Kamil Perry
The combination of tomato soup and grilled cheese sandwich is a classic pairing that has been a constant comfort food for generations. The origin of this iconic duo can be traced back to significant events in American history, specifically the emergence of affordable processed foods and the challenging economic climate of the 1920s. The popularity of the grilled cheese sandwich, made with sliced bread and processed cheese, took off during this time. Tomato soup, which had been around since the mid-1800s, provided a convenient and nutritious pairing during World War II, when it was served with grilled cheese sandwiches in military mess halls and schools. The vitamin C in tomatoes and the energy-inducing carbs in grilled cheese sandwiches made it a quick and nourishing meal that has endured as a beloved comfort food combination.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Combination of grilled cheese sandwiches and tomato soup | Delicious duo, comfort craving, complementary textures and flavours |
| Origin | Early 1900s |
| Reason | Need to feed people inexpensively |
| Key events | Emergence of big-name brands, increase in economic prosperity, preference for convenience |
| Ingredients | Affordable, convenient, and nourishing |
| Examples | Canned vegetables, soups, processed foods, homemade bread |
| Popularity | Military families, sailors, civilian society, schools, government institutions |
| Variants | Deconstructed versions, ingredient substitutions, culinary swaps |
| Nutrition | Vitamin C in tomatoes, carbs in cheese sandwiches, sugars, energy |
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What You'll Learn
- Grilled cheese: The term grilled cheese was first used in print in the 1960s
- Tomato soup: Tomatoes were considered poisonous in the US until the 1800s
- Grilled cheese: Kraft Singles, introduced in 1950, are a staple of grilled cheese
- Tomato soup: Campbell's condensed tomato soup was introduced in 1897
- Grilled cheese: The sandwich was served open-faced in the 1940s and 1950s
Grilled cheese: The term grilled cheese was first used in print in the 1960s
Grilled cheese sandwiches became popular in the 1920s. This was due to the invention of processed cheese by James L. Kraft and the creation of a bread slicer by Otto Frederick Rohwedder. These innovations, along with the emergence of big-name brands, increased economic prosperity among working families, making the sandwich a staple meal in family homes. The term "grilled cheese" was first used in print in the 1960s.
During World War II, grilled cheese sandwiches were paired with tomato soup in government institutions, military mess halls, and school lunchrooms. This pairing provided a quick, nourishing, and inexpensive meal, as canned tomatoes and tomato soup were readily available and shelf-stable. The vitamin C in tomatoes complemented the energy-inducing sugars and carbs in the grilled cheese sandwiches.
The combination of grilled cheese and tomato soup became a classic comfort food for Americans, with the textures and flavours of the two dishes complementing each other perfectly. The grilled cheese sandwich, with its gooey, melted cheese and buttery bread, pairs well with the acidic tones of the tomato soup.
While the exact origin of the grilled cheese sandwich may be unclear, it is undeniable that it has left its mark on the American culinary landscape. The pairing of grilled cheese with tomato soup has become a beloved comfort food for generations, with various recipes and variants emerging over time.
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Tomato soup: Tomatoes were considered poisonous in the US until the 1800s
The combination of grilled cheese sandwiches and tomato soup is a beloved pairing, offering comfort and satisfaction in equal measure. While the origin story of this dynamic duo is rooted in the need for affordable and nourishing meals, it has evolved into a staple, transcending its humble beginnings.
Tomatoes: Once Considered Poisonous in the US
It may come as a surprise that tomatoes, now a staple in American cuisine, were once viewed with suspicion. In the early 1800s, tomatoes were thought to be poisonous by many Americans. This belief stemmed from the fact that tomatoes are a part of the nightshade family, which includes plants with toxic properties. However, by the mid-1800s, this perception began to change, and tomato soup started to appear in cookbooks, such as "The Appledore Cook Book."
The emergence of tomato soup in the mid-19th century laid the foundation for its future pairing with grilled cheese sandwiches. However, it is important to note that the combination itself did not come into existence until several decades later during World War II.
During World War II, grilled cheese sandwiches were a popular choice among military members, including sailors. The invention of processed cheese by James L. Kraft and the creation of the bread slicer by Otto Frederick Rohwedder contributed to the sandwich's widespread appeal. Tomato soup, with its availability in cans and long shelf life, became an ideal companion to the grilled cheese sandwich.
The marriage of these two components—the sandwich and the soup—occurred as a result of the war's influence on food choices. Military families, sailors, and eventually civilians embraced the pairing as a nourishing and affordable option. The vitamin C in tomatoes, coupled with the energy-inducing carbohydrates in grilled cheese sandwiches, made it a nutritious and satisfying meal.
In conclusion, while the grilled cheese sandwich and tomato soup combination may be synonymous with comfort and indulgence today, its origins lie in the challenges of the past. From overcoming the stigma of poisonous tomatoes in the 1800s to the economic and nutritional demands of World War II, this iconic duo has earned its place in American culinary history.
