- Categories:
- Food & Beverage
- Tags:
- CheeseFood
- Where:
- United States
- Date change rule:
- Every April 12
- Holiday emoji:
- 🧀
National Grilled Cheese Sandwich Day arrives every April 12, honoring the ultimate comfort food: crispy bread and melted cheese. From classic American to gourmet blends, this simple yet satisfying sandwich is a culinary delight for all ages. Gather your favorite cheeses, butter your bread, and get ready to grill up some deliciousness to celebrate!
Want to sponsor National Grilled Cheese Sandwich Day? Learn how
Expected National Grilled Cheese Sandwich Day Deals
As National Grilled Cheese Sandwich Day approaches, expect a delightful array of promotions from restaurants and fast-food chains. While we wait for official 2027 promotions to drop, history shows that brands like Panera Bread, Melt Shop, and The Cheesecake Factory have offered special deals or limited-time menu items. Grocery stores such as Kroger and Whole Foods Market often feature sales on cheese, bread, and butter, making it easy to create your own gourmet grilled cheese at home. Keep an eye out for local diners and food trucks, many of whom celebrate with unique grilled cheese creations. We will update this page with confirmed live deals as April 12 approaches.
Platform Guide for National Grilled Cheese Sandwich Day
Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #NationalGrilledCheeseSandwichDay. Share mouth-watering photos and videos of your grilled cheese creations, from classic to gourmet.
TikTok
Tag @www.nationaltoday.com and use #NationalGrilledCheeseSandwichDay. Film quick tutorials on making the perfect grilled cheese or showcase your favorite cheese pulls.
Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #NationalGrilledCheeseSandwichDay. Share your favorite grilled cheese recipes and local restaurant recommendations with the community.
National Grilled Cheese Sandwich Day Hero
James L. Kraft
History of National Grilled Cheese Sandwich Day
Food historians and experts tell us that cultures around the world have been enjoying cheese on bread since ancient times. The modern grilled cheese sandwich that we enjoy today originated in the 1920s.
While we don’t know the creator of grilled cheese sandwiches, we owe its success to Otto Frederick Rohwedder, who invented the bread slicer during the Industrial Revolution. His invention made dividing bread into even slices easier and more affordable. Luckily, shortly before the bread slicer was perfected, James L. Kraft created processed cheese. This meant that cheese could be transported over long distances and not spoil. Each significant in their own way, both inventions revolutionized sandwiches forever!
So who was the genius behind grilling the combination of cheese and bread to create the grilled cheese sandwich? According to government-issued cookbooks, surprisingly it is the American Navy who thought of it or, at the very least, were the first to publish the recipe. Hundreds of “American cheese-filled sandwiches” were prepared by Navy chefs for military personnel during World War II.
The term ‘grilled cheese’ was coined in the 1960s when the second slice of bread was added to the top of grilled cheese. Other popular names were cheese toasty and toasted cheese sandwiches.
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.
How Businesses Can Celebrate National Grilled Cheese Sandwich Day
Local businesses can celebrate National Grilled Cheese Sandwich Day by offering special menu items or promotions. Restaurants and cafes can feature limited-time gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches, perhaps with unique cheese blends or artisanal breads. Bakeries might offer discounts on their specialty breads perfect for grilling, while local delis could create ‘build-your-own’ grilled cheese kits. Consider partnering with a local dairy for a cheese-tasting event or offering a free side of tomato soup with any grilled cheese purchase. Promote these specials on social media using #NationalGrilledCheeseSandwichDay to attract food lovers.
National Grilled Cheese Sandwich Day FAQs
When is National Grilled Cheese Sandwich Day?
In 2027, National Grilled Cheese Sandwich Day is observed on Monday, April 12. This mid-week observance provides a great excuse to treat yourself to a warm, melty sandwich to kick off the week.
How many grilled cheese sandwiches are consumed annually?
The grilled cheese sandwich continues to be a beloved staple, with millions of servings enjoyed daily. Its enduring popularity is a testament to its simple ingredients and satisfying taste.
What are the most popular cheeses for grilled cheese?
Beyond American, sharp cheddar and creamy provolone consistently rank high for grilled cheese enthusiasts. Many also enjoy experimenting with blends of cheeses like mozzarella and Monterey Jack for a perfect gooey texture.
What is the origin of the grilled cheese sandwich?
While the exact inventor is unknown, the grilled cheese sandwich as we know it today emerged in the early 20th century. The invention of sliced bread in 1928 and James L. Kraft’s patent for processed cheese in 1916 significantly contributed to its rise as an American culinary icon.
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.
5 SURPRISING FACTS ABOUT GRILLED CHEESE SANDWICHES
The secret ingredient
Mayo is the secret sauce that makes a grilled cheese sandwich creamy from the inside.
The original name
Grilled cheese sandwiches were originally called a Cheese Dream.
Complementary dishes
A grilled cheese sandwich is often accompanied by tomato soup.
The pioneers
The Ancient Romans were the first civilization to bake bread and combine it with cheese.
Grilled cheese customs
In Switzerland, it is customary to toast the bread and melt the cheese separately before combining them.
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.
Social Media Tips for National Grilled Cheese Sandwich Day
Individuals
Creators
Brands