The grilled cheese journey across Grants Pass continues with stop number fourteen on the Say Cheese tour, this time landing at The Mixed Grill, located at 225 Rogue River Highway. The ongoing adventure, which highlights creative grilled cheese variations throughout the community while helping raise awareness and support for the Josephine County Food Bank, has become a fun and flavorful way to explore what local kitchens are doing with one of America’s most beloved comfort foods.
For this stop, the tasting included a second opinion from a familiar local face. I brought the sandwich up the road to share with my friend Scott Stickler at Quality Cars, and the reaction from both of us made it clear almost immediately that this entry in the Say Cheese lineup had something special going on.
The Mixed Grill’s take on grilled cheese moves beyond the traditional approach while still respecting the simple formula that makes the dish work. The sandwich features chipotle chicken layered with bacon and a blend of Gouda, mozzarella, and cheddar, all pressed between slices of sourdough bread. It is a combination that reads bold on paper and delivers a satisfying balance of flavor once it hits the grill.
The first thing that stands out is the aroma and appearance when the sandwich is cut open. The melted cheeses stretch slightly as the halves separate, revealing a generous filling where the chicken and bacon sit comfortably within the cheese blend. The sourdough bread develops a golden crisp exterior from the grill, providing a sturdy structure while still allowing the inside to remain soft and warm.
Flavor is where the sandwich really comes together. The chipotle chicken provides a mild smoky spice that adds depth without overwhelming the rest of the ingredients. The seasoning carries a gentle kick, enough to wake up the palate but not so strong that it masks the other flavors. That balance is important, especially when working with multiple cheeses.
The cheese blend itself plays a major role in the overall experience. Gouda brings a slightly creamy richness, mozzarella contributes the classic stretch and smooth melt, and cheddar adds a sharper note that gives the sandwich character. Together they melt evenly, creating a cohesive filling that holds the chicken and bacon together in each bite.
The bacon adds another layer of texture and flavor, introducing a subtle smokiness and a bit of crispness that contrasts well with the softer interior of the sandwich. Meanwhile, the sourdough bread provides the finishing touch. Its lightly tangy flavor pairs well with the chipotle seasoning, and the grilled crust adds a satisfying crunch that anchors the entire sandwich.
What makes this stop on the Say Cheese tour memorable is not just the flavor combination but the sense that the sandwich was built with intention. Each component serves a purpose, and none of them feel like an afterthought. The result is a grilled sandwich that feels hearty, balanced, and satisfying without becoming overly complicated.
As the Say Cheese journey continues through Grants Pass, stops like this highlight the creativity of local kitchens while supporting a meaningful cause. The campaign’s goal of raising awareness and funds for the Josephine County Food Bank adds another layer of community value to what is already an enjoyable culinary exploration.
With fourteen stops now in the books, The Mixed Grill has delivered a strong entry on the tour, proving once again that even a familiar comfort food like grilled cheese can surprise you when the ingredients are handled with care and a little imagination.
