Kamil Perry
In the UK, a grilled cheese sandwich is called a toastie, or more specifically, a cheese toastie. The term toastie can refer to practically any grilled sandwich, but a cheese toastie specifically evokes a nostalgic, childlike feeling, perfectly describing this comfort food. While toastie and grilled cheese are similar enough, connoisseurs of the melted cheese sandwich consider them to be different.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| British name | Cheese toastie |
| Other names | Grilled cheese, toasted sandwich, jaffle |
| Description | Hot cheese sandwich |
| Preparation | Slices of cheese between slices of bread with cooking fat like butter or mayonnaise on a frying pan, griddle, or sandwich toaster |
| Bread options | White, whole-grain, granary, thinly sliced sourdough |
| Cheese options | English Cheddar, Wensleydale, Red Leicester, Cheshire |
| Additional fillings | Thick-cut ham, cooked bacon, mushrooms, onions, tomatoes |
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What You'll Learn
'Grilled cheese' vs 'cheese toastie'
Grilled cheese and cheese toastie are both terms used to refer to a hot sandwich made with melted cheese between slices of bread. While the terms are often used interchangeably, there are some subtle differences between the two.
The term "grilled cheese" is more commonly used in the United States, while "cheese toastie" is the preferred term in the United Kingdom. In the US, grilled cheese is typically made by frying the sandwich in a pan until the cheese melts, although some people also use a panini grill or skillet. On the other hand, British cheese toastie enthusiasts might use a toastie maker or sandwich toaster to get those distinctive triangle-shaped sandwiches. Interestingly, despite its name, the grilled cheese sandwich is rarely prepared through grilling; it is most often pan-fried.
The choice of cheese and bread is an important consideration for both grilled cheese and cheese toastie enthusiasts. In the UK, it is recommended to use strong, semi-hard, or crumbly British cheeses such as English Cheddar, Wensleydale, Red Leicester, or Cheshire for the perfect toastie. Blue cheeses can also be used, but they should be mature and semi-hard. As for bread, a good-quality loaf that can hold together during cooking is essential. White, whole-grain, granary, or thinly sliced sourdough are all popular choices.
When it comes to fillings, the grilled cheese is usually a simpler affair, with just bread and cheese, and maybe a few additional ingredients like tomato or avocado if you're feeling adventurous. On the other hand, the toastie is all about creativity and experimentation. In addition to the endless choices of bread and cheese, fillings can include thick-cut ham, cooked bacon, mushrooms, onions, or tomatoes. Chutney or spicy relish can also be added for an extra kick of flavour.
While the methods of preparation and specific ingredients may differ slightly, both grilled cheese and cheese toastie represent the ultimate comfort food, evoking feelings of warmth and nostalgia. Whether you call it a grilled cheese or a cheese toastie, there's no denying that this simple yet delicious combination of cheese and bread has earned its place as a beloved dish on both sides of the pond.
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British grilled cheese names
In the UK, a grilled cheese sandwich is commonly referred to as a "toastie", or more specifically, a "cheese toastie". The term "toastie" is quite broad and can refer to practically any grilled sandwich, with or without cheese. The name "toastie" likely comes from the fact that the sandwich is toasted, rather than grilled, as is the typical method of preparation.
The "cheese toastie" is a beloved British comfort food, with its simplicity, speed of preparation, and endless customisation options contributing to its popularity. It is made by heating slices of cheese between two slices of bread, using butter or mayonnaise as a cooking fat, until the bread is browned and the cheese is melted. The type of cheese and bread used can vary according to preference, with strong, semi-hard, or crumbly British cheeses like Cheddar, Wensleydale, Red Leicester, or Cheshire, and bread types such as white, whole-grain, granary, or sourdough, being popular choices.
While "toastie" and "cheese toastie" are the most common names for the British version of the grilled cheese, some sources also refer to it as a grilled cheese sandwich, acknowledging the similarity to its American counterpart. However, it is important to note that the British grilled cheese is typically prepared in a frying pan, rather than grilled, as the name might suggest.
In conclusion, while the specific name used may vary, the essence of the dish remains the same—a hot, toasted, or grilled cheese sandwich that is a favourite comfort food in both the UK and the US, with minor variations in preparation methods and ingredients.
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Grilled cheese in the US
Grilled cheese is a beloved staple in the US, where it is often simply referred to as a "grilled cheese sandwich". It is also sometimes called a "toastie" or "cheese toastie", particularly in the UK, where it may be made using a sandwich press or toastie maker. However, in the US, grilled cheese is typically made on the stove in a skillet, griddle, or pan.
