Starkville’s Proof Bakery is cooking up a way to curb college students’ cravings for homemade comfort foods with its new grilled cheese nights happening on Fridays from 3-7 p.m.
Proof Bakery has offered homemade pastries, breads, cakes and cookies at its main street location since 2019. In January, owner and chef TJ Manna came up with an additional way to serve customers — grilled cheese nights.
Originally from Kingston, Massachusetts, Manna has made Starkville her home and is consistently thinking of new ways to provide quality products in her one-woman micro bakery.
“I wanted to have something for Friday evenings that was amazing but not super expensive for my customers,” Manna said.
Manna currently makes four types of gourmet grilled cheeses: jalapeño and asiago, blueberry and brie, caramelized onion and three cheese. The grilled cheeses range from $7 to $12.
“I make really great focaccia that I can cut into huge pieces. The focaccia is perfect for a high-quality grilled cheese,” Manna said. “I then add the best flavor options and, voila, you have something that fits into my schedule, fits the Proof brand and serves the customers.”
Terri Snead, a Proof customer since the bakery’s opening, said she enjoys the new addition.
“Like everything TJ makes, the grilled cheese sandwiches are thoughtfully created with quality ingredients,” Snead said. “TJ uses her homemade bread which crisps up nicely but stays a little soft in the middle. A little cheese melts out and gets crispy on the pan. It is a wonderful Friday night treat.”
I had to try one of these fancy focaccia grilled cheeses for myself, so last Friday, I drove downtown.
The bakery had funky, mismatched furniture and industrial lighting. A display case showed off some of Manna’s croissants, and people sat together and chatted as Frank Sinatra’s “You Make Me Feel So Young” played in the background.
Already in a good mood because of the place’s fun vibes, I ordered the jalapeño and asiago grilled cheese and settled down into a bright orange chair. Soon, Manna bustled out of the kitchen in her apron with a grilled cheese the size of a Subway footlong.
At first glance, I knew I was in for a treat. Little webs of cheese bubbled and crusted, outlining the bread. When I bit into the grilled cheese, the gooey, cheesy goodness stretched apart. The different textures of both the crusty and gooey cheese made the sandwich special.
The focaccia itself was also toasted brown on the outside but soft on the inside as Snead described. The thin slices of jalapeño made my lips tingle and balanced these rich, buttery slabs of bread.
The grilled cheese, an elevated version of a childhood favorite, made me nostalgic. I chose to ignore the number of calories altogether.
In addition to enjoying a spicy, cheesy delicacy, I got to admire bright and bold artwork on the walls in the bakery. Manna recently partnered with the Starkville Area Arts Council. They share the space, so at the moment, an exhibit featuring Libby Cagle’s art decorates the walls.
Manna spoke about the partnership.
“My customers look at and purchase art. I love supporting the Starkville Area Arts Council and artists in any way I can,” Manna said. “I am sure sometimes a gallery customer stumbles in and buys a croissant or grilled cheese too.”
Manna is planning on having the grilled cheese nights every Friday except for when she has special events like her pasta nights.
