Andy Montoya
Grilled cheese sandwiches, also known as cheese toasties in the UK, are a popular comfort food. They are made by heating slices of cheese between bread with butter or mayonnaise in a frying pan, griddle, or sandwich toaster. Interestingly, the name grilled cheese is a bit of a misnomer, as the sandwiches are rarely grilled and are usually pan-fried. The term's origin is not entirely clear, but it is speculated that it came about in the 1960s when people who had eaten them during World War II began ordering them at restaurants and diners, where they were likely cooked on griddles or flat-top grills.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name origin | Grilled cheese sandwiches may have gotten their name from the fact that they were likely cooked on griddles, also known as "flat-top grills" |
| Synonyms | Toasted cheese sandwich, melted cheese sandwich, cheese toastie (UK), jaffle (AU), grilled cheese sandwich |
| Ingredients | Bread, cheese, butter or margarine |
| Preparation | Grilled cheese sandwiches are rarely grilled; they are typically pan-fried or prepared in a skillet |
| Accompaniments | Tomato soup, French fries, ketchup |
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What You'll Learn
Grilled cheese is rarely grilled
The term "grilled cheese" is likely an anachronism from the sandwich's evolution. It may also be due to confusion over the difference between a "grill" and a "griddle". In the UK, for example, a "grill" refers to what Americans call a "broiler", while grilling means heating from the top. In commercial capacities, a "grill" is technically a charbroiler, which has a bottom flame.
The grilled cheese sandwich became popular in America during the Great Depression and World War II. During this time, they were called toasted cheese sandwiches or melted cheese sandwiches. It wasn't until the 1960s that the term "grilled cheese" became prevalent in the US. The shift in terminology may be attributed to the return of soldiers and sailors from the war, who began ordering the sandwich in restaurants and diners, where they were likely cooked on griddles or "flat-top grills".
In the UK, the sandwich is commonly known as a "cheese toastie", while other names include jaffle in Australia and Croque Monsieur in France if it includes a slice of ham.
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It's called a toastie in the UK
In the UK, a grilled cheese sandwich is called a "toastie". The term "toastie" is used to refer to practically any grilled sandwich, and is made by placing buttered bread and fillings of your choice (usually cheese) between two heated plates, until the bread is toasted and the fillings are cooked.
The word "toastie" is derived from the word "toast", which is what gives the sandwich its distinctive texture and flavour. The process of making a toastie involves heating the sandwich until the bread becomes toasted and the fillings melt, creating a warm and comforting dish.
In the UK, the term "toastie" is often used interchangeably with "grilled cheese", as the key ingredient of a grilled cheese sandwich is, of course, cheese. The term "toastie" is also considered more endearing than "grilled cheese", perhaps due to its association with comfort food and childhood memories.
Some people in the UK may also refer to a toastie as a panini, especially if it is made using a sandwich press or similar appliance. However, others may argue that a panini is a specific type of Italian sandwich, and therefore distinct from the humble toastie.
Regardless of what it is called, the grilled cheese sandwich is a beloved dish in the UK and beyond, offering a quick, tasty, and comforting meal for people of all ages.
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It's called a jaffle in Australia
A grilled cheese sandwich, also known as a toasted sandwich, cheese toastie, or simply a toastie, is called a jaffle in Australia. The name "jaffle" is derived from the "jaffle iron," a sandwich toaster or toasting iron. The jaffle iron was invented and patented in Australia in 1949 by Dr. Ernest Smithers of Bondi, New South Wales. The name "jaffle" was likely chosen due to its similarity to "waffle," as the design of the jaffle iron is similar to that of a waffle iron.
The jaffle iron became a popular household item in Australia in the 1950s, and the term "jaffle" is commonly used to refer to the toasted sandwiches made using this appliance. However, there are differing opinions among Australians regarding the use of the term "jaffle." Some people claim that they have never heard the word used, while others consider it a staple part of their vocabulary and culinary culture.
