Grilled Cheese and Wine: A Match Made in Heaven

May 25th 2018

Is there anything more blissful than a grilled cheese sandwich? Try pairing it with wine and you’ll have found the ultimate sweet spot that puts you smack in the middle of your happiest childhood memories and that feeling when you pay your bills on time and still have plenty of money to burn.

But just as you know that wine comes in many varieties, so too does grilled cheese. In its most basic form, it consists of crisp, buttery pan-fried bread with American cheese oozing at its core. Thankfully, with the whole foodie revolution that brought kids’ classics like grilled cheese into fancier territory with new breads, cheeses, and toppings, this iconic sandwich is no longer seen as basic comfort food, but next-level indulgence.

So, now that your mouth is watering for a grilled cheese, here are some tips for pairing your grilled cheese creation with the right wine.

1. Chardonnay never fails

A full-bodied white wine like your favorite Chardonnay is always a winner with any grilled cheese creation you dream up. It just plays well with the buttery exterior of the bread. So whether you go basic with American or cheddar cheese inside, or you go over the top with bacon, avocado, tomatoes, and Havarti, Chardonnay is a good go-to choice.

2. Bubbles are fun too

Another choice that can do no wrong is popping open a bottle of bubbly. It is the secret you should tuck into your pocket for serving wine and cheese boards too. It goes magnificently with any cheese, any sandwich, or anything really. Plus, it makes any occasion feel extra indulgent.

3. Pair spicy with sweet

Do you love to use Pepper Jack or spicy cheeses to make your grilled cheese? That little bit of heat gives it a delightful extra kick. Serving it with a slightly sweet offering such as Moscato or Riesling is a beautiful choice. The contrast of the bold pepper flavors with the sweetness are angelic for the taste buds.

4. Go green and go lighter

For a truly grown-up twist on grilled cheese, many people find adding pesto or arugula gives it a more elegant feel. Plus, you get your vegetables in and no one can complain about that. The addition of greens though means that something more light-bodied is in order that’s a little bit acidic to work with it such as a Pinot Grigio or a Sauvignon Blanc.

5. Go darker with meats

If you’re adding meats to your grilled cheese, like a ham and cheese, turkey and cheese, or something with everyone’s favorite of bacon, a light-bodied or even medium-bodied red with some acidity is sublime. Try a Merlot or a Pinot Noir with those.

Now that you’re craving grilled cheese, fry up a few varieties of them in your skillet and invite you friends over for a grilled cheese and wine tasting!