National Grilled Cheese Day

Do you know what today is? Aside from it being five days until your taxes are due, it’s also National Grilled Cheese Day. Step away from the W-2s and into the kitchen because this is one holiday that’s worth celebrating.

Grilled Cheese Sandwich
 

Creative Commons License photo credit: fritish

The first grilled cheese sandwich was attributed to the Ancient Romans, but when sliced bread and American cheese became readily available in the US in the 1920s, the sandwich really skyrocketed in popularity. The sandwich was served open-faced until the 1960s, when people began adding the second slice of bread, legend tells us.

The traditional Grilled Cheese Sandwich is made with white or whole wheat bread that’s been coated in butter, oil or mayonnaise to achieve a crispy exterior. The inside is typically a slice or two of American Cheese, but other cheeses can be used too. One of the most popular ways to eat a grilled cheese sandwich (sometimes called a cheese toastie, especially in Europe) is with a bowl of tomato soup.

Though purists might not be happy about it, gourmet grilled cheese has become a popular stable in foodie cuisine. Sandwiches have been served on different types of bread, with different types of cheeses or with additional ingredients such as bacon, tomatoes, pickles, chilis or even fruits like apples.

Several restaurants are participating in National Grilled Cheese Day promotions, so if this post is making your mouth water, take a look to see if there’s a special in your area. Or, just bust out the frying pan and make a grilled cheese sandwich of your own. And then you can go back to doing your taxes!

What’s your favorite way to make Grilled Cheese?
Lee
Marketing Coordinator

Leave a Reply