National Grilled Cheese Sandwich Day

April 10, 2024

April 12th is National Grilled Cheese Day. Grilled cheese sandwiches are a timeless comfort food. The simple yet delightful combination of gooey melted cheese and toasted bread makes a great meal, snack, or treat and is appreciated by nearly everyone from grandparents to grandkids. Who doesn’t like a grilled cheese sandwich?

The History of Grilled Cheese

The grilled cheese sandwich gained popularity in the United States during the 1920s when inexpensive sliced bread and American cheese became widely available. Soldiers were even served them during World War Two.

The Problem

The one problem with grilled cheese sandwiches is if you put enough tasty cheese on it, some may spill out of the bread into the pan while grilling. Depending on your skillet and the heat, this can create a burnt cheese mess. So, how do you clean burnt cheese scorched onto your frying pan? I thought you’d never ask. Fortunately, our bleach-free BKF Cookware Cleanser is perfectly formulated to handle the hard work so that you can tackle this task quickly and easily and get back to your sandwich.

Cleaning Burnt Cheese From Your Scorched Skillet  

1. Wet the pan
2. Sprinkle BKF Cookware Cleanser & Polish
3. Rub it in with a soft wet cloth
4. Rinse it off with clean water
5. Wipe dry

There you have it, easy-cheesy, I mean easy-peasy, quick and easy.

Crafting the Perfect Grilled Cheese

My perfect grilled cheese sandwich is Munster cheese with jalapeno slices on whole wheat bread, and I have a trick. I used to butter the bread on both sides and grill it in a frying pan over medium heat. However, I’ve now put away the butter. I spread mayonnaise on both sides. Try it, it’s delicious.

The cooking process is equally important. Achieving the ideal balance of crispy, golden-brown exterior, and gooey, molten interior means it’s not a dish you walk away from while cooking. Whether using a skillet, griddle, or panini press, the goal is to achieve even browning and thoroughly melting the cheese without burning the bread.

Be Creative 

The beauty of grilled cheese lies in its simplicity. The traditional American grilled cheese sandwich consists of sliced white bread and American cheese, but don’t be afraid to experiment with different breads and cheeses. From sourdough to rye and cheddar to Swiss, the possibilities are endless.

While the classic grilled cheese is undeniably delicious, adding ingredients such as caramelized onions, sliced tomatoes, jalapenos, crispy bacon, or savory herbs can take the mundane to a whole new level.

For those with a sweet tooth, a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar or a layer of thinly sliced apples can transform grilled cheese into a delightful dessert option.

If you’re looking for a healthier alternative, consider using whole-grain bread, fresh vegetables, or reduced-fat cheese. The adaptability of the grilled cheese sandwich makes it a versatile canvas for culinary creativity.

A Place in Our Hearts 

Grilled cheese sandwiches hold a special place in the world of comfort food, offering a satisfying combination of simplicity and indulgence. Whether enjoyed as a quick meal on a busy day or savored as a nostalgic treat, the grilled cheese is a beloved classic. So, gather your favorite ingredients, fire up the stove, and enjoy! Just watch out for loose cheese!

About the Author

Randy Clark is a speaker, coach, and author. He publishes a weekly blog at Randy Clark Leadership.com. Randy is passionate about social media, leadership development, and flower gardening. He’s a beer geek and on weekends (after COVID-19) he can be found fronting the Rock & Roll band Under the Radar. He’s the proud father of two educators; he has four amazing grandchildren and a wife who dedicates her time to helping others. Randy is the author of the Amazon bestseller The New Manager’s Workbook: A crash course in effective management.

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