April is National Grilled Cheese Month. I think you’re all with me in thinking there aren’t enough excuses to celebrate any concoction that involves gooey, melted cheese and something buttered and slightly crunchy. So today, we’re all about grilled cheese sandwiches in various forms. And since they’re traditionally served with a nice bowl of tomato soup, as seen in the photo above of TK member manda2177’s recipe for Amazing Tomato Soup (she of the amazing blog I Am Baker), we’ll talk a bit about tomato soup, too.
Allegedly, early precursors of what we know today as grilled cheese sandwiches date back to similar recipes found in ancient Roman cookbooks. Seriously. I did the research, and that’s what they said. It took me a while to get over the shock of finding that there were cookbooks that old, but if there’s something that can adequately distract me from whatever is going on in my head, it’s melted cheese.
The grilled cheese has universal appeal, as can be expected. It’s called a toastie in New Zealand, a cheese jaffle in some parts of Australia, and a cheese toastie or toasted cheese sandwich in the UK. The modern grilled cheese is more readily traced to the 1920s, when sliced bread and American cheese became easily accessible. And boy oh boy, whether broiled (as they originally were), grilled, toasted, fried or pressed, look at how far we’ve come since then.
Clockwise from top left: PW’s Favorite Sandwich, Three Cheese and Tomato Sandwich from TheRecipeCards, Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto and Mozzarella Sandwich from hailskitchen, Italian Grilled Cheese Sandwich from Rox, and a Toasted Whole Grain Apple Cheddar Panini from pickypalate.
As you can see, you amazing Tasty Kitchen members are quite adept at kicking things up and glorifying innocent recipes. And just in case you want more meat in the sandwich, some blue cheese, or maybe just another uniquely delicious and new twist, I found a few more that might fit the bill.
Clockwise from top left: Smoky BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese from whatsgabycooking, Turkey, Brie and Apple Grilled Sandwich from missamy, and a manly-looking hearty Buffalo Wing Panini from montanaeats that’s got blue cheese in it. Yum.
In the 1940s and 1950s, as grilled cheese sandwiches became more popular (it was inexpensive, too, which was a bonus), cafeterias and other service kitchens typically served them with tomato soup, which was seen as a good source of vitamin C. It’s a food pairing that’s endured to this day. It makes a wonderful and easy meal, and a great thing about it is that you can easily make it a vegetarian meal, too! Here are some wonderful tomato soup recipes to get you started.
From left to right, top to bottom: Simple and Delicious Tomato Soup with Salsa Verde from misspfui, an easy 5-Minute Homemade Creamy Tomato Soup from Rebecca, Tomato Soup from tallgrasskitchen, and a deep-flavored Roasted Tomato Soup from hailskitchen.
Wanna guess what’s coming next? You guessed it. Here are a few more tomato soup recipes if you’re looking for something that might be a little different. Some even already have the cheese and/or the bread (in the form of croutons) in them, which might make the sandwich a bit insecure.
On the left, from top to bottom: Creamy Tomato Soup Florentine from lshanahan, Tomato Garlic Soup with Roquefort Creme from rainydaygal, and the ever-reliable Cathy’s Sherried Tomato Soup from Ree. On the right is a Roasted Tomato Soup with Chipotle Cream from sallypv.
Grilled cheese sandwiches are a common entry in many a comfort food list, and most of us have memories tied to them. Do you have any you’d like to share? I’ll start: I remember watching a movie once where the guy was making grilled cheese sandwiches using his flat iron. (I can’t name the movie because, well, I’m not Ree.) I would have tried it too, but I think my mom caught the “I’m planning something that could potentially go very wrong” look in my eye, and told me not to even think about it.
Or maybe you don’t have a favorite memory tied to this simple yet irresistible sandwich. Maybe you just have a special way of enjoying them that’s a bit different from everyone else. Do you pair it with a different kind of soup? Just a glass of milk? Do you like it traditional and plain, or do you always look to kick it up in your own special way? Do tell! We could all use more ways to enjoy melted cheese, right?
So enjoy this National Grilled Cheese Month! But please celebrate responsibly, and stay away from the iron. Even if you get away with it and create a wonderful sandwich, the sudden occurrence of “inexplicable” cheese stains on your mom’s new skirt or favorite shirt might put a damper on your celebration. Not that I’d know anything about it.
