Grilled cheese

Grilled cheese

Grilled cheese is a type of sandwich that is made primarily from bread and cheese. It is typically heated until the cheese is melted.

Etymology

The term "grilled cheese" does not appear in print until the 1960s, even though cooked bread and cheese combinations can be traced back to ancient times. The modern version of the grilled cheese sandwich originated in the United States during the 1920s when inexpensive sliced bread and American cheese became readily available. The U.S. government, during World War II, cooked grilled cheese sandwiches in bulk and served them to soldiers overseas.

Preparation

Grilled cheese sandwiches are typically made by grilling the sandwich until the bread toasts and the cheese melts, a process that takes approximately five minutes if done on a medium heat. Butter, oil, or mayonnaise is sometimes used to enhance the browning of the bread. Some variations of the sandwich include the addition of other ingredients such as ham, bacon, avocado, tomatoes, or onions.

Variations

There are many variations of the grilled cheese sandwich. In the United States, it is often served with tomato soup. In France, a similar sandwich is called a Croque Monsieur, which includes ham in addition to the cheese. In Switzerland, the sandwich is often open-faced and made with Swiss cheese and sometimes includes tomatoes.

Health considerations

While grilled cheese sandwiches are high in calories and fat, they also provide protein and calcium. Some health-conscious individuals use whole grain bread and low-fat cheese to make the sandwich healthier.

In popular culture

Grilled cheese sandwiches have been featured in numerous films, television shows, and books. They are often associated with comfort food and childhood memories.

See also

• List of sandwiches
• Cheese sandwich
• Toastie
• Panini (sandwich)