When I first discovered April was National Grilled Cheese month, I wept tears of joy.
Since that fateful moment a few weeks ago, I’ve made it a point to make clever, crafty, and cheesy concoctions at least once a week. Henceforth, I bring you my Ode to Grilled Cheese.
This song is simply for ambiance (the store for lovers), mood music so to speak, so you should hit play because it will increase your viewing pleasure by 82.56% (I’ve tested it numerous times…on myself, of course).
There once was a sandwich with cheese,
That quickly brought me to my knees.
Toasted, roasted. Oh sweet bliss.
I’d be completely remiss
Not to say, I’ll take two please.
The Classic: White Cheddar on Tuscan Herb Bread Formaggio
The Sweet and Subtle: Sliced Pear, Penzey’s Raspberry Enlightenment Sauce, and Goat Cheese on Granola Bread.
The Kirsten (since it was inspired by her own veggie stuffed grilled cheese): Shredded Carrots, Shredded Cucumber, Diced Red Bell Pepper, Chopped Iceberg Lettuce and Gouda on Multigrain Bread. 
The Italian: Sun-dried Tomatoes, Pesto Paste and Tomato Basil Pine Nut Cheese on French Peasant Bread (is it a faux pas to throw the French in there?)
The Blueberry Goddess: Heather’s Blueberry Coconut Almond Sauce, Toasted Walnuts, and Brie on Cinnamon Raisin Bread.
Sometimes life is rough, and sometimes you get to celebrate National Grilled Cheese Month in style. I’d say I did my bit.
Before I let you off the hook for the weekend, this post is linked up with Laura’s Strange But Good (P.S. I’m sorry to do this to you pre-competition, but the end is in sight), because one of these sandwiches must be strange, and Gastronomical Sovereignty Fresh Foods link up because my bread and cheese were all local, baby.
Speaking of link ups, don’t forget (as if) my Week In Review link up party is going down on Monday. I’d love to see you, so be there or be square. Maybe I’ll even make you a grilled cheese or maybe I’m just a tease.
What’s your favorite bread for a grilled cheese sandwich? And just as important, what’s your favorite cheese for a grilled cheese sandwich?
Tiff says
April 26, 2013 at 6:52 AMOh man, so many good combos! I think I like basic cheddar. Usually just cheese. Sometimes add ham. Mmmmmmm.
Meghan says
April 28, 2013 at 8:01 PMThe classic is always good and my Hubby would totally approve of the ham.
liz says
April 26, 2013 at 7:17 AMYes, yes, yes! This was just the kind of epic post I needed to start off my Friday! The music definately completed the mood, excellent addition.
When it comes to grilled cheese I’m a sucker for a glassIc cheddar on rye bread. If I’m feeling jazzy I’ll throw in pickle or tomato slices and dip it in mustard as I go.
All of your sandwiches look mighty amazing and I dare myself not to indulge in a crisy, melty meal today after taking in all that ooey, gooey cheese glory you shared with us!
Meghan says
April 28, 2013 at 8:02 PMI’m so glad; I had a great time writing this post and the song just took it over the edge for me. Using rye bread is genius and adding tomatoes and pickles. Yum, I want that.
I hope you have some type of grilled cheese this weekend.
Khushboo says
April 26, 2013 at 7:21 AMOh man these all sound fabulous- and take the classic grilled cheese to a whole new level! I am loving rye toast lately and the cheese has to be something strong…not a fan of insipid cheeses like Ementhal! One combo I am yet to try but sounds too fabulous to not mention is the cheese, avocado and egg combo…okay I might be trying it out sooner than expected i.e. TONIGHT!
Meghan says
April 28, 2013 at 8:03 PMOh wow, that does sound like a great combo. I can’t wait to see if you went for it. I’m getting hungry just thinking about it.
Eating 4 Balance says
April 26, 2013 at 7:43 AMIs there like a calendar for all of the national months/days of delicious food that I am unaware about? How do you KNOW this?!
Oh goodness they all look so good, and I have to be honest that I was never a huge fan of grilled cheese. Too much… cheese. Haha. When I was younger mine was more like a grilled bread sandwich with half a slice of american melted inside. Lol. Anymore and I just couldn’t finish it.
Now I think you should make a strange but good sweet (or even savory– Hmm.. bacon?) flavored soup for dipping all of these wonderful creations into. Another check against me in the grilled cheese department. I was never a dipper.
