Randy Chandler
Grilled cheese, a hot sandwich made by heating cheese between slices of bread, is known by different names in different parts of the world. While it is commonly associated with American cuisine, the term grilled cheese is specifically an American one. In the UK, the same dish is called a toastie, while in Australia, it is known as a jaffle. The term grilled cheese did not appear in print until the 1960s, and before that, the sandwich was referred to as a toasted cheese or melted cheese sandwich.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name origin | The term "grilled cheese" first appeared in print in the 1960s. Before that, it was called a "toasted cheese" or "melted cheese" sandwich. |
| Common names | Grilled cheese sandwich, cheese toastie (UK), jaffle (AU) |
| Ingredients | Cheese, bread, butter or mayonnaise |
| Optional ingredients | Peppers, tomatoes, onions, gouda, cheddar, jack cheeses, fontina, chicken, bacon, ranch |
| Preparation | The sandwich is rarely grilled, despite its name. It is usually pan-fried or made in a sandwich toaster. |
| History | Grilled cheese sandwiches became popular in the US during the Great Depression. They were also included in US government cookbooks during World War II as a cost-effective meal for the military. |
| Cultural significance | Grilled cheese is considered a common and popular food in the US. Some sources claim that grilled cheese and tomato soup is a uniquely American combination. |
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What You'll Learn
Grilled cheese in the UK
In the UK, a grilled cheese sandwich is known as a "toasted sandwich" or a "cheese toastie". It is made by placing a cheese filling, such as cheddar, between two slices of bread, which is then heated in a pan, sandwich toaster, or sandwich press until the bread is toasted and the cheese is melted. The bread may be buttered on both sides to create a crispy, salty, and buttery exterior.
The term "grilled cheese" is primarily used in the United States, and the standard way to make the dish in America is in a skillet or pan. Interestingly, while the dish is called a "grilled cheese", it is rarely prepared through grilling and is most often pan-fried. This has led to some confusion, with people from the UK sometimes asking: "Wait, so it's called a grilled cheese, but you don't grill it?".
The difference in terminology between the UK and the US can be attributed to the different meanings of the word "grill" in each country. In culinary terms, "grill" means "to cook by high, dry heat applied to the surface of the food" or "food cooked on/with a grill". In the US, however, the term "grill" is often associated with outdoor cooking appliances, which are not typically used to prepare a single sandwich.
In the UK, cheese toasties are a beloved comfort food and can be made with a variety of cheeses and additional ingredients such as peppers, tomatoes, or onions. The sandwich is typically served hot, with the melted cheese oozing out of the toasted bread.
The popularity of grilled cheese sandwiches or cheese toasties in the UK is evident through their presence in various recipes and cooking websites. Some recipes recommend specific types of cheese, such as vintage cheddar or gruyere, and suggest grating the cheese to ensure proper melting. Others emphasize the importance of buttering both sides of the bread for added flavour and texture.
In conclusion, while the term "grilled cheese" may be more commonly associated with American cuisine, the UK has its own version of this delicious sandwich, known as the "cheese toastie", which is prepared with similar ingredients and cooking techniques, resulting in a comforting and indulgent treat.
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Grilled cheese in Germany
Grilled cheese, toasted cheese sandwich, cheese toastie, or jaffle (in Australia) is a hot sandwich made by heating cheese between slices of bread. While the sandwich is typically made by pan-frying, the term "grilled cheese" is used as "grill" means "to cook by high, dry heat applied to the surface of the food". The term "grilled cheese" is also used because of the Maillard reaction, which occurs when high heat from the grill transforms proteins and sugars in food to produce new flavors, aromas, and colors.
In Germany, grilled cheese sandwiches are made with sauerkraut, German sausage, onion, and cheddar cheese. They are usually made with whole-grain bread, such as a pretzel roll, and are grilled over medium heat on a pan until a golden brown crust develops. However, Germans would typically opt for Gouda or Emmental cheese over cheddar.
In addition to grilled cheese sandwiches, Germany also produces grilling cheeses, such as Rougette, that are meant to be cooked directly on a grill. These grilling cheeses are produced in Bavaria using milk from cows that graze on alpine flowers and grass. They can be cooked easily and quickly, just like a hamburger or hot dog, without sticking or melting.
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Grilled cheese in World War II
Grilled cheese, or the "toasted cheese" sandwich, gained popularity during World War II due to several factors. Firstly, the concept of placing a filling between two slices of bread has existed for a long time, with ancient Mesopotamians consuming flatbread with feta as a midday meal. By the 1700s, the "sandwich" name was inspired by John Montagu, the Fourth Earl of Sandwich, who was influenced by Eastern Mediterranean filled pita bread.
During World War I, Kraft Foods sold processed cheese in cans to the United States military, setting the stage for the grilled cheese sandwich. The affordability and availability of processed cheese, along with its long shelf life, easy melting, and perfect fit on square bread, made it a popular option. As a result, the U.S. government issued cookbooks promoting grilled cheese sandwiches during World War II as a cost-effective meal for their military. The "American Cheese Filling Sandwich" or "American cheese dream" was included in these cookbooks, and it became a staple for soldiers during the war.
