Kamil Perry
The grilled cheese sandwich is a beloved comfort food worldwide, but its origin remains a mystery. The concept of pairing bread with cheese is ancient, with Roman cookbooks advising the combination for dinner. The French also have a variation of an open-faced grilled ham and cheese sandwich called a croque-monsieur, with the earliest reference dating back to 1891. However, the actual cooking of bread and cheese together seems to be a more modern phenomenon. The grilled cheese sandwich became popular in the 1920s, with the first dependable reference found in print from 1926. During the Great Depression, the inexpensive grilled cheese became a staple in the American diet, providing much-needed nutrition for those who could not afford much else.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Earliest known reference | 1829, in a cookbook with instructions for toasting bread and cheese on top |
| First printed reference | 1926 |
| First appearance in menus | Early 1900s as "Croque Monsieur" in France |
| First appearance in print | 1960s |
| Earliest known recipe | 1861, in Mrs Beeton's Book of Household Management |
| First widely available | 1920s |
| First widely consumed | During the Great Depression |
| First widely consumed by | Poor Americans in the 1930s |
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What You'll Learn
The grilled cheese's ancient roots
The grilled cheese sandwich is a simple yet beloved comfort food, but its exact origin remains a mystery. The broad answer, based on historical events, is that the grilled cheese was invented collectively by humanity over time. The first instance of bread and cheese being combined probably occurred around 8000 BC when bread and cheese were first invented. For centuries, ancient Roman cookbooks advised combining bread and cheese at mealtimes, and French and Roman cookbooks featured recipes for cooking bread with cheese.
The French listed the "Croque Monsieur" on their menus during the early 1900s, which consisted of toasted bread, melted cheese, and ham. The earliest reference to this sandwich dates back to 1891. Shakespeare used the term "toasted cheese" twice, although he may have been referring to the cheese itself. A cookbook from 1829 gives basic instructions for toasting bread and melting cheese on top, recommending that it be eaten with mustard, salt, and pepper.
In 1902, Sarah Tyson Rorer's cookbook, "Mrs. Rorer's New Cookbook," featured a "melted cheese" sandwich, although it did not specify whether it was grilled. During World War II, Navy cooks prepared countless "American cheese filling sandwiches" as instructed by government-issued cookbooks. These sandwiches were typically served open-faced, consisting of a single slice of bread topped with grated cheese. In 1950, Kraft Foods introduced Kraft Singles, individually wrapped slices of processed cheese that became available in supermarkets in 1965.
The grilled cheese sandwich in its modern form, with two slices of bread, emerged around this time. The actual term "grilled cheese" didn't appear in print until the 1960s; before that, these sandwiches were known as toasted cheese or melted cheese. During the Great Depression, the grilled cheese sandwich became a staple of the American diet, providing a cost-effective and nutritious meal for those struggling financially.
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The role of the Great Depression
The grilled cheese sandwich, a staple in many households, has a long and rich history. While it is difficult to pinpoint the exact origin of this beloved comfort food, it is clear that the Great Depression played a significant role in its rise to popularity.
During the Great Depression, people across the United States faced economic hardship and limited resources. In these challenging times, the grilled cheese sandwich emerged as an affordable and easily accessible meal. With just a few basic ingredients—bread and cheese—people could create a satisfying and filling dish. The open-faced "cheese dream" sandwich, in particular, became a popular option during this period.
The grilled cheese sandwich offered a versatile and adaptable meal that could be tailored to individual needs and preferences. It could be made with a variety of cheeses and breads, and people could add their own creative twists, making it a staple in households across the nation. The sandwich's simplicity and affordability made it a hit in diners and lunch counters as well, often paired with tomato soup for a classic combination.
The Great Depression created a need for cost-effective and nourishing meals, and the grilled cheese sandwich perfectly fit the bill. Its widespread adoption during this period solidified its place in American culinary culture, and it has since become a symbol of American comfort food, enjoyed by people of all ages and from all walks of life.
The grilled cheese sandwich's journey through history showcases the human ingenuity and resilience in the face of adversity. It is a testament to how a simple dish can bring comfort and nourishment during challenging times, and its popularity continues to endure, with countless variations and adaptations enjoyed worldwide.
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The influence of World War II
Firstly, the war disrupted food supply chains, leading to rationing and shortages of certain ingredients. Bread and cheese, however, remained accessible and affordable commodities. In times of scarcity, the grilled cheese sandwich, with its simple and filling combination of carbohydrates and protein, provided a convenient, nourishing, and cost-effective meal. This practicality contributed to its increasing popularity during the post-war period.