Meghan says
April 28, 2013 at 8:04 PMI wish we could get a calendar for that stuff. I saw this on someone’s blog in early April, and I have been plotting ever since.
Too much cheese??? Blasphemy. A companion soup is a great idea, although like you I’m not a dipper either.
Sarah Pie says
April 26, 2013 at 10:00 AMThe music deifinitly set the mood, but grilled cheese needs no introduction! Each and every one of those looks amazing and now I really want to head back home and make a grilled cheese for breakfast 🙂 (there’s always lunch instead, right?)
Meghan says
April 28, 2013 at 8:05 PMYes, I could eat grilled cheese for breakfast, lunch and dinner, but then I would be three hundred pounds, so I eat it every so often instead. I’m glad you liked the song; I was definitely digging it.
Holly @ EatGreatBEGreat says
April 26, 2013 at 10:28 AMIt’s truly amazing the different combos you can make with grilled cheese! The Italian sounds awesome!
Meghan says
April 28, 2013 at 8:07 PMThanks Holly. I had a lot of fun working on this post because it meant I got to be creative and eating one of my favorite foods (i.e. cheese). The Italian was awesome, although between you and me, he was supposed to have artichoke hearts too, but I ran out.
kirsten@FarmFreshFeasts says
April 26, 2013 at 1:54 PMI am honored to be named for one of your cheesy concoctions–they look so good to me.
And Raspberry Enlightenment? Swoon! I’ve been playing with that on pizza, and let me tell you, make sure you’ve got a bit left in the jar this summer.
Meghan says
April 28, 2013 at 8:07 PMI will save some Raspberry Enlightenment for whatever you have planned for me. I have faith in your food.
Heather @ Kiss My Broccoli says
April 26, 2013 at 3:53 PMOk, when I read your email and saw that you mentioned today’s post was “short on words”, I just HAD to come over and see for myself…like seriously, WHEN has that woman EVER been short on words?! NOW I know why…because who could form words with such deliciousness sitting in front of them?! And can I say that I literally laughed out loud at that song…and THEN, at the 0:28 second mark, I could have SWORN they said, “must get grilled cheese”!! I’m serious…play it back and tell me I’m wrong! Bahaha!
Tell me more about this Penzey person and what I have to do to become enlightened!
PS, I want you to know that I’m sitting here with the biggest problem on my hands now…which one to make FIRST?!!?!
Meghan says
April 28, 2013 at 8:09 PMWhat?! Are you saying I can be long winded? Well now that’s just ridiculous and well totally accurate. Crap. Tell me, you truly don’t know about Penzey’s? It’s a store devoted to spices, seasonings, and sauces which is basically three things you love. I’m shocked you’ve never heard of it before. You should check it out, and if you ever make it to Cleveland, I will take you on a store tour. You will swoon.
Meghan says
May 1, 2013 at 9:15 PMBy the way, I’m pretty sure they are saying Must Eat Grilled Cheese too. The Hubby pointed it out to me as well, so it’s not just you and me dreaming of cheese.
Allie says
April 26, 2013 at 4:08 PMSeriously. Drooling. Came into the office starving (bad idea to begin with), now even more starving. But specifically for grilled cheese. Granola bread and goat cheese? Ohhh, be still, my heart! Or rather, my stomach.
Allie says
April 26, 2013 at 4:08 PMPS–I’m already preparing for Monday’s week and review. Do I get grilled cheese now?
Meghan says
April 28, 2013 at 8:11 PMYes, you absolutely do get a grilled cheese (your flavor of choice), and I can’t wait to see your Week In Review post. You always crack me up. Should blog; probably won’t.
Melissa says
April 26, 2013 at 4:15 PMMeghan, these are some truely awesome grilled cheese sandwiches!
I have two very different favorites. One: The Big Popper grilled cheese sandwich at Melt – jalepenos, cheddar and cream cheese between two slices of bread, the whole thing deep friend and served with berry preserves. Fantastic! (Here’s the link to the menu at Melt for anyone not familiar with it: http://meltbarandgrilled.com/menu/)
Two: I’ll admit it! I love a good, old fashioned grilled cheese – two peices of white bread with American cheese cooked to a beautiful golden brown and dunked in Campbell’s Tomato soup. Yum!
Meghan says
April 28, 2013 at 8:13 PMI’ve had the Big Popper from Melt and it was way too much heat for me. I had to pick off half the jalapenos; I thought my mouth was going to simultaneously combust.