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Amy on 4.7.2010
Haha yeah Benny and Joon…love that movie:-)
Revia on 4.7.2010
My dad always made grilled cheese sandwiches with garlic spread or garlic salt on the outside and I remember always ask him to make his “special” grilled cheese (which were so much better than my mom’s plain grilled cheese!). He also taught me to be adventurous with cheeses and breads.
A local restaurant used to have the BEST grilled cheese (appropriately named THE ULTIMATE GRILLED CHEESE) until they changed owners. It was a made on a slightly sweet and nutty honey oatmeal bread, made with provolone and cheddar, and had crisp bacon on it. I would actually have dreams of this sandwich on occasion.
Lauren on 4.7.2010
I like two types of grilled cheese. I like mine plain and simple with just American cheese slices two please is using a wider piece of bread. I enjoy a Italian sliced sandwich bread, butter on the outside and grilled a bit slowly so the cheese melts then I can turn up the heat and get it nice and brown. But I found a great alternative grilled cheese its soo good. I take a nice whole grain bread I enjoy the oatmeal breads to. Take a slice or two of nice Swiss cheese and slice grapes preferably red grapes and lay those on top of the cheese then the other slice of bread. Sweet and Nutty and slightly salty, and melty. Its so good.
Kalie on 4.7.2010
I posted this one on the main PW Cooking site too, but thought I would share… the best grilled cheese I ever made was mozzarella, goat cheese, spinach, roasted red pepper, and basil leaves on homemade sun-dried tomato bread. But I will eat virtually ANY manifestation of a grilled cheese.
happycampermom on 4.7.2010
Grilled cheese is my absolute favorite! Here’s another good recipe to try…slather some butter on the outsides of two slices sourdough bread, fill with pepper jack cheese, avocado and tomato and then grill until toasty brown. It’s delish!
LizinSTL on 4.7.2010
There used to be a Food Network show called “Ham on the Street”
George Duran made a grilled cheese wheel- he said ANY cheese, ANY bread and ANY jelly made a delicious grilled cheese sandwich.
I’ve tried Brioche w/ apricot preserves and brie…
I’ve tried white w/ pepper jelly and monterey jack.
Rye w/ strawberry and cheddar
Sourdough w/ strawberry and harvarti
All delicious- the key is lots of real butter and a hot skillet!
Sandy on 4.7.2010
My mom would make grilled mozzarella cheese sandwiches and then grump at us for not being polite as we broke them into quarters and s-l-o-w-l-y pulled them apart. We then caught the drooping cheese in our mouths. I guess she was right, but it was a fun way to eat!
Maya on 4.7.2010
The Pop Shop in Collingswood, NJ actually has a month-long Grilled Cheese Month celebration, and all year they have the most amazing grilled cheese menu I’ve ever seen – like a whole page of variations. Mmmm, know what I’m doin’ for dinner tonight!
Lori on 4.7.2010
My 4 year-old daughter calls them “stuck sandwiches” because she can’t pull them apart and just eat the cheese like she does with other sandwiches. We both love them!!!
carolinagirl on 4.7.2010
Those all look great! I just love a plain ol’ grilled cheese, with white bread and cheddar. Sometimes we throw in some ham and yellow mustard. I will definitely check some of these others out when i finish this dreaded no bread or cheese diet!!!
Courtney on 4.7.2010
Yummmmmmmmmm…………………..my favorite- grilled cheese!!!! I want to try every single recipe on here.
Diane Taggart on 4.7.2010
One of my girlfriends in elementary school taught me to LOVE dipping grilled cheese sandwiches in French dressing. My husband thinks it’s odd, but then he sprinkles red chile flakes on eggs.
tiffychris on 4.7.2010
Gotta say, Rachael Ray came up with my favorite grilled cheese sammie…Fontina Grilled Cheese. Haven’t found anything better than that. Anything.
http://www.rachaelray.com/recipe.php?recipe_id=2351
Michelle Gehrett on 4.7.2010
I’ve seen lots of people talk about dipping the sandwich in ketchup, but I’ve got that topped. Fry sauce! I know not everyone knows what fry sauce is, but it’s famous here in Utah. It’s ketchup and mayo mixed together for the simple version, but if you want the real thing look for “Some Dudes Fry Sauce” in your grocery store. If it’s not there, order it on line, it’s worth it. Fry sauce is so good that here in Utah you can get it at most fast food places. MMmmmmmmm, grilled cheese and fry sauce, I think I’ll have one for lunch.
