How to Host the Ultimate Grilled Cheese Party

Grab your friends, a loaf of bread and a spread of assorted cheese, meats and veggies to host a fun and interactive Ultimate Grilled Cheese Party!

Beef Brisket and Gouda Grilled Cheese

 

10 easy steps to host a fun, interactive grilled cheese party

1. Cheese is the heart of your guests’ creations

Since we’re talking grilled CHEESE, it’s important to include a few different choices. Have some classic selections such as an aged cheddar, but also be sure to venture outside the expected and try something new. Perhaps a soft cheese option such as brie and include a range of mild to bold flavours. If you’re lucky to live near a cheese shop such as The Cheese Boutique in Toronto, all the better!

2. Meats

You already know that bacon makes everything taste better, right? But, have you tried beef brisket on your sandwich? That’s what Chef Afrim Pristine uses for his signature Beef Brisket and Boerenkaas Gouda Grilled Cheese. An assorted tray of meats accomplishes two things at your party: 1) provides guests with a pre-dinner snack 2) adds another option for their sandwich-making pleasure.

3. Don’t forget your veggies!

veggies

Veggies don’t belong on a grilled cheese sandwich, you say? We would have to strongly disagree! Greens go amazingly well on a grilled cheese, not to mention, peppers, onions, grilled mushrooms.. you name it! Once everyone has made their sandwiches, leftover greens and veggies can be tossed together in a homemade canola oil dressing and voila, your side salad dish is prepared!

4. Canola oil for brushing and browning

Ever heard of maillard reaction? It’s the reaction between sugars and proteins that occurs upon heating and that produces browning of some foods such as meats and bread (thanks, http://www.merriam-webster.com/). Have your guests brush their bread with canola oil before grilling to help with the browning effect and it will also give their sandwiches a nice crunch.

5. Some like it saucy

Grilled Cheese Challenge sauces

If we’ve gone too far with adding meats and veggies to your grilled cheese, dare we suggest, sauce on your grilled cheese? Our Ultimate Grilled Cheese includes an Apple Chutney that takes regular old cheddar on bread to the next level! A few mustards, jams and a homemade chutney for your guests to choose from is a nice touch!

6. A great bread to hold it all together

Great Grilled Cheese Challenge

Bread is what gives the sandwich the right “chew”. A fresh French bread, a seedy multigrain or even a country raisin loaf are all excellent selections.

7. Be prepared for some creativity and serious competition.. and sharing!

Grilled Cheese Challenge

Friends quickly become competitors when faced with a challenge such as this one! Cut the sandwiches into threes or fours, if the bread allows so that there’s enough to taste one another’s creations. A prize for the best? That’s up to you!

8. Create your signature side dish

A grilled cheese is only complete with its other half, soup! Make ahead a creamy tomato soup or another favourite recipe to complement the sandwiches. Don’t be surprised to see your guests dipping their sandwiches in the bowls! That’s what it’s for.

9. Learn how to make a great grilled cheese sandwich from Chef Afrim

Need a little inspiration to kick-start the party? Watch the live video from our event where Chef Afrim Pristine, maître fromager (Cheese Master), demonstrated to our group the foundations of making a great sandwich.

10. Eat together and celebrate!

Great Grilled Cheese ChallengeAs we often say, food tastes better with friends! Make this a time to laugh, share and enjoy one another’s company.

Eat well… Ellen!

Adapted from this post, April 2016.

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