What’s Your Favorite Tillamook Ice Cream?

A New Menu at the Tillamook Creamery: A Blend of Tradition and Innovation

The Tillamook Creamery has undergone a significant transformation, not just in its physical space but also with a completely **revamped menu**. But fear not, beloved classics like grilled cheese and tomato soup remain staples, ensuring that visitors can still enjoy their nostalgic favorites. This evolution at the Creamery sparked a moment of reflection for me. I couldn’t help but recall being a budding blogger a decade ago, eagerly hoping our platform would flourish. Participating in that very first grilled cheese cook-off at Tillamook, and winning with this exact Sun Dried Tomato Bacon Pesto Grilled Cheese, was a pivotal moment. It symbolizes not only the enduring appeal of this incredible sandwich but also how far my culinary journey and this blog have come. Re-sharing this recipe now feels like celebrating both a cherished memory and a future filled with delicious possibilities.

Our recent trip offered far more than just sampling new flavors. We gained an exclusive, behind-the-scenes look into what truly sets Tillamook apart from other cheese brands. It’s truly impressive to travel to cities like Portland and Salt Lake City and observe how many restaurants proudly feature Tillamook cheese on their menus, a testament to its widespread recognition and quality. That’s incredibly cool!

Why Tillamook Stands Out: A Commitment to Quality

Tillamook’s dedication to quality is not just a marketing slogan; it’s ingrained in every aspect of their operations, from farm to fork. Here are some compelling facts that highlight their unique approach:

• Local Farms, Fresh Milk

  Tillamook dairy farms are strategically located in close proximity to the creamery. This ensures that milk is transported directly from the farms to the factory and processed into dairy products within an astonishing 24 hours. This rapid turnaround significantly preserves the freshness and quality of the milk, unlike other cheesemakers who often rely on shipping milk over longer distances, which can compromise its integrity.

• Around-the-Clock Dedication

  The Tillamook Creamery operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. This continuous operation guarantees that the cheese is consistently being worked on and transformed into various products without sitting idle, which could lead to a loss of quality. It’s a relentless pursuit of perfection that ensures every Tillamook product meets their high standards.

• Setting Industry Standards

  Tillamook consistently ranks among the top dairy producers in the nation for milk quality. For an impressive 16 years, their Somatic Cell Count (SCC) – a crucial measure of both milk quality and animal health – has remained consistently below the national average of 200,000. A lower SCC indicates superior milk quality and healthier animals, meaning Tillamook is about 16 years ahead of many competitors in its unwavering commitment to quality standards.

The Science of Quality Cheese: Tillamook’s Distinctive Approach

Beyond the freshness of their milk and continuous processing, Tillamook employs specific techniques that further distinguish their products:

• Many cheese brands produce large 640-pound blocks of cheese. The challenge with such large blocks is that by the time the center cools, the outside has already begun its aging process, leading to inconsistent aging throughout the block.
• Tillamook, however, produces its cheese in precisely 42-pound blocks. This size has been determined to be ideal for consistent cooling, ensuring that the entire block ages uniformly and develops the perfect texture and flavor.
• Federal regulations allow cheddar cheese to contain up to 39% moisture, which can permit companies to add more water or use lower-quality dairy components. Tillamook cheddars are intentionally made with significantly lower moisture content. This deliberate choice allows them to incorporate more dairy components (like fat and protein), resulting in richer, creamier, and ultimately better-tasting dairy products. This philosophy extends to their ice cream, where higher dairy solids contribute to a remarkably creamy texture, free from unwanted crystallization.
• Ultimately, whether it’s their cheese, yogurt, butter, or ice cream, Tillamook products consistently stand out for their unparalleled quality and flavor. They are, quite simply, the best.

Explore the Reimagined Tillamook Creamery & Feast Portland

The new Tillamook Creamery is nothing short of breathtaking. It’s a destination in itself. I highly recommend making it a family outing to the Oregon coast. Picture this: stunning, misty mountains, rolling ocean waves, and then a visit to the Creamery where you can witness the cheese-making process firsthand, learn about the intricate steps involved, and, of course, enjoy generous tastings of their incredible products. It’s an experience that truly deepens your appreciation for the brand.

Following the recipe below, I’ve included a few more photos from our unforgettable trip. It genuinely was an incredible journey that made us fall even more in love with the Tillamook brand.

I may not know everything in this complex world, but one thing I am absolutely certain of is that from the simplest grilled cheese to the most extravagant dish, nothing compares to the quality and taste of Tillamook. Give their products a try; I’ve never been so confident in recommending a brand.

Now, let’s dive into the details of the sandwich that earned my family a year’s supply of Tillamook cheese!

Mastering the Flavor: Understanding Pesto

Pesto is a vibrant, aromatic sauce traditionally crafted from fresh basil leaves, high-quality olive oil, fragrant garlic, savory Parmesan cheese, and buttery pine nuts. Its rich, herbaceous flavor is a game-changer for countless dishes, and especially for our grilled cheese.

