Frederic Melton
Grilled cheese is a hot sandwich made by heating slices of cheese between two slices of bread. While the concept of combining bread and cheese is likely as old as these ingredients themselves, the grilled cheese sandwich is commonly associated with the United States. This may be due to the invention of sliced bread and American cheese in the US in the early 20th century. However, similar dishes exist in other cultures, such as the Welsh rarebit and the croque monsieur.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Common in the US | Yes |
| Invented in the US | No, but some sources claim it is an American invention |
| Common in other countries | Yes |
| Typical ingredients | Bread, butter, and cheese |
| Variations | Grilled cheese and tomato soup, Indian-style cheese toastie, French onion soup grilled cheese, Lobster scampi grilled cheese |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Is grilled cheese unique to the US?
Grilled cheese sandwiches are made by placing a cheese filling, usually cheddar or American cheese, between two slices of bread, which is then put on a pan to heat until the bread browns and the cheese melts. A layer of butter or mayonnaise is usually added to the outside of the bread for additional flavour and texture. The sandwich may also include additional ingredients such as peppers, tomatoes, or onions.
Grilled cheese sandwiches are commonly consumed in the US. Some restaurants, food carts, and food trucks in the United States specialize in the grilled cheese sandwich. The grilled cheese sandwich is also consumed in other parts of the world. For example, in the United Kingdom, it is commonly referred to as a toasted cheese sandwich or cheese toastie, and in Australia, it is called a jaffle. In Germany, there is a similar dish called Flammkuchen, and in France, a Croque Monsieur is a ham-and-cheese melt.
While the grilled cheese sandwich may not be unique to the US, some argue that the American version is unique due to the use of American cheese and sliced bread, both of which were invented in the US in the early 1900s. Additionally, no other country calls it a "grilled cheese", so the name itself is arguably American.
However, others argue that the concept of combining bread, butter, and cheese is probably found in recipes from thousands of years ago, and therefore, the grilled cheese sandwich cannot be considered uniquely American.
Storing and Reviving Grilled Cheese: Tips for Best Taste
You may want to see also
Is American cheese the best for grilled cheese?
While the grilled cheese sandwich is a simple concept, with just bread, butter, and cheese as the basic ingredients, the type of cheese you use can make a big difference. The classic American grilled cheese is made with American cheese, which gives the sandwich a super nostalgic, gooey, melty texture and a tell-tale orange stripe. American cheese is also great for a picture-perfect cheese pull.
However, there are many other types of cheese that can be used to make a delicious grilled cheese sandwich. From mozzarella to havarti to Monterey Jack or pepper jack, there are plenty of options for those who want to switch up the classic. For a nuttier flavor, try young gouda, Gruyère, or raclette—all of which melt beautifully and have a salty, nutty taste. If you're feeling fancy, you can even try a combination of two different cheeses to give your sandwich a richer taste.
For those who want to stick to the classic, American cheese is a great option. But if you're looking to switch things up, there are plenty of other cheeses that will give your grilled cheese sandwich a unique twist. Ultimately, the best cheese for a grilled cheese sandwich comes down to personal preference.
In addition to the type of cheese, other ingredients can also enhance the flavor and texture of a grilled cheese sandwich. Some people like to spread mayonnaise on the outside of the bread for an extra tangy, crispy exterior, while others prefer butter. You can even add extras like fancy mustard, sliced apple, or sweet-tangy jam.
Launching a Grilled Cheese Empire: A Beginner's Guide
You may want to see also
Is grilled cheese a common food in the US?
Grilled cheese sandwiches are a common food in the US, with some sources even claiming that they are a uniquely American dish. Grilled cheese sandwiches are made by placing a cheese filling, often cheddar or American cheese, between two slices of bread, which is then heated in a pan or sandwich toaster until the bread browns and the cheese melts. A layer of butter or mayonnaise is usually added to the outside of the bread for additional flavour and texture.
While the concept of combining bread and cheese is likely as old as these ingredients themselves, and similar dishes exist in other cultures, the grilled cheese sandwich is often associated with American cuisine. Some have suggested that this is because the dish is made with American cheese, a processed cheese product invented in the US in the 1910s, or with sliced sandwich bread, which was also invented in the US around the same time.
