Bushra Griffith
The grilled cheese sandwich is a beloved comfort food for many, but its origin remains a mystery. Although the combination of bread and cheese can be traced back to ancient Roman cookbooks, the cooking of bread and cheese together is a more recent phenomenon. The grilled cheese sandwich became popular in the 1920s, and by the time the Great Depression struck, it had become a staple in the American diet. During this time, people were looking for affordable and convenient meals, and the grilled cheese sandwich, or “Cheese Dream” as it was called, fit the bill perfectly.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Earliest Reference | 1926 |
| First Became Popular | 1920s |
| Name | Grilled cheese, toasted sandwich, cheese toastie, jaffle, melted cheese, toasted cheese, cheese dream |
| Origin | Unknown, but ancient Roman cookbooks advised combining bread and cheese |
| Preparation | Slices of cheese placed between slices of bread with a cooking fat such as butter or mayonnaise, heated in a frying pan, griddle, or sandwich toaster |
| Bread | White bread, brown bread, bagged sliced bread |
| Cheese | Cheddar, American cheese, Cheshire cheese, Kraft Processed Cheese slices |
| Variations | Nacho grilled cheese, Chicken Bacon Ranch grilled cheese, Tuscan grilled cheese, Croque Monsieur |
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What You'll Learn
The grilled cheese's origin story is unknown
The grilled cheese sandwich is a simple yet beloved dish, but its origin story is unknown. While the combination of bread and cheese is ancient, with evidence of the pairing in Roman cookbooks, the exact origins of the grilled cheese sandwich remain a mystery.
It is speculated that the idea of cooking bread and cheese together is a more recent phenomenon. The first dependable reference to a grilled cheese sandwich in print is from 1926, and the dish became popular in the 1920s. This popularity is attributed to the invention of the bread slicer by Otto Frederick Rohwedder in 1927, which revolutionized sandwich-making by providing a faster, consistent, and more convenient way to prepare sandwiches. The increase in restaurant dining in the 1920s, along with inexpensive loaves of bread and processed cheese, also contributed to the widespread adoption of grilled cheese sandwiches.
During the Great Depression, the grilled cheese sandwich, then known as the "'Cheese Dream," became a staple for those seeking affordable and filling meals. It was typically made as an open-faced sandwich with grated American cheese and sometimes with a second slice of bread for added heartiness. The "Cheese Dream" was also popular among the Allied Armed Forces during World War II, and it was featured in US government cookbooks for the Navy as the "American Cheese Filling Sandwich."
The term "grilled cheese" itself emerged in the 1960s, replacing earlier names like "melted cheese" or "toasted cheese." The 1960s also saw the rise in popularity of Kraft Processed Cheese slices and bagged sliced bread, making the ingredients for grilled cheese sandwiches more accessible and consistent.
While the exact origin of the grilled cheese sandwich may be unknown, its influence and popularity are undeniable. It has become a cultural phenomenon, with numerous variations and gourmet interpretations found on menus worldwide, from delis to five-star restaurants.
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Ancient Roman cookbooks recommended eating bread and cheese together
The grilled cheese sandwich, a classic comfort food, has a long and intriguing history that dates back to ancient times. Its origins can be traced back to ancient Rome, where the combination of bread and cheese was already considered a delicacy. Ancient Roman cookbooks, such as the famous "Apicius," provide valuable insights into the culinary practices of the time and offer recommendations for enjoying bread and cheese together. These ancient cookbooks serve as evidence of the Romans' sophisticated palate and their appreciation for the harmonious pairing of these two staple foods.
In ancient Rome, bread and cheese were fundamental components of the daily diet. Bread, made from wheat or barley, was a staple food for all social classes, while cheese, produced from sheep's or goat's milk, was widely available and highly valued for its versatility and nutritional value. The "Apicius" cookbook, which is a collection of Roman recipes, highlights the various ways in which bread and cheese could be combined and enjoyed. One particular recipe, "Libum," calls for a flat cake made of cheese and bread that was baked and then served as a dessert or side dish. This simple yet delicious combination laid the foundation for what would eventually become the beloved grilled cheese sandwich.
The "Apicius" cookbook offers a glimpse into the culinary sophistication of ancient Rome, where the pairing of specific cheeses with complementary breads was already a practiced art. Romans appreciated the contrast of textures and flavors that bread and cheese provided. They understood how the crispiness of toasted bread could enhance the creamy melt-in-your-mouth texture of cheese. Additionally, they experimented with different types of cheeses, recognizing how the sharpness of a mature cheese could be balanced by the sweetness of certain breads.
By recommending the combination of bread and cheese, the ancient Roman cookbooks acknowledged the nutritional benefits of this pairing. Cheese was a good source of protein and calcium, while bread provided carbohydrates and fiber. Together, they offered a more complete and balanced meal. This combination was not only delicious but also provided sustenance and energy for the Roman people, making it a popular choice for all strata of society. Thus, the ancient Romans' appreciation for the marriage of bread and cheese extended beyond mere taste; it was also a recognition of the nutritional synergy that this combination offered.
