So awesome, in fact, that we’ve continued to try out different varieties with the leftovers!!
It’s super easy on the prep-side and really fun and interactive to put together, so I’m feeling encouraged for pulling this off for a crowd in May. Here’s what we tested with so far…
Breads
- sourdough
- pumpernickel / rye
- wheat
- cinnamon raisin (for dessert)
Cheeses
- goat
- white cheddar
- cheddar
- french blue
- brie
- marscapone (for dessert)
- cream cheese
Meats
- turkey
- ham
- bacon
- smoked salmon
- soppressata italian sausage
Toppings
- red onion
- tomato
- caramelized onions
- mustards (dijon, coarse grained, honey)
- Cranberry Pepper Jelly (Wisham Jellies)
- Pear Honey Jam (Emily G’s)
- Nutella (dessert)
- bananas (dessert)
- capers
We make half-sized sammies so that we can try a bunch of different varieties. My two faves so far have been turkey, brie and cranberry pepper jelly AND blue cheese, bacon, caramelized onions and pear honey jam.
And then we’ve capped off our meals with divine grilled nutella, marscapone and banana sammies.
Look for a lot more to come on the grilled cheese celebration front!! And let me know if you have any ideas for additional items to add or combos to try!!
xoxo
Good luck on all your exciting plans! :) try Kentucky Bourbon Barrel Ale!
So happy to have readers that can fill me on things like this :-)
Yum! I had a jalapeno grilled cheese at one of the oyster bars in town and they were good paired together.
That sounds super good! Adding jalapenos to my list!
How fun! We have been using our Pannini maker over the Christmas break quite a bit for quick sandwiches. I am going to have to try your idea out for an easy weeknight dinner. I really think my kids would love the dessert idea. Yum!
Simply love this idea for our pannini also! What a great and easy solution for a crowd. And the desert versions are perfect. You could add fresh fruit to those and lots of pickles, olives and pickled tomatoes to the savory side. Are you planning on grilling them? You're on to something and I can't wait to see this bash. :-). Jane, San Diego
Thanks for the topping ideas!! Def need pickles!!!!!!!!!! And fruit!!!! mmm… strawberries would be delish on it too. xo
Amanda,
Just a heads up, though I suspect you are way ahead of me…. My local Walgreens has tons of Disney Christmas stuff, much of which could be used for other holidays, on sale at 70% to 90% off. Happy shopping!
June
New Holland's Dragon's Milk is one of the absolute best. On draft it is divine, but bottled is good too.
So happy to have readers that can fill me on things like this :-)
Yum! A grilled cheese bar is a fabulous idea. I can't wait to try it out :-)
Amanda,
I am sure you are way ahead of me, but just wanted to give you a heads up. My local Walgreens has a TON of Disney Christmas stuff on clearance at 70% to 90%. Lots of it would easily be repurposed for other holidays. Know you will be visiting a lot this year, so thought it might be worth a look.
June
I need to get there stat! Thanks for the heads up :-)
What a great idea. My fave grilled cheese hands down is pimento on rye with spinach & tomato – yum!!! I also had a new version this weekend with two cheeses – pepper jack & cheddar, I think(?), tomato and a thin layer of guac…unexpected, but yummy, too! Good luck. Looks like you are well on your way to another fabulous celebration!
Sounds amazing!! Is it fresh spinach? Adding to the list!
Yes! Fresh spinach… Throw it in before you grill. Yum!
Great idea! I live in KY…Home of Kentucky Bourbon Barrel Ale beer….It would be perfect for your celebration.
So happy to have readers that can fill me on things like this :-)
I've been obsessed with this grilled cheese sandwich from a restaurant here in CLT – pimento cheese and sundried tomatoes on Texas toast – it's unbelievable!
GREAT idea!! Adding sundried tomatoes and texas toast to the list :-)
Cheers to a wonderful 2015! Hubby's 35th we did a gourmet burger bar and everyone loved it. Grilled cheese bar is along the same lines and I'm sure it will be fab!!!
Yum!!
Are you suggesting a new destination instead of Rosemary Beach?! I LOVE your family vacay posts!
Yes. eek.
Oh, my gosh…pimento! Yes! When I asked if your grilled cheese would be grilled (?!) I meant on Honey's hibachi grill top. Jane, SD
OMG how did I not think of pimento??????????? My fave!!!!!!!!!! Yes, we are thinking we will use his hibachi and let everyone "grill" their own. Seems like the best way to do it for a crowd.
OMG this post made me soooooooo hungry!!
My husband is turning 40 this Sunday and I really need to figure out what to do… I have dinner reservations and that is it. I wish he had asked for a grilled cheese bar, though… OH YUM!
How do your guests grill the sandwiches? I LOVE this idea! (Cheese and bread being my two favorite foods!)
I think we're going to have to pull out the big hibachi and let everyone grill their own. They won't be pressed but they will be hot. The other way would be to buy and borrow probably four more.
Bacon and Avocado
Oh my goodness! What a fabulous idea for a party. My husband loves bourbon beer, too, and who doesn't love a grilled cheese. My favorite grilled cheese: turkey, brie, bacon and fig jam. Delish!
Amanda Dear,
I am absolutely drooling over the grilled cheese ideas! Can't wait for dear Honey's birthday!
Love, Marme
Also, sliced pears and apples would be great with the goat cheese, brie, etc. and a swiss, gruyere, etc. That's one of my favorite grilled cheese combinations, actually.
and now I want to go get a grilled cheese at that place in Seaside. LOL