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Grilled cheese: Kraft Singles, introduced in 1950, are a staple of grilled cheese
Grilled cheese sandwiches became popular in the 1920s, thanks to James L. Kraft's invention of processed cheese and Otto Frederick Rohwedder's creation of the bread slicer. The sandwich, known as toasted cheese sandwiches or cheese dreams, became a staple meal in family homes. It was a quick, nourishing, and inexpensive meal, especially when paired with tomato soup, which had been around since the mid-1800s. During World War II, the grilled cheese sandwich was paired with tomato soup in government institutions, military mess halls, and school lunchrooms to provide a nutritious meal with vitamins and nutrients.
Kraft Singles, introduced in 1950, are a staple of grilled cheese sandwiches. They are individually wrapped slices of processed cheese, designed to be easy to use and convenient. The cheese is a blend of Colby and cheddar cheeses and was first sold pre-sliced in a package of four slices. The product was marketed as a convenient and affordable alternative to cheese, which often required time and effort to grate or slice.
Kraft Singles quickly became a popular choice for grilled cheese sandwiches due to their meltability and consistent slice thickness, which created a uniform melting pattern. The slices were also designed to be the perfect size for standard-sized bread, making it easier to create an even layer of cheese on the sandwich. The consistency and convenience offered by Kraft Singles aligned with the growing preference for convenience and pre-packaged foods among working families in the 1950s.
The popularity of Kraft Singles in grilled cheese sandwiches contributed to the enduring association between grilled cheese and tomato soup. The sandwiches, made with Kraft Singles, were often served alongside a bowl of tomato soup, creating a comforting and flavourful duo that became a classic combination in American cuisine. The affordability and accessibility of both components further solidified their place in the culinary landscape, especially during challenging economic times.
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Tomato soup: Campbell's condensed tomato soup was introduced in 1897
While the grilled cheese sandwich and tomato soup combination is a well-known pairing, the history of canned tomato soup on its own is also an interesting one. Campbell's condensed tomato soup was introduced in 1897, and it has since become a staple in kitchens across the globe.
The history of canned soup began in the 19th century when French chef Nicolas Appert invented the process of canning food. This innovation allowed people to preserve food for long periods, and it was soon picked up by the military, who needed a way to feed their troops during wars. Canned soup became a standard meal for soldiers, and it was also used as an emergency food supply during natural disasters and shortages.
Over time, canned soup became popular with civilians as well, and it became a go-to option for quick, convenient meals. Campbell's condensed tomato soup was one of the first commercially available canned soups, and it quickly became a household name. The company introduced new flavours and varieties, and it even began offering ready-to-eat meals that included a can of soup and a crackers or a sandwich.
Today, Campbell's condensed tomato soup is still a favourite for many people, and it has become a cultural icon. The red and white can is instantly recognisable, and the soup has been featured in numerous movies, TV shows, and art pieces. It's also a versatile ingredient, and people use it to create everything from casseroles to cocktails.
While the history of Campbell's condensed tomato soup is fascinating, its impact on the iconic duo of grilled cheese and tomato soup is even more intriguing. The pairing of these two comfort foods is a match made in heaven, and it has become a go-to meal for people of all ages.
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Grilled cheese: The sandwich was served open-faced in the 1940s and 1950s
The grilled cheese sandwich and tomato soup combination has been a staple for most Americans since the 1920s. The pairing is rooted in the need to feed people nourishing meals as cheaply as possible. The grilled cheese sandwich, then known as toasted cheese sandwiches or cheese dreams, became a staple meal in family homes during this time.
In the 1940s and 1950s, the sandwich was often served open-faced. During World War II, the grilled cheese sandwich was paired with tomato soup in government institutions, military mess halls, and school lunchrooms. This pairing was done to balance the meal with vitamins and nutrients from the fruit. Canned tomatoes and tomato soup were readily available and had a long shelf life, making them an easy and delicious way to elevate the basic sandwich.
The popularity of the grilled cheese sandwich can be attributed to the invention of processed cheese by James L. Kraft and the creation of the bread slicer by Otto Frederick Rohwedder. These innovations, along with the availability of inexpensive flour, made homemade bread an easy way to bulk up meals. The vitamin C in tomatoes and the carbs in the grilled cheese sandwiches made this pairing a quick and energizing meal.
The grilled cheese and tomato soup combination has endured as a comfort food favourite, with various ingredient substitutions and culinary swaps keeping the dish relevant and appealing to modern tastes.
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Frequently asked questions
The combination of grilled cheese sandwiches and tomato soup is rooted in the need to feed people as inexpensively as possible. During WWII, the grilled cheese sandwich was paired with tomato soup in government institutions, military mess halls, and school lunch rooms to balance the meal with vitamins and nutrients.
The grilled cheese sandwich became incredibly popular in the 1920s. This was due in part to James L. Kraft creating processed cheese and the invention of the bread slicer by Otto Frederick Rohwedder.
Tomato soup has been around since the mid-1800s, featured in cookbooks such as "The Appledore Cook Book".
There are many ways to improve this classic combination. For the soup, you can add spices like oregano and basil, stir in pesto, or add in some bacon. For the grilled cheese, you can add sliced tomato, hot pepper rings, sliced figs or apples, or swap out the butter for mayonnaise.
