National Grilled Cheese Sandwich Day

Most people love a lovely, warm, creamy cheeseburger, but who knew that it has a special day of its own to celebrate its importance in our lives?

National Grilled Cheese Sandwich Day is celebrated on April 12 every year. It is a day to celebrate hearty bread and cheese and to make cheese at every meal. Only three ingredients are needed to make a Grilled Cheese Sandwich (bread, cheese and butter). Grilled cheese is one of the main and popular comfort foods in the world. So this is a perfect day to spread the word about this day and enjoy the taste of Grilled Cheese Sandwich with family members or with your friends.

History of National Grilled Cheese Sandwich Day

Grilled cheese, as today's society knows it, is considered an American tradition. Recipes for grilled cheese were mentioned in ancient Roman texts, so the idea of ​​grilled cheese has been around for a long time. What many consider to be grilled cheese can be traced back to the early 1920s.

During the industrial revolution, Otto Frederick Rohwedder invented the bread slicer that made the distribution of sliced ​​bread more accessible and more affordable. However, not long before this invention, James L. Kraft created processed cheese. His process ensures that the cheese will not spoil even during long-distance transportation. These two inventions changed the face of sandwich making forever!

By 1914, J.L. Kraft & Bros Company opened in Illinois, and the company continued to expand over the next five years. Rather than a delicacy, the company's factory cheese is seen as an inexpensive product that can be produced on a large scale. And in response to demand on a large scale, it certainly did!

So who came up with the combination that would become the grilled cheese sandwich? Well, historically, the cookbook is government-issued; the US Navy came up with it. Or at least they were the first to publish about it! Navy chefs will cook hundreds of "American cheese sandwiches" for servicemen fighting in World War II.

Originally, these sandwiches were made with grated cheese. Sliced ​​cheese wasn't introduced until the late 1940s when Kraft Foods introduced Kraft singles and then, years later, supermarkets started stocking cheese slices in the 1960s.

The '60s introduced the term "grilled cheese," when an American invention added a second slice of bread on top, making it one of the most popular meals for lunch or dinner. Other common names include "cheese toast" or "cheese toast".

But whatever it's called, this sandwich is definitely a reason to celebrate!

Reasons for National Grilled Cheese Sandwich Day being loved

• Ultimate comfort food

Grilled cheese sandwiches remind us of our moms making us grilled cheese sandwiches for lunch; then, get a little older and crave something warm, and decide that grilled cheese counts as cooking.

• They go well with everything

Grilled cheese and tomato soup is the most classic combination, but this sandwich looks to go well with any accompaniment, salad, or milkshake - a savory sandwich that makes a meal more delicious.

• They provide an opportunity to explore the cheese box

However, it is established - by texture, by country, by variety - that cheese box is your friend. Go through it systematically and make cheese combinations that will enhance your grilled cheese experience.

How to celebrate National Grilled Cheese Sandwich Day

Celebrate the grilled cheese sandwich days in these fun ways:

Make cheese toast

Make your own grilled cheese using the basics: two pieces of simple white bread and a slice of Kraft processed cheese. For those wanting a more savory sandwich, change up the cheese by adding slices of cheddar, gouda or Munster cheese.

Another way to get creative is to vary the bread by making it whole grain and add another creative twist to the dish. Serve grilled cheese with some tomato soup, invite friends over for a simple dinner, and enjoy everything this day has to offer!

Have a grilled cheese party

The Grilled Cheese Party can be a super fun way to hook up friends and show them how amazing grilled cheese is. At this party, a great thing not to be missed is a Grilled Cheese bar. There are different fillings, several options for bread, different cheeses, and get creative!

Try these fun combinations to turn ho-hum bread into something absolutely delicious: jalapeno peppers, different meats like pre-cooked chicken or roast pork, mashed potatoes, herbs herbs and spices, pickles or caramelized onions.

Some people even enjoy the fruit. For example, sliced ​​apples or pears, strawberries or kiwis can be a great addition to grilled cheese for added appeal. It seems the consensus is that the more creative the concoction, the better the sandwich!

Of course, a simple grilled cheese with just cheese will always be a delicious classic that is a welcome addition to any table.

Go to a grilled cheese restaurant

New to the niche restaurant scene, try one of these restaurants that have gone deeper and deeper into creating and serving gourmet cheese sandwiches. So far, they seem to be mainly in the US, but if there isn't a local, maybe consider opening one!

• Melt - From Cleveland, Ohio. All Melt locations are located in Ohio, so living in Ohio or nearby will have access to some great grilled cheeses! The Melt menu has quite a few options, they even have vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options for many of their dishes.
• Clementine - From Los Angeles, California. Clementine has a homemade grilled cheese, which is a really unique and fun way to make sure customers enjoy their meal and can customize it to their liking. Clementine is family owned and has only one location.
• Alchemy - From Madison, Wisconsin. Alchemy's Stuffed Grilled Cheese is definitely stuffed - as it includes broccoli, carrots, tomatoes, cheese (of course!), pesto sauce and more. This slightly exotic grilled cheese is a great treat to try on this anniversary!
• Grilled Cheese - From Nashville, Tennessee. This restaurant's menu features a variety of grilled cheese options, including homemade grilled cheese. They also offer gluten free bread for any bread. At this restaurant, there seems to be something for everyone!

Cheesie's Pub and Grub - From Chicago, Illinois. This restaurant also has a wide selection of different grilled cheese sandwiches. Cheesie's has three locations in the Chicago area.