This Grilled Swiss post has been sponsored by Finlandia as a part of its National Dairy Month campaign. All opinions expressed are my own.
The Ultimate Grilled Swiss Sandwich: A Gourmet Celebration with Finlandia Dairy
For many, the simple grilled cheese sandwich evokes nostalgic memories of childhood, a timeless comfort food that promises warmth and satisfaction. But what if we could elevate this beloved classic into an extraordinary culinary experience? My passion for cheese runs deep – it’s a staple in my daily diet, whether it’s a sprinkle of sharp Cheddar in an omelet, a creamy slice of Gouda on a hearty sandwich, or a satisfying piece of Swiss paired with crackers. So, when Finlandia, a brand I’ve long admired for its commitment to quality, invited me to celebrate National Dairy Month in June by highlighting their exceptional cheese and butter, I jumped at the chance to create something truly special.
Why This Grilled Swiss is Truly “Ultimate”
This isn’t just any grilled cheese; it’s an “Ultimate Grilled Swiss.” My philosophy is simple: if you’re going to indulge, do it right. This sandwich transforms the familiar into the phenomenal by layering rich flavors and textures that tantalize the palate. Imagine artisanal sourdough, perfectly crisp from luxurious butter, giving way to creamy, melt-in-your-mouth Swiss cheese. Then, a burst of juicy, sweet peaches, a peppery kick from fresh baby arugula, and finally, a generous slathering of my homemade Bacon Peach Jam – a masterful blend of sweet, salty, and smoky. It’s a symphony of flavors that feels both familiar and decadently new.
The Heart of the Sandwich: Premium Ingredients
Each component of this ultimate sandwich is carefully selected to contribute to a balanced and unforgettable taste. The harmony of these premium ingredients is what truly sets it apart:
- Artisanal Sourdough Bread: Not just any bread will do. The robust crust and chewy crumb of a good quality sourdough or country white bread provides the essential foundation. Its structure holds up beautifully to the generous fillings, ensuring each bite is satisfying without falling apart. The slight tang of sourdough also wonderfully complements the richness of the cheese and butter.
- Finlandia Imported Butter: The secret to a golden, crispy crust and rich flavor starts with exceptional butter. Finlandia’s imported butter is renowned for its higher fat content and exquisite creaminess, which browns beautifully and imparts an unparalleled depth to the bread. It’s the subtle touch that elevates the entire sandwich.
- Creamy Finlandia Swiss Cheese: A grilled Swiss sandwich demands a Swiss cheese that melts perfectly and offers a distinct, nutty flavor without being overpowering. Finlandia Swiss cheese fits this bill flawlessly, delivering a smooth, gooey texture and a mellow, slightly sweet taste that pairs wonderfully with the other vibrant fillings. Its consistent quality ensures a delightful melt every time.
- Sweet & Savory Bacon Peach Jam: This homemade Bacon Peach Jam is the unexpected star, a game-changer for grilled cheese. It introduces a complex layer of smoky bacon, sweet peaches, and savory undertones that cut through the richness of the cheese and butter. This jam adds a sophisticated, gourmet twist that makes the sandwich truly unique.
- Fresh Sliced Peaches: Adding thinly sliced fresh peaches brings a burst of bright, natural sweetness and a delicate juiciness. Their soft texture and fruity essence provide a refreshing contrast to the savory and creamy elements, making each bite an exciting discovery.
- Crisp Baby Arugula: A handful of fresh baby arugula introduces a peppery, slightly bitter note that perfectly balances the sweetness of the peaches and jam, and the richness of the cheese. It adds a crucial layer of freshness and a vibrant color, elevating the sandwich from heavy to perfectly balanced.
The Finlandia Difference: Quality You Can Taste
For me, the integrity of ingredients is paramount. Not only do superior ingredients deliver exceptional flavor, but knowing their source provides immense confidence when serving food to family and friends. Finlandia has been a trusted name in my kitchen for years, and for good reason. Their commitment to quality is evident in every bite of their dairy products.
What truly sets Finlandia apart is their dedication to traditional European dairy practices. Their cheeses and butter are all-natural, crafted from hormone-free milk sourced from cows raised on cherished family-owned farms in Finland. This meticulous approach ensures not only ethical sourcing but also results in dairy products of unparalleled taste and texture. The pristine Finnish environment, combined with generations of expertise, contributes to dairy products that are exceptionally flavorful and remarkably creamy. You can genuinely taste the difference in their fine European butter, which lends an incredible richness and crumb to baked goods. Their cheeses, including the exquisite Swiss, melt like an absolute dream, creating that perfect, gooey center every grilled cheese connoisseur desires.