The grilled cheese sandwich also gained popularity during World War II due to its convenience and versatility. It could be prepared quickly and easily, making it suitable for both lunch and dinner. Additionally, the sandwich could be customized with various ingredients, such as peppers, tomatoes, or onions, providing a filling and satisfying meal.
The association of grilled cheese with other comfort foods, such as tomato soup, also contributed to its fame during the war. The comfort and familiarity of the sandwich may have been comforting during a time of uncertainty and strife. Furthermore, the British government also encouraged the consumption of cheese during World War II due to food instability caused by the global conflict.
While the grilled cheese sandwich has undergone variations and gained popularity over time, its fundamental combination of bread and cheese remains a classic comfort food enjoyed by many.
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Grilled cheese in cookbooks
Grilled cheese sandwiches are a beloved classic in the United States, and there are several cookbooks dedicated to this ultimate comfort food.
One such popular cookbook is "The Great Grilled Cheese Book: Grown-Up Recipes for a Childhood Classic" by Eric Greenspan, a graduate of Le Cordon Bleu culinary school. The book features 50 chef-created recipes, some classic and some innovative, for America's favourite sandwich. It includes recipes like "The Champ", a taleggio and short rib extravaganza, and "The Tomater", with creamy mozzarella and a sun-dried tomato spread. The book also offers tips on the best cheeses and breads, as well as cooking techniques, to elevate your grilled cheese game.
Another grilled cheese cookbook is "Grilled Cheese Kitchen: Bread + Cheese + Everything in Between" by Heidi Gibson and Nate Pollak, the owners of the American Grilled Cheese Kitchen in San Francisco. Gibson is a self-taught cook and a seven-time grilled cheese contest winner. Their book features 39 grilled cheese recipes, including classics like "The Mousetrap" with three kinds of cheese, and unique creations like the "Basque Sheep Grilled Cheese". It also includes 40 additional recipes for accompaniments and sides, such as soups, mac & cheese, and tangy spreads.
For those looking for fun and inventive grilled cheese recipes, "Grilled Cheese Social's Cookbook" by MacKenzie Smith, a two-time Food Network Champion, is a great choice. The book features 60 grilled cheese recipes for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and even dessert! From a stretchy cheesy ramen grilled cheese to a strawberry and dulce de leche churro grilled cheese, Smith's recipes are sure to delight and surprise.
These cookbooks showcase the versatility of the grilled cheese sandwich and provide a range of recipes, from classic and comforting to creative and gourmet, ensuring there's something for every taste and occasion.
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Grilled cheese in restaurants
Grilled cheese sandwiches are a popular menu item in many restaurants across the United States. While the classic grilled cheese is made with cheddar or American cheese, restaurants have been experimenting with different types of cheese and bread to create unique and indulgent grilled cheese sandwiches. For example, The Roof on Wilshire in LA offers a grilled cheese made with Taleggio cheese on raisin walnut bread, topped with sun-dried tomatoes and arugula. The sandwich is then slathered with a sweet and salty apricot-caper spread, made in-house. For meat lovers, short ribs can be added for an even more decadent experience.
Some restaurants have taken inspiration from other dishes to create innovative grilled cheese sandwiches. A River North sports bar in LA offers a grilled cheese inspired by French onion soup. The sandwich features loads of Gruyère cheese, beefy broth, and simmered onions—all the ingredients that make the soup so delicious.
In Portland, Oregon, The Grilled Cheese Grill restaurants combine reclaimed vehicles and food carts to create a unique dining experience focused on gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches. Another popular option for grilled cheese enthusiasts is The Grilled Cheese Truck, an American food truck company serving gourmet "chef-driven" grilled cheese sandwiches.
Grilled cheese sandwiches are often served with a side of tomato soup, as offered by Grilled Cheese & Co., a restaurant that specializes in grilled cheese sandwiches and caters to various events. New York Grilled Cheese is another popular destination for grilled cheese lovers, offering a variety of sandwiches and sides that have received rave reviews from customers.
While the term "grilled cheese" may evoke images of sandwiches cooked on a grill, it is important to note that the sandwich is rarely prepared through grilling. In America, the standard way to make a grilled cheese sandwich is in a skillet or on a pan, and it is often referred to as a toasted cheese sandwich or cheese toastie in the United Kingdom.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, the term "grilled cheese" is American. However, the concept of combining bread and cheese is not unique to American culture.
A grilled cheese sandwich is made by placing a cheese filling, often cheddar or American cheese, between two slices of bread, which is then heated in a pan or skillet until the bread browns and the cheese melts.
In the UK, a grilled cheese sandwich is called a cheese toastie. The main difference between the two is that grilled cheese sandwiches are typically pan-fried or toasted, whereas cheese toasties are sometimes grilled.
The term "grilled cheese" first appeared in print in the 1960s. Before that, the sandwich was referred to as a toasted cheese or melted cheese sandwich.
