Bushra Griffith
Grilled cheese sandwiches are a delight, and there is an entire day dedicated to celebrating them! National Grilled Cheese Day is observed on April 12, and it is a day to indulge in this ultimate comfort food. While the world has produced multiple variations of this sandwich, it gained prominence in the 1900s. Grilled cheese is a simple dish that can be made in numerous ways, with different types of bread, cheese, and add-ins. It is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, and it is the perfect canvas for creativity in the kitchen. So, mark your calendars and get ready to celebrate National Grilled Cheese Day with your own unique take on this classic sandwich!
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Date | 12 April |
| Frequency | Annual |
| Alternative names | National Grilled Cheese Sandwich Day, National Grilled Cheese Day |
| Related celebrations | National Grilled Cheese Month, Grilled Cheese Invitational |
| Typical activities | Grilled cheese parties, sharing recipes and photos on social media, eating grilled cheese |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
National Grilled Cheese Day is celebrated on April 12
There are many ways to celebrate National Grilled Cheese Day. You can stick to the classic grilled cheese sandwich with two slices of plain white bread and processed cheese slices, or you can get creative with different types of cheese, bread, and add-ins. Some popular cheese options include cheddar, gouda, or munster, and you can make the sandwich more indulgent by changing the bread to whole grain. If you want to take it up a notch, fill your grilled cheese with mac n' cheese or experiment with different ingredients like tomatoes, kimchi, or spinach.
For those who want to celebrate with a group of friends or family, you can host a grilled cheese party, where everyone brings their favourite grilled cheese filling and at least one type of cheese. You can also do a soup flight tasting, where everyone brings their favourite soup to pair with the grilled cheese sandwiches. Another fun idea is to do a fancy cheese fondue night, dipping different types of crusty bread into melted cheese. Don't forget to share your creations on social media, using hashtags like #GrilledCheeseDay!
If you're looking for a more educational experience, you can take a cheesy cooking class to learn how to elevate your grilled cheese-making skills. You can also attend food festivals like the Grilled Cheese Invitational, which celebrates the creativity and love for this dish, or look for local events in your city. National Grilled Cheese Day is all about celebrating this humble yet versatile sandwich, so get creative and enjoy the cheesiest, crunchiest, and most comforting sandwich there is!
The Mystery of Non-Melting Cheese in Grilled Sandwiches
You may want to see also
The day is dedicated to the popular comfort food
Grilled cheese is a simple yet delicious comfort food that has gained popularity worldwide. The term "grilled cheese" emerged in the 1960s when an additional slice of bread was placed on top, making it a complete sandwich. This cheesy delight is celebrated annually on National Grilled Cheese Sandwich Day, which falls on April 12.
The grilled cheese sandwich has a rich history that dates back to ancient Roman times. They would toast bread and layer it with melted cheese, creating a dish similar to the modern-day grilled cheese. While the concept of combining bread and cheese is ancient, the grilled cheese sandwich as we know it today gained prominence in the 1900s. During this time, various cookbooks featured recipes for adding cheese between two slices of bread, each with unique cooking methods.
The proliferation of grilled cheese sandwiches was further enhanced by the invention of sliced bread in 1928. It became so popular that government-issued cookbooks during World War II included recipes for navy cooks to make "American cheese filling sandwiches." However, these early versions often featured an open-faced sandwich with grated cheese on a single slice of bread.
Over time, the grilled cheese sandwich evolved, and by the 1960s, it had transformed into the classic sandwich we know today. This comfort food is loved for its simplicity and versatility. People can experiment with different types of cheese, bread, and additional ingredients to create their perfect grilled cheese sandwich.
National Grilled Cheese Sandwich Day is dedicated to celebrating this popular comfort food. It's an opportunity for people to indulge in their favourite grilled cheese sandwiches, experiment with new recipes, and share their creations with friends and family. Restaurants also join in on the fun, offering special menus or discounts to mark the occasion. Social media becomes abuzz with grilled cheese enthusiasts sharing their recipes and photos, connecting food lovers worldwide.
Cheese Toastie Comfort: The Hangover Cure
You may want to see also
The grilled cheese sandwich has a rich history
The grilled cheese sandwich as we know it today, with two slices of bread, gained popularity in the 1920s. This was due to the invention of sliced bread in 1928, which, along with inexpensive processed cheese, acted as a catalyst for public consumption. During the Great Depression, grilled cheese sandwiches became a staple in the American diet as they were affordable and provided enough nutrition to keep people going. The sandwich was also a favourite of the Allied Armed Forces during World War II, and it was featured in government-issued cookbooks with instructions for navy cooks to make "American cheese filling sandwiches".
