Grilled cheese sandwich
661677
225885102
2008-07-15T21:22:21Z
Emptycans
7296345
Added alternate name
{{otheruses4|the sandwich|the cheese dish often referred to as "toasted cheese"|Welsh rarebit}}
{{Infobox Prepared Food
| name = Grilled Cheese Sandwich
| image = [[Image:Grilled cheese with soup.jpg|300px]]
| caption = A grilled cheese sandwich served with [[tomato soup]].
| alternate_name = Cheese Toast, Roasted Cheese
| country = Oro-Station, Ontario, Canada
| region =
| creator =
| course =
| served = Hot
| main_ingredient = Cheese and Bread
| variations = Multiple
| calories =
| other =
}}
A '''grilled cheese sandwich''' (also known as a '''cheese toastie''' or '''toasted cheese''' sandwich) is a [[toasted sandwich|toasted]] or fried sandwich consisting of two slices of bread, usually buttered, and [[cheese]] melted in between. It is a simple variation on the very old combination of bread and cheese.
==Preparation==
A grilled cheese sandwich can be made in a variety of ways. Regionally, some methods are more common than others.
In the [[United States]], it is most common for the outside of the assembled sandwich to be buttered before being fried. Occasionally, [[mayonnaise]] is used instead. The sandwich may be grilled with a [[griddle]], pan, or cast iron [[Frying pan|skillet]], or in a dedicated sandwich maker.<ref name="foodtimeline">{{cite web | url = http://www.foodtimeline.org/foodsandwiches.html#grilledcheese | title = Food Timeline-- history notes: sandwiches | author = | Lynne Olver | accessdate = 2008-03-18}}</ref> Once the bottom of the sandwich has reached a toast-like texture, the sandwich is flipped and continues cooking until both sides are toasted and the cheese has melted.
In the [[United Kingdom]], a similar sandwich is most commonly cooked either under a [[Grill (cooking)|grill]] by placing grated cheese onto a slice of toast and melting and another slice of toast is placed on top. Very often other ingredients such as ham or tomato are added.
Sometimes a [[sandwich toaster]] is used, or is often served open-faced as [[cheese on toast]]. These sandwiches are more commonly called "toasties", are not grilled using a pan or skillet, and thus may not be considered true grilled cheese sandwiches by some standards.
==Ingredients and variants==
[[Cheddar cheese]] is most commonly used. In the United States, it is traditional to use [[American cheese]],<ref name="foodtimeline"/> but other cheeses such as [[Gouda cheese|gouda]], [[Velveeta]], and [[Swiss cheese|Swiss]] are also used. Most restaurants use a mix of cheeses. Some people choose to put mayonnaise on their sandwich before cooking. The sandwich may be supplemented with additional ingredients, such as [[bacon]], [[tomato]], avocado, tuna, ham, pickles, herbs, spices, and condiments such as mustard, tomato sauce, or [[Worcestershire sauce]]. It is traditionally accompanied by [[tomato soup]],<ref name="foodtimeline"/> although in restaurants is usually served with [[french fries]], like a [[hamburger]]. [[Ketchup]] is sometimes used as a condiment.
==History==
The grilled cheese sandwich in its current form began in the 1920s as an [[open sandwich]].{{Fact|date=June 2008}} The additional slice of bread became common in the 1960s.{{Fact|date=June 2008}} The sandwich now has a dedicated following. At the Grilled Cheese Invitational cook-off (held yearly in [[Los Angeles]]), contestants attempt to cook the best grilled cheese sandwich in various categories.
===Virgin Mary grilled cheese sandwich===
{{main|Virgin Mary grilled cheese sandwich}}
On [[November 23]], [[2004]], a grilled cheese sandwich containing a likeness of the [[Virgin Mary]] was sold at auction for $28,000.
== References==
{{reflist}}
== External links ==
* Food Network Recipes: [http://search.foodnetwork.com/food/recipe/%22grilled+cheese%22/search.do?searchString=%22grilled+cheese%22&site=food&gosearch=&searchType=Recipe Grilled Cheese]
* [http://www.grilledcheeseinvitational.com The Grilled Cheese Invitational]
* [http://www.breadbuttercheesevictory.com The Grilled Cheese Movie]
* [http://www.chowhound.com/topics/365850 Grown up Tomato Soup & Grilled Cheese]
{{cookbook}}
[[Category:Sandwiches]]
[[Category:Cheese dishes]]
[[Category:American sandwiches]]
[[Category:British sandwiches]]
[[ang:Āhyrstod cȳse]]
[[pt:Queijo-quente]]