Andy Montoya
Grilled cheese sandwiches are rarely grilled, despite their name. The sandwich is typically made by heating cheese between slices of bread on a frying pan, griddle, or sandwich toaster. The name grilled cheese is likely a holdover from the early 20th century, when the sandwich was prepared on heated, flat-surfaced tabletop devices. Interpretations of what constitutes a grilled cheese sandwich vary, but the sandwich is most often pan-fried.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Grilled cheese sandwich |
| Other names | Fried cheese sandwich, griddled cheese sandwich, toasted cheese sandwich, melt, Croque Monsieur, toastie, jaffle |
| Ingredients | Bread, cheese, butter or margarine, mayonnaise |
| Optional ingredients | Meat, sliced tomato or onion, oil, peppers |
| Cooking method | Pan-fried, sandwich toaster, sandwich press, waffle iron, oven |
| Accompaniments | Tomato soup, French fries, ketchup |
| Origin | The grilled cheese sandwich appeared on the American scene in the 1920s |
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What You'll Learn
Grilled cheese sandwiches are rarely grilled
The term "grilled cheese" first appeared in American cookbooks in the 1920s, referring to sandwiches prepared on heated, flat-surfaced tabletop devices. However, even at that time, there was no consensus on whether the sandwich was open-faced or made with two slices of bread. Today, grilled cheese sandwiches are often cooked on stovetop skillets, in sandwich presses, or on griddles, with some people using bacon presses or weights to create a flatter, denser sandwich.
The name "grilled cheese" is more of a nickname or a general term for a cheese sandwich cooked using various techniques and equipment. In British English, a grill specifically refers to a heating element that cooks food from above, while some regional variations use the term for a metal grid heated from below. This variation in the definition of "grill" may contribute to the perception that grilled cheese sandwiches are rarely grilled in the traditional sense.
Additionally, the sandwich has different names in different regions. In the United Kingdom, it is commonly called a "toasted cheese sandwich" or "cheese toastie", while in Australia, it is known as a "jaffle." These alternative names reflect the toasted or heated nature of the sandwich, which can be achieved through various cooking methods beyond traditional grilling.
While the name "grilled cheese" may be a bit of a misnomer, it has become ingrained in the culinary vocabulary of various cultures. The sandwich itself, regardless of the name, is a beloved comfort food worldwide, enjoyed for its simplicity and the endless possibilities for customization.
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Interpretations of grilled cheese vary
The term "grilled cheese" first appeared in the 1920s in the United States, and interpretations of the dish have varied since then. Some people believe a grilled cheese should be made with two slices of bread, while others believe it can be open-faced. Additionally, while some people believe that a grilled cheese should only contain bread and cheese, others argue that ingredients like sliced meat or vegetables can be added without changing the nature of the sandwich.
In British English, a grill typically refers to a heating element that cooks food from above, while in some regional variations of English, it refers to a metal grid that is heated from below. This may account for some of the differences in interpretation regarding the proper preparation of a grilled cheese sandwich.
The method of cooking the sandwich also varies, with some people preferring to use a stovetop skillet, a sandwich press, or a panini press. Others may use a "clamshell grill", a separate grill from the oven, or a broiler (an American term for a grill that sits underneath the oven).
Regardless of the specific interpretation, a grilled cheese sandwich is typically made with bread, cheese, and a cooking fat such as butter or mayonnaise. The goal is to brown the bread and melt the cheese, creating a hot, crispy, and cheesy sandwich.
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Grilled cheese is a nickname
The term "grilled cheese" first appeared in the 1920s in the United States, and interpretations of the dish have varied since then. Some people consider it to be an open-faced sandwich, while others believe it should be made with two slices of bread. The name has stuck, even though it may not accurately reflect the cooking method.
In the US, the term "grilled cheese" is commonly used even when the sandwich is cooked in a skillet on a stovetop. This is because it is made in a similar style and achieves the same results as a grilled sandwich, just using a different technique. The sandwich is typically made with buttered bread, and some people add oil or butter to the pan to enhance the flavour and texture.
The grilled cheese sandwich has become an iconic dish, with entire restaurants, food carts, and food trucks in the United States specialising in this simple yet delicious combination of bread and cheese. While the name may be a bit of a misnomer, it has become widely accepted and loved, with people sharing their recipes, photos, and experiences centred around this comfort food.
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Grilled cheese is cooked on a flat surface
Grilled cheese sandwiches are typically cooked on a flat surface, such as a frying pan, griddle, or tabletop grill. The sandwich is made by placing a cheese filling, often cheddar or American cheese, between two slices of bread, which is then cooked until the bread is browned and the cheese is melted. Some people add butter or mayonnaise to the outside of the bread for additional flavor and texture, while others add thinly sliced tomato, onion, or ham to the filling.
While the term "grilled cheese" suggests that the sandwich is grilled, it is more commonly pan-fried or cooked on a flat griddle. In fact, the first printed reference to grilled cheese from 1929 suggests that the author was referring to a heated, flat-surfaced tabletop device, as other dishes mentioned include scrambled eggs, curried dishes, and fried foods.
The term "grilled cheese" is simply a name for the sandwich and does not specify the exact cooking method. It is believed that the name originated in the 1920s when sandwiches called "grilled cheese" appeared on the American scene. However, cooked cheese and bread combinations have existed for as long as bread and cheese have been around.
In the United States, it is common to refer to the sandwich as a "grilled cheese" even if it is cooked on a stovetop skillet or in a pan. This is because it is the same sandwich style and achieves the same results, regardless of the technique used.
There are various ways to cook a grilled cheese sandwich to achieve the desired level of browning and melting. Some people like to press down on the sandwich while it cooks, use a sandwich press, or add a weight to create a flatter and denser sandwich. Others prefer to cut the sandwich diagonally or straight through the middle before serving.
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Grilled cheese is a sandwich style
Despite the name, grilled cheese sandwiches are rarely grilled. They are most often pan-fried, cooked in a sandwich press, or made in a sandwich toaster. The name "grilled cheese" is just a nickname and does not refer to the exact cooking method. In fact, interpretations of what constitutes a grilled cheese sandwich can vary greatly. Some people add sliced meat, tomatoes, or onions to their grilled cheese, but this changes the name of the sandwich. For example, adding a slice of ham makes it a Croque Monsieur.
Grilled cheese sandwiches first appeared on the American scene in the 1920s, though cooked cheese and bread combinations have existed for as long as bread and cheese have been around. The first printed reference to grilled cheese that has been found is from 1929, where the writer suggests making "hot sandwiches such as grilled cheese" on an electric grill.
In the United States, grilled cheese sandwiches are almost always called "grilled cheese" even if they are not actually grilled. It is a beloved comfort food and many people have their own methods and recipes for making the perfect grilled cheese.
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Frequently asked questions
Grilled cheese sandwiches are rarely grilled because they are usually pan-fried. However, they are still called grilled cheese because it's the same sandwich style, just made using a different cooking technique.
Some other names for grilled cheese sandwiches include toasted cheese sandwiches, melts, croque monsieur, toasties, jaffles, and cheese dream.
The three main ingredients in a grilled cheese sandwich are bread, cheese, and butter or margarine. The cheese is typically cheddar or American cheese, but other varieties such as Colby, Gruyère, or Swiss can also be used.
To make a grilled cheese sandwich, you butter both sides of the bread and place a thin slice of cheese between the slices. The sandwich is then cooked on a hot flat surface, in a pan, or using a sandwich toaster until the bread is browned and the cheese is melted.