Celebrating National Dairy Month is more than just appreciating delicious food; it’s about recognizing the hard work of dairy farmers and the wholesome goodness dairy brings to our tables. Finlandia exemplifies this celebration, offering products that are not only delicious but also reflect a tradition of quality and care. Using their butter and cheese in my kitchen elevates everyday meals into extraordinary experiences, making them the ideal choice for creating an “Ultimate” grilled cheese sandwich.
Mastering the Art of the Perfect Grilled Cheese
Creating an “ultimate” grilled cheese isn’t just about the ingredients; it’s also about technique. While seemingly simple, a few key steps can transform a good grilled cheese into a truly exceptional one. Here are my top tips for achieving grilled cheese perfection:
Choosing Your Bread Wisely
As mentioned, the bread is the foundation. For a sandwich as generously loaded as this Ultimate Grilled Swiss, a robust, heavier bread like artisanal sourdough or a hearty country white is crucial. These types of bread have enough structural integrity to hold the plentiful ingredients without becoming soggy or falling apart during grilling and eating. Avoid thin, soft sandwich bread, as it won’t provide the necessary support or texture for a gourmet experience.
The Gentle Heat Principle
Patience is a virtue when it comes to grilled cheese. The most common mistake is cooking at too high a heat. For best success, cook your sandwiches over a relatively low to medium-low flame. This slow, gentle heat allows the bread ample time to crisp up and toast to a beautiful golden brown, while simultaneously giving the cheese enough time to melt thoroughly and become wonderfully gooey throughout. Rushing the process often results in burnt bread with a still-cold or only partially melted interior.
The Art of the Press
To ensure even cooking, maximum melt, and a perfectly compact sandwich, a grill press is incredibly useful. It helps to compress the sandwich slightly, creating better contact with the pan and distributing heat more effectively. If you don’t have a dedicated grill press, don’t worry! You can easily improvise by gently pressing down on the sandwich with a spatula or using a heavy, oven-safe plate weighted with a canned good. This simple step contributes significantly to that satisfying, uniformly golden crust and perfectly melted cheese.
Ingredient Proportions and Assembly
The quantity of ingredients will naturally vary depending on the size and thickness of your chosen bread slices. For the sandwiches pictured here, I used a standard boule, which provides ample surface area for layering. Make sure to spread the Finlandia butter generously and evenly on the outside of each slice for optimal crispness, and the Bacon Peach Jam on the inside. When layering, distribute the cheese, peaches, and arugula evenly to ensure every bite offers the full spectrum of flavors. Thoughtful assembly is key to a cohesive and delightful sandwich experience.
Celebrate National Dairy Month with Flavor
Butter and cheese are a truly iconic duo, especially worth celebrating during National Dairy Month! This Ultimate Grilled Swiss sandwich is more than just a meal; it’s an experience – a delicious tribute to quality dairy and the joy of gourmet comfort food. I encourage you to try this recipe and discover the incredible difference that premium ingredients like Finlandia cheese and butter can make. What are your own favorite grilled cheese creations or dream flavor combinations? I’d love to hear about them and get inspired by your culinary adventures in the comments below!
Ultimate Grilled Swiss with Bacon Peach Jam
Ingredients
- 4 slices artisanal sourdough or country white bread
- 2 tablespoons Finlandia butter (salted or unsalted), softened
- ½ cup Bacon Peach Jam
- 6 slices Finlandia Swiss cheese
- ½ fresh peach , thinly sliced
- ½ cup baby arugula leaves
Instructions
- Spread one side of each slice of bread with butter. Spread each unbuttered side with about 2 tablespoons bacon jam. Layer sandwich with 1-1/2 slices swiss cheese, followed by half of the peach slices, half of the baby arugula leaves, and another 1-1/2 slices of cheese, and a second piece of the prepared bread. Repeat with remaining ingredients to assemble second sandwich.
- Cook sandwiches in a nonstick pan or griddle over medium-low heat until bread is golden and cheese is melted, pressing the sandwich with a spatula or grill press as it cooks. Serve immediately.
Notes
Nutrition Estimate
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Please note that our recipes have been developed using the US Customary measurement system and have not been tested for high altitude/elevation cooking and baking.
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