Gourmet Grilled Cheeses

Let’s talk PARTY FOOD! Here are a few of my go-to tips for serving up the perfect party food (whether it’s just the extended family over for dinner or a full-on gourmet party)!

• Mini is always easier to eat.
• Include savory in addition to your sweets.
• Keep it simple and delicious. Set up a serve-yourself grilled cheese bar!

Here is an example in honor of National Grilled Cheese Day. Mini gourmet grilled cheeses appeal to everyone including the kids, offer lots of possibilities for creative pairing, and they are easy to eat while mixing and mingling (key). I’ve partnered with Cracker Barrel Cheese for some exciting cheese-related fun so I’ll be showing you 3 recipes for mini grilled cheeses using their delicious flavors.

First up is the “COB”. It gets its name from the “C”heddar, “O”nion, + “B”acon. It’s a dynamic combo. I used Cracker Barrel Extra Sharp Cheddar paired with fresh red onions and hickory smoked bacon. This is my husband’s personal fave and a total crowd-pleaser. Other ideas?

You could absolutely add a flavorful mustard or aioli for some extra “something something” but it stands along because the extra sharp cheddar is a truly full-flavor cheese.

Next up is my personal fave – the Honey Pie. I could eat this every single day. Seriously! It combines Cracker Barrel’s Aged Reserve (which won the Gold Medal at the World Championship Cheese Contest in 2012) with thinly sliced green apple and drizzled with honey. Oh wow.

The honey adds caramelized sweetness while the apple adds tart and crunch. This is also my favorite of the Cracker Barrel cheeses (it’s in a black label – look for it in your grocery store). High quality cheese makes all the difference.

Last we have the “Kermit” because of it’s green additions like baby arugula and jalapenos. I also added french fried onions for crunch. The main player is Vermont White Cheddar from Cracker Barrel. The rich, full-flavor of the cheese pairs really well with the peppery flavor of the arugula and spiciness of the jalapeno.

You could also add sliced avocados or guacamole for even more green deliciousness. It packs a punch but it’s colorful and so tasty.

If you could create our own gourmet grilled cheese, what would you include? I’d love to know, leave a comment below!