The classic American grilled cheese sandwich is made with just three simple and inexpensive ingredients: bread, American cheese, and butter or mayonnaise. The bread is buttered on both sides and placed in a pre-heated heavy-based skillet or non-stick frying pan over medium-low heat. The cheese is grated to ensure it melts properly and to get the perfect "cheese pull". The sandwich is then flipped a couple of times until the bread is crunchy and the cheese is melted.
While the traditional grilled cheese is tough to beat, there are many variations on this classic comfort food. Some recipes recommend using a combination of cheeses, such as mozzarella with a flavoured cheese, or a blend like cheddar with robiola fondue. Other ingredients that can be added include pancetta, peach jam, roasted poblano pepper, local chokecherry jelly, tomatoes, bacon, or roasted green chiles.
Grilled cheese is so popular in the US that there are restaurants dedicated to serving gourmet versions of this humble sandwich. For example, Ruthie's gourmet grilled cheese truck in Dallas serves grilled cheese dumplings with smoked bacon and creamy tomato soup.
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Grilled cheese vs panini
In the UK, grilled cheese sandwiches are known as "toasties", and are made by heating cheese between two slices of bread. This can be done using a frying pan, griddle, or sandwich toaster, until the bread browns and the cheese melts.
A panini, on the other hand, is an Italian specialty, made with a whole bread roll, such as ciabatta or focaccia, rather than sliced bread. The roll is filled and then toasted, usually on a panini press, which gives it those distinctive grill lines. While cheese is not essential to a panini, it is often included, and there are no formal requirements for the fillings. Paninis are typically more of a complete meal than a grilled cheese sandwich, which is usually served as a side dish or snack.
The key difference between a grilled cheese and a panini, therefore, lies in the type of bread used and the cooking method. Grilled cheese sandwiches are made with sliced bread and cooked in a frying pan or griddle, while paninis are made with a whole bread roll and cooked on a panini press.
In terms of fillings, grilled cheese sandwiches typically feature a variety of cheeses, sometimes with added ingredients such as bacon or tomato. The focus of a grilled cheese is the cheese itself, with minimal additional ingredients. Paninis, on the other hand, are often used to showcase more complex combinations of flavours and ingredients. They are a great way to use up leftovers, and can accommodate a wider range of fillings, including meat, vegetables, and other moist ingredients.
While the names may vary, and the specific ingredients and cooking methods may differ, both grilled cheese sandwiches and paninis are ultimately toasted, melted cheese sandwiches, and both are delicious in their own right.
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Grilled cheese history
Grilled cheese, also known as a toasted sandwich, cheese toastie (UK), or jaffle (AU), is a hot sandwich made by heating slices of cheese between slices of bread. Despite its name, the sandwich is rarely grilled and is usually pan-fried.
Early History
The exact origin of grilled cheese remains unknown. However, the combination of bread and cheese is a pairing that goes back centuries, with ancient Roman cookbooks recommending it. Cooking bread and cheese together, however, is a more recent phenomenon. The grilled cheese sandwich is believed to have originated in the 1920s, when inexpensive loaves of bread and processed cheese became widely available, making it a popular and affordable option for both restaurants and home cooks.
Great Depression and World War II
During the Great Depression in the United States, grilled cheese sandwiches became a staple due to their affordability and convenience. They provided a filling meal for those looking to stretch their food budgets. During this time, the Cheese Dream, an open-faced grilled cheese sandwich, gained popularity.
In the 1930s, grilled cheese was one of the few meals that poor Americans could afford, providing them with enough nutrition to get by. During World War II, grilled cheese was a favourite among the Allied Armed Forces, and it soon became a regular part of school lunches and household meals. U.S. government cookbooks from this time include recipes for "American cheese filling sandwiches" and open-faced grilled cheese sandwiches, similar to the Cheese Dream.
Post-World War II to Present
In the 1960s, the popularity of grilled cheese continued to grow with the introduction of Kraft Processed Cheese slices and the increasing availability of bagged sliced bread. It was during this time that the sandwich became known as the "grilled cheese", having previously been called a melted cheese or toasted cheese sandwich.
Today, grilled cheese is a beloved comfort food enjoyed by both children and adults. It has become a cultural phenomenon, with chefs creating endless variations and specialty grilled cheese restaurants opening worldwide.
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Frequently asked questions
British people call grilled cheese a "toastie", "cheese toastie", or "toasted sandwich".
A toastie is a hot sandwich made with melted cheese and other ingredients, grilled between two slices of bread.
Strong, semi-hard, or crumbly cheeses like English Cheddar, Wensleydale, Red Leicester, or Cheshire are commonly used in toasties.
In addition to cheese, popular fillings include thick-cut ham, cooked bacon, mushrooms, onions, and tomatoes.
While the terms are often used interchangeably, some differentiate grilled cheese as being cooked in a skillet, while a toastie is made in a toastie press or sandwich toaster.
