National Grilled Cheese Day (April 12)
Check out the weird holiday National Grilled Cheese Day on April 12. Learn the history of grilled cheese, and get ideas on how to celebrate.
One weird holiday on April 12 is National Grilled Cheese Day. Check out the other weird April holidays!
Imagine a sandwich that combines simplicity with sheer deliciousness—warm, crispy, golden-brown bread hugging a melty, gooey center of cheese. This culinary masterpiece is none other than the beloved grilled cheese sandwich.
Every year, on April 12th, food enthusiasts across the United States celebrate National Grilled Cheese Day. It’s a time to pay homage to this humble yet extraordinary comfort food that has been warming hearts and satisfying taste buds for generations.
In this comprehensive article, we’ll explore the history of grilled cheese, its cultural significance, and creative ways to elevate this classic sandwich to new heights.
The Origins of Grilled Cheese Sandwiches
The origins of the grilled cheese sandwich are somewhat elusive, as variations of melted cheese on bread have existed in various cultures for centuries. However, the grilled cheese sandwich as we know it today likely originated in the United States during the early 20th century.
Early Variations:
In the 1920s, the “Toasted Cheese” sandwich appeared in cookbooks. It was a simple dish consisting of bread and cheese, sometimes with a bit of butter, broiled in the oven. This method allowed the cheese to melt and bubble while the bread toasted to perfection.
Kraft Singles Revolution:
The widespread availability of processed cheese slices, such as Kraft Singles, in the mid-20th century played a pivotal role in popularizing the grilled cheese sandwich. These individually wrapped cheese slices made it incredibly easy to create a perfectly melted and gooey sandwich.
The Origins of National Grilled Cheese Day
The exact origin of National Grilled Cheese Day, like the sandwich itself, is a bit of a mystery. It’s one of those delightful food holidays that seem to have emerged organically and gained popularity over time.
The grilled cheese sandwich has been a staple of American cuisine for decades, with recipes appearing in cookbooks dating back to the early 20th century. However, the concept of dedicating a specific day to celebrate this beloved sandwich is a more recent development.
It’s likely that the idea for National Grilled Cheese Day grew out of the sandwich’s enduring popularity and the desire to pay tribute to this comfort food classic. As with many food-related holidays, social media and online communities played a significant role in promoting the day. Food enthusiasts, home cooks, and chefs alike have embraced the occasion, sharing their grilled cheese creations and inspiring others to join in the celebration.
While there may not be a single individual or organization credited with establishing National Grilled Cheese Day, its unofficial status as a day of cheesy indulgence has made it a favorite among food lovers across the United States. It’s a day to enjoy and experiment with this timeless sandwich, to share recipes and memories, and to revel in the simple joy of melted cheese between two slices of bread.
Cultural Significance of Grilled Cheese
Grilled cheese holds a special place in American culture for several reasons:
1. Comfort Food:
The grilled cheese sandwich is the epitome of comfort food. It’s a warm and satisfying meal that evokes feelings of nostalgia and coziness, often reminding us of childhood lunches prepared by caring parents or grandparents.
2. Versatility:
Grilled cheese is a versatile canvas for culinary creativity. While the classic version is adored by many, the possibilities for variations are endless, making it a beloved dish for food enthusiasts and chefs alike.
3. Accessibility:
Grilled cheese is accessible to almost everyone. Its simple ingredients—bread, cheese, and butter—make it an affordable and easy-to-prepare meal for people of all ages.
4. Regional Favorites:
Throughout the United States, various regions have put their own unique twist on the grilled cheese sandwich. Whether it’s the addition of special sauces or local ingredients, regional variations showcase the sandwich’s adaptability.
Creative Grilled Cheese Recipes
While the classic grilled cheese sandwich is a timeless favorite, there are numerous creative ways to take it to the next level. Here are some inspired grilled cheese recipes to tantalize your taste buds:
1. Caprese Grilled Cheese:
- Ingredients: Sliced mozzarella, fresh basil leaves, tomato slices, balsamic glaze.
- Assemble the sandwich with mozzarella, tomato, and basil, then drizzle with balsamic glaze before grilling.
2. Bacon and Avocado Grilled Cheese:
- Ingredients: Crispy bacon, sliced avocado, Monterey Jack cheese.
- Add crispy bacon and avocado slices to your grilled cheese for a delightful twist.
