Grilled Cheese Sandwiches for a Kid's Party

Put on a Happy Face

• Put a smile on your toddler party guest's faces with a happy face grilled cheese sandwich. Use a small knife to carve a happy face in a slice of bread by cutting out holes for eyes and a nose, and a semi-circle for a big, goofy grin. Use the happy face bread as the top slice on your grilled cheese sandwich. You can even dress it up a little bit more, using condiments or shredded or sliced veggies to make other details such as hair or ears.

Bacon 'n' Cheese 'n' More

• Involve your older kids in customizing their own grilled cheese sandwiches with a toppings bar. Arrange a table with plates holding several different types of breads such as white, whole wheat and sourdough and different cheeses such as American, cheddar and Provolone. Set out small bowls filled with assorted toppings like crumbled bacon, sliced apples, jalapeno rings, pickle chips, sliced onions, hard boiled eggs and grilled chicken. Party guests can assemble their own sandwiches any way they like.

In the Summertime. . . Barbecue

• Put the "grill" back in grilled cheese with a summertime barbecue sandwich party. Choose a thick, hearty bread such as a French or Italian loaf, and top it with a strong, flavorful cheese such as sharp cheddar or Swiss. Make it even more festive with add-ons such as bacon, ham, smoked turkey and tomato slices, and with condiments such as yellow or Dijon mustard or pesto. Cook these hearty sandwiches outdoors on your barbecue grill.

Sweet Things Are Made of This

• Surprise the young ones with a new twist on an old favorite--grilled cheese for dessert! Slice a baguette diagonally and spread with softened cream cheese that you have sweetened with powdered sugar and flavored with a little bit of vanilla. Top the cream cheese mixture with fresh or frozen fruit berries, sliced bananas, fruit jam or hazelnut spread, or any combination of these that sounds good to you. Enlist the kids in thinking up yummy dessert fillings -- and don't forget colored sprinkles for the little ones to give these sandwiches a real party look! Serve these sandwiches drizzled with chocolate or caramel sauce or sprinkled with powdered sugar.