Randy Chandler
Grilled cheese, also known as a cheese toastie in the UK or a jaffle in Australia, is a hot sandwich made by heating cheese between slices of bread. The dish is usually fried, despite its name. The concept of combining bread and cheese has existed since ancient times, with similar recipes mentioned in ancient Roman texts. However, the grilled cheese sandwich as we know it today is thought to have originated in the United States during the 1920s, when sliced bread and processed cheese became widely available. During the Great Depression, grilled cheese sandwiches became popular due to their affordability and convenience. They were also commonly served to Navy cooks during World War II and began to be served in schools and households. Originally, grilled cheese sandwiches were often prepared open-faced with grated cheese on a single slice of bread, but eventually, a second slice of bread was added to create a more filling closed sandwich.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Date | The grilled cheese sandwich originated in the 1920s |
| Place of origin | United States |
| Main ingredients | Bread and cheese |
| Bread | White bread |
| Cheese | Processed cheese |
| Preparation | Heated in a waffle iron, fried in a pan, or broiled in the oven |
| Serving style | Open-faced |
| Popularity | Became popular during the Great Depression due to its affordability and convenience |
| Cookbook mentions | Irma S. Rombauer's "The Joy of Cooking" (1953); U.S. Navy cookbooks during World War II |
| Variations | Cheese Dreams, Toasted Cheese, Welsh Rabbit/Rarebit, Croque-Monsieur |
Explore related products
$4.32
What You'll Learn
- During the Great Depression, grilled cheese was popular due to its affordability
- In the 1940s and 1950s, grilled cheese was served open-faced with grated cheese on top
- The term grilled cheese didn't appear in print until the 1960s
- The ancient Romans mentioned similar recipes in their texts
- Grilled cheese is now served in gourmet variations by restaurants, food carts, and food trucks
During the Great Depression, grilled cheese was popular due to its affordability
Grilled cheese, or "toasted cheese" as it was known then, became popular during the Great Depression due to its affordability. This was in the 1930s, a time when people were looking for ways to stretch their food budgets. Grilled cheese was a cheap, convenient, and filling meal that could be made quickly by vendors and families alike.
The popularity of grilled cheese during this time can be attributed to the introduction of sliced bread and processed cheese in the 1920s. In 1916, Kraft introduced processed cheese, which had a long shelf life and was widely available. This was followed by the invention of the bread slicer by Otto Frederick Rohwedder in the 1920s, which made distributing white bread easy and affordable. As a result, loaves of bread became inexpensive and a basic part of the average person's diet.
During the Great Depression, grilled cheese was often prepared in an open-faced manner, with grated or sliced cheese on top of a single slice of bread. This type of sandwich was known as a "cheese dream" or "Welsh rarebit", the latter term dating back to at least the 18th century. The "cheese dream" was included in US government cookbooks during World War II, where it was prepared by Navy cooks. It wasn't until the 1940s and 1950s that grilled cheese sandwiches started to become closed sandwiches with the addition of a second slice of bread, likely to make them more filling.
The term "grilled cheese" itself didn't come into use until the 1960s, when Kraft Singles—individually wrapped slices of processed cheese—were introduced and gained popularity. This marked the birth of the modern notion of a grilled cheese sandwich, which has since become a cultural phenomenon and a staple comfort food in North America.
Grilled Cheese for Babies: A Safe, Tasty Treat
You may want to see also
In the 1940s and 1950s, grilled cheese was served open-faced with grated cheese on top
Grilled cheese has been a staple comfort food for many people for almost a century. The idea of combining bread and cheese has been around since ancient times, but the grilled cheese sandwich we know today is thought to have originated in the United States during the 1920s. This was when sliced bread and processed cheese became widely available and affordable.
During the Great Depression of the 1930s, grilled cheese remained popular due to its inexpensive ingredients. It was also during this time that the open-faced grilled cheese, known as the "Cheese Dream", became popular. In the 1940s and 1950s, grilled cheese was often served open-faced with grated cheese on top. Navy cooks during World War II prepared "American cheese filling sandwiches", as instructed by government-issued cookbooks, which were typically served open-faced. These sandwiches consisted of a single slice of bread topped with grated cheese.
The addition of a second slice of bread to create a closed sandwich came about in the 1960s when grocery stores began stocking Kraft Singles, providing a more filling meal. It was also around this time that the term "grilled cheese" first appeared in print, replacing the previous names of "toasted cheese" or "melted cheese" sandwiches.
The grilled cheese sandwich has continued to evolve, with countless variations and unique forms around the world. It remains a beloved comfort food and a staple in many restaurants, with its versatility and simplicity making it a popular choice for takeout and delivery.
Smoke Cheese Like a Pro on Your Pit Boss Pellet Grill
You may want to see also
The term grilled cheese didn't appear in print until the 1960s
The grilled cheese sandwich is a simple yet delicious dish that has become a staple in many parts of the world. While the concept of combining bread and cheese is ancient, the grilled cheese sandwich as we know it today—made with sliced bread and processed cheese—has a more recent history. Despite this, the term "grilled cheese" didn't appear in print until the 1960s.
The origins of the grilled cheese can be traced back to the 1920s, when sliced bread and processed cheese became widely available. In 1914, J.L. Kraft & Bros. Company, the precursor to Kraft Foods, began producing processed cheese, which had a longer shelf life and was ideal for transportation. This was followed by the invention of the bread slicer by Otto Frederick Rohwedder in the 1920s, making sliced bread easily accessible.
