For simple get-togethers, “bars” are an easy solution for food. You set out the ingredients for a meal, and then everyone can create their own, personalized recipe. This can be done with a variety of different foods (see our Tostada Bar, Waffle Bar, and Hot Chocolate Bar!) Since April 12 is National Grilled Cheese Day, today we’re partnering up with Arla cheese to create a Grilled Cheese Bar.

For this party, we purchased a variety of fresh-baked breads, meats, cheese and toppings (parsley, red onion, basil, jalapenos, bell peppers, pickles, garlic paste, tomatoes, and avocado). After building their own sandwiches, everyone topped the bread off with butter or oil and added it to a big frying pan. Another option is using one or two panini makers.

For cheese, we used 4 kinds of Arla slices: Havarti, Gouda, Fontina and Muenster.  It doesn’t have any artificial flavors or preservatives but it still tastes great and melts perfectly on sandwiches. Arla is an awesome farm-to-fridge dairy that’s been operating for more than 100 years in Kaukauna, Wisconsin.

The winning sandwich combination of the day was Havarti, garlic paste, tomatoes and basil. (You should try it! Yum.)

This post is sponsored by Arla: Simply Better. 

Styling by Amy Moss