3. Gourmet Mac ‘n’ Cheese Grilled Cheese:
- Ingredients: Creamy macaroni and cheese, cheddar cheese.
- Spread a layer of mac ‘n’ cheese between slices of cheddar cheese for an indulgent treat.
4. Mediterranean Grilled Cheese:
- Ingredients: Feta cheese, roasted red peppers, Kalamata olives, fresh spinach leaves.
- Create a Mediterranean-inspired grilled cheese with these ingredients for a burst of flavor.
5. Sweet and Savory Grilled Cheese:
- Ingredients: Brie cheese, sliced pear, honey, and prosciutto.
- Combine the creaminess of brie, the sweetness of pear, a drizzle of honey, and the saltiness of prosciutto for a gourmet grilled cheese.
6. Buffalo Chicken Grilled Cheese:
- Ingredients: Shredded buffalo chicken, blue cheese, and celery slices.
- Combine the flavors of buffalo chicken with blue cheese and celery for a zesty grilled cheese.
7. Pesto and Sun-Dried Tomato Grilled Cheese:
- Ingredients: Pesto sauce, sun-dried tomatoes, mozzarella cheese.
- Layer pesto, sun-dried tomatoes, and mozzarella for a Mediterranean-inspired delight.
8. Spinach and Artichoke Grilled Cheese:
- Ingredients: Spinach and artichoke dip, Swiss cheese.
- Transform the popular dip into a grilled cheese by adding Swiss cheese between slices of your favorite bread.
9. Apple and Cheddar Grilled Cheese:
- Ingredients: Sliced apple, sharp cheddar cheese, honey mustard.
- Pair the crispness of apple slices with sharp cheddar and a drizzle of honey mustard for a delightful combination.
10. Dessert Grilled Cheese:
- Ingredients: Cream cheese, Nutella, and sliced strawberries or bananas.
- Satisfy your sweet tooth by creating a dessert grilled cheese with cream cheese, Nutella, and your choice of fruit.
National Grilled Cheese Day is a delightful occasion that encourages us to savor the simple pleasures of life—warm, melty cheese, and perfectly toasted bread. While the grilled cheese sandwich has its roots in nostalgia and tradition, it also invites culinary exploration and creativity.
Whether you opt for the classic version or experiment with gourmet variations, celebrating this day is a savory reminder that sometimes the most comforting experiences are found in the simplest of dishes.
So, on April 12th, gather your ingredients, heat up the griddle, and savor the cheesy goodness that is the grilled cheese sandwich.
Recipes for National Grilled Cheese Day
Pesto Grilled Cheese
Sophisticated grilled cheese sandwich with Gouda, Parmesan, pesto, and tomatoes! This delicious gourmet sandwich is perfect for a National Grilled Cheese Day lunch or light dinner.
Egg-in-a-Hole Grilled Cheese Sandwich
An Egg-in-a-Hole Grilled Cheese (or Bird in a Nest as it's called in the Pacific NW) is a deliciously messy twist on a classic breakfast sandwich for National Grilled Cheese Day. Easy to make and fun to eat!
Caprese Grilled Cheese
Caprese Grilled Cheese Sandwich recipe stacks fresh tomato and mozzarella slices between the golden brown buttered bread, with a drizzle of balsamic and a smear of basil pesto sauce to dress up this more mature meal for National Grilled Cheese Day.
Vegan Bacon Grilled Cheese
Gooey, cheesy, and really easy for National Grilled Cheese Day, these Vegan Bacon Grilled Cheese Sandwiches are absolutely STUFFED with melty vegan cheese and homemade vegan bacon bits inside grilled crispy yet tender bread for an epic vegan sandwich experience.
Grilled Cheese with Avocado Pesto
Grown up avocado grilled cheese sandwiches paired with a piping hot bowl of soup for National Grilled Cheese Day - comfort food at its best.
Cinnamon Sugar Brie and Apple Grilled Cheese
For the ultimate National Grilled Cheese Day food, make this Cinnamon Sugar Brie and Apple Grilled Cheese. With layers of melty brie and apples sandwiched between toasty cinnamon sugar bread, this is the kind of comfort food you crave in the spring.
Eggplant spinach grilled cheese sandwich
This eggplant spinach grilled cheese sandwich draws on Greek flavors for a deliciously cheesy vegetarian grilled cheese for National Grilled Cheese Day. It's hearty and filling, but without feeling too heavy since it's veggie-packed too!
