April 12th is National Grilled Cheese Day! Grilled cheese is an all-time favorite comfort food and the possibilities are endless. Not only is grilled cheese delicious, but also nutritious!
Cheese can be part of a healthy diet and provides your body with a variety of nutrients. Cheese is especially high in calcium, an essential nutrient that is necessary for bone health and nerve function. Cheese is also high in protein, which not only supports your muscles, but also helps restore and repair damaged cells.
If you’re sensitive to lactose, good news! You can still enjoy most natural cheeses. Many lactose intolerant individuals have little to no symptoms when consuming hard aged cheeses like parmesan, Colby jack, cheddar and Swiss cheese because they are all low in lactose.
Let’s get creative with different cheeses and delicious toppings. Grab two slices of bread and try these 5 mouthwatering grilled cheese favorites. Happy grilling!
- Fig and Balsamic Glaze: Stuff two pieces of whole grain seed bread with provolone or Swiss cheese then add sliced figs and drizzle with balsamic glaze.
- Ricotta and Garlic: Spread one clove of garlic between two pieces of sourdough bread. Add mozzarella, ricotta and parmesan cheese!
- French Onion: First, sauté chopped onions until caramelized. Then, spread gruyere cheese on brioche bread and top with the caramelized onions
- Chicken Nacho: Mix shredded chicken, hot sauce, diced jalapeño peppers, diced onion and salsa in a bowl with shredded cheddar cheese. Put the mixture on Ciabatta bread and top it off with crushed tortilla chips and more shredded cheese.
- “That’s my Jam” Breakfast: Spread your favorite 100% fruit jam on top of sourdough bread then load it up with cheddar cheese, cooked bacon or ham, and two eggs however you like them (scrambled, over easy, etc.)!
