Frederic Melton
The grilled cheese sandwich is a nostalgic dish that is beloved by many. Despite its popularity, the exact origin of the grilled cheese sandwich remains a mystery. However, it is speculated that the sandwich first became popular in the 1920s due to the availability of inexpensive loaves of bread and processed cheese. During this time, the grilled cheese sandwich was made open-faced with grated American cheese, and it quickly spread commercially and in homes. By the time the Great Depression struck, grilled cheese sandwiches had become a staple in the American diet, providing a nutritious and affordable meal for those struggling financially.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Origin | Unknown, but popularised in the 1920s |
| Ancient Variations | Bread and cheese were consumed together in ancient times, including in ancient Rome |
| Early Cookbooks | "Toasted cheese" recipes were found in cookbooks before "grilled cheese" sandwiches. |
| First Appear in Print | The term "grilled cheese" first appeared in print in the 1960s |
| Early Preparation | Grilled cheese sandwiches were initially prepared open-faced with grated American cheese |
| World War II | Grilled cheese was a favourite of the Allied Armed Forces during World War II and was included in U.S. Navy cookbooks |
| Post-World War II | In the 1940s and 1950s, grilled cheese sandwiches were often served open-faced with grated cheese on a single slice of bread |
| Modern Variation | The addition of a second slice of bread on top to make the sandwich more filling occurred around the 1960s |
| Variations | Numerous variations exist, including the "croque-monsieur" in France, the "paneer sandwich" in India, and the "bocadillo de queso" in Spain |
| Toppings and Add-Ins | Common toppings and add-ins include tomatoes, peppers, onions, eggs, pineapple, and bacon |
| Sweet Variations | Some sweet variations exist, such as using a sliced glazed doughnut instead of bread or adding ingredients like Nutella or fruit preserves |
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What You'll Learn
- The grilled cheese sandwich became popular in the 1920s
- The sandwich was cooked open-faced with grated American cheese
- The sandwich was added to US Navy cookbooks during World War II
- The term grilled cheese didn't appear in print until the 1960s
- The grilled cheese sandwich is now found on menus in delis and five-star restaurants
The grilled cheese sandwich became popular in the 1920s
Although the exact origin of the grilled cheese sandwich is unknown, it became popular in the 1920s. This was due to the availability of inexpensive loaves of bread and processed cheese, which allowed the common family their first opportunity to create a "grilled cheese sandwich". The idea of combining bread and cheese is ancient, with even Roman cookbooks advising the pairing, but cooking them together is a more recent phenomenon.
In its earliest form, the grilled cheese was made open-faced with grated American cheese. It was not until later that the sandwich was cooked "closed" with a second slice of bread, which was likely added to make the meal more filling. By the time the Great Depression struck, grilled cheese sandwiches were a staple of the American diet. Poor Americans in the 1930s could usually afford this inexpensive meal, which provided enough nutrition to get them through the day.
During World War II, the grilled cheese was a favourite of the Allied Armed Forces, and it soon became a regular meal in school cafeterias and homes. It was during this time that U.S. Navy cooks were instructed by government-issued cookbooks to prepare "American cheese filling sandwiches", usually served open-faced and consisting of one slice of bread topped with grated cheese.
The term grilled cheese did not appear in print until the 1960s, when Kraft Singles—individually wrapped slices of processed cheese—were introduced and supermarkets began stocking them. This marked the birth of the modern notion of a grilled cheese sandwich, as the second slice of bread was added on top to make the sandwich more filling.
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The sandwich was cooked open-faced with grated American cheese
The grilled cheese sandwich has an interesting history. It is believed that the pairing of bread and cheese dates back to ancient times, with even Roman cookbooks advising the combination. However, the actual cooking of bread and cheese together is a more recent phenomenon. The grilled cheese sandwich, as we know it today, became popular in the 1920s. This was when inexpensive loaves of bread and processed cheese became available, allowing people to create grilled cheese sandwiches at home.
During this time, the sandwich was cooked open-faced with grated American cheese. This style of sandwich, with a single slice of bread topped with grated cheese, was also popular during World War II, where it was served by Navy cooks on ships and in the armed forces. These sandwiches were known as "American cheese filling sandwiches" or "Cheese Dreams". It is worth noting that the term "grilled cheese" didn't come into use until the 1960s; before that, these sandwiches were called "toasted cheese" or "melted cheese" sandwiches.
The open-faced style of the grilled cheese sandwich, with grated American cheese, was likely a practical choice due to the affordability and availability of the ingredients. In the 1940s and 1950s, during the post-World War II era, grated American cheese and sliced bread were staple foods that were easily accessible to the general public. By cooking the sandwich open-faced, with a single slice of bread, the flavour of the cheese was showcased, and the sandwich could be prepared and served efficiently, especially in large quantities as required by the Navy and the armed forces.
The open-faced style also allowed for the option of adding toppings to the sandwich. Popular toppings included tomatoes, eggs, pineapple, and bacon. These toppings not only added flavour but also provided additional nutrition. Eventually, a second slice of bread was added to the sandwich, transforming it into the closed sandwich format we typically associate with grilled cheese today. The addition of the second slice of bread made the sandwich more filling and was a cost-effective way to make the meal more substantial.
