Golden State Grilled: California Dairy at the Center of the Plate

It’s been a tough stretch for California’s dairy producers—but here’s a bright spot straight from the farm to the food scene. The California Milk Advisory Board, funded by California’s dairy farm families, just launched the 2025 Real California Grilled Cheese Sandwich Contest—a national recipe competition aimed at getting more California dairy onto restaurant menus across the country.

Professional chefs are invited to compete in two categories:

California Classic (up to three California cheeses, no other ingredients), and

California Freestyle (cheese plus unlimited additions—as long as dairy makes up at least half the sandwich).

Eight finalists will be selected based on creativity, flavor, and their use of Real California dairy. Each will receive $1,000, and two grand champions will take home an additional $1,000.

The contest runs through September 19, with winners announced this fall. Full entry details are at RealCaliforniaMilkFoodservice.com.