Borden Cheese has announced its 2026 Grilled Cheese of the Year, the Protein Powerhouse, a sandwich designed to deliver a functional upgrade to the classic comfort food. Featuring a dual-cheese combo of mild cheddar and mozzarella melts, the sandwich includes 5 ounces of sliced chicken breast and a tangy Greek yogurt-Dijon mustard sauce, providing more than 40 grams of protein and about 8 grams of fiber when paired with the right bread. The announcement comes as part of National Grilled Cheese Day celebrations, with recipes available at BordenCheese.com/grilled-cheese-day.
In addition to the Protein Powerhouse, Borden Cheese revealed that The Classic, a straightforward combination of extra sharp melts and American singles on white bread, was voted America's Favorite Grilled Cheese by 20,000 fans. The company emphasized that despite modern trends, nostalgia remains a powerful force in food preferences, and The Classic represents a pure, ooey-gooey bite that highlights the cheese as the star ingredient.
The Protein Powerhouse recipe includes butter, bread fortified with protein and fiber, Borden Mild Cheddar Slices, Mozzarella Melts, and sliced chicken breast. The sauce is made from non-fat Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. The sandwich is cooked on a griddle until golden and crispy, then sliced and drizzled with the sauce. The Classic recipe uses butter, white bread, Borden Extra Sharp Melts, and American Singles, cooked similarly.
These recipes reflect Borden's strategy to cater to both health-conscious consumers and those seeking comfort food. The Protein Powerhouse addresses the growing demand for high-protein, functional foods, while The Classic leverages nostalgia to maintain brand loyalty. The dual approach could help Borden capture a wider market segment in the competitive cheese and sandwich industry.
