Randy Chandler
National Grilled Cheese Day is celebrated on April 12 and is a great opportunity to indulge in one of the most popular comfort foods globally. The grilled cheese sandwich is a simple yet delicious combination of bread and cheese, with a rich history dating back to ancient times when the Romans served bread and cheese together. Over the years, this dish has evolved and gained worldwide popularity, especially during World War II when American soldiers and sailors introduced it to Europe. Today, it remains a beloved part of American cuisine, with many restaurants offering specials and deals to mark the day. Whether you prefer the classic version or like to experiment with different cheeses, breads, and toppings, there are endless ways to enjoy this tasty treat on National Grilled Cheese Day!
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Date | April 12 |
| Location | Chicago, Dallas, New Jersey |
| Restaurants | The Porch, Ruthie's, la Madeleine, The Melt Shop, The Committed Pig, Organico Pizza, Bond Street Bar, The Melt Factory, Eggmania, Keg & Kitchen, la Madeleine |
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What You'll Learn
Grilled cheese in Dallas
Dallas is home to a variety of restaurants serving up delicious grilled cheese sandwiches, from classic comfort food to unique creations. Here are some places to consider when craving this cheesy treat:
Dallas Grilled Cheese Company
The Dallas Grilled Cheese Company, located in the Bishop Arts District, is dedicated to reimagining the perfect comfort food in a casual, relaxed atmosphere. They offer a wide variety of sandwiches, including the classic grilled cheese, as well as unique options like the Cattleman's Grilled Cheese with brisket and house-made BBQ sauce, and the Cuban-style with pulled pork and ham. They also have vegetarian options and a range of sides and drinks. This restaurant is a popular choice among locals and has received positive reviews for its food and atmosphere.
Ruthie's (Food Truck)
Ruthie's is a food truck known for its grilled cheese masterpieces. They serve traditional grilled cheese sandwiches as well as creative options like the Italian Hippy (basil pesto, grilled tomatoes, and mozzarella on grilled sourdough) and El Cubano (pulled pork, ham, and cheddar cheese on grilled sourdough). Keep an eye out for their location, as they move around the city.
Dock Local
Located in West Village, Plano, and Richardson, Dock Local offers a luxurious lobster grilled cheese. Plump lobster is tossed with Sriracha, crabmeat queso, and gouda cheese on sourdough bread. It's served with "crab" chips, and you can also order a cup of lobster bisque or clam chowder for dipping.
The Common Table
The Common Table serves up a fan-favourite grilled cheese with roasted pork tenderloin and three cheeses on sourdough. It's often dunked in the restaurant's marinara sauce for an extra flavour boost.
Bird Bakery
Bird Bakery takes a nostalgic approach to grilled cheese, offering a classic sandwich with a twist of spinach and artichoke. It's a cosy spot to indulge in this comfort food.
Whether you're craving a classic grilled cheese or something more inventive, Dallas has a wealth of options to satisfy your cheesy desires.
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Chicago eateries with promotions
National Grilled Cheese Sandwich Day falls on April 12 every year, and Chicago certainly knows how to celebrate. From creative concoctions to super-traditional versions, Chicago eateries offer a myriad of takes on this classic sandwich.
One family-owned sandwich shop located in Lakeview and Wicker Park offers a variety of grilled cheeses, along with soups and craft beers. In honor of the national holiday, the eatery is hosting a deal on its menu staple, The OG. The classic sandwich, featuring American and cheddar cheese on Texas toast, is available for over half off at $4.12, a nod to the special day.
For those who prefer their grilled cheese with a crunch, another Chicago eatery offers a super-crispy version, served on amply buttered Texas toast-like white bread, filled with Irish cheddar, raclette, and taleggio cheese, dusted with black truffle. A ramekin of tomato soup is served on the side to counter the sandwich's richness.
If you're looking for a twist on the classic, one restaurant offers a grilled cheese sandwich that takes a quick bath in a pool of Scottish ale before hitting the griddle. The mix of cheddar and fontina cheeses gets a boost from the beer dip, which enhances the aroma of the sourdough bread and locks in moisture, resulting in a custardy texture.
For those who crave a taste of home, Bite's grilled cheese comes closest to the classic, with a mild and melty fusion of cheddar, provolone, and Gruyere cheeses.
So, whether you're a traditionalist or an adventurer when it comes to grilled cheese, Chicago eateries have promotions and specials that will satisfy your cravings on National Grilled Cheese Sandwich Day.
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Creative grilled cheese in NJ
There are plenty of places to get creative with grilled cheese in New Jersey. Here are some spots to check out:
American Melts
American Melts is a colourful shack just off Route 22 in Kenilworth, where you can choose from five breads, 10 cheeses, and 13 toppings to make your own grilled cheese creation. There are also 11 chef's specials, including the Athena (feta, mozzarella, tomato, red onion, black olives, and lemon on country white) and the C.A.T. (Monterey jack, mozzarella, herb-grilled chicken, avocado, and sun-dried tomatoes on whole wheat).
The Committed Pig
The Committed Pig in Morristown has six gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches on the menu. The fig-n-Brie grilled cheese is a standout, featuring fig preserves, brie, and baked brie. Another unique option is the garlic avocado grilled cheese, with avocado, sun-dried tomato pesto, and Muenster cheese grilled in garlic butter.
