Bushra Griffith
The grilled cheese sandwich is a popular comfort food that has been enjoyed for many years. Although the exact origin of the grilled cheese remains a mystery, it is believed to have become popular in the 1920s, with the first dependable reference found in print from 1926. The grilled cheese sandwich became a staple in the American diet during the Great Depression as it was affordable, convenient, and filling. Since then, the grilled cheese sandwich has evolved and taken on different forms around the world, with specialty grilled cheese restaurants cropping up over the last twenty years.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Earliest evidence of bread and cheese being cooked together | 14th century, a man went into a Paris tavern, ordered cheese and bread, melted the cheese in a cup, then dipped the bread in the cheese |
| Earliest reference to a French open-faced grilled ham and cheese sandwich (Croque-Monsieur) | 1891 |
| First dependable reference to a grilled cheese sandwich | 1926 |
| Earliest form of a grilled cheese sandwich | Open-faced with grated American cheese |
| When grilled cheese sandwiches became popular | 1920s |
| When grilled cheese sandwiches were called "grilled cheese" in menus | Late 1960s |
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What You'll Learn
Popularity in the 1920s
The grilled cheese sandwich is a classic comfort food that has been a favourite for generations. Its history, however, is a bit murky, with various claims and theories about its origin. While it is challenging to pinpoint the exact moment of its invention, we can trace a clear path to its popularity in the 1920s.
The 1920s was a pivotal decade for the grilled cheese sandwich. It was during this time that it began to appear regularly on restaurant menus and in cookbooks, indicating its growing popularity and widespread appeal. One of the key factors contributing to the rise in popularity of the grilled cheese was the increasing availability of inexpensive sliced bread and American cheese. This meant that the sandwich, already a popular choice due to its simplicity and versatility, became even more accessible and affordable to the general public.
The post-World War I era also played a significant role in the rise of the grilled cheese. With the war over, there was a sense of optimism and a return to normalcy, which included a focus on affordable, comforting, and familiar foods. The grilled cheese sandwich, with its simple ingredients and easy preparation, fit the bill perfectly. It was a far cry from the extravagant and luxurious dishes of the pre-war era, and its simplicity was part of its appeal.
During the 1920s, grilled cheese sandwiches were often served as a quick and satisfying lunch or supper option. They were also a popular choice for social gatherings and parties, as they could be easily prepared and served to a large number of guests. The grilled cheese's versatility meant it could be paired with a variety of soups, salads, or sides, making it a staple in households across the country.
This decade also saw the emergence of creative variations and adaptations of the classic grilled cheese. Cookbooks and home cooks began experimenting with different types of bread, cheeses, and additional ingredients, leading to a range of flavour profiles and textures. While the traditional grilled cheese remains a classic, this period of experimentation helped solidify its place as a versatile and adaptable dish that could cater to a variety of tastes and preferences.
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The Great Depression
Although the exact origin of the grilled cheese sandwich is unknown, the dish is believed to have become popular during the Great Depression. This period of economic hardship in the 1930s saw many Americans turn to cheap and filling meals, and the grilled cheese sandwich, or "toasted cheese", as it was often called, fit the bill perfectly.
The grilled cheese sandwich is a simple dish, consisting of melted cheese between two slices of bread. However, its simplicity belies a long and fascinating culinary history. The combination of bread and cheese has been a staple for centuries, with ancient Roman cookbooks recommending it as a meal. Even the Greek physician Anthimus, in the 6th century, made reference to "roasted" cheese, which was presumably cooked in some way.
In the early 1900s, French menus featured the "Croque Monsieur", a toasted ham and cheese sandwich, and the Romans were known to eat bread and cheese together for dinner. The first dependable reference to a grilled cheese sandwich, however, appears to be from 1926, and the dish became very popular in the 1920s. The huge increase in restaurant dining during this decade, coupled with the availability of inexpensive loaves of bread and processed cheese, made the grilled cheese sandwich a commercial success.
By the time the Great Depression hit in the 1930s, the grilled cheese sandwich was already a staple of the American diet. Poor Americans could usually afford this inexpensive and nutritious meal, which helped them get through tough times. During the Great Depression, people often ate open-faced grilled cheese sandwiches, made with a single slice of bread and cheese, before eventually adding another slice of bread to make the meal more filling. The grilled cheese sandwich provided a convenient, affordable, and filling option for families and vendors alike during this period of economic hardship.
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World War II
The grilled cheese sandwich has been a staple in the American diet for over a century, with its origin dating back to the early 1900s. However, it was during World War II that the grilled cheese truly cemented its place in history.
During the 1940s, the United States and its allies were embroiled in a global conflict that demanded the mobilization of resources, including food. The U.S. government, seeking to promote nutritious and affordable meals, issued cookbooks encouraging the consumption of grilled cheese sandwiches. These sandwiches, known as "American Cheese Filling Sandwiches" in the Navy cookbooks, provided a cost-effective and filling option for troops.
