Grilled Cheese and Wine Pairings

Today is National Grilled Cheese Day, and what better way to celebrate than by whipping up a gooey, toasty sandwich and pairing it with a delicious glass of wine? If you’re not sure what varietal to pair with your grilled cheese, we’ve got you covered. Here is a list of some of our favorite grilled cheese and wine pairings that you can make in no time at all!

Gruyere & Caramelized Onion Grilled Cheese Paired with Sauvignon Blanc

The combination of sweet, caramelized onions with nutty gruyere and a fruity Sauvignon Blanc is a match made in heaven! This medium-bodied, fruit forward wine melds perfectly with with a semi-aged, medium to hard cheese like gruyere.

Here’s how to make it: First, caramelize onions by heating a dab of butter in a pan on medium high heat. Add onion slices and stir until golden brown. Get two slices of your bread of choice and butter one side of each. Heat up a nonstick skillet to medium, then and add a tablespoon of butter and a touch of cooking spray to prevent sticking. Place a slice of bread, butter side down, onto the skillet and add your gruyere, caramelized onions, and a slice of pickle (optional) to your grilled cheese. Place the remaining bread slice on top. Press the sandwich with a spatula and heat until brown and toasted. Flip halfway through and repeat on the other side. Open a bottle of Sauv Blanc, pour it into a glass and enjoy!

(Photo: Food & Wine)

Pear & Havarti Grilled Cheese Paired with Pinot Noir

A light-bodied but fruit forward Pinot Noir is the perfect compliment to a creamy and smooth cheese like havarti. The velvety texture of our Carneros Pinot Noir with hints of dried berries and redwood will go excellent with a havarti grilled cheese.

Here’s how to make it: Cut a pear into thin slices and toss with a teaspoon of honey. Sear in a pan for a couple minutes to soften the pear and caramelize the fruit just a touch. Spread butter onto your bread slices and add a teaspoon of dijon mustard to one. Place in a nonstick skillet over medium heat and add your sliced pears, havarti, and a bit of salt and pepper. Place the remaining bread slice on top and grill to perfection. Pop the pinot and dig in!

(Photo: Will Cook For Smiles)

Fig & Brie Grilled Cheese Paired with Chardonnay

A creamy and nutty cheese like brie is an excellent match for a medium-bodied, fruit forward white wine like our California Chardonnay. With notes of butterscotch, vanilla, and toffee, our chardonnay will merry beautifully with a rich brie grilled cheese.

Here’s how to make it: Cut some French bread ½ thick at a diagonal and add butter to one side of each slice. Spread a layer of fig jam on one slice of bread and set aside. Heat up your skillet and add your bread, butter side down, with a slice of brie and a sprinkle of fresh rosemary. Add your remaining slice of bread with fig jam and grill until toasty on each side. Open up your chardonnay, kick back, and savor every delicious bite!

(Photo: McCormick Recipes)

We hope you appreciate these ooey gooey grilled cheese and wine pairings that we’ve put together! If you happen to whip up one of these recipes, be sure to snap a photo and tag ONEHOPE for a chance to be featured on our page!

Cheers!

ONEHOPE