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The sandwich was added to US Navy cookbooks during World War II
The grilled cheese sandwich has been a staple of the American diet since the Great Depression. However, the exact origin of the sandwich remains a mystery. It is believed that the idea of pairing bread with cheese dates back to ancient times, with ancient Roman cookbooks advising the combination of the two at mealtimes. The grilled cheese sandwich, as we know it today, became popular in the 1920s due to the availability of inexpensive loaves of bread and processed cheese. During this time, the sandwich was cooked open-faced, with grated American cheese, and it was served as a cheap and nutritious meal for poor Americans in the 1930s.
During World War II, the grilled cheese sandwich was a favourite among the Allied Armed Forces, and it soon became a regular meal in school cafeterias and homes across the country. The US Navy cookbooks from this era included recipes for "American cheese filling sandwiches", which were typically prepared open-faced with grated cheese on a single slice of bread. These sandwiches were broiled in ships' kitchens by Navy cooks and contributed to the widespread popularity of grilled cheese.
The addition of a second slice of bread to create a closed sandwich likely occurred after World War II, as a way to make the meal more filling. It wasn't until the 1960s that the term "grilled cheese" came into common use, replacing the previous names of "toasted cheese" or "melted cheese" sandwiches. The 1960s also saw the introduction of Kraft Processed Cheese slices, which further popularized the grilled cheese sandwich.
The grilled cheese sandwich has come a long way since its humble beginnings, with chefs adding their own twists and experimenting with different cheeses, breads, and additional ingredients. It has become a cultural phenomenon, loved by both children and adults, and can be found on menus ranging from delis to five-star restaurants.
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The term grilled cheese didn't appear in print until the 1960s
The grilled cheese sandwich is a simple yet beloved dish, but the exact origin of the recipe remains a mystery. Despite the long history of eating bread and cheese together, the term "grilled cheese" didn't appear in print until the 1960s. Before this, the sandwich was referred to as “toasted cheese” or “melted cheese” sandwiches.
The popularity of the grilled cheese sandwich can be traced back to the 1920s when inexpensive loaves of bread and processed cheese became available, allowing the general public to create grilled cheese sandwiches at home. During this time, the sandwich was typically made open-faced with grated American cheese, but eventually, a second slice of bread was added to make the meal more filling.
During World War II, the grilled cheese sandwich was a staple for the Allied Armed Forces, with Navy cooks preparing "American cheese filling sandwiches" as instructed by government-issued cookbooks. In the 1940s and '50s, these sandwiches were usually served open-faced, but by 1950, Kraft Foods introduced Kraft Singles, individually wrapped slices of processed cheese, which became available in supermarkets in 1965. This coincided with the addition of the second slice of bread to create the modern notion of a grilled cheese sandwich.
The grilled cheese sandwich has become a cultural phenomenon, with many variations and specialty grilled cheese restaurants popping up over the years. It's a comfort food that reminds people of their childhood and has even inspired some surprising stories, like the woman who sold a grilled cheese sandwich on eBay for $24,000 because it resembled the Virgin Mary.
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The grilled cheese sandwich is now found on menus in delis and five-star restaurants
The grilled cheese sandwich has a long and fascinating history, and its influence on modern cuisine is undeniable. While the exact origin of the grilled cheese sandwich remains a mystery, it is speculated that the idea of combining bread and cheese dates back to ancient times, with even Roman cookbooks advising the pairing of the two ingredients. However, the actual cooking of bread and cheese together is a more recent phenomenon.
The grilled cheese sandwich became popular in the 1920s, when inexpensive loaves of bread and processed cheese became readily available, allowing people to create this simple yet delicious meal. During the Great Depression and World War II, the grilled cheese sandwich became a staple in the American diet, especially for those who couldn't afford more expensive meals. It was also a favourite among the Allied Armed Forces during the war.
The classic grilled cheese sandwich is typically made by heating slices of cheese between two slices of bread in a pan or sandwich toaster until the bread is browned and the cheese is melted. A layer of butter or mayonnaise is often added to the outside of the bread for additional flavour and texture. Over the years, people have experimented with different types of cheese, added various toppings, and even used alternative breads to create their own unique versions of the grilled cheese sandwich.
Today, the grilled cheese sandwich is a beloved comfort food that can be found on menus in delis and five-star restaurants alike. It has become a canvas for culinary creativity, with chefs adding their own twists and experimenting with different ingredients. From gourmet food trucks to specialty grilled cheese restaurants, this simple sandwich has come a long way from its humble beginnings. Its versatility and universal appeal have made it a popular choice for takeout and delivery, and it continues to be a favourite among both children and adults.
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Frequently asked questions
A grilled cheese sandwich is made by placing a cheese filling, often 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.
Grilled cheese sandwiches became popular in the 1920s. They were especially popular during the Great Depression as they were inexpensive and provided enough nutrition to get people back to work.
Before the 1960s, grilled cheese sandwiches were called "toasted cheese" or "melted cheese" sandwiches. The term "grilled cheese" didn't appear in print until the 1960s.
A grilled cheese sandwich is typically cooked on a pan or frying pan, whereas a toasted cheese sandwich is broiled in the oven.
