DIY Grilled Cheese Bar For The Super Bowl

Grilled cheese is pretty much the pinnacle of comfort food. But did you know that it could be turned into the most unique party food, with the help of some inventive toppings and a decked out station? Shane Kearns author of the the cookbook Melt: 100 Amazing Adventures in Grilled Cheese, shows us how we can serve grilled cheese sandwiches for dessert, stacked snacks and yes, even for a party. To learn how you can serve this flavorful, creative dish at your next Super Bowl party, check out Shane's tips here:

"A grilled cheese bar must have variety, allowing your guests to choose from the exotic to the comfortable while at the same time not overwhelming them."

Cheese:

• Three to four cheeses is the perfect amount to allow variety without over doing it
• Cheddar is gourmet while not being too exotic
• Blue cheese has a great tang
• Havarti is a great mild, creamy cheese that will satisfy the simple palate.
• Gruyere is a cheese that your guests may not be familiar with but are still willing to try

Bread:

A great mix of sliced breads will allow for your guest to find their favorite.

• Multigrain
• Rye
• Sourdough

Toppings:

The choices for toppings are endless. If you know your crowd's tastes, you can try and cater the ingredients to their palette or you can switch it up and include a few ingredients they might not have been expecting. Here are some suggestions...

• Tomatoes are traditional and a must at any grilled cheese bar. Heirloom tomatoes are an upgraded option. Other, similar options include avocados and sliced peppers
• Fruit are a great addition to any grilled cheese, including sliced apples, mango, and peaches
• Caramelized onions and sauteed mushrooms add great flavor
• To add a little kick, include sliced jalapeno and crushed red peppers
• Jams, aiolis (mayonnaise based sauces) and mustards are a great compliment to cheeses