I am a huge fan of their Vegetarian Three Bean Chili though and pretty much every other sandwich on their menu.
Laura @ Sprint 2 the Table says
April 26, 2013 at 9:54 PMAs I read each one of these I though “this is my favorite… no THIS is the one I want!” LOL! Basically I want all the cheeses. Sweet baby grilled cheesus.
Meghan says
April 28, 2013 at 8:14 PMSweet baby grilled cheesus. I like that.
Maybe after your comp, you can have one.
Jessie says
April 26, 2013 at 10:31 PM[pretending to pull up a chair at your kitchen table]… I’ll take an order, heck give me 2 of the Blueberry Goddess =) Thank you!
Meghan says
April 28, 2013 at 8:15 PMComing right up. 🙂
Sydney says
April 28, 2013 at 8:09 AMJust wanted to let you know I’ve loved getting to know your blog so I nominated you for a Liebster award! Happy Sunday!
Meghan says
April 28, 2013 at 8:20 PMAw thanks so much. That’s very kind of you, and I’m glad you enjoy the blog. I very much appreciate the nomination. Happy Sunday back atcha.
Sydney says
April 28, 2013 at 9:42 PMYou’re very welcome! Have a great night.
Fran@BCDC says
April 28, 2013 at 8:38 AMI could listen to Carmina Burana ALL DAY!! I know someone who performed with the Atlanta Chorus and Robert Shaw. Don’t think it was on this piece though. Whichever it was, the CD won a Grammy. That’s a long story from another part of my life. ANYWAY…grilled cheese. I’m in love. You are so stinking creative sometimes it’s starting to get on my nerves!! Didn’t realize you could get pesto in a tube. Gotta get that!! I’m with Madison…I need a calender for all of these “National (blank) Days!!!”
Meghan says
April 28, 2013 at 8:21 PMI want the calendar too; I just discovered this by accident and was of course over joyed.
Liz says
April 28, 2013 at 11:49 AMOk, so who cares if I’ve read this post 5 or 6 times now. The cheese keeps calling me… Just noticed your amazing cheese knife! You have all the best toys 🙂
Meghan says
April 28, 2013 at 8:29 PMI’m thrilled you’ve come back for me, and you’re right. I got that cheese knife years ago, and it’s some of the best money I’ve ever spent, especially when you think about how often I use it.
Brittany @ Delights and Delectables says
April 28, 2013 at 2:48 PMI’m drooling all over my computer right now! Why do I have to be allergic to milk??? WHY????
Meghan says
April 28, 2013 at 8:30 PMOh boo hiss. Dairy allergies are no fun: no cheese, no ice cream. My heart breaks a little for you.
Sara says
April 28, 2013 at 6:00 PMmy absolute favorite growing up was grilled swiss on rye or american on whole wheat with mustard and tomatoes. yum!
Meghan says
April 28, 2013 at 8:31 PMThat sounds delicious. I’m just waiting to get local tomatoes here so I can have one of those. We’ve got a couple months to go yet.
Sarah @ The Smart Kitchen says
May 3, 2013 at 7:29 PMI just.
I just.
I just really wish I had a Breadsmith bakery nearby.
And that I weren’t so dairy wary when it comes to cheese.
And that I had one of those Willy Wonka TVs so I could reach in and grab a bite of every one of those sandwiches anyway.
Also, you mentioned Penzey’s. You are officially my new favorite blogger.
Meghan says
May 3, 2013 at 9:38 PMOh the Breadsmith is amazing. I won’t purchase bread at the grocery store anymore. It’s Breadsmith or bust and they are all natural, no additives, no preservatives; just a fantastic clean product worth every cent. I heart them and Penzey’s and I’m happy to be you new favorite blogger.
Kristina says
May 8, 2013 at 3:43 PMgood gravy these all look phenomenal. I want them ALL.
Meghan says
May 11, 2013 at 10:41 AMThanks. I had a lot of fun with this post, and I suspect you can use your vegan goat cheese on the blueberry sandwich.
Gil says
March 17, 2016 at 12:32 PMHi Meghan
May I have your permission to use your wonderfully clever “Ode to Cheese” on a restaurant review I’m publishing on my blog (http://www.nmgastronome.com). Naturally you’ll get full credit.
Love your blog,
Gil
Meghan says
March 18, 2016 at 5:57 AMThanks Gil. Please feel free to link back to Ode to Grilled Cheese. That was a fun post to write.