Few foods inspire devotion quite like cheese. We coax people to smile at the mere mention of it. Our refrigerators have a drawer dedicated to it. There’s even scientific proof that eating it lights up the brain’s dopamine centers. So really, when that third helping of mac and cheese is calling, it’s not lack of willpower—it’s basic biology. The line between ‘too much cheese’ and ‘not enough’ is blurry at best. But really, who’s trying to find it? In Central Oregon, our love for cheese is here to stay.
Cheese Heaven, Right This Way
Cheese cases should come with a warning: “Highly addictive.” At Wild Petals Provisions on Brooks Alley in downtown Bend, owner Nancy Chapluk Zadoff has curated a treasure trove of cheeses so tempting that “just one wedge” quickly turns into a full-blown cheese haul. Urdina Blue from the Basque Country, Bio Truffle Gouda from the Netherlands and rosemary-matured Pasamonte Romero from Spain are just a few crowd favorites. But really, the magic lies in that moment when a customer stumbles upon a rare cheese and realizes, “I need this in my life.” A few blocks away, San Simón offers a different kind of cheese experience. Guests build their own charcuterie boards, mixing and matching cheeses, meats and pickled delights. One might find Mitica Manchego from Spain paired with a soppressata from Wisconsin’s Underground Meats or Novak 7 Year Sharp Cheddar cozied up next to San Simón’s famous Castelvetrano olives. It’s a choose-your-own-adventure board for those who believe cheese is the answer, regardless of the question.
Grilled Cheese, But Make It Fancy
Grilled cheese is the ultimate comfort food—warm, gooey and capable of turning any bad day around. This legendary sandwich reaches its full, melty potential at Farmer’s Deli. Chef Justin Halvorsen uses thick-cut Pullman sourdough from Sparrow Bakery and grills it in butter to crispy, golden perfection. Tillamook medium and extra-sharp white cheddar melt into a molten mess, what Halvorson describes as the ultimate “CHZY experience.” The Washington, a crowd favorite stacked with cheddar, smoked bacon, caramelized Walla Walla onions and crisp Washington apples, is like a cozy blanket in sandwich form. “Cooking for others is all about love. You know what else is love? Cheese,” said Halvorsen.
For those seeking Pacific Northwest flair, The Lake House at Caldera Springs in Sunriver offers a wild mushroom and fontina grilled cheese with truffled peppercorn aioli. Big Ed’s sourdough lays the foundation for this savory masterpiece. Throw in a view of Mount Bachelor, and it’s grilled cheese living its best life.
Bar RBC takes grilled cheese international at its downtown Bend locale with Chef John Gorham’s Basque-inspired talo—grilled corn flatbread topped with smoky Idiazabal cheese and spicy Chistorra sausage. It’s a simple yet bold almost-a-sandwich Gorham fell in love with at a harvest festival in Rioja. Melted cheese oozes into the sausage, packing every bite with savory depth and a kick that keeps things interesting.
At The Row at Tetherow, grilled cheese takes on a sultry vibe with the aptly named Fromage à Trois. Asiago-crusted sourdough hugs layers of Tillamook cheddar and honey-glazed ham. Butter, the unsung hero of any good grilled cheese, is applied generously for the ultimate crunch factor. And, of course, the Fromage à Trois is served with fire-roasted tomato soup. Because grilled cheese is made for dunking.
When in Doubt, Add More Cheese
There’s no resisting the gravitational pull of a good mac and cheese. At Junior’s Grill on Bend’s southside, the magic is in the mix-and-match madness. Its build-your-own bowl starts with macaroni drenched in creamy cheddar and Monterey Jack sauce, setting the stage for endless flavor experimentation. Customers can go wild with add-ons, such as crispy fried onions, house-smoked pulled pork and cowboy candy (for those who like a little snap with their mac).
Just off SE 9th Street in Bend, Little Red Kitchen takes comfort food to new heights with its cavatappi mac and cheese, available as a side or a full-blown cheesy feast. The rich, creamy sauce clings to the corkscrew-shaped pasta like it’s got nowhere else to be. Add in tender pulled pork and collard greens, and suddenly this dish feels like a warm hug with a dash of Southern charm.
At Brother Jon’s Alehouse in the heart of downtown Bend, mac and cheese comes in three equally irresistible forms. The classic creamy mac is a purist’s dream, while the spicy chicken mac—loaded with grilled chicken, bacon, blue cheese and Frank’s Spicy Buffalo sauce—brings the heat. For those craving something garden-fresh, the pesto mac with grilled chicken, bacon, tomato and Parmesan, adds an herby twist. There’s something for everyone—or, let’s be honest, the perfect excuse to order a mac and cheese flight for one.
Because You Didn’t Come This Far to Skip Dessert
No cheese journey is truly complete without a sugary sendoff, and Little Slice of Hell dishes out cheesecake that’s equal parts creamy and unforgettable. Its food trucks have become delicious detours at the Podski lot and Century Commons Taps & Trucks in Sunriver. Originally known as Little Slice of Heaven, the brand got a cheeky makeover after owner Julie Higgins emerged from a battle that reshaped her world. And the cheesecake is still every bit as divine. Crowd favorites such as Marbled Marionberry and Creamy Dreamy Peanut Butter vanish fast. Even the vegan slices have a loyal following, proving that cheesecake can do whatever it wants. As Higgins likes to say, “It’s heavenly—or hellishly—delicious, depending on your perspective.”
