(BPT) - By Karla Walsh
Whether it's an after-school or after-work snack, a quick and easy lunch or a comforting dinner, there's no wrong time to savor a grilled cheese, if you ask us. In fact, add an egg and call it breakfast; it truly is an around-the-clock treat.
It's clear we're not alone in thinking grilled cheese is the GOAT. According to a September 2024 poll by Talker Research, grilled cheese is America's favorite sandwich. (Sorry, turkey, tuna and PB&Js.)
Nostalgic, fast, flavorful and endlessly customizable, there's a lot to love about a grilled cheese sandwich. But with so many breads, spreads, cheeses and flavor-boosters available these days, how is a sandwich-lover supposed to choose?
The answer is written in the stars, believes Alice Smith, astrologer at Alice Smith Astrology in Seattle.
"The signs of the zodiac describe our outlook and approach on the world. They describe our worldview, which includes our preferences, so they can also be helpful in determining our tastes and the things that bring us pleasure," she says.
To help you meet your match, we asked Smith and Julie Taparia, a Vedic astrologer in New York City, to share the flavors, textures, aromas and overall energy members of each zodiac sign might gravitate toward. Then to inspire your future grilled cheese feasts, we're dishing up recipes for each.
We're firm believers that if you start with high-quality bread and cheese, you don't need much more to make the best grilled cheese. We love Organic Valley cheese because their dairy comes from cows raised on organic family farms and cared for without the use of antibiotics, artificial growth hormones, toxic pesticides or GMOs. But to spice things up and speak to each zodiac, we're adding a bonus ingredient to each combo. The recipes below each feature a unique style of cheese, a different type of bread and one or two other ingredients to speak to the spirit of your zodiac sign.
Aries: March 21 to April 19
"Aries is a firecracker sign that's known for taking action, and it's the first fire sign in the zodiac," Smith says. Aries tend to be headstrong and courageous and crave spicy and exciting experiences and food, the astrologers agree. Vivian Krenz, a data specialist for Organic Valley, chimes in to add that Aries "live life out loud." So to keep the flames stoked and ensure the crunch volume is turned up nice and high, try a sandwich made with chewy sourdough, jalapeño-studded Pepper Jack, and a spoonful or two of chili crisps for even more punch.
The Best Grilled Cheese for Aries: sourdough bread with Pepper Jack cheese and chili crisps
Taurus: April 20 to May 20
Indulgent, sensual and extremely "in touch with their physical senses," according to Smith, Taurus is an earth sign. In addition to appreciating the finer things in life, Taurus individuals often appreciate timeless style and quality. To please your fine taste, consider starting with thick and rich slices of brioche. Layer on buttery Muenster, then add a scoop of earthy sautéed mushrooms (cook in a skillet with a splash of oil for about 10 minutes, or until tender and aromatic). Once this all melts together, you'll be treated to luscious cheese pulls … and decadent flavor.
The Best Grilled Cheese For Taurus: Brioche with Muenster and sautéed mushrooms
Gemini: May 21 to June 21
Adventurous and "the life of the party," says Taparia, Geminis are driven by curiosity. "They love novelty and detest predictability. Being bored is the worst thing for a Gemini," Smith adds. With that in mind, Geminis will surely melt over a sandwich made with Organic Valley's newest cheese: American Fiesta. It's designed for queso but is an incredible ingredient in so much more — including a gooey grilled cheese with smoky, crispy bacon. Once you've mastered this recipe at full-size, try it crostini-style and add them to the menu for your next get-together.
The Best Grilled Cheese for Geminis: multigrain bread with American Fiesta and crispy bacon
Cancer: June 22 to July 22
Like a crab, which represents this sign, protecting itself in its safe shell, "cancers enjoy staying home and being cozy," Smith says. They prefer foods that "feed the body and soul." We're sticking with the classics here. Fluffy, soft and rich potato bread acts as the ideal base for a blanket of classic American cheese and a nourishing fried or over-easy egg. (Pro tip: Griddle each slice of buttered bread in a skillet cheese-side up. Top with a lid to help cook the cheese. In a separate pan, cook the egg as you like it. Once the bread is lightly browned and the cheese is melted, place the egg on top of one cheesy toast, top with the other and dive in.)
The Best Grilled Cheese for Cancers: potato bread with American White and an egg
Leo: July 23 to Aug. 22
Leos live large and don't mind stepping into the spotlight. "They often have huge personalities," Taparia says. To match that presence, Taparia suggests a large-and-in-charge sandwich made with thick slabs of Texas toast "to stand tall above the rest. This natural leader needs the largest grilled cheese sandwich in the zodiac." Inside, robust and tangy Raw Sharp Cheddar won't shy away from the spotlight. A layer of fig jam lends a lovely layer of sweetness to help balance out the bite.
The Best Grilled Cheese for Leos: Texas toast with Raw Sharp Cheddar and fig jam
Virgo: Aug. 23 to Sept. 22
With a keen eye for detail and a penchant for elegance and balance, Virgos gravitate toward things that are carefully tailored and well-made. "They don't want to reinvent the wheel; they want to perfect it," Smith says. It can't be too bold or too bland, either. We're searching for the "Goldilocks" of recipes made with "quality, natural ingredients," Taparia says. Crunchy, sweet-tart green apple slices paired with understated yet ultra-creamy provolone slices, all inside whole grain bread coated in good butter? Now that sounds like a recipe for success.
