Cheese please!! When Président Cheese approached me about reinventing a classic cheese dish for their new digital showcase “Art of Cheese“, I jumped at the chance to host a Grilled Cheese party. I’ve been wanting to plan a party like this for a while, so it was fun to actually make it happen. My friend Andrea came up with 4 easy grilled cheese recipes that we served to our guests. But, it would also be fun to mix and match the toppings and cheeses and get creative with the recipes! For more fun recipes and entertaining ideas, make sure you check out the Art of Cheese website. Right now they’re hosting a special Pinterest Sweepstakes where you could win $50 worth of their cheese varieties. What’s your favorite kind of grilled cheese sandwich?

Manchego Grilled Cheese with Fig and Olive Salad – Inspired by the amazing mix of flavors that make up Spanish tapas, starring the ultimate Spanish cheese. 

Step 1: Start with two slices of sturdy bread, such as french or sourdough. Spread one slice with fig jam (optional). Grate Président Manchego cheese and carefully pile on top. Butter outside of sandwich.
Step 2: Heat a grill pan to medium heat. Cook on each side until golden brown and cheese is melted.
Step 3: Top with olive tapenade (often available fresh in the refrigerated section next to good cheeses, or jarred in the olive aisle), and a few thin slices of red onion. Also try with serrano ham!

Brie Grilled Cheese with Pears and Salted Caramel – The most decadent grilled cheese sandwich ever.

Step 1: Slice Président Brie Round and arrange between two slices of sturdy bread, such as french or sourdough. Butter outside of sandwich.
Step 2: Heat a grill pan to medium heat. Cook on each side until golden brown and cheese is melted.
Step 3: Top with chopped fresh, ripe pears and drizzle with salted caramel sauce. The pears are also excellent cooked inside the sandwich. Or try with apples!

Creamy Pepper Grilled Cheese with Jalapenos and Bacon – A surprise favorite, creamy and crispy and bursting with flavor. And addictive like it’s cousin, the jalapeno popper.

Step 1: Spread two slices of sturdy bread, such as french or sourdough, with a thick layer of Président Pepper Medley Gourmet Cheese. Butter outside of sandwich.
Step 2: Heat a grill pan to medium heat. Cook on each side until golden brown and cheese is warm and slightly melty.
Step 3: Top with chopped crispy bacon and a few slices of roasted jalapenos (see below) or jarred pickled jalapenos. Also excellent with the jalapenos and bacon cooked inside the sandwich.

Roasted jalapenos: Slice jalapenos in half lengthwise. Carefully remove seeds with a sharp knife, avoiding skin contact if possible. Place slices face down on a baking sheet. Roast in a 400 degree oven for 12-15 minutes, until softened and skin has started to brown. Allow to cool and remove the skin.

Camembert Grilled Cheese with Strawberries and Balsamic Vinegar – The sweet and tart flavors make for a simple and sophisticated springtime twist on the sweet and tart of ketchup. An instant classic!

Step 1: Slice Président Camembert Round and arrange between two slices of sturdy bread, such as french or sourdough. Butter outside of sandwich.
Step 2: Heat a grill pan to medium heat. Cook on each side until golden brown and cheese is melted.
Step 3: Top with fresh chopped strawberries and drizzle with balsamic vinegar. Also excellent with brie!

This post is sponsored by Président Cheese. Visit ArtofCheese.com to get more recipes and entertaining ideas & to enter the Pinterest Cheese Discovery Dollars sweepstakes! 

Photos by Ashley Batz for Oh Happy Day
Food by Andrea Pimental
Styling by Alison Piepmeyer