Raspberry Brie Grilled Cheese Sandwich
Raspberry Brie Grilled Cheese sandwich is sweet, savory, and easy to make for National Grilled Cheese Day. Mild-tasting brie cheese is the perfect complement for the raspberries in this sandwich!
Air Fryer Turkey Bacon Grilled Cheese
This super easy and delicious Air Fryer Turkey Bacon Grilled Cheese is made start to finish in the air fryer! With flavorful turkey bacon, gooey smoked gouda cheese, peppery arugula, roasted red peppers and garlic mayo, this gourmet grilled cheese is ready to go for National Grilled Cheese Day in less than 20 minutes!
Brisket Grilled Cheese
Brisket Grilled Cheese is an epic sandwich to make for yourNational Grilled Cheese Day lunch or dinner that is satisfying and delicious. A great way to enjoy leftover brisket from your weekend cookout.
3-Cheese Sourdough Grilled Cheese
With 3 flavorful, gooey cheeses and golden toasted bread, Sourdough Grilled Cheese is the ultimate sourdough sandwich recipe for grown ups on National Grilled Cheese Day!
Buffalo Chicken Grilled Cheese
Gooey, messy, cheesy. Celebrate National Grilled Cheese Day with Buffalo Chicken Grilled Cheese made with two types of cheeses.
Disney’s Grilled Cheese
Disney Grilled Cheese is a delicious twist on a simple classic that has become a fan favorite among Disney World guests. And now you can have it at home on National Grilled Cheese Day!
Provolone Grilled Cheese
This provolone grilled cheese is mind blowingly good, with just the right balance of hot, melty cheese and crispy bread. Give it a try on National Grilled Cheese Day!
Air Fryer Grilled Cheese
Crunchy Air Fryer Grilled Cheese is a new take for National Grilled Cheese Day on the comfort food classic you grew up with. Made only with pantry staples, you will love how crunchy the bread is and how you get perfectly melted cheese straight out of the air fryer.
Pear Bacon and Brie Grilled Cheese
This pear bacon and brie grilled cheese with caramelized onions is sweet, salty and cheesy making it the ultimate grilled cheese for National Grilled Cheese Day.
Pickle Grilled Cheese
Love pickles? Love grilled cheese?? Then you're in for a treat with these Pickle Grilled Cheese Sandwiches! After trying grilled sandwiches with pickles, you'll never again go back to plain sandwiches on National Grilled Cheese Day!
Pizza Grilled Cheese
This tasty pizza grilled cheese is the best comfort food mash up for National Grilled Cheese Day! Made with garlic bread, marinara sauce, pepperoni and mozzarella cheese, this super gooey sandwich is perfect for both kids and adults!
Confetti Grilled Cheese With Tomato
This confetti grilled cheese with tomato is so tasty and easy to make for National Grilled Cheese Day! It literally takes 5 minutes to cook up.
Bacon Pimento Grilled Cheese
This bacon pimento grilled cheese is the ultimate comfort food sandwich for National Grilled Cheese Day. Homemade pimento cheese and bacon is stuffed between buttered bread slices and cooked until golden brown and melty.
Tomato Chutney Grilled Cheese
Tomato Chutney Grilled Cheese is an Indian spin fro National Grilled Cheese Day to the ultimate comfort food Grilled Cheese with Tomato. Spicy, tangy and sweet tomato chutney, pickled jalapeno and grated cheese are tucked between the sour dough bread and toasted till crisp.
Grilled Cheese with Figs and Hot Honey
Grilled cheese with sharp cheddar, fresh sweet figs, and spicy hot honey is an easy gourmet recipe for National Grilled Cheese Day. A perfect combo of sweet and spicy between toasted sourdough.
Strawberry Moscato Gourmet Grilled Cheese
This Strawberry Moscato Gourmet Grilled Cheese Sandwich elevates grilled cheese to an entirely new level for National Grilled Cheese Day with strawberries, bacon and tamed jalapenos, sautéed in Moscato wine, with 2 kinds of cheese, and a delicious peach aioli.
Grilled Triple Cheese Bacon Guacamole Sandwich
Spring brings an iconic sandwich with it: the Grilled Cheese Sandwich on National Grilled Cheese Day! It doesn’t need to be boring though. If you like grilled cheese, you’ll love today’s recipe for a Grilled Triple Cheese Bacon Guacamole Sandwich!
Cherry Bacon Grilled Cheese
This cherry bacon grilled cheese is loaded with smokiness, saltiness and fresh cherries to give you the ultimate in gooey deliciousness! Salty. Sweet. Savory. It doesn't get better than that on National Grilled Cheese Day,
Butter Poached Lobster and Smoked Gouda Grilled Cheese
This is a Butter Poached Lobster and Smoked Gouda Grilled Cheese Sandwich. It’s a rich, delicious, and totally grown up grilled cheese sandwich for National Grilled Cheese Day.
Turkey Cranberry Sandwich (Thanksgiving Sandwich)
In this Turkey Cranberry Sandwich recipe turkey and cranberry sauce are nestled between two slices of buttery bread that have been grilled to perfection, all held together by melted cheddar cheese. This National Grilled Cheese Day sandwich is the perfect way to use up leftover turkey!
Brussels Sprouts Grilled Cheese Sandwich
Brussels Sprouts Sandwich Recipe for National Grilled Cheese Day – A simple, healthy and easy grilled cheese sandwich with brussels sprouts is a delicious and unique variation of the classic grilled cheese sandwich!
Loaded Zucchini Grilled Cheese Recipe
This zucchini grilled cheese sandwich is perfect for National Grilled Cheese Day: loaded with deliciously roasted vegetables and FIVE different kinds of cheese!
Crab Rangoon Grilled Cheese
Give the classic grilled cheese a delicious twist on National Grilled Cheese Day by combining it with the flavor of your favorite Asian appetizer. This crab rangoon grilled cheese takes a childhood favorite and gives it a gourmet flavor upgrade, that’s still quick & easy to whip together for lunch or dinner.
Dill Pickle & Vidalia Onion Grilled Cheese Sandwich
Up your lunch game on National Grilled Cheese Day with these savory Dill Pickle & Vidalia Onion Grilled Cheese Sandwich. It’s a flavor profile you can’t help but love together, sandwiches between two slices of buttery golden brown bread crusts.
Peach Grilled Cheese w. Smoked Cheddar
Kick yourNational Grilled Cheese Day dinner up a few notches with this peach grilled cheese made with smoked cheddar.
Fig and Prosciutto Grilled Cheese with Rosemary Butter
Fig and Prosciutto Grilled Cheese is a grilled cheese sandwich with a gourmet twist. Fresh figs and prosciutto inside a grilled cheese sandwich gets even better on National Grilled Cheese Day when you spread rosemary butter on the outside before grilling.
Grilled Pineapple Cheese Sandwich
This Grilled Pineapple Cheese Sandwich
pairs perfectly with a bowl of soup on National Grilled Cheese Day.
Eggplant and Manchego Grilled Cheese Sandwiches
For National Grilled Cheese Day, try these Eggplant and Manchego Grilled Cheese Sandwiches. It's like a grilled cheese made with fried eggplant, manchego cheese, and drizzled with honey and truffle oil.
Grilled PB and J Sandwich With Cheese
A classic grilled cheese meets peanut butter and jam on National Grilled Cheese Day for one delicious mash-up! This grilled peanut butter and jam sandwich is sweet, savoury, cheesy, and simply delicious. If you’re looking for a new snack or lunch idea, this grilled pb and j is it!
Corned Beef Grilled Cheese Sandwich
This Corned Beef Grilled Cheese is the ultimate National Grilled Cheese Day sandwich, made with buttery toasted bread, caramelized onions, melted cheese, and corned beef. Simple, flavorful, delicious!
Asparagus and Brie Grilled Cheese with Arugula Pesto
A grown-up grilled cheese for National Grilled Cheese Day! Asparagus and Brie Grilled Cheese is finished off with an arugula pesto to seal the deal.
Buffalo Chicken Dip Grilled Cheese Sandwiches
These (healthy!) Buffalo Chicken Dip Grilled Cheese Sandwiches are one amazingly cheesy-gooey-awesome sandwich for National Grilled Cheese Day. (Ready in just minutes!) Buffalo Chicken Dip meets Grilled Cheese Sandwiches in a mind-blowing, life-changing, you-have-to-try-this recipe!
Grilled Turkey Cranberry Cream Cheese Sandwich
This Grilled Turkey Cranberry Cream Cheese Sandwich is the perfect light meal for National Grilled Cheese Day. Creamy and tart on the inside, toasty on the outside. It’s worth cooking chicken for all on its own!
Grilled Mozzarella Cheese and Red Pepper Sandwiches, Two Ways
Grilled mozzarella cheese and red pepper sandwiches are “out of this world tasty”! Try them both ways on National Grilled Cheese Day!
Pear Apple Cheddar Caramelized Onion Grilled Cheese Bagel Sandwich
Scrumptious grilled cheese bagel breakfast sandwich with sliced apple, pear, cheddar cheese, caramelized onions, arugula, and sunny-side up egg – a melt-in-your-mouth experience for any meal of the day on National Grilled Cheese Day.
Air Fryer Low Carb Garlic Bread Grilled Cheese
This Air Fryer Low Carb Garlic Bread Grilled Cheese sandwich is a quick and easy dinner for National Grilled Cheese Day made with only 4 ingredients and made in the air fryer.
Guacamole Grilled Cheese
The surprisingly delicious combination of guacamole and cheddar make for one great grilled cheese for National Grilled Cheese Day! With its simple homemade guacamole and sliced sharp cheddar filling, Guacamole Grilled Cheese comes together in a flash to deliver up truly amazing flavor.
Monte Cristo Grilled Cheese Sandwich Recipe (with Jam!)
Monte Cristo Grilled Cheese with raspberry jam is the ultimate National Grilled Cheese Day sandwich. This healthy version is ready in minutes and perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner! Prepare to be wowed because it can be low-carb too!
Fried Green Tomato Grilled Cheese
This Fried Green Tomato Grilled Cheese takes your grilled cheese to the next level for National Grilled Cheese Day. Perfectly toasted and loaded with mozzarella and fried green tomatoes.
Kimchi Grilled Cheese Sandwiches
For National Grilled Cheese Day, consider this recipe for kimchi grilled cheese: an interesting new spin on a classic comfort food. This simple recipe can be ready in about ten minutes, but will provide a new texture and flavor profile to an already familiar meal.
Spaghetti Grilled Cheese Sandwich
Love spaghetti, but looking for a more handheld lunch for National Grilled Cheese Day? Look no further than this Spaghetti Grilled Cheese recipe!
Italian Mozzarella Grilled Cheese Sandwich
This easy gluten free Italian Mozzarella Grilled Cheese sandwich recipe is made with tomatoes, prosciutto, and lemon basil pesto mayo. Perfect for National Grilled Cheese Day!
French Brie Grilled Cheese Sandwich
For National Grilled Cheese Day, enjoy the French Brie Grilled Cheese Sandwich. This is a delicious and easy sandwich to make that has all the tastes of France.
Poblano Brie Grilled Cheese Sandwich
Smoky poblano peppers, sweet cherry preserves, and buttery brie cheese come together for National Grilled Cheese Day in this flavor-packed Poblano Brie Grilled Cheese Sandwich!
Jalapeno Popper Grilled Cheese
Jalapeno Popper Grilled Cheese recipe is like pure comfort food between two slices of bread for National Grilled Cheese Day. This gooey cheese sandwich is jalapeno popper inspired with three kinds of cheese, jalapenos, bacon, and all made on the grill.
Monte Cristo Style Grilled Cheese Sandwich
This tasty cheesy Monte Cristo Style Grilled Cheese Sandwich is the perfect choice for a satisfying lunch or easy dinner for National Grilled Cheese Day! It's the ultimate ham and cheese sandwich dipped in egg and pan fried to a golden brown.
The Mempho (Grilled BBQ Mac & Cheese Sandwich)
Step aside traditional grilled cheese, this BBQ Mac & Cheese Sandwich means business on National Grilled Cheese Day. With chipotle cheddar, BBQ chicken, and mac & cheese between two slices of Texas toast.
Brie, Prosciutto, and Pear Grilled Cheese
This Brie, Prosciutto, and Pear Grilled Cheese recipe is everything for National Grilled Cheese Day! Grilled cheese with gooey cheese, sweet pear and crispy prosciutto.
Roasted Hatch Chile Grilled Cheese
A crispy, buttery, and cheesy Roasted Hatch Chile Grilled Cheese is a fantastic way to enjoy Hatch chiles on National Grilled Cheese Day!
Grilled Cheese Hot Dogs Recipe- Butter Your Biscuit
Grilled cheese hot dogs have a juicy hot dog, crispy bacon, gooey cheese, and sweet onions all piled on a crispy bun and melted to perfection! Enjoy it on National Grilled Cheese Day!
Pin it!
Share this post about National Grilled Cheese Day on Pinterest!
