The Fall Bread Swap For Grilled Cheese With An Irresistible Sweetness

A classic comfort food lineup is never as good without a classic ultimate grilled cheese sandwich. It's got just about everything you could want — familiarity, nostalgia, and an abundance of cheesy goodness. Now imagine all this magic laced with the cozy essence of fall, melting decadently onto the taste buds. That is one remarkable way to get into the seasonal spirit.

Usually, a few sprinkles of warm fall spices are enough to make this happen, but why stop there when you can easily take it to the next level? Just swap out the bread you always use with pumpkin bread, and there you have it — a delightful fall treat and beloved comfort food rolled into one. There's no better company for a pumpkin spice latte, a creamy pumpkin soup, or just whenever you're craving the kind of sweetness that only fall possesses.

Of course, you probably still have some doubts since pumpkin bread, after all, is a quick bread and is quite soft and moist. On its own, it's quite a delightful munch, but it might make for a soggy or unsturdy grilled sandwich. Not to worry; we're talking about yeasted pumpkin bread here instead of the quick bread version. It's made pretty much the same way as regular sandwich bread, but pumpkin purée is included in the dough. What comes out of the oven is a golden loaf of bread, redolent of fall and ready to make your grilled cheese sandwich better.

The bread doesn't usually offer much flavor when it comes to grilled cheese sandwiches. There might be a mild hint of tanginess hidden underneath, but more often than not, it's the cheese that prevails. Pumpkin bread, however, is never one to shy away from the spotlight. Its earthy, sweet base can elevate any ordinary sandwich, and with grilled cheese in particular, the allure is only heightened by the cheese's richness. The tangy and sweet notes seamlessly meld into one another, bringing fall straight to your senses through the indulgent coziness typical of grilled cheese.

Between each bite, you'll also notice fall spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves peeking through. There's a subtle aroma to go along with the sandwich's freshly grilled, buttery scent. Without overwhelming the main flavor profile, they still impart warmth and a woodsy, slightly citrusy undertone that makes the dish much more nuanced and exciting.

This flavor marvel is only amplified when combined with the textures. The bread is crispy yet slightly tender, perfectly contrasted by the melted cheese oozing out. As you're sinking your teeth into the sandwich and tasting all these elements coming together, it's pure heaven for the palate.

Just in case a bread swap still isn't enough to satisfy the craving, there are quite a few other ways to elevate the fall elements in your grilled cheese sandwich. Perhaps consider serving it with a creamy bowl of pumpkin soup on the side. Pumpkin butter can also be incorporated into the recipe. A simple spread on the bread can be a great way to fully infuse the cheese with the vegetable's signature taste, neatly tying everything together. 

Since the sandwich already has pumpkin bread, it's only fitting that other squash are included as well. Winter squash, whether we're talking kabocha, butternut, or other varieties, makes perfect sense for this dish. It already shares a tone similar to the bread, plus a thick texture that makes each bite much more satisfying. Stuff the roasted slices between cheesy layers or spread the purée onto the bread; the choice is yours.

Other seasonal harvests are also welcomed to the grilled cheese party. Stick with figs and dates if you want a deep sweetness. Apple, as we've learned with our cheddar and apple grilled cheese sandwich recipe, brings little tart hints that go very well with the bold, rich cheese. The same can also be said for cranberries, plums, and pears. You can even caramelize the fruits beforehand for a more intense taste.