Pop Shop
This kitschy, retro-themed restaurant in Camden offers 33 grilled cheese sandwiches, with a special featured each day of the month. Try the Unicorn Grilled Cheese, with multicoloured mozzarella on country white bread.
The Melt Factory
The Melt Factory in Morristown has nearly 25 kinds of grilled cheese on the menu. Try the BCT (bacon, cheddar, and tomato) or go wild and combine all eight available cheeses into one sandwich.
Eggmania
Eggmania in Woodbridge and Edison offers an Indian twist on the classic grilled cheese. Try the Bombay Grill Sandwich, featuring marinated tandoori masala paneer, onions, tomatoes, and green peppers.
The Bearded One BBQ
For a Texas-style grilled cheese, head to The Bearded One BBQ. They offer five kinds of grilled cheese, including the Pulled Pork Grilled Cheese and the Brisket Grilled Cheese, made with thick Texas Toast, cheddar, Monterey Jack, BBQ sauce, and brisket.
Chimney Rock Inn
Try the "Grown Up Grilled Cheese" at Chimney Rock Inn, a golden brown pressed sandwich with a melted three-cheese blend, smoked beef brisket, BBQ sauce, pickles, and onion crisps.
Bond Street Bar
The Bond Street Bar in Asbury Park offers a range of grilled cheese options, including jalapeno cheddar grilled cheese, and a classic with American cheese.
These spots showcase the creative grilled cheese offerings in New Jersey, where you can find unique combinations, international twists, and custom creations.
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Grilled cheese with soup
Grilled cheese sandwiches are a beloved comfort food, and even more so when paired with a bowl of soup. This combination gained popularity during World War II when it was served to military personnel. The classic pairing is grilled cheese with tomato soup, but there are many other soup options to choose from.
Grilled Cheese and Tomato Soup
A popular twist on the classic pairing is grilled cheese and tomato soup served together in one bowl. To make this, prepare a rich tomato soup base with Italian seasoning, black pepper, red pepper flakes, salt, garlic, and sugar. Then, top it with slices of toasted baguette, a generous sprinkle of cheese, and broil until melted.
Grilled Cheese with Other Soups
If you're looking for soup options besides tomato, there are several alternatives that pair well with grilled cheese. These include butternut squash soup, mushroom soup, French onion soup, and potato leek soup. For a heartier option, try adding grilled cheese to the soup instead of serving it on the side.
Enhancing Your Grilled Cheese
To take your grilled cheese to the next level, experiment with different types of bread and cheese. Brioche bread, pumpernickel, and sourdough are all great choices. For cheese, try a combination of cheddar, smoked gouda, provolone, American, mozzarella, or pepper jack. You can also add toppings like prosciutto, fig jam, or butter to enhance the flavour.
National Grilled Cheese Day
If you're looking to indulge in this classic comfort food, mark your calendars for National Grilled Cheese Day, celebrated annually on April 12. Many restaurants offer specials and promotions on this day, so it's the perfect time to enjoy a grilled cheese sandwich with a bowl of soup.
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Grilled cheese at home
The grilled cheese sandwich is a traditional, comforting, and versatile dish. It is also incredibly simple to make.
Ingredients
You will need butter, cheese, and bread. You can use a combination of cheeses for a richer taste, such as sharp cheddar, havarti, gouda, or Monterey Jack. For the bread, you can use anything from regular white to sourdough, pumpernickel, or brioche.
Method
To make your grilled cheese sandwich, spread butter on the outside of two slices of bread. Place the slices butter-side down in a cast iron skillet or heavy non-stick pan over medium/low heat. Stack your chosen cheeses on one slice, and close the sandwich once the bread is golden brown. Continue cooking until the bread is a rich golden brown, flipping once and pressing down lightly to help the bread stick to the cheese.
Tips
For an added layer of flavor, you can use ghee (a South Asian clarified butter) or mayonnaise instead of butter. You can also add Dijon mustard to the inside of the sandwich for a tangy flavor. To trap the heat and encourage a smoother melt, cover your sandwich with aluminum foil or a pot lid while it cooks.
Serving Suggestions
Grilled cheese sandwiches are often served with tomato soup, but you could also experiment with other ingredients, such as lobster, brisket, basil pesto sauce, pulled pork, or Worcestershire sauce.
Storage
If you have any grilled cheese left over, let it cool to room temperature, then cover and refrigerate for up to five days. Reheat in a skillet, air fryer, or oven.
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Frequently asked questions
You can get a grilled cheese sandwich from The Grilled Cheeserie in Nashville, Tennessee. This restaurant offers a make-your-own grilled cheese option and gluten-free bread.
Cheesie’s Pub and Grub in Chicago, Illinois, has a good range of grilled cheese sandwiches.
La Madeleine restaurants offered a grilled cheese for $7.99 (original price: $9.99) on National Grilled Cheese Day.
Challenge your chefs or do it yourself by swapping out American cheese for an upscale alternative, adding grilled peppers and mushrooms, or pairing gruyere cheese with caramelized onions.
Many restaurants will have specials for National Grilled Cheese Day. You can also make your own at home.