During the Great Depression of the 1930s, grilled cheese sandwiches became popular due to their affordability and convenience. They were also a staple during World War II, with US Navy cooks preparing "American cheese filling sandwiches," as instructed by government-issued cookbooks. These sandwiches were typically served open-faced, with grated cheese on a single slice of bread.
In the 1940s and 1950s, grilled cheese sandwiches continued to be a favourite, and it was during this time that Kraft Foods introduced Kraft Singles, individually wrapped slices of processed cheese. However, it wasn't until the 1960s that the second slice of bread was commonly added, creating the modern grilled cheese sandwich. This addition made the sandwich more filling and satisfying.
It was also in the 1960s that the term "grilled cheese" came into common use. Prior to this, the sandwich was referred to as toasted cheese or melted cheese. The grilled cheese sandwich had now earned its iconic name, and its popularity continued to grow.
Over the years, the grilled cheese sandwich has become a cultural phenomenon, with countless variations and specialty restaurants dedicated to this classic comfort food. It has inspired creative recipes, from sweet versions with Nutella or fruit preserves to gourmet creations by chefs. The grilled cheese has truly earned its place as one of the world's most beloved sandwiches.
Wrapping Grilled Cheese: Best Techniques for a Tasty Lunch
You may want to see also
Explore related products
The ancient Romans mentioned similar recipes in their texts
Grilled cheese, also known as a toasted sandwich or cheese toastie, is a hot sandwich made by heating slices of cheese between slices of bread with butter or mayonnaise in a frying pan or griddle until the bread browns and the cheese melts. While the term "grilled cheese" didn't appear in print until the 1960s, similar recipes were mentioned in ancient Roman texts.
The ancient Romans were skilled cheese-makers, with evidence of their craft dating back to 50 AD in the writings of Columella, a respected Roman farmer and writer. Columella's work, De Re Rustica (On Agriculture), provides detailed insights into Roman cheese-making practices, with instructions on how to make various cheeses, from fresh cheeses similar to ricotta or cottage cheese to early forms of aged and salt-brined cheeses.
In addition to Columella's writings, mentions of cheese-making and various cheeses emerge in the Graeco-Roman written record from 800 BC onward in the works of Hesiod, Homer, and Varro. The Romans also had a recipe for a garlic cheese spread called "Moretum," which was likely eaten by Roman farmers and prepared with a mortar and pestle to thoroughly mix the ingredients.
While the ancient Romans did not have sliced bread or processed cheese, they had the fundamental components of a grilled cheese sandwich: bread and cheese. They also had access to cooking methods that could achieve the desired result of melting cheese between slices of bread.
Today, grilled cheese sandwiches are a classic comfort food, with countless variations and specialty restaurants dedicated to this simple yet satisfying dish.
Mastering Cheese Smoking on a Traeger Grill
You may want to see also
Grilled cheese is now served in gourmet variations by restaurants, food carts, and food trucks
Grilled cheese has come a long way since its humble beginnings, with restaurants, food carts, and food trucks now serving up gourmet variations that take the classic to new levels of deliciousness.
Many restaurants have elevated the grilled cheese sandwich to a gourmet dish, with creative ingredients and cooking methods that take it beyond the traditional. For instance, in 2021, a doughnut shop at Walt Disney World in Florida, Everglazed, introduced a "Grilled Cheeeeeese" sandwich, made with cheese grilled inside a sliced glazed doughnut instead of bread, offering a sweet twist on the classic.
Food carts and trucks have also jumped on the grilled cheese bandwagon, with specialized menus that showcase the versatility of this comfort food. The Original Grilled Cheese Truck, for example, offers a range of cheese options on French or wheat bread, including sharp cheddar with house-smoked BBQ pork and southern macaroni & cheese, taking the sandwich to a new level of indulgence.
In addition to the traditional grilled cheese, food trucks and carts have been known to experiment with different types of bread, such as using a sliced glazed doughnut or offering choices like French or wheat bread, to create unique flavor profiles.
When it comes to gourmet grilled cheese, the possibilities are endless. Some popular variations include adding crispy beef bacon, prosciutto, or caramelized onions for a sweet and savory contrast. Others might opt for a blend of cheeses, such as Gruyere, white cheddar, and Muenster, to create an extra gooey and flavorful sandwich. The key to a gourmet grilled cheese is creativity and a willingness to experiment with unexpected ingredients.
Charcoal Grilling: Smoking Cheese, Step-by-Step
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
During the Great Depression, grilled cheese was prepared in an open-faced manner with grated American cheese on top. This was also known as a "cheese dream".
Melting cheese or serving melted cheese with bread has a long history. In the 6th century, the Greek physician Anthimus warned against "roasted" cheese, which was presumably cooked on something. In the 14th century, a man went into a tavern in Paris, ordered cheese and bread, melted the cheese in a cup, and then dipped the bread in the cheese.
During World War II, Navy cooks prepared "American cheese filling sandwiches" as instructed by government-issued cookbooks. These were also open-faced and consisted of one slice of bread topped with grated cheese.
In the 1960s, the second slice of bread was added, making it a closed sandwich. This was also around the time that the phrase "grilled cheese" came to be, as it was previously called "toasted cheese" or "melted cheese".
In France, grilled cheese is known as a "croque-monsieur", which is made with ham and Gruyere cheese and is often topped with a béchamel sauce.
![The Great Grilled Cheese Book: Grown-Up Recipes for a Childhood Classic [A Cookbook]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/A1WpYlNVNUL._AC_UL320_.jpg)