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The grilled cheese sandwich gained popularity in the 1920s
The grilled cheese sandwich is a hot sandwich made by heating slices of cheese between slices of bread in a frying pan or on a griddle. While the exact origin of the grilled cheese sandwich remains unknown, it gained popularity in the United States during the 1920s. This was a time when restaurant dining was on the rise, and inexpensive loaves of bread and processed cheese were readily available. The grilled cheese sandwich, being a simple yet delicious combination, quickly became a commercial success and a staple in homes across the country.
The earliest reference to a grilled cheese sandwich can be traced back to 1926. This was also the era when Otto Frederick Rohwedder invented the bread slicer in 1927, which revolutionized the way sandwiches were made, making them faster, more consistent, and more convenient. The increasing availability of sliced bread, along with affordable processed cheese, made grilled cheese sandwiches accessible to a wide range of people.
During the Great Depression in the 1930s, the grilled cheese sandwich became a go-to meal for many Americans. It was affordable, convenient, and filling. The open-faced version, known as the "Cheese Dream," was particularly popular during this time. Made with a single slice of bread and cheese, it provided a cost-effective meal for those struggling financially.
By the time World War II rolled around, the grilled cheese sandwich had become a favourite among the Allied Armed Forces. The US government included the "American Cheese Filling Sandwich" in its cookbooks for the Navy. When the soldiers returned home after the war, the recipe found its way into traditional American cookbooks, solidifying its place in the country's culinary culture.
Over the years, the grilled cheese sandwich has evolved and taken on different forms. People have experimented with various types of bread and cheese, added toppings, and even included meat. It has become a comfort food for both adults and children, enjoyed in homes, school cafeterias, and restaurants ranging from delis to five-star dining establishments. The grilled cheese sandwich has truly earned its place as an iconic and versatile dish in American cuisine.
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The grilled cheese was a staple during the Great Depression
Although the grilled cheese sandwich is a staple of the modern American diet, its exact origins are unknown. Bread and cheese have been eaten together for centuries, with ancient Roman cookbooks recommending the pairing. However, cooking the two together is a more recent phenomenon. The grilled cheese sandwich, or "toasted cheese", became popular in the 1920s, but it was during the Great Depression that it became a staple.
When the Great Depression struck in 1929, people needed cheap, convenient, and filling food. The grilled cheese sandwich, or “Cheese Dream”, as it was known then, fit the bill perfectly. It could be made quickly and easily by vendors and families alike, and provided much-needed sustenance. The "Cheese Dream" was typically made with one slice of bread and one slice of cheese, fried or broiled until the cheese was browned and puffy. This open-faced sandwich provided a cost-effective meal and helped people stretch their food budgets during a difficult time.
The grilled cheese sandwich remained popular after the Great Depression and was a favourite of the Allied Armed Forces during World War II. U.S. government-issued cookbooks included recipes for "American Cheese Filling Sandwiches", and once the soldiers returned from the war, the recipe became a regular part of traditional American cookbooks.
Over time, the grilled cheese sandwich evolved, and people started adding a second slice of bread to make it more filling. The sandwich also began to appear on the menus of delis and five-star restaurants, with chefs experimenting with different types of bread, cheese, and additional ingredients. Today, the grilled cheese sandwich is a cultural phenomenon and a beloved comfort food for both children and adults.
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The grilled cheese is now a cultural phenomenon
The grilled cheese sandwich is now a cultural phenomenon. This simple yet comforting combination of bread and cheese has been enjoyed for centuries, with ancient Roman cookbooks advising the pairing of the two. However, cooking them together is a more recent phenomenon. While the exact origin of the grilled cheese sandwich remains a mystery, it is believed to have gained popularity in the 1920s, with the first dependable reference found in a 1926 print. The increase in restaurant dining, along with the invention of the bread slicer in 1927, made grilled cheese sandwiches easily accessible and affordable to the public.
During the Great Depression, the grilled cheese sandwich, then known as the "
The grilled cheese sandwich continued its rise in popularity during World War II, when it was favoured by the Allied Armed Forces. This led to its inclusion in school cafeterias and household meal planning. Government-issued cookbooks for the US Navy featured recipes for "American Cheese Filling Sandwiches", solidifying its place in traditional American cuisine.
Today, the grilled cheese sandwich has evolved beyond its classic form. It can be found on menus ranging from delis to five-star restaurants, with various breads, cheeses, and additional ingredients being used to create innovative combinations. The grilled cheese sandwich has also inspired gourmet food trucks and restaurants, such as The Grilled Cheese Grill in Portland, Oregon, and The Grilled Cheese Truck, an American food truck company serving "chef-driven" grilled cheese sandwiches.
The grilled cheese sandwich has become a cultural icon, with its influence extending beyond the culinary realm. In 2004, a grilled cheese sandwich bearing the image of the Virgin Mary sold for $24,000 on eBay, showcasing the unique cultural significance this simple sandwich holds.
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Frequently asked questions
Although the exact origin of grilled cheese remains a mystery, it is believed to have become popular during the Great Depression in the United States as it was affordable, convenient, and filling.
During the Great Depression, the grilled cheese was known as the "Cheese Dream", an open-faced sandwich made with one slice of bread and one slice of cheese.
It wasn't until the 1960s that the popular sandwich became known as the "grilled cheese", prior to which it was simply called a melted cheese or toasted cheese sandwich.
During the Great Depression, people made grilled cheese by frying or broiling a slice of bread and cheese until the cheese was browned and puffy.
