Grilled cheese doesn't have to stay in the kids' menu category. Swap the American singles for creamy Legacy Blend, layer in smoky bacon and peppery arugula, and finish it off with a swipe of Door County cherry preserves, and you've got a sandwich that tastes like a trip to Wisconsin's cherry orchards. This isn't your average lunchbox staple—it's an elevated, restaurant-worthy bite you can pull together in your own kitchen.
If you love a good foodie challenge (or you're just looking for a new way to enjoy your favorite artisan cheese), this recipe checks every box: sweet, savory, smoky, and just a little bit fancy
What makes Door County cherries and Legacy Blend cheese such a good pairing?
The short answer: the bright, tart-sweet flavor of Door County cherries cuts through the richness of Legacy Blend’s Cheddar and Gouda, creating a bite that's balanced instead of heavy.
Door County is often called the “Cherry Capital of the Midwest,” and if you've ever driven along the peninsula in early summer, you already know why. The region's unique growing conditions—positioned halfway between the equator and the North Pole, with cool Lake Michigan breezes and limestone-rich soil—produce cherries with a distinctive tang that can’t be replicated anywhere else. It's the kind of place that belongs on any food lover's travel list, right alongside its acres of orchards, charming small towns, and lakeside views.
Legacy Blend cheese brings the creamy, meltable counterpart this sandwich needs. Its rich flavor holds its own against the sweetness of the preserves without overpowering it, and it melts into that gooey, stretchy texture that makes a grilled cheese worth every napkin you'll need afterward.
What makes artisan cheese worth the splurge?
Artisan cheese delivers a depth of flavor and craftsmanship you simply won't find in mass-produced options, and choosing it means supporting the small businesses and local farmers who make it possible.
When cheese is handcrafted in small batches using traditional methods, it shows in the final product. Artisan cheesemakers pay close attention to every step of the process, from the quality of the milk to the aging conditions, resulting in a cheese with more complexity and character than something churned out on a massive production line. That's the difference you're tasting when Legacy Blend melts into this sandwich—it's not just cheese, it's a product of hard work and care made with every vat.
When you buy from small, local cheesemakers and food producers, you’re supporting Wisconsin dairy farmers, regional orchards, and the communities that depend on them. It's a small choice that has a real impact, whether you're stocking your fridge at home or picking up a snack on a trip through Door County. For food lovers who care about where their meals come from, that connection between plate and place is part of what makes cooking (and eating) so satisfying.
What ingredients do you need for this grilled cheese?
Here's everything you'll need to bring this sandwich together:
● 4 slices thick-cut sourdough
● Butter, softened
● 2 cups shredded Legacy Blend cheese
● 4 slices applewood smoked bacon, cooked
● 6 tablespoons Door County cherry preserves
● 1 cup baby arugula
A few notes on why these ingredients matter: thick-cut sourdough gives you a sturdy base that can hold up to the cheese and toppings without getting soggy. Applewood smoked bacon adds a smoky depth that plays well against the fruitiness of the preserves, and baby arugula brings a peppery bite that keeps the sandwich from feeling too rich. If you don't have Legacy Blend on hand, a good melting cheese like Havarti or a mild cheddar can work in a pinch, though you'll be missing out on that signature flavor.
How do you make the Legacy Cherry Grilled Cheese?
The short version: butter your bread, layer on the cherry preserves and cheese, grill until golden, then finish with bacon and arugula.
Here's the full breakdown:
1. Butter the outside of each slice of bread.
2. Spread 2-3 tablespoons of Door County cherry preserves inside the bread layer.
3. Add cheese to both sides and grill open faced until melted.
4. Add bacon and arugula between the bread slices.
5. Grill over medium-low heat until both sides are golden brown and the cheese is fully melted.
Chef's Tip: Adding the preserves after grilling keeps the bread crisp while preserving the bright cherry flavor. If you're layering the preserves before grilling, keep the heat at medium-low so the sugars in the preserves don't scorch before the cheese has a chance to fully melt.
What should you serve with this grilled cheese?
A few pairings that round out the meal nicely:
● A cup of tomato soup for the classic (but elevated) grilled cheese combo
● A crisp hard cider or dry white wine, which complements the cherry preserves without competing with them
● A simple arugula salad with a light vinaigrette, echoing the peppery greens already in the sandwich
Any of these will turn this grilled cheese from a quick lunch into a full, satisfying spread—perfect for a summer afternoon on the porch or a casual dinner with friends.
Bring home a little bit of Door County
This Legacy Cherry Grilled Cheese is proof that a few thoughtful ingredients—good bread, great cheese, and a jar of local preserves—can turn a simple sandwich into something magnificent. It's a recipe that celebrates Wisconsin's artisan food scene, from the orchards of Door County to the local cheesemakers behind every block of Legacy Blend.
Ready to make it yourself? Stock up on Legacy Blend cheese and Door County cherry preserves, or better yet, plan a trip to Door County to taste the source firsthand. Either way, your next grilled cheese is about to get a serious upgrade.