The Best Grilled Cheese for Virgos: white bread with Provolone Cheese and green apple slices
Libra: Sept. 23 to Oct. 23
Libras are lovers. Described by Taparia as "romantic and affectionate," Libras tend to be fair, balanced and charming. Since they thrive when they're able to socialize, Smith says, they will likely adore a light and sweet option to keep them energized from day to night. Start with buttered cinnamon bread. (We're skipping the raisins since Krenz says Libras prefer to avoid conflict — and raisins can be a controversial bread ingredient.) Then spread those warmly spiced slices with cream cheese and apple butter, and if you like, top things off with a pinch of flaky sea salt as a hat tip to the balance Libras showcase. Salty, sweet and crowd-pleasing. What's not to love?
The Best Grilled Cheese for Libras: cinnamon swirl bread with Cream Cheese and apple butter
Scorpio: October 24 to November 21
"This zodiac is ruled by the red-hot planet, Mars," Taparia notes. Scorpios seek out the mysterious and intense, and enjoy depth, Smith says. "Since they value their privacy, a pita bread is a perfect fit for a Scorpio. With its deep pocket, it will be a mystery to others what they are eating," Taparia explains. Only you will know there is a salty, tangy and smoky duo hiding inside. Since Scorpios are "often intrigued when things are a bit 'off,'" Krenz says, we recommend crumbled Feta or funky blue cheese. (Use a slice of provolone to melt it all together.) Then for a bright, smoky finish, tuck in slices of vibrant roasted red pepper. If you like, finish with a drizzle of balsamic glaze for a sweet-tangy flourish. Bake at 400 F for 10 to 15 minutes, and you're all set to dive into the most complex combo of the group. How fitting for emotionally layered Scorpios!
The Best Grilled Cheese For Scorpios: pita bread with Feta Cheese or Blue Cheese and roasted red pepper
Sagittarius: Nov. 22 to Dec. 21
For many Sagittarians, their passport and suitcase are always ready to fly. "They are known as freedom-loving and truth-seeking world travelers," Taparia says. They're the most adventurous sign, Smith and Krenz agree, and since trying food from other parts of the world allows us to learn about other people, "Sagittarius folks are also often the most open to flavors from other cultures," Smith says. To celebrate this fact, build a grilled cheese on melted Ghee-brushed naan. Inside, you can take your taste buds on a "trip" via Spicy Cheddar (which packs a zip from habanero and paprika) and warm, sweet, tangy and tingly mango chutney.
The Best Grilled Cheese for Sagittarius: naan with Spicy Cheddar and mango chutney
Capricorn: Dec. 22 to Jan. 19
Practical and traditional, Capricorns are as trustworthy and reliable as your favorite pair of jeans. Capricorns seek out substance and prefer to "leave the lighthearted stuff to Libra and the inventive stuff to Aquarius and Gemini," Smith says. Since old-fashioned and classic is what Caps crave, we suggest sturdy slices of whole wheat bread with the OG after-school combo of Yellow American Cheese and juicy tomato slices.
The Best Grilled Cheese for Capricorn: whole wheat bread with American Yellow and tomato slices
Aquarius: Jan. 20 to Feb. 18
You'll rarely find Aquarius fading into the background. "They appreciate innovation, individuality and anything that rebels against tradition," Smith says. No need to stick to standard white bread here. We're calling in an unexpected foundation, salty, briny olive bread, which can stand up to a not-so-shy cheese: Smoky Cheddar. Then, since Smith says that folks who fall under this sign "appreciate true innovation," and "if elements of tech and science can be incorporated, even better," layer on some caramelized onions. (As the raw alliums are exposed to the heat, over time, they transform into a gloriously jammy, sweet and brown delight thanks to the Maillard reaction and caramelization.) For a beautifully unexpected and delicious briny boost, feel free to add a thin layer of olive tapenade, too.
The Best Grilled Cheese for Aquarius: ciabatta bread with Smoky Cheddar and caramelized onions
Pisces: Feb. 19 to March 20
Pisces, who are intuitive, spiritual and in touch with their feelings, are prone to "have emotions like the high tides and low tides of the water," Taparia says. This means that the scenery and sensations they surround themselves with can definitely move the needle. So, we've designed the epitome of a food hug here: Slice open a croissant, stack on slices of silky, nutty Baby Swiss (imagine the holes can offer a glimpse into your heart!) and finish with a drizzle of honey. Heaven.
The Best Grilled Cheese for Pisces: croissant with Baby Swiss and honey
We hope you savor your zodiac-inspired sandwich! Remember, you can enjoy any sandwich, regardless of your sign. Organic Valley is proud to offer even more cheese options than ever to help you build your best bite. Want even more delicious cheesy recipes? Read more here: 5 Salads to surprise and delight, and the cheeses that make them great!
Karla Walsh is a Des Moines, Iowa-based freelance writer, editor, freelance writing coach and level one sommelier who balances her love of food and drink with her passion for fitness (or tries to, at least!). She has over 16 years of professional experience covering food, wine, travel, nutrition, health, fitness, psychology, beauty, relationships and beyond. If you'd like to follow more of her work, you can find it on Better Homes and Gardens, Allrecipes, VERANDA, Travel + Leisure, Food & Wine, Peloton's The Output and more — and keep up with her adventures on Instagram at @karlaswalsh.
