1 cup marinara sauce

Bake meatballs according to package directions, then cut them in half. Spread butter on one side of each piece of bread. To the unbuttered side, add a slice of mozzarella, then as many meatballs as you like, cut-side down. Spoon over some marinara sauce, then top that with another slice of mozzarella and bread.

Heat skillet over medium heat. Place sandwich in skillet and cook about 8 minutes, until golden. Flip and cook about 6 minutes more, until golden brown and cheese has melted.

The Aloha Melt (Serves 4)

4 tbsp softened butter, 8 slices Hawaiian sweet bread (we like King's), 8 slices pepper jack cheese, 4 slices deli ham, 4 pineapple rings

Spread butter on one side of each piece of bread. To the unbuttered side, add 1 slice cheese, 1 slice ham and 1 pineapple ring. Top with another slice of cheese and bread, buttered-side out.

Heat skillet over medium heat. Place sandwich in skillet; cook about 8 minutes, until golden. Flip and cook for about 7 minutes more, until golden brown and cheese has melted.

We like plain potato chips and maybe a pickle on the side, while washing it all down with an ice-cold Coca-Cola. Heaven awaits.