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Crispy bread and melted cheese. How can something that tastes so good be this simple? Welcome to National Grilled Cheese Sandwich Day on April 12!
What’s the secret?
We asked Aaron Christenson, the owner of a small Central Oregon restaurant which won a recent readers’ poll in the categories of “Best Kids Menu” and “Best Family Restaurant.”
His response?
“A perfect grilled cheese has to have a super crispy exterior, brushed with garlic oil. Lots of melty cheese in the center. Thick cut, handmade bread is a must!”
And there you have it.
Now get grilling.
National Grilled Cheese Sandwich Day timeline
One of the earliest references to melted cheese sandwiches is featured in Sarah Tyson Rorer’s “Mrs. Rorer’s New Cookbook.”
The ‘Croque Monsieur’ (consisting of toasted bread, ham, and cheese) hits the menus in France.
Otto Frederick Rohwedder designs a bread-slicing machine.
In the movie, the character of Sam, played by Johnny Depp, prepares a stack of grilled cheese sandwiches using a clothes iron.
National Grilled Cheese Sandwich Day Activities
Make a sandwich
There is no better way to celebrate National Grilled Cheese Sandwich Day than by getting your grilled cheese on. Bread, butter, cheese, go!
Fondue it
Cut some grilled cheese sandwiches into cute little triangles and put them on a warm platter next to a plate of “finger food” veggies for perfect party munchies. You could even set up a pot of cheese fondue and a platter of toasted bread so everyone makes their own melty cheese sandwiches at the table.
Make a romantic meal for two
Grill your significant other’s favorite cheese sandwich for a warm and gooey surprise romantic dinner. Give yourself points for picking the right wine (or craft beer) to pair with it.
Why We Love National Grilled Cheese Sandwich Day
Ultimate comfort food
Grilled cheese sandwiches remind us of having our moms make us grilled cheese sandwiches for lunch; then, being a little older and craving something warm, and deciding that grilled cheese counts as cooking.
They go well with everything
Grilled cheese and tomato soup is the most classic combination, but this sandwich seems to go well with everythinoup, salad, milkshakes — the salty sandwich makes any meal better.
They offer an opportunity to explore the cheese case
However it is set up – by texture, by country, by variety – that cheese case is your friend. Go through it systematically and make cheese combinations that will elevate your grilled cheese experience.
National Grilled Cheese Sandwich Day dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | April 12 | Monday |
| 2022 | April 12 | Tuesday |
| 2023 | April 12 | Wednesday |
| 2024 | April 12 | Friday |
| 2025 | April 12 | Saturday |
National Grilled Cheese Sandwich Day Featured Video
The Cheesiest Way to Anyone's Heart