Melted hearts, golden crusts, and a whole lot of goodness

There are few things in life as universally loved as a grilled cheese. It’s comfort. It’s nostalgia. It’s a little crispy, a little gooey, and always a crowd-pleaser.

Now imagine that… times fourteen.

Our 14th Annual Grilled Cheese Smackdown brought together local friends, family, and community partners for an evening of melty magic – all in the name of doing some good. Between raffle prizes, generous donations, and a whole lot of community spirit, we raised funds for our local partners Organic Soup Kitchen. Not bad for an event that's mostly about bread and cheese (okay, and bragging rights). 

This Year’s Winners

Every year, the competition gets a little sharper (cheddar?) – and this year was no exception.

First Place – The Golden Spatula Award: Wilderness Youth Project

Taking home top honors, our friends (and neighbors) at Wilderness Youth Project wowed judges with their Acorn Focaccia Melt with Wild Pesto – a true celebration of local ingredients and creativity. WYP connects kids to nature through outdoor programs and mentorship, helping build confidence, curiosity, and a lifelong love of the natural world.

People’s Choice Award – Freedom 4 Youth

With a crowd-favorite sandwich, the P, B, and C, Freedom 4 Youth stole the show – and the hearts (and stomachs) of attendees. Their work focuses on empowering local youth impacted by the justice system through mentorship, education, and life skills – helping build safer, more compassionate communities.

Most Sustainable – Alpha Resource Center

Alpha Resource Center’s Grate Expectations lived up to its name. From homemade bread and cheese to an immersive, storytelling-forward setup, they reminded us that sustainability can be as thoughtful as it is delicious. Their organization supports individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities by creating opportunities, supporting families, and fostering a strong sense of belonging in the community.

Best Looking – Sanctuary Centers

Serving up The Big Cheesy, Sanctuary Centers delivered a sandwich that looked almost too good to eat. (Almost.) For nearly 50 years, they’ve provided comprehensive mental health and supportive services – helping individuals build stability, independence, and connection within the community. 

The Golden Spatula Winner: Winning Recipe

Wilderness Youth Project’s winning sandwich was a love letter to the land:

• Acorn focaccia made with locally harvested acorn flour
• Wild pesto featuring foraged sour grass and bay leaves
• Goat cheese, jack cheese, and sun-dried tomatoes
• Finished with a drizzle of honey and a sprinkle of sea salt

It was earthy, unexpected, and wildly good.

Feeling inspired? You can make your own version of their wild pesto at home – flexible, forgiving, and perfect for whatever you’ve got on hand:

• Something green – spinach, kale, basil
• Something chunky – sunflower seeds, pine nuts, cashews (optional)
• Something cheesy – nutritional yeast or Parmesan
• Something oily – olive oil
• Something acidic – lemon or vinegar

And the sides... because no grilled cheese is complete without a little something extra:

• Locally harvested hummingbird sage tea, sweetened with agave
• Roasted tomato chile de árbol salsa

Simple, seasonal, and just the right amount of special.

At the end of the day, this event is about more than perfectly toasted bread or perfectly melted cheese (though we take both very seriously). It’s about showing up for each other, celebrating the work our community partners do, and finding small, joyful ways to give back.

Same time next year? We’ll bring the bread.

For Smackdowns of years past, check out the Toad&Co Grilled Cheese Smackdown: A Definitive History.