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A Grilled Cheese Bar is so easy to put together and your guests will love creating their own grilled cheese sandwich.
I love a party where your guests help with the cooking. A Waffle Bar is another fun party idea or have your guests make their own crepes with this Crepe Bar idea. Build your own Nachos Bar is another fun party idea.
If you are looking for an easy dinner party idea, a Grilled Cheese Bar is the way to go. All you have to do is gather the ingredients and then let your guests go to work creating their own combinations and cooking their own food!
The key to success is variety! I put together a fun assortment of ingredients and then let my guests create.
Grilled Cheese Bar Ingredients
- Cheese
- Bread
- Meat
- Condiments
- Add ons
What Kind of Cheese Do I Use for Grilled Cheese?
We had a selection of six different kinds of cheese. I sliced the cheese to make it easy for them to grab.
- Smoked cheddar
- Havarti
- Brie
- Colby Jack
- Pepper Jack
I rolled out some butcher paper onto the table and placed the cheese right on the paper. Then I just labeled each type of cheese with a marker. So easy and fun.
Bread for Grilled Cheese Sandwich
Having a selection of different breads makes it fun. We went with sourdough, herbed focaccia and ciabatta.
Meat for Grilled Cheese Sandwich
- Turkey
- Ham
- Roast Beef
- Pepperoni
- Prosciutto
Grilled Cheese Condiments
I picked up all of the condiments from Trader Joes.
- BBQ Sauce
- Dijon Mustard
- Pesto Mayo
- Aioli Garlic Mustard Sauce
- Cranberry Apple Sauce
Grilled Cheese Add Ons
- Potato Chips – yes, they are amazing on a grilled cheese sandwich.
- Caramelized onions
- Roasted red peppers
- Black Olives
- Spinach
- Tomatoes
- Apple Slices
- Red Onions
The fun part was just seeing all the fun combinations that people put together.
How to Create a Grilled Cheese Party
I had two panini grills lined up, heated and ready to go. I also had some olive oil and a brush that they could give the bread a nice little coating before putting it on the grill. If you don’t have a panini grill you could use a frying pan, an electric skillet or griddle. Whatever you normally cook your grilled cheese sandwich in.
I think this may have been one of the easiest dinner parties I have ever done. Once I had all the ingredients assembled I was finished. The guests did the rest of the work and made their own dinner.
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Stephanie Woods says
I was just wondering where you got all your supplies from? A local grocer store or a chain? Thanks! Your setup is wonderful!
Leigh Anne says
Just my local grocery store. I usually shop at Winco.
Sheffield MacIntyre says
Just did this for a lunch event at our store, Back In Style. It was perfect! The grilled cheese bar facilitated interaction betwen customers so they got to know each other. It works when people are coming and going, as the sandwhich is always “hot and fresh”. It isn’t messy, and doesn’t need cutlery. A easy, yet festive way to make a special occasion meal! Thank you!
Leigh Anne says
So glad the idea worked well for you. Having people make their own food is always a great way to get people talking and interacting!
Kim says
I just stumbled on this on Pinterest. I am planning my wedding, and I already know I am getting catered BBQ for the reception. I need something informal (as to not show up my reception food) for the rehearsal dinner, yet delicious, and I think this might be it! I’m having a winter party too, so I could pair this with soups to make an extra cozy rehearsal meal!
Leigh Anne says
I think a Grilled Cheese Party would be a super fun idea for a rehearsal dinner and easy too. People have so much fun making their own sandwich and it gets people talking and visiting. Finding out what combos everyone is putting together. Good luck!
Katie @ Little Becky Homecky says
What an awesome idea!! This is amazing! Thanks for linking it up to Fantabulous Friday @ Little Becky Homecky!!
Tara B says
So cute. I shouldn’t read your blog late at night – it always makes me want a midnight snack!!