Grace on 4.7.2010
My husband turned me on to the following grilled cheese concoction……..12 grain bread with thin sliced granny smith apples, caramelized onions and gouda cheese. Smoky but sweet, creamy but some crispness, and all around delish.
Fran on 4.7.2010
I love grilled cheese and we have it for dinner about once a month either with soup or by itself. I love them with just american cheese, tomato and Tony Chachere’s Creole Seasoning. If we have soup with them I always have tomato soup but my clones prefer Ramen noodles
Traci on 4.7.2010
Love grilled cheese and now have an excuse to try all these different recipes. Off to make lunch!
twograyfoxes on 4.7.2010
There was a restaurant where I grew up (Little Kings maybe, or something like that). They made a sandwich called the Cheese Frenchie. I ate that every time we went there, I never ate anything else from that restaurant! It was really thick bread slices, and they cut it in quarters diagonally so you had four diamonds. I don’t know how they did it, but they were coated with some delicious crunchy bread crumb coating and deep fried. The cheese was like lava coming out of that wedge of unhealthiness!
Restaurant closed, never found another Cheese Frenchie anywhere else.
Hmmm, this could be my next culinary project…
brenda on 4.7.2010
my mom always served grilled cheese sandwiches with peaches…. we would dip the sandwich in the sugary peach juice. Yummy! I still eat mine this way today, as do my kids!
Beth B on 4.7.2010
now my stomach is growling…
I love to make grilled cheese sandwiches with provolone and cheddar, with some butter and worcestershire sauce in the cast iron skillet. yum! I love some ham thrown in there too.
Kelly on 4.7.2010
Eating grilled cheese with Tomato soup makes me think of sitting at the Woolworth’s counter with my Mom and sharing a chocolate shake…We would always do this at some point in a busy day of shopping…I miss Woolworth’s!
Jenn O'B on 4.7.2010
oh my word…i’m starving!!!
TaraB in OKC on 4.7.2010
My mom-in-law says that when my husband was young, he thought she was calling them “GIRL cheese sandwiches” and he would not eat them. So she changed the name to “FAMILY cheese sandwiches.” So cute.
Yes…. we still eat our “Family cheese sandwiches” with tomato soup.
ddru on 4.7.2010
This is just so bizarre. For lunch today we had tomato soup, homemade like grandma made and grilled cheese. The best way to make grilled cheese is with the george forman grill. They turn out awesome ever time.
Jennifer Eyring on 4.7.2010
My mom always made them with sesame seeds sprinkled liberally on the outside of the bread (where the butter is), so they get toasted too. It gives them a wonderful flavor, so thats how I make mine now.
Jen b. on 4.7.2010
ok, I thought I was the only one who dipped my grilled cheese in ketchup….Glad to know I’m not alone….hey it’s basically a very concentrated tomato soup reduction, right?
Grilled cheese reminds me of summer lunches at grandma’s house – She and grandpa always had a slice of fresh tomato warm from the garden on theirs….
Rachael on 4.7.2010
I cant wait to try PW’s Favorite, that looks fantastic. I love to put a little parmesan cheese in softened butter on the bread before I grill mine.. So good! Especially with good cheddar, dijon mustard, and tomato.
chris on 4.7.2010
Benny and Joon, I love that part of the movie! You can’t beat a good grilled cheese!
Taylor A. on 4.7.2010
oh my! I will definitely be making these!
Shayna on 4.7.2010
Grilled cheese and tomato soup are a MUST in our house, everyone loves them! My kiddos are all american with sliced cheese, while I like mine with muenster and slices of tomatoes, spread mayo on the inside!
Tomato soup made rich with heavy cream and a hint of nutmeg!! YUMMY!!
csmbsailor on 4.7.2010
There seems to be a problem trying to print a full size page, it will allow you to preview the other 2 sizes but not the full size sheet.
Maybe it has something to do with the drool all over my keyboard. Cant wait to try these out!!!
Dinky Kitchen on 4.7.2010
OH DEAR LORD. yum.
lil ol me on 4.7.2010
Okay, I don’t have a camera, so I can’t participate in the Tasty Kitchen thing other than comments. Here’s another version to try: go to Trader Joe’s and pick up some goat cheese and kalmata olive tapenade. Or just pitted kalmata olives, and chop them up. Go home, get two slices of bread and spread one generously-but not too much-with the goat cheese. Spread the other with a thin but complete layer of olive spread. Place in a cast iron pan warmed over medium heat in which you’ve melted half a tablespoon of butter. Let it sit until the cheese starts to melt. Pick up the sandwich, put down a bit more butter, and turn it over and finish the other side. A grown up version of grilled cheese heaven!
Sandy ( Your Life, Organized ) on 4.7.2010
Oh my it is lunch time and I think I know what we are having! Yum!!!
http://www.aboutone.com/customer-registration
Dee DC on 4.7.2010
We had “dinner” at lunchtime on Sundays when I was growing up, so “supper” was something easy and delicious, like tomato soup and cheese sandwiches … EVERY Sunday night! During the summer time, the sandwiches were just bread, mayo, cheese, but we’d toast them right up in the winter time! I grew up overseas, so we had the best sharp New Zealand cheddar cheese, so I never understood any reason to put anything else in with it! To me, the classic is still the best.
Karen on 4.7.2010
Grilled cheese sandwiches and tomato soup are a favorite cool-weather meal for me… comfort food at its simplest.
Panera Bread makes a fabulous tomato soup, and there was a restaurant in Omaha, NE that I can’t quite remember the name of that had an awesome Parmesan Tomato Soup.
Darn, now I want soup, but don’t have time to fix it, eat it, and then change clothes (because I will inevitably spill soup on my shirt ftont).
Michele Albert on 4.7.2010
We used to make grilled cheese sammies for dessert in the restaurant I worked at:
Chocolate Cherry Bread, Brie Cheese, and Seedless Red Raspberry Preserves
Best thing you will ever eat!
Jane on 4.7.2010
Growing up Sunday night supper was grilled cheese featuring Velveeta with grape jelly on top. Don’t knock it till you’ve tried it.
Lindsay on 4.7.2010
One trick I learned is to cook the grilled cheese in bacon fat instead of butter. It imparts a WONDERFUL flavor and cooks more crisply and is just heaven in your mouth. Not heaven in your arteries, but this is grilled cheese so I suppose it can’t hurt that much more.
Crystal's Cozy Kitchen on 4.7.2010
I’m surprised my husband didn’t know this! He is such a fan of cheese.
stampylisa on 4.7.2010
I too am a ketchup dipper. We have a local restaurant that makes a delish one on honey oat bran bread w/colby and jack, and tomatoes. It has bacon too, but they never do the bacon well done, plus I recently gave up meat, so I always get it without.
Perhaps we can resurrect the hair crimpers of the late 80s, early 90s into mini grilled cheese panini makers……
Kara on 4.7.2010
Thou shalt not use American. That is not cheese; that is plastic.
Cheddar is the only way to go. Or well, anything unprocessed. But my favorite is extra sharp cheddar.
Hannah F on 4.7.2010
When I was young, every Wednesday (piano lesson day) my mom would melt cheese on a piece of bread in the oven and I REFUSED to touch them. It was the cheesy grease on top that made me cringe – and possibly my need to find something to be dramatic about. But she wised up and put another piece of bread on top and it was (and is) one of my favorite comfort foods ever. With turkey & tomatoes, it became even more beautiful. Thanks for these amazing recipes!!
Lori T. on 4.7.2010
One of our local apple orchards has a cafe -they do a grilled cheese on homemade multigrain bread with a little mayo and mustard, ham, turkey, fresh apple slices, and then swiss and cheddar cheese -it is so delicious!
AmyP on 4.7.2010
My basic grilled cheese sandwiches have gone to a whole different level since getting a panini grill. Now we add things like roasted veggies, grilled chicken, arugula, sliced fennel, pesto, leftover meatloaf…it’s such a wonderful quick meal!
Anna in AZ on 4.7.2010
In Phoenix the Armadillo Grill has a grilled cheese/tomato soup lunch special EVERYDAY! It’s pure bliss and I highly recommend it!!!
Lisa Lettenmaier on 4.7.2010
Grilled cheese with dill hamburger pickles inside!!!! yummmm or a paninni with sauteed veggies and mozzarella!!!
Jess on 4.7.2010
I was looking for simply, affordable recipes for next week’s grocery run. I think I may have found what I was looking for right here! I love grilled cheese.
Heather on 4.7.2010
Love, love, love grilled cheese sandwiches! Growing up we always had grilled cheese sandwiches with chili soup.
Emily F. on 4.7.2010
yum yum yummmm! I love grilled cheese and tomato soup! It’s one of our favorite Fridays-during-Lent meals. My father in law is constantly begging for me to make my tomato soup and talking about how great it is and I love adding a smear of pesto to my grilled cheese (provolone please!) sandwich.
Delish!