Jaffles are typically made by placing a variety of fillings, such as cheese, meat, baked beans, or tuna, between two slices of bread, which are then toasted or grilled until the bread is browned and the filling is hot and melted. They are often seen as a convenient, quick, and inexpensive meal option.
In addition to being called jaffles, these toasted sandwiches are sometimes referred to as "Brevilles" in Australia and Britain due to the success of the Breville Snack & Sandwich Maker.
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It's sometimes cooked in a sandwich toaster
Grilled cheese sandwiches, also known as toasted cheese sandwiches, cheese toasties, or jaffles, are typically made by heating slices of cheese between slices of bread in a frying pan, griddle, or sandwich toaster. Despite the name, these sandwiches are rarely grilled and are usually pan-fried.
The term "grilled cheese" is believed to have originated in the 1960s in the United States, although similar sandwiches have existed for much longer. During the Great Depression and World War II, these sandwiches were commonly referred to as toasted cheese sandwiches or melted cheese sandwiches. It is speculated that the name change to "grilled cheese" may have been influenced by returning soldiers and sailors who ordered the sandwich in restaurants and diners, where they were likely cooked on griddles or flat-top grills.
The prevalence of sandwich toasters or toaster irons in the UK may have also contributed to the use of the term "grilled." These devices, also known as pie irons or jaffle irons, are electric versions of earlier tools used to toast bread over a fire. By placing the bread, cheese, and more bread inside the iron and turning it over the fire, one could make a toasted sandwich with melted cheese inside.
Today, grilled cheese sandwiches are typically made by buttering two slices of bread on one side, placing them buttered-side down in a heated pan, adding cheese, and then topping with the remaining slice, buttered-side up. Some people prefer to press down on the sandwich while cooking, use a weight, or make it in a sandwich press to ensure even cooking and melting.
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It's also known as a cheese dream
A grilled cheese sandwich, also known as a cheese dream, is a hot sandwich made by heating slices of cheese between slices of bread in a frying pan, griddle, or sandwich toaster. The bread browns and the cheese melts. The term "cheese dream" was used during the Great Depression to refer to an inexpensive dish to feed friends and family. The simplest form of a cheese dream consists of a slice of bread, topped with American cheese, and broiled until the cheese puffs up and browns.
The cheese dream may have originated during the Great Depression as an "inexpensive company supper dish". It was also a popular luncheon dish, as evidenced by its mention in a 1918 issue of Good Housekeeping. In 1932, a San Jose News story described the "cheese dream" as a new favourite sandwich, suggesting sprinkling the cheese with a bit of mustard, cayenne, and minced red sweet pepper, and serving it with "very hot, rich tomato sauce".
The term "cheese dream" has also been used to describe grilled cheese sandwiches and, in one instance, a Croque monsieur. While the exact origin of the term "cheese dream" is unclear, it likely refers to the dream-like, comforting, and indulgent qualities of the dish. It is a simple dish that brings happiness and satisfaction, much like a dream come true.
Today, the grilled cheese sandwich, or cheese dream, remains a beloved comfort food, enjoyed by people of all ages. It is a testament to the enduring appeal of melted cheese and toasted bread, a combination that has become a staple in kitchens worldwide.
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Frequently asked questions
The term "grilled" in "grilled cheese" is partly an anachronism from the sandwich's evolution, and partly due to the confusion between the terms "grill" and "griddle" in the American mind.
In the UK, a grilled cheese sandwich is called a "toastie", and is typically made in a toastie machine. In the US, a grilled cheese is usually made in a skillet or pan.
The term "grilled cheese" appeared on the American scene in the 1920s, when both sliced bread and affordable domestic American cheese became readily available.
The standard way to make a grilled cheese sandwich in America is in a skillet or pan. The sandwich is made with bread, cheese, and butter or margarine. The goal is to brown the outsides of the sandwich and melt the cheese inside.
Some other names for a grilled cheese sandwich are toasted cheese sandwich, cheese toastie (UK), jaffle (AU), and grilled cheese sandwich (US).