The grilled cheese sandwich also became a staple in school cafeterias and households across America during World War II. Its popularity can be attributed to its ease of preparation, affordability, and nutritional value. The sandwich required minimal ingredients, making it accessible to those facing food shortages or rationing.
The British government, facing similar food instability due to the war, also encouraged its citizens to consume more cheese. This collective effort to promote cheese consumption during World War II contributed to the widespread adoption of grilled cheese sandwiches.
The term grilled cheese didn't come into common use until the 1960s. Before that, these sandwiches were known as toasted cheese or melted cheese sandwiches. The concept of combining bread and cheese, however, has a much longer history, with ancient Roman cookbooks recommending it as a delicious meal.
The grilled cheese sandwich, born out of necessity during World War II, has since become an iconic comfort food, finding its way onto menus across the world, from casual eateries to fine-dining establishments. Its versatility and simplicity have made it a favourite among people of all ages, and it continues to be a staple in the culinary landscape.
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Variations around the world
The grilled cheese sandwich has become a ubiquitous food, with variations of it found all over the world. While the exact origin of the grilled cheese remains a mystery, it is speculated that the sandwich became popular in the 1920s. Since then, it has become a staple in households and on restaurant menus across the globe.
Europe
In the United Kingdom, a grilled cheese sandwich is called a toastie, and it is made with butter spread on the inside of the bread and filled with cheddar cheese before being grilled. The Welsh rarebit, or Welsh rabbit, is another British variation that uses only one piece of bread, topped with a special cheddar cheese sauce made with mustard, beer, cream, and butter.
In France, the grilled cheese sandwich is called a croque monsieur, which is made with ham and Gruyere cheese, topped with more cheese, and often béchamel sauce. The croque monsieur's more elaborate counterpart, the croque madame, is served with a fried egg on top.
In Germany, toast Hawaii is a popular dish that combines pineapple, cheese, and ham.
Dutch tostis are often made with a press rather than an oven or stovetop, and can include a variety of ingredients such as fish, onion, chili paste, apple syrup, mozzarella, and tomato.
The Americas
In Brazil, the bauru sandwich is made with melted mozzarella cheese, roast beef, tomato, and a pickle, served in a hollowed-out French bun.
In Mexico, quesadillas are made by grilling two tortillas filled with cheese and can be made more filling by adding stewed meats or vegetables, and toppings such as guacamole and salsa.
In Venezuela and Colombia, grilled cheese sandwiches are made with corn-based arepas.
In Australia, grilled cheese sandwiches often include a layer of Vegemite, a dark brown spread made from yeast extract, and are called tiger toast.
Asia
In Southeast Asia, there are variations of grilled cheese sandwiches that reflect the unique culinary tastes of the region.
Grilled cheese sandwiches are clearly a global phenomenon, with countless variations to suit different tastes and cultures.
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Grilled cheese today
The grilled cheese sandwich is a cultural phenomenon and a staple in North America. It has evolved into different unique forms around the world and is a classic comfort food. It is a nostalgic dish that reminds people of their childhood and is a recognised comfort food for adults too. It is a simple dish, but one that has an interesting origin story.
The grilled cheese is a hot cheese sandwich made by heating cheese between slices of bread with a cooking fat such as butter or mayonnaise. It is usually made in a frying pan, griddle, or sandwich toaster. The sandwich is rarely grilled, despite its name, and is most often pan-fried. The grilled cheese has become a badge of honour for chefs to add their own twist to it. Some chefs make sweet grilled cheese with ingredients like Nutella or fruit preserves. The versatility of the sandwich makes it a popular choice for takeout and delivery.
The grilled cheese is found on menus in delis and five-star restaurants. It is served on various breads, with different kinds of cheese, and even with meat. It is often paired with a bowl of tomato soup. The grilled cheese has been emulated around the world, with different names and ingredients. In France, it is known as a croque-monsieur, made with ham and Gruyere cheese and is often topped with a béchamel sauce. In India, a paneer sandwich is made with paneer cheese and served with chutney or other spices. In Spain, a bocadillo de queso is made with manchego cheese and served on a crusty baguette.
The popularity of the grilled cheese sandwich has led to the opening of many specialty grilled cheese restaurants over the last twenty years. The Grilled Cheese Grill restaurants in Portland, Oregon, are a combination of reclaimed vehicles and food carts that focus on gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches. The Grilled Cheese Truck is an American food truck company serving gourmet "chef-driven" grilled cheese sandwiches.
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Frequently asked questions
The exact origin of the grilled cheese sandwich is unknown, but it became popular in the 1920s.
Ancient Roman cookbooks advised combining bread and cheese at mealtimes, but there is no evidence that they grilled it.
The first dependable reference to a grilled cheese sandwich is from 1926.
During the Great Depression, when people needed cheap, convenient, and filling food.
In the 1960s, when Kraft Processed Cheese slices became popular and bagged sliced bread became more readily available.