Homemade Pesto vs. Store-Bought

While you can easily find pesto at most grocery stores these days, I cannot emphasize enough the profound difference that homemade pesto makes. Store-bought versions, much like pre-packaged cookies, simply lack the freshness, complexity, and sheer wonderfulness of a freshly prepared batch. The good news? Making your own pesto is surprisingly simple and adds only about three minutes to your preparation time, a small investment for a massive flavor payoff.

The Nutritional Profile of Pesto

I must be candid: while pesto is packed with fresh herbs, giving it a healthy halo, it does contribute significantly to the calorie count. This might seem obvious, but it’s important to understand why. The rich, healthy fats in pesto come primarily from ingredients like olive oil and pine nuts, which are naturally high in calories. However, these are predominantly unsaturated fats, which are beneficial for heart health and considered a vital part of a balanced diet. So, while delicious and calorie-dense, pesto offers nutritional value that complements its incredible flavor.

Perfectly Crispy Bacon: The Oven Method

Bacon is often portrayed sizzling away in a pan, promising perfection. However, for truly consistent crispiness and significantly easier cleanup, cooking bacon in the oven is the superior method.

Here’s how to achieve flawless bacon every time:

1. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius).
2. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil. This simple step will make cleanup a breeze.
3. Arrange the bacon slices in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Ensure there’s a little space between each slice for even cooking.
4. Cook for 10-15 minutes, or until desired crispiness is reached. Thicker-cut bacon may require a few extra minutes. Keep a close eye on it, as oven temperatures can vary.
5. Once cooked, carefully remove the bacon from the oven and transfer it to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess fat. This will ensure your bacon remains wonderfully crisp.

Crafting Your Sun Dried Tomato Bacon Pesto Grilled Cheese

Here’s the winning method for creating the ultimate sun-dried tomato bacon pesto grilled cheese, a sandwich packed with layers of robust flavor and satisfying texture:

Key Ingredients (Yields 2 Servings)

• 4 slices good quality white bread
• 1/2 cup fresh pesto (homemade is highly recommended!)
• Tillamook White Medium Cheddar Cheese, sliced or shredded generously
• 4 slices cooked bacon, crisp
• 1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes, oil-packed and drained
• Softened Tillamook butter

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Bread: Liberally spread fresh pesto on one side of each of the four bread slices. Don’t be shy – the pesto is key to the flavor!
2. Layer the Fillings: On two of the pesto-coated bread slices, arrange a generous layer of Tillamook White Medium Cheddar Cheese, ensuring full coverage. Top with the cooked, crispy bacon and drained sun-dried tomatoes. Add another layer of Tillamook cheese on top of the bacon and tomatoes.
3. Assemble the Sandwich: Place the remaining two pesto-coated bread slices on top to complete the sandwiches.
4. Create Pesto Butter: In a small dish, mix together softened Tillamook butter with a tablespoon or two of pesto until well combined. This is your secret weapon for a golden, flavorful crust.
5. Butter the Bread: Evenly spread the pesto butter over the outside of both sides of each sandwich.
6. Preheat Skillet: Heat a skillet or griddle over medium heat. It’s crucial that the pan is hot before adding the sandwich to ensure a perfect sear.
7. Grill the First Side: Place the sandwich in the hot skillet. Cook until the bread is golden brown and crispy, and the cheese has begun to melt.
8. The Secret to Melty Perfection: While the first side cooks, immediately cover the pan with a lid. This traps steam and heat, helping the cheese melt thoroughly and evenly without over-browning the bread.
9. Flip and Finish: Carefully flip the sandwich and continue to cook until the second side is golden brown and the cheese is gloriously gooey and fully melted.
10. Serve Immediately: Transfer the grilled cheese to a cutting board, slice in half, and serve hot. Enjoy the explosion of flavors!

Recipe Notes

Leftover grilled cheese can be reheated in the oven at a low temperature (around 300°F/150°C) until warmed through and crisp on the outside. Avoid the microwave, as it will make the bread soggy.

Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)

More Irresistible Sandwich Recipes

If you’re anything like me, a truly great sandwich is one of life’s simple pleasures. If you loved this Sun Dried Tomato Bacon Pesto Grilled Cheese, you’ll definitely want to explore more of our favorite sandwich creations. Be sure to try our Honey Avocado Turkey Bacon Sandwich for a fresh and hearty option, or dive into the rich flavors of our classic French Dip Sandwich. For something more elaborate, our Triple Decker Club Sandwich is a showstopper, and for a lighter, refreshing bite, the Lemon Dill Cucumber Sandwiches are perfect. And don’t forget our delectable Sun Dried Tomato Pesto Panini, another fantastic way to enjoy these vibrant flavors!

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Tillamook & Feast Portland Photo Gallery

Here are some more highlights from our amazing trip to the Tillamook Creamery and the Feast Portland food festival, showcasing the vibrant culinary scene and the beauty of Oregon.

Tillamook’s booth at Night Market during the Feast food festival in Portland, attracting many eager attendees.

Fellow bloggers, Darling Down South and Fit Mitten Kitchen, enjoying the Tillamook experience.