Secondly, the post-war era witnessed the proliferation of innovative kitchen appliances and food processing techniques. In 1927, Otto Frederick Rohwedder invented the bread slicer, revolutionising sandwich preparation by providing consistent and convenient slices of bread. This invention, coupled with Kraft Foods' development of pre-packed sliced cheese post-World War II, made assembling grilled cheese sandwiches faster and more efficient for families at home. The availability of these pre-sliced ingredients streamlined the sandwich-making process, enhancing the grilled cheese's appeal as a quick and convenient meal option.
Moreover, the cultural and social dynamics of the post-war era played a role in the grilled cheese's popularity. The years following World War II saw a surge in processed cheese production, with companies like Kraft Foods® capitalising on advancements in food technology. The development of pre-packed sliced cheese made cheese more accessible and affordable, particularly for those struggling financially in the aftermath of the war. The grilled cheese sandwich, with its humble ingredients, offered a comforting and familiar dish that reminded people of simpler times.
Lastly, the grilled cheese sandwich benefited from effective marketing and branding strategies. The term grilled cheese began appearing on menus in the late 1960s, standardising the name for this sandwich combination. This consistent nomenclature, coupled with the convenience of pre-sliced ingredients, likely contributed to its enduring popularity. The grilled cheese sandwich, with its adaptability to various settings, from casual luncheonettes to fine-dining establishments, solidified its place in the culinary landscape of post-war America.
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The impact of sliced bread
The invention of sliced bread in 1927 by Otto Frederick Rohwedder changed the culinary industry. Sliced bread provided a faster, more consistent, and convenient way to make sandwiches. Before sliced bread, people had to cut their bread by hand, which was likely time-consuming and often resulted in uneven slices. With sliced bread, people could make sandwiches more efficiently and with uniform slices that ensured a better sandwich-building experience.
During the Great Depression, people needed cost-effective food options, and the grilled cheese sandwich, made with just bread and cheese, fit the bill perfectly. The availability of sliced bread at this time would have made preparing grilled cheese sandwiches even more convenient and accessible to those struggling financially. It allowed people to quickly make a simple yet filling meal, providing much-needed sustenance during difficult economic times.
While the grilled cheese sandwich was already a popular dish, the invention of sliced bread likely contributed to its increased consumption during the Great Depression. Sliced bread made it easier for people to prepare and enjoy this comforting meal, providing a sense of warmth and satisfaction during challenging times.
In addition to the convenience factor, sliced bread also contributed to the consistency of grilled cheese sandwiches. With uniformly sliced bread, each sandwich could be made with the same amount of bread, ensuring a consistent texture and taste. This consistency is particularly important when making grilled cheese sandwiches, as the bread needs to be toasted or grilled evenly to achieve the desired level of crispness and melting cheese.
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The evolution of the name
The term "melted cheese" for the sandwich was also used in 1902, when Sarah Tyson Rorer's cookbook, "Mrs. Rorer's New Cookbook", included a recipe for a "melted cheese" sandwich. However, it is unclear whether this sandwich was grilled or not. In the 1940s and '50s, the sandwich was still mostly served open-faced, and it was commonly made with one slice of bread topped with grated cheese. It was around this time that a second slice of bread was added to make the sandwich more filling, and the modern notion of a grilled cheese sandwich was born.
During World War II, Navy cooks prepared countless "American cheese filling sandwiches" as instructed by government-issued cookbooks. These sandwiches were also a favourite of the Allied Armed Forces during the war. In 1950, Kraft Foods introduced Kraft Singles, individually wrapped slices of processed cheese, which became a popular choice for making "melted cheese" or "toasted cheese" sandwiches. By the late 1960s, these sandwiches were printed as "Grilled Cheese" on menus, and the term "grilled cheese" began to be commonly used.
While the exact origin of the grilled cheese sandwich remains a mystery, it is clear that the name and the sandwich itself have evolved over time, with different cultures and innovations influencing its development.
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Frequently asked questions
No one person invented the grilled cheese sandwich. It was invented collectively by the human race over time. Ancient Roman cookbooks advised eating bread and cheese together for dinner, and the French listed it on their menus in the early 1900s as the "Croque Monsieur". The grilled cheese sandwich was popularised in the 1920s, and by the time the Great Depression struck, it was a staple of the American diet.
The grilled cheese sandwich was popularised in the 1920s, and by the time the Great Depression struck, it was a staple of the American diet. During World War II, the grilled cheese sandwich was a favourite of the Allied Armed Forces, and it soon became a regular meal in school cafeterias and homes.
A grilled cheese sandwich is made by placing a cheese filling, often cheddar or American cheese, between two slices of bread, which is then put on a pan to heat until the bread browns and the cheese melts. A layer of butter or mayonnaise is usually added to the outside of the bread for additional flavour and texture.
