of Canadian consumers say cheese quality is important in creating a good sandwich1. Make sure you menu the best.
Canadians love their grilled cheese sandwiches—they’re familiar, dependable and craveable. They also love discovering new versions that incorporate modern flavour combinations among the cheesy goodness. Look to the proliferation of single-focus grilled cheese concepts popping up across the country, such as MELT"wich" Food Co. and Gorilla Cheese. Bold, fun flavour combinations are the order of the day.
by this hot foodservice trend with delicious takes on the iconic grilled cheese.
Habanero and harissa are two of the fastest growing flavours on menus2.
Comfort sandwiches starring
slow-cooked meats are on trend today1.
Menu differentiation is crucial for chicken dishes due to their high prevalence—consumers eat more chicken than any other protein3.
Menu mentions of “vegetarian” are up 25% in the last four years4.
We tapped our grilled cheese experts at the Kraft Heinz Culinary Centre for ideas on which cheeses work best with different modern builds.
sandwich | cheese | plus 1 | plus 2 | plus 3 |
---|---|---|---|---|
Ham & Cheddar | Cracker Barrel Mild Cheddar Slice | ham | tomato | Kraft Thousand Island Dressing |
Creamy Jalapeño | Kraft Singles | bacon | jalapeño peppers | Philadelphia Cream Cheese |
Kimchi Pulled Pork | Kraft Tex Mex Shreds | pulled pork | kimchi | Richardson Ultimate Barbecue Korean |
Pizza-Style | Casino Mozzarella Slice | pepperoni | basil | Escalon Allegro Classic Italian Pizza Sauces |
Seriously Spicy | Kraft Habanero Heat Slice | bacon | shaved brussels sprouts | Richardson Ultimate Sriracha Sauce |
Philly-Style | Kraft Provolone Slice | shaved steak | sautéed peppers and onions | Kraft Cheez Whiz |
California Dreamin’ | Cracker Barrel Mild Cheddar Slice | bacon | tomato | mashed avocado |
Brie & Strawberry | brie cheese | sliced strawberries | fresh mint | Kraft Pure Strawberry Jam with Pectin |
Buffalo Chicken | Kraft Monterey Jack Slice | grilled chicken | tomato | Richardson Ultimate Medium Wing Sauce |
Sunday Supper | Casino Swiss Slice | sautéed mushrooms | caramelized onions | horseradish mayo |
This Grilled Cheese & Tomato Soup Appetizer is perfect on your snacks or appetizer menu, or right at home for catered events.
Across Canada, chefs are showcasing the glory of grilled cheese, calling on high-impact ingredients to elevate this classic to premium status.
Chicken ClubMozzarella, herb and garlic cream cheese, crispy chicken, bacon, chipotle aïoli, spinach and herbed tomato | MELT"wich" Food Co., multiple locations |
Yes Ma’amMac & cheese and American cheese on sourdough bread | Hi-Five, Vancouver |
The CartelHousemade guacamole and corn, roasted chicken, banana peppers and jalapeño Havarti | Cut the Cheese, Toronto |
Little Kay’s Favourite Grilled Cheese SandwichGrilled sourdough with apple-tomato relish, | Mildred’s Temple Kitchen, Toronto |
1 Technomic 2016 Canadian Sandwich Consumer Trend 2 Technomic 2015 Canadian Flavour Consumer Trend Report 3 2015 Technomic Inc.; Canadian Centre of the Plate Consumer Trend Report 4 Technomic 2016 Canadian Foodservice Digest