National Grilled Cheese Day (April 12th)

It’s National Grilled Cheese Day, Baby!

Let’s Get Melty!

   Ok, cheese-aholics, foodies, and lovers of comfort food, it’s finally here: National Grilled Cheese Day! Today, we celebrate the undisputed king of simple pleasures, the melty masterpiece, the sandwich that holds a special place in all our hearts (and stomachs) – the glorious Grilled Cheese.

   Now, I know what you’re thinking. “Isn’t every day grilled cheese day?” Well, yes, in spirit. But National Grilled Cheese Day is a time to truly honor this culinary icon. It’s a day to break out of your routine of American-on-white rut and explore the endless possibilities this humble sandwich holds. And, since this special day lands on a Friday this year we can celebrate all weekend. Grilled Cheese for breakfast anyone?

Let’s Talk Add-Ins

   Sure, a Grilled Cheese Sandwich is yummy with American cheese on white bread and butter, but there are so many things you can add to the recipe. Including the different kinds of bread and rolls. Yes, why not use a roll for a Grilled Cheese? Just make sure the filling to bread ratio is correct. If your roll is very thick you may want to cut a slice out of the middle to make the overall roll thinner. Or, scoop a small section out of the middle of each half.

• Meat Mania: Classic options like crispy bacon or thinly sliced ham are a slam dunk. Get fancy with shredded rotisserie chicken or leftover pulled pork for a heartier option.
• Veggie Vibes: Roasted vegetables like caramelized onions, sauteed mushrooms, or even a sprinkle of fresh spinach adds a delightful depth of flavor.
• Herb Haven: Fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or chopped chives add a touch of fragrant magic.
• Vegan Ventures: Use a vegan cheese and add thin slices of tofu or other meat alternatives. Along with some veggies, you’ll be in vegan heaven!
• Mediterranean Delight: Add hummus, sliced olives and a shake of Greek seasoning. Anchovies? Umm, ok if you must!
• Cheese Nirvana: Cheddar is a classic, but there’s a whole world out there! Gruyère for a nutty depth, brie for a luxurious gooeyness, or even a smoked gouda for a surprising kick. Get adventurous and try a mix!
• Flavor Bomb Fillings: Don’t be afraid to add a little somethin’ somethin’. Thinly sliced apples with sharp cheddar for a sweet-savory combo, caramelized onions for a touch of sweetness, or roasted peppers for a vibrant pop of color.
• Italian Blliss: Tomatoes, fresh basil leaves, mozzarella or other Italian cheese, and a little olive oil. Mama Mia, I’m hungry!
• Kimchi Kick: Fermented kimchi adds a funky, spicy punch that pairs surprisingly well with melty cheese.
• Cuban Connection: A smear of mustard and a slice of ham takes inspiration from the classic Cubano sandwich.
• Grilled Avocado Toast: Use olive or avocado oil instead of butter.  Use sliced avocado slices with or without cheese. Add tomatoes or any other veggies you like.
• Grilled Dessert: Cheddar cheese, thinly sliced apples, and Nutella. Does it get any better than that?

Let’s Talk Tools

The trusty frying pan is a grilled cheese champion, but there are other ways to get your melty fix! Here are some alternative tools for creating the best Grilled Cheese.

• Toaster Oven: This is a great option for even heat and is perfect for smaller sandwiches. Just preheat it to medium heat, assemble your masterpiece, and cook until golden brown and melty.
• Waffle Iron: Think outside the box! A waffle iron perfectly creates griddle-marked, crispy on the outside, and melty on the inside, grilled cheese pockets. Just be sure not to overstuff to avoid a cheesy mess. Both standard and Belgian waffle irons work, but I think the Belgian is better due to the deeper pockets to hold all the gooey goodness.  
• Panini Press: This countertop appliance is specifically designed for pressed sandwiches, making perfectly golden-brown and evenly heated grilled cheeses. Add a bit of pesto or a drizzle of olive oil to the outside of the bread for an extra flavor boost.
• Griddle: Perfect for larger batches, a griddle allows you to cook multiple grilled cheeses at once. Heat it to medium heat, butter or oil the surface, and cook your sandwiches until golden brown.
• Outdoor Grill: For a smoky twist, try grilling your cheese on a preheated grill. Just be careful not to let the cheese drip through the grates and use a sturdy spatula to flip to avoid melty mishaps.
• Electric Sandwich Maker: This handy little gadget can make two small sandwiches. Each sandwich is square, so the bread may have to be cut to fit. Each sandwich is crimped into 2 triangle pockets. You can fill them with all sorts of things. Sweet and savory. My kids love it when I make them with Nutella, marshmallow fluff, and peanut butter.

Tips & Tricks

• Don’t forget the dippers! Tomato soup is a classic, but consider a creamy bisque, a tangy chutney, or even a drizzle of hot honey for a sweet and spicy kick.
• Grilled Cheese can easily be made gluten-free by using gluten-free bread and add-ins. Gluten-free bread is great because it is dryer in nature so it soaks up and holds more of the fat and the melty goodness.
• Remember to use enough cheese. The cheese is the “glue” and what would Grilled Cheese be without the cheese? Toast!
• When using tomatoes, try to get all the liquid bits out of the slices. No one likes a soggy Grilled Cheese.
• Think outside the circle and use English muffins for your bread. These come in GF varieties, too.

Whatever add-ins you pick or whichever method of grilling you choose, have fun, and enjoy! You have the power to make these scrumptious sandwiches as healthy or decadent as you want. Make them for a meal or a snack. Backyard, kitchen, or camping, it doesn’t matter. It’s the taste and the memories made that matter. Now, go forth and get melty!

Have a deliciously grilled cheesy day!