Discover

A 'grilled cheese sandwich', (also known as cheese toasty or toasted cheese sandwich) is a form of toasted sandwich that consists of two slices of bread and at least one slice of cheese melted in between.^[1]
There are various methods of preparation which vary depending on taste and convention. In the United States it is most common for the assembled sandwich to be buttered on the outside and placed on a griddle, pan, cast iron skillet, or dedicated sandwich maker to be heated (technically, the word 'grilled' in the name of the meal is inaccurate).^[2] Once the bread on the bottom half of the sandwich has reached a toast-like texture, the sandwich is flipped, and continues cooking until the other side has toasted or the cheese has melted. Another method of cooking the grilled cheese is to butter one slice of bread on both sides, grill the bottom side until the butter melts, then flip. Wait for the inside to be grilled, flip and add the cheese. Then butter the other slice of bread and grill then place the slices of bread together. In the United Kingdom the sandwich would most commonly be grilled either (open face as cheese on toast) under a grill (broiler) or, more usually, in a toasted sandwich maker. In the UK the sandwich would not normally be cooked in the American fashion, using a frying pan.
In the UK, cheddar is most commonly used whilst in the US, traditionally American cheese is used; however, other cheeses such as gouda, Velveeta cheese and Swiss can be used. It is often supplemented with additional ingredients, most notably bacon and/or tomato, but also avocado, tuna, meat, pickles, herbs, spices, and condiments such as mustard, tomato sauce, or Worcestershire sauce.^[3][4] It is traditionally accompanied by tomato soup. Most recipes call for grilled cheese sandwiches to be served with ketchup as a condiment.^[5]
The grilled cheese sandwich is a variation on the very old combination of bread and cheese. The modern grilled cheese sandwich (American cheese and sliced white bread) began in the 1920s as an open sandwich. The additional slice of bread became common in the 1960s. In the early 1970s, a Canadian restaurant owner by the name Dach Johnston was credit for the addition of bacon to the sandwich, however, evidence of this has not yet been proven. It is believed that this variation of the sandwich is a favorite of movie star and rap sensation Will Smith.

Contents

Types of breads used to make a grilled cheese

Types of cheeses used

Similar sandwiches

See also

References

Types of breads used to make a grilled cheese

★ Sourdough bread

★ Ciabatta

★ White bread

★ Rye bread

Types of cheeses used

★ American cheese

★ Cheddar cheese

★ Swiss cheese

★ Mozzarella cheese

★ Muenster cheese

★ Monterey Jack Cheese

Similar sandwiches

★ Cheese on toast

★ Croque-monsieur

★ Jaffle

★ Melt sandwich

★ Bagel toast

★ Welsh rarebit

See also

★ Virgin Mary grilled cheese sandwich - A grilled cheese sandwich contained a supposed likeness to the Virgin Mary

References

1. Say cheese Sam Sessa
2. Food Timeline-- history notes: sandwiches
3. Perfect Partners Judith W. Winne, Russ Parsons
4. The Search for the Greatest Grilled Cheese Sandwich in America - Fun Contest Facts
5. [1]Ketchup and grilled cheese sandwiches.