Originally called a melted cheese or toasted cheese sandwich, the grilled cheese sandwich got its start in the United States in the 1920s. It was around this time that both the bread slicer and processed cheese were invented, paving the way for American families to affordably and easily prepare grilled cheese sandwiches at home. Early on they were made open-faced with one slice of bread topped with grated cheddar cheese. It was during the Great Depression that a second slice of bread was added to make it more filling, thus creating the grilled cheese sandwich we know today. Although it took a bit longer for the name to catch on as proved by the inclusion of "American cheese filling sandwiches" in government-issued cookbooks given to Navy cooks during World War II. Today the grilled cheese sandwich is a staple of American food and even a part of pop culture.
Recipe Servings: 4
Directions
- Spread butter on one side of all bread slices.
- Arrange cheese on unbuttered side of four bread slices.
- Top with remaining slices of bread, buttered side up, to make four sandwiches.
- Heat a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Place a sandwich in heated pan, and grill until golden on both sides, about 3–4 minutes per side.
- Press down on sandwich as cheese starts to melt.
- Set aside finished sandwich in a warm oven.
- Grill remaining sandwiches.
- Cut sandwiches diagonally.
- Serve immediately.
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