The Toad&Co Annual Grilled Cheese Smackdown: A Definitive History

It's a battle of melty, cheesy goodness. It's a no holds barred event of epic (and carbo-loaded) proportions. It's the Toad&Co Annual Grilled Cheese Smackdown. Since 2013, The Toads (and Toad friends, family, and community members) have left it all on the griddle in the quest for first place (and The Golden Spatula award).

For inspiration from years past, check out this recap of sandwiches of yore. Pro tip: We don't recommend you continue reading on an empty stomach. 

The Eleventh Annual Grilled Cheese Smackdown (2023) - A little kick, a touch of sweet, bacon, and some really great sourdough. Meet "Sammie the Spicy Sailor".

The Tenth Annual Grilled Cheese Smackdown (2022) - We returned to hosting our event in-person, and the contest was elevated to new heights with the winning recipe: Topa Topa's Cheese Peak Grilled Cheese

The Ninth Annual Grilled Cheese Smackdown (2021) - Our second virtual winner brought us the Cheddar Than Goude Grilled Cheese from Toad fan CJ in Vermont

The Eighth Annual Grilled Cheese Smackdown (2020) - Our first ever virtual competition and the birth year of The Dracula Slayer (not for the faint of garlic breath)

The Seventh Annual Grilled Cheese Smackdown (2019) - Meet the Frankenfromage, the most gourmet grilled cheese this side west of the Mississippi

The Sixth Annual Griled Cheese Smackdown (2018) - Garlicky goodness and a Greece-inspired sando recipe made this Smackdown one for the ages

The Fifth Annual Grilled Cheese Smackdown (2017) - The Santa Barbara-inspired Fromage de la Riviera took the Golden Spatula, but you can also treat yourself to this En Fuego bonus recipe (warning: highly flammable)

The Fourth Annual Grilled Cheese Smackdown (2016) - After two intense heats, a masterpiece on a pretzel bun prevails

The Third Annual, Second Annual, and First Annual - The lost years. Bonus points for anyone who can locate the photos for these early competitions.