National Grilled Cheese Sandwich Day

The story

The history of the grilled cheese sandwich is as rich and satisfying as the sandwich itself. While the pairing of bread and cheese dates back to ancient times, the modern version we know today found its footing in the 1920s. It was during this era that two game-changing inventions laid the foundation for grilled cheese's widespread popularity: the bread slicer and processed American cheese.

In 1927, Otto Frederick Rohwedder introduced the bread-slicing machine, which revolutionized the distribution of sliced bread. Shortly before this, James L. Kraft's processed cheese ensured that cheese could endure long journeys without spoiling.

These innovations paved the way for the creation of the grilled cheese sandwich as we know it. The term 'grilled cheese' was coined in the 1960s when the addition of a second slice of bread on top made it one of the most popular lunch or dinner choices. It was also known as the ”cheese toasty“ or ”toasted cheese sandwich.“

The American Navy played a crucial role in popularizing the grilled cheese sandwich. During World War II, Navy chefs prepared hundreds of ”American cheese-filled sandwiches“ for hungry military personnel, introducing the world to this delicious treat. National Grilled Cheese Sandwich Day is a celebration of this iconic sandwich and its history.

The possibilities are endless, from classic American cheese on white bread to gourmet combinations like Gouda on sourdough.