Randy Chandler
Grilled cheese is a simple yet delicious combination of bread and cheese, often served with a bowl of tomato soup. Despite its popularity, the origin of the grilled cheese sandwich remains a mystery. Food historians have found evidence of humans consuming bread and cheese together for centuries, with ancient Roman cookbooks recommending the pairing. However, the exact origin of cooking bread and cheese together is unknown. The term grilled cheese first appeared in the 1960s, but the sandwich became popular in the 1920s, with the rise of restaurant dining and the availability of cheap, processed cheese and sliced bread. During the Great Depression, grilled cheese sandwiches were a staple for poor Americans as they were affordable, convenient, and filling.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Date of origin | Exact date of origin is unknown, but it became popular in the 1920s |
| Origin country | United States |
| Originator | Unknown, but some sources say it was an "enterprising individual" |
| Other names | Toasted cheese, melted cheese, cheese toastie (UK), jaffle (AU), cheese dream, croque-monsieur (France), paneer sandwich (India), bocadillo de queso (Spain) |
| Preparation | Grilled cheese is typically prepared by heating slices of cheese between slices of bread with a cooking fat such as butter or mayonnaise in a frying pan, griddle, or sandwich toaster |
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What You'll Learn
The grilled cheese sandwich became popular in the 1920s
The grilled cheese sandwich is a hot cheese sandwich typically made by heating slices of cheese between slices of bread with butter or mayonnaise on a frying pan, griddle, or sandwich toaster. While the exact origin of the grilled cheese sandwich is unknown, it became popular in the 1920s. This was due to a combination of factors, including the increasing popularity of restaurant dining and the affordability of the sandwich's ingredients.
In the 1920s, there was a significant increase in restaurant dining. Inexpensive loaves of bread and processed cheese became readily available, making grilled cheese sandwiches a popular choice for public consumption. The development of sliced bread by Otto Frederick Rohwedder, considered the "father of sliced bread," made distributing white bread easy and affordable. This, coupled with the recent patenting of processed cheese by James L. Kraft, made grilled cheese sandwiches an accessible and economical option for many.
The rise in restaurant dining and the availability of affordable ingredients created the perfect environment for the grilled cheese sandwich to take off. The simplicity of the dish, requiring only bread and cheese, made it easy to prepare and serve in various settings, from homes to restaurants. The grilled cheese sandwich quickly became a commercial success and a staple in American homes.
By the time the Great Depression struck in the 1930s, the grilled cheese sandwich had become a staple of the American diet. Its popularity continued to grow, and during World War II, it was a favourite among the Allied Armed Forces. The grilled cheese sandwich was also included in government-issued cookbooks for Navy cooks, further solidifying its place in American culinary culture.
While the term "grilled cheese" didn't appear in print until the 1960s, with earlier references using terms like toasted cheese or melted cheese sandwiches, the 1920s marked a significant turning point in the popularity and spread of the grilled cheese sandwich.
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It was likely invented by an enterprising individual
It is difficult to pinpoint exactly when and where the grilled cheese sandwich was invented, but it is safe to say that it has a long and global history. The act of grilling cheese is an ancient practice, with recipes for something similar to a grilled cheese sandwich appearing in a 16th-century cookbook from Catalonia, Spain. However, the grilled cheese sandwich as we know it today, with two slices of bread and a melted cheese filling, likely has more recent origins. It was probably invented by an enterprising individual or individuals who recognized the potential of combining bread and cheese in this way. This theory is supported by the fact that grilled cheese sandwiches are often associated with street food and casual dining, indicating that they may have originated as a quick, easy, and inexpensive meal option for people on the go.
The grilled cheese sandwich's versatility and simplicity make it a dish that almost anyone could have created with readily available ingredients. It is a classic example of comfort food, and its invention was likely driven by the desire to create a satisfying, filling meal with minimal effort and resources. The person or people who first grilled a cheese sandwich may have been motivated by hunger, ingenuity, or a simple desire to experiment with new flavor combinations.
While the exact identity of the inventor of the grilled cheese sandwich may never be known, we can speculate that it was likely an anonymous home cook or chef who, through trial and error, discovered the perfect combination of bread and cheese. This invention may have been a deliberate creation or a happy accident, but either way, it has left a lasting impact on culinary traditions around the world. The grilled cheese sandwich has become a staple in cafes, diners, and homes, and its popularity continues to endure.
One theory suggests that the ancient Romans may have been among the first to grill cheese. They had access to a wide variety of cheeses and often used bread as a utensil, so it is not a far-fetched idea that they may have combined the two. However, the concept of grilling cheese likely spread and evolved independently in various regions, with different cultures adding their unique twists and ingredients. Over time, the grilled cheese sandwich has been adapted and refined, with different types of bread, cheese, and additional ingredients being used to create endless variations on this classic theme.
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The term grilled cheese was first used in the 1960s
Although the exact origin of the grilled cheese sandwich remains a mystery, it has been a staple in the American diet for over a hundred years. While there is evidence of grilled cheese going back centuries, it became popular in the 1920s. During this time, restaurant dining was booming, and cheap loaves of bread and processed cheese were widely available, making grilled cheese sandwiches a catalyst for public consumption.
In its earliest form, a grilled cheese sandwich was made open-faced with grated American cheese. Common toppings included tomatoes, eggs, bacon, and pineapple. Eventually, a second slice of bread was added to make the meal more filling. During the Great Depression, grilled cheese sandwiches were a cost-effective meal for poor Americans.
During World War II, the grilled cheese sandwich was a favourite of the Allied Armed Forces. This led to its inclusion in school cafeterias and in the meal planning of housewives. The grilled cheese sandwich was also included in U.S. Navy cookbooks, described as "American cheese filling sandwiches".
It wasn't until the 1960s that the term "grilled cheese" was used in print, appearing on menus. Before this, the sandwich was called a melted cheese or toasted cheese sandwich. In the 1960s, Kraft Processed Cheese slices became popular, and bagged sliced bread became more uniform and readily available in grocery stores.
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Kraft Singles and bagged sliced bread also gained popularity in the 1960s
Although the grilled cheese sandwich was popularized in the 1920s, the term "grilled cheese" didn't enter the popular lexicon until the 1960s. During this time, Kraft Singles and bagged sliced bread also rose in popularity. The 1960s saw an increase in the ownership of fridges and freezers, which led to a greater demand for convenient meals that could be quickly prepared at home. Kraft Singles, introduced in 1950, were individually wrapped slices of processed cheese that began to be stocked in supermarkets in 1965. This made them a convenient option for grilled cheese sandwiches, which traditionally used grated cheese. The use of bagged sliced bread, a product that first appeared in 1928, also increased during this time as it provided a convenient and fresh option for consumers.
The rise in popularity of Kraft Singles and bagged sliced bread in the 1960s can be attributed to a combination of factors, including the growing demand for convenience foods and the increased availability of these products in supermarkets. Additionally, the switch from glass to plastic containers during this decade made it lighter and more resilient, reducing transport costs and making shopping more convenient for consumers.
The grilled cheese sandwich, made with Kraft Singles and bagged sliced bread, became a staple in the diets of many Americans during this time. The sandwich was not only inexpensive but also provided enough nutrition to keep people full and energized. This was especially important for those who were struggling financially, as it was a cheap and filling option.
The popularity of grilled cheese sandwiches also led to innovations in the way they were prepared. While traditionally made in a frying pan, the 1960s saw the introduction of sandwich toasters, which made it even more convenient to prepare this beloved comfort food.
Today, grilled cheese sandwiches are still a favorite among many, with various recipes and innovations, such as adding different toppings or using different types of bread and cheese. The grilled cheese sandwich has truly stood the test of time and remains a beloved comfort food for people of all ages.
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Grilled cheese is a cultural phenomenon with many unique variations
The term "grilled cheese" didn't come into use until the 1960s, but the sandwich itself became popular in the 1920s. During this time, inexpensive loaves of bread and processed cheese were widely available, making grilled cheese sandwiches accessible to the public. By the time the Great Depression struck, grilled cheese sandwiches were a staple of the American diet, providing a cheap and filling meal. During World War II, the sandwich was a favourite of the Allied Armed Forces, and it soon became a regular fixture in school cafeterias and homes.
The classic grilled cheese sandwich is typically made by heating slices of cheese between slices of bread in a frying pan, griddle, or sandwich toaster until the bread browns and the cheese melts. However, the sandwich is rarely prepared through actual grilling and is usually pan-fried. The versatility of grilled cheese lies in its ability to incorporate local ingredients and cooking styles, making it a beloved comfort food for both adults and children.
Grilled cheese has inspired numerous variations, with chefs adding their own unique twists. In France, the "croque-monsieur" is made with ham and Gruyere cheese and topped with a béchamel sauce. In India, a "paneer sandwich" is made with paneer cheese and served with chutney or other spices. In Cuba, the "Cubano sandwich" combines ham, roasted pork, Swiss cheese, pickles, and mustard between crispy bread, reflecting the cultural heritage of the country.
The grilled cheese sandwich has also sparked some unusual stories. In 2004, a half-eaten grilled cheese sandwich with the likeness of the Virgin Mary sold for $28,000 on eBay. Competitive eating records have also centred around grilled cheese, with Joey Chestnut setting a record by devouring 34.5 (or 47, according to another source) grilled cheese sandwiches in one sitting. Grilled cheese has even made its mark on the silver screen, with Johnny Depp's character in the 1993 film "Benny & Joon" famously cooking grilled cheese sandwiches using a clothes iron.
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Frequently asked questions
Although the exact origin of the grilled cheese sandwich remains a mystery, it is believed to have become popular in the 1920s. It was likely an "enterprising individual" who first came up with the idea, and it quickly spread commercially and at home.
Before the term "grilled cheese" appeared in print in the 1960s, it was commonly referred to as a toasted cheese or melted cheese sandwich.
Grilled cheese gained popularity due to its affordability and convenience, especially during the Great Depression when people needed cost-effective meals. It was also a favourite among the Allied Armed Forces during World War II, which contributed to its widespread adoption in school cafeterias and home cooking.
