Is there anything more nostalgic than the grilled cheese sandwich? Buttery slightly toasted bread paired with salty warm and gooey melted cheese. Definitely a go-to comfort food in our house.
April 12 is National Grilled Cheese Day!
According to National Calendar Day, the classic grilled cheese originated in the 1920s once sliced bread and American cheese became more easily available. The classic white bread and American cheese version became a staple ever since.
You can find grilled cheese on almost any kid’s menu. My kiddo is personally a fan of Zaxby’s grilled cheese sandwich and requests it anytime he gets to choose our dinner for the night. But, there are also restaurants dedicated to crafting grilled cheese in all its glory.
Yelp recommends these spots as the top 10 grilled cheese in Atlanta:
& Cheese ATL
Skilled Cheese
Jack’s New York Deli
Toasted Cheese Truck
Fred’s Meat & Bread
Grub Truck
Sidechick
Souper Jenny
The Foodshoppe
Folk Art Restaurant
The fun thing about grilled cheese is you can dress it up or keep it simple depending on your mood. My kiddo loves a classic grilled cheese: 2 slices of thick-cut bakery-style white bread and 2 slices of American Cheese. I like a little more flavor so I will swap out the American Cheese for a mild or sharp cheddar. Maybe you like a smokey provolone or a creamy brie. Add some arugula, sliced tomato, and balsamic for a flavor boost and a bit of veggie.
If you’re like me and prefer to make yours than buy it, here is the simple process that my family loves.
Tools:
Pan
Stovetop
Lid for pan/pot
Spatula
Ingredients per grilled cheese:
2 slices bread
2 slices of cheese
1 pat of butter
Process:
Heat the pan on medium-low until the pan is warm. Generously coat the pan with butter. Place both pieces of bread in the pan face up in the battered pan. Place 1 slice of bread in the pan. Place 2 slices of cheese on top of the bread. Cover the cheese with your second slice of bread. Now, here’s the part that is going to help the cheese melt. Cover the sandwich with your pot/pan lