Last Updated on March 12, 2026 by Daily News Staff

Grilled cheese is one of those rare foods that feels universal: it’s quick, comforting, kid-friendly, and endlessly customizable. You can argue bread (sourdough vs. white), spreads (butter vs. mayo), and fillings (tomato? bacon? pickles?), but there’s one truth most grilled-cheese fans agree on: the cheese is what makes the sandwich.

That’s the idea behind Borden® Cheese’s newest national campaign — a nationwide search to crown “America’s Favorite Grilled Cheese.” And yes, there’s a delicious incentive: every vote is also an entry for a chance to win free Borden Cheese for a year (plus kitchen supplies to keep the melt-magic going).

How the “America’s Favorite Grilled Cheese” vote works

From now through March 24, 2026, fans can head to WinFreeBordenCheese.com to vote for one of four grilled cheese contenders.

Here’s the fun part: each vote doubles as a sweepstakes entry for the grand prize — a full year’s supply of Borden Cheese and kitchen supplies.

Borden is also offering 100 instant-win swag packs, which include Borden coupons and branded merch designed to “level up” your sandwich game.

This campaign is also the kickoff to a bigger series of sandwich celebrations leading up to National Grilled Cheese Day on April 12, 2026.

Meet the contenders: four very different takes on grilled cheese

Borden isn’t just putting one “standard” grilled cheese up against another. The four options are meant to represent a range — from classic comfort to trend-driven flavor combos.

1) The Classic

The timeless, ooey-gooey grilled cheese built with Borden American and Extra Sharp Melts on buttery white bread.

If you’re a purist, this is the lane.

2) The Spicy Big Dill

Pickles are having a moment in 2026, and this sandwich leans all the way in: Borden American Singlesand Provolone Slices paired with hot and spicy dill pickles, whipped cream cheese, and ranch seasoning.

Advertisement

It’s tangy, spicy, creamy, crunchy — and built for trend-watchers.

3) The Crispy Onion & BBQ

A savory, texture-forward option featuring Borden Swiss Slices, crispy fried onion strings, and a tangy BBQ sauce kick.

If you like your grilled cheese with a little “cookout energy,” this one’s calling.

4) The Mad Scientist

This is the wildcard: a grilled cheese where the bread is replaced with cheesy waffles, filled with “cheese upon cheese.”

It’s playful, over-the-top, and basically designed for anyone who believes moderation is overrated.

The bigger tease: “Borden’s Grilled Cheese of the Year”

While the public vote will determine “America’s Favorite Grilled Cheese,” Borden is also building anticipation for something else: its first-ever “Grilled Cheese of the Year.”

The brand says the final recipe will be informed by culinary trends, consumer cravings, and — of course — cheese, but the details are still under wraps. The reveal is expected as part of the lead-up to National Grilled Cheese Day (April 12).

In other words: the vote is the appetizer.

Why Borden is leaning into grilled cheese right now

Borden® Cheese has long positioned itself as a family-friendly staple — made with real milk and owned by American dairy farm families. With more than 25 distinct flavors and types, the brand is using this campaign to remind shoppers that grilled cheese isn’t just a childhood throwback; it’s a flexible, modern comfort food that can move with trends.

As Jenny Mehlman, Senior Director of Marketing, Cheese, Taste & Flavors at Dairy Farmers of America, put it: Borden is kicking off National Grilled Cheese Day early with a national call to help name “America’s Favorite,” and continuing the celebration by declaring its first-ever “Grilled Cheese of the Year.”

Want in? Here’s where to vote

If you want to weigh in (and potentially score a year of free cheese), you can vote now through March 24, 2026 at:

Advertisement

• WinFreeBordenCheese.com

Whether you’re Team Classic, Team Pickle, Team BBQ, or Team Mad Scientist, this is one of those low-effort, high-reward food votes that’s actually fun.

Quick takeaway

Borden® Cheese is officially turning grilled cheese season into an event — with a national vote, instant-win swag, and a grand prize that’s basically a dairy lover’s dream.

Now the only real question is: which contender are you voting for?

At our core, we at STM Daily News, strive to keep you informed and inspired with the freshest content on all things food and beverage. From mouthwatering recipes to intriguing articles, we’re here to satisfy your appetite for culinary knowledge.

Visit our Food & Drink section to get the latest on Foodie News and recipes, offering a delightful blend of culinary inspiration and gastronomic trends to elevate your dining experience. https://stmdailynews.com/food-and-drink/

A Delightful Bite for a Bit O’ Luck

(Feature Impact) Going green for St. Patrick’s Day can stretch beyond beer, clothes and decor – it can even make its way to the dessert table. With a classic recipe and a dash of green food coloring, these Luck O’ the Irish Cupcakes offer a sweet-tooth-satisfying bite as you gather friends and family for the festivities.

Find more holiday-worthy nibbles and noshes throughout the year at Culinary.net.

Luck O’ the Irish Cupcakes

Recipe adapted from Delish

Prep time: 30 minutes

Cook time: 1 hour

Yield: 12 cupcakes

Cupcakes:

• 1 2/3    cups all-purpose flour
  
• 1 1/2    teaspoons baking powder
  
• 1/4       teaspoon baking soda
  
• 1/4       teaspoon kosher salt
  
• 1          cup granulated sugar
  
• 3/4       cup (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
  
• 3          large egg whites, at room temperature
  
• 1          tablespoon pure vanilla extract
  
• 1/2       cup full-fat sour cream, at room temperature
  
• 1/2       cup whole milk, at room temperature

Frosting:

• 1          cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
  
• 4          cups powdered sugar
  
• 3          tablespoons heavy cream
  
• 2          teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  
• 1/8       teaspoon kosher salt
  
•             green food coloring

1. To make cupcakes: Preheat oven to 350 F and arrange rack in center of oven. Line 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners. In medium bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt.
2. In large bowl, using handheld mixer on medium-high speed, beat granulated sugar and butter until light and fluffy, 3-4 minutes. Add egg whites and vanilla; beat until smooth, about 2 minutes. Add sour cream and beat until combined.
3. Add half of dry ingredients to wet ingredients. Beat on low until incorporated. Add milk and beat to combine. Add remaining dry ingredients and beat until combined.
4. Add batter to liners until three-quarters full. Bake 19-22 minutes, until slightly golden on top.
5. Remove cupcakes from pan and cool completely.
6. To make frosting: In large bowl, using handheld mixer on medium-high speed, beat butter until fluffy. Add powdered sugar and beat until combined. Add heavy cream, vanilla and salt; beat until combined. Mix in green food coloring.
7. Transfer frosting to piping bag and pipe frosting onto cupcakes.

Photo courtesy of Unsplash

SOURCE:

Culinary.net

At our core, we at STM Daily News, strive to keep you informed and inspired with the freshest content on all things food and beverage. From mouthwatering recipes to intriguing articles, we’re here to satisfy your appetite for culinary knowledge.

Visit our Food & Drink section to get the latest on Foodie News and recipes, offering a delightful blend of culinary inspiration and gastronomic trends to elevate your dining experience. https://stmdailynews.com/food-and-drink/

Manage Busy Spring Schedules with Simple, Nutritious Bowls

(Feature Impact) When jam-packed calendars and seemingly constant takeout orders get you down, diving into a fresh way to rethink homecooked meals can get you and your loved ones into a better-for-you routine.

Close your favorite food delivery app and instead break out the bowls for simple yet nutritious recipes that are equal parts filling and fresh. Easily prepped ahead of time, dishes like Chicken and Rice Bowls with Peanut Sauce provide powerful protein and flavor without the hassle. For added pizzazz, drizzle with extra peanut sauce and squeeze a dash of lime juice.