The term "grilled cheese" emerged in the 1960s when the second slice of bread was added on top, making it a popular meal for lunch or dinner. However, the concept of grilling cheese with bread can be traced back to scattered sources in the late 19th or early 20th centuries, with the first dependable reference found in a 1926 publication. The grilled cheese sandwich has evolved into a comfort food enjoyed by people of all ages and has inspired creative variations, including different types of cheese, bread, and additional ingredients.
Today, grilled cheese is found on menus ranging from food trucks to five-star restaurants, and it continues to be a beloved dish celebrated by food lovers worldwide. Its long and delightful history showcases the enduring appeal of this simple yet satisfying sandwich.
Grilled Cheese and Diabetes: A Healthy Balance?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
People celebrate with grilled cheese parties and creative recipes
National Grilled Cheese Day is celebrated on April 12. It is a day to celebrate one of the most popular comfort foods in the world. The grilled cheese sandwich is incredibly cheesy, almost unapologetically so, and is a delight for cheese lovers worldwide. People celebrate the day by hosting grilled cheese parties and coming up with creative recipes.
Grilled cheese parties are a fun way to celebrate the day with friends and family. Everyone can bring their favourite grilled cheese filling and at least one type of cheese. It is a great opportunity to experiment with different combinations of cheese, bread, and add-ins. For a fancier celebration, one can opt for a cheese fondue night with different types of crusty bread and melted cheese.
Another way to celebrate is by getting creative with grilled cheese recipes. One can experiment with different types of cheese, bread, and additional ingredients. For instance, one could fill the sandwich with mac n' cheese or change up the cheese with slices of cheddar, gouda, or munster. One could also make it a "toastie" by adding some fun extras like tomatoes, kimchi, or spinach.
Some restaurants also offer special menus or discounts on National Grilled Cheese Day. It is a great opportunity to try out different grilled cheese sandwiches, as many restaurants offer a variety of options, including gluten-free bread. Social media becomes a hub for sharing recipes and photos, with hashtags like #GrilledCheeseDay.
Cities also host festivals and competitions, celebrating the creativity and love for grilled cheese. These events attract foodies and chefs who push the boundaries of what a grilled cheese can be, focusing on gourmet twists, unusual ingredients, and unique presentations.
The Grilled Cheese Legend: Who Created This Melty Marvel?
You may want to see also
Restaurants offer discounts and specials to mark the occasion
National Grilled Cheese Day is celebrated annually on April 12. The day is a chance to indulge in a simple yet satisfying plain grilled cheese sandwich or experiment with different ingredients and cheese varieties.
Many restaurants offer discounts and specials to mark the occasion. In 2024, Pita Pit customers could score a free Greek grilled cheese with any purchase in the restaurant's app using the code GGCFree24. Sonic customers could enjoy a $1 (plus tax) grilled cheese on April 12, limited to one per customer. McAlister's Deli rewards members could get a free Kids Toastie when buying an adult entrée, and Omaha Steaks offered 50% off their Mini Lobster Grilled Cheese when purchasing any other item on the site. La Madeleine offered a Duet Magnifique deal, which included a four-cheese grilled cheese and a cup of tomato basil soup for $9.99. Dorothy Lane Market offered TODAY.com readers 20% off all grilled cheese kits through April 16, with kits including apple and cheddar grilled cheese, truffle grilled cheese, and bacon and smoked gouda grilled cheese.
In 2025, La Madeleine restaurants offered a grilled cheese for $7.99 (usually $9.99), and Sonic had a Buy One Entrée, Get One Free reward in its app, allowing customers to get two grilled cheese sandwiches for the price of one.
The Grilled Cheese Conundrum: What's the Deal?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Grilled Cheese Day is celebrated on April 12.
Grilled Cheese Day is a day to celebrate the grilled cheese sandwich, which is considered one of the most popular comfort foods in the world.
There are many ways to celebrate Grilled Cheese Day, including hosting a grilled cheese party, taking a cooking class, or pairing your grilled cheese sandwich with soup. You can also experiment with different ingredients and fillings to create your own unique grilled cheese sandwich.
The grilled cheese sandwich has a rich history that dates back to ancient Roman times. The combination of bread and cheese has long been a quick and easy meal, but the modern grilled cheese sandwich became popular in the 1920s when sliced bread became readily available.