The grilled cheese sandwich has been a part of American culinary culture for a long time. US government cookbooks from World War II describe Navy cooks broiling "American cheese filling sandwiches", and the dish remained popular in the decades that followed. Today, grilled cheese sandwiches are a common comfort food and childhood favourite throughout large parts of the United States. Some restaurants, food carts, and food trucks in the US even specialise in grilled cheese sandwiches, serving gourmet or over-the-top variations of the classic dish.
However, the grilled cheese sandwich is by no means universally loved in the US. Some have commented that the dish seems outlandish or unappetising, especially when compared to other American foods like steak or burgers.
Crafting the Perfect Grilled Cheese Sandwich at Home
You may want to see also
Explore related products
$3.97
Is grilled cheese a uniquely American invention?
The grilled cheese sandwich is a hot sandwich made by heating slices of cheese between slices of bread with a cooking fat, such as butter or mayonnaise, on a frying pan or griddle until the bread browns and the cheese melts. While the concept of combining bread and cheese is likely ancient, the specific combination of sliced sandwich bread and American cheese suggests that the grilled cheese sandwich is an American invention.
The grilled cheese sandwich is commonly consumed in the United States, with some restaurants, food carts, and food trucks specializing in this dish. The classic American grilled cheese recipe typically uses sliced sandwich bread and American cheese, which was invented in the US in the 1910s. This combination is considered a unique American variation, as no other country refers to this dish as "grilled cheese."
However, similar dishes exist in other countries, such as the Welsh rarebit, an open-face grilled cheese, and the Croque Monsieur, a French ham-and-cheese melt. In the United Kingdom, a grilled cheese sandwich is typically called a toasted cheese sandwich or cheese toastie, and it is often made in a sandwich toaster. The concept of a cheese sandwich is prevalent in any culture that commonly uses both cheese and bread, and various international variations of the grilled cheese sandwich exist.
While the grilled cheese sandwich may not be exclusively American, it holds a special place in American cuisine and culture. It is widely enjoyed as a comfort food and a childhood favorite throughout the United States. The dish has inspired creative variations, such as the addition of short ribs, French onion soup, or even lobster scampi, showcasing the versatility and popularity of the grilled cheese sandwich within American culinary traditions.
Grilled Cheese for Babies: A Safe, Tasty Treat
You may want to see also
Is grilled cheese popular in other countries?
While grilled cheese sandwiches are popular in the US, they are also common in other countries. In the UK, for instance, a grilled cheese sandwich is known as a toasted cheese sandwich or a cheese toastie. It is made with butter spread on the inside of the bread and filled with cheddar cheese. In Australia, a grilled cheese sandwich is called a jaffle.
In Italy, the grilled panini sandwich has been popular since the 16th century. The closest to the standard American grilled cheese sandwich is the popular caprese panini, which combines mozzarella, tomato, and basil. In Mexico, the quesadilla is their version of a grilled cheese sandwich, with a flour tortilla taking the place of bread. In addition to cheese, quesadillas may include other fillings like chicken, peppers, and beans.
In Lithuania, grilled cheese sandwiches are also part of the cuisine, although they usually include ham, tomato, or pickle. In the Netherlands, a "pantoastie" is a popular grilled cheese sandwich that includes diced onions and pickles.
While the basic idea of combining "bread, cheese, and heat" is found in many cultures, the style of grilled cheese sandwiches seems to vary across different countries.
Storing Grilled Cheese: Best Ways for Lunch Tomorrow
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Grilled cheese sandwiches are popular in the US, but they are not exclusively American. Similar foods can be found in other countries, such as the Welsh rarebit or the Croque Monsieur. However, the use of American cheese in grilled cheese sandwiches is a variation that can be considered American.
A grilled cheese sandwich is typically made with sliced sandwich bread, butter or mayonnaise, and slices of cheese, usually American or cheddar. The sandwich is heated in a pan, sandwich toaster, or on a griddle until the bread is browned and the cheese is melted.
Yes, there are many variations of grilled cheese sandwiches. Some people add additional ingredients such as peppers, tomatoes, or onions. Others experiment with different types of bread, such as sourdough, brioche, or ciabatta. There are also more indulgent versions that include ingredients like lobster, short ribs, or fried eggs.