Or put a tangy twist on a traditional chicken bowl with these Greek-Inspired Power Bowls featuring homemade tzatziki made with Dandy Celery, a naturally sweeter, crispier and less stringy alternative to other celeries. Celebrating its 100th anniversary, it delivers the ultimate snack time (or dinner) crunch and flavor, offering a satisfying complement to sliced chicken, mixed greens, whole-grain quinoa and Kalamata olives.

An added bowl-inspired bonus: These family-friendly recipes can be personalized for taste preferences so no one goes hungry.

Rethink your family’s menu with more quick, nutritious recipes to alleviate the stress of hectic schedules by visiting DudaFresh.com.

Chicken and Rice Bowls with Peanut Sauce

Recipe courtesy of The Produce Moms
Prep time: 7 minutes
Cook time: 5 minutes
Servings: 2

Creamy Peanut Sauce:

• 1 1/2    tablespoons soy sauce
• 1          tablespoon freshly squeezed lime juice
• 2          teaspoons rice vinegar
• 1          teaspoon honey
• 1/4       cup creamy peanut butter
• 1          tablespoon toasted sesame oil

Bowls:

• 1          tablespoon olive oil
• 1          cup cooked, shredded chicken
• 1          cup cooked brown or jasmine rice
• 1          cup Dandy celery, julienned
• 1          cup shredded carrot
• 1/2       medium English cucumber, thinly sliced
• 1/4       cup unsalted roasted peanuts, coarsely chopped
• lime wedges, for serving

1. To prepare peanut sauce: In small bowl, whisk soy sauce, lime juice, rice vinegar and honey. Add peanut butter and sesame oil. Whisk vigorously until sauce is completely smooth and creamy. Set aside.
2. To prepare bowls: In nonstick 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat, heat olive oil until simmering. Add shredded chicken and about 3 tablespoons peanut sauce. Stir constantly to coat chicken and heat through, about 3 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
3. To assemble rice bowls: In deep serving bowls, add cooked rice. Top with warm chicken covered in peanut sauce. Arrange celery, carrot and cucumber around chicken. Top with peanuts.
4. Drizzle remaining peanut sauce over bowls. Serve with lime wedges to squeeze over bowls.

Greek-Inspired Power Bowls

Recipe courtesy of Anastasiia de la Cruz
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Servings: 2

Celery Tzatziki:

• 1          cup plain, full-fat Greek yogurt
• 1/2       cup finely chopped Dandy celery
• 1          tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
• 1          tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1          small garlic clove, finely grated
• 2          tablespoons chopped walnuts (optional)
• salt, to taste
• pepper, to taste

Bowls:

• 2          cups mixed greens
• 1 1/3    cups cooked, gluten-free, whole-grain quinoa
• 2          large grilled chicken breasts (about 6 ounces each), sliced
• 1/2       cup hummus
• 1/4       cup Kalamata olives, halved
• 1          tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil, for drizzling
• fresh herbs, for garnish

1. To make celery tzatziki: Mix yogurt, celery, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic and walnuts, if desired. Season with salt and pepper, to taste. Stir well. Chill.
2. To assemble bowls: In two bowls, layer greens and cooked quinoa evenly. Top with grilled chicken.
3. Spoon 1/4 cup hummus on side of each bowl. Add olives, 2-3 tablespoons tzatziki and drizzle with olive oil.
4. Sprinkle with fresh herbs.

    <img src="https://ssl.google-analytics.com/collect?v=1&amp;tid=UA-482330-7&amp;cid=1955551e-1975-5e52-0cdb-8516071094cd&amp;sc=start&amp;t=pageview&amp;dl=http%3A%2F%2Ftrack.familyfeatures.com%2F17834%2F10247&amp;dt=MANAGE-BUSY-SPRING-SCHEDULES-WITH-SIMPLE-NUTRITIOUS-BOWLS" />
<img src="https://erp.featureimpact.com/api/v1/tracking/17834/10247/track.gif" />

SOURCE:

Duda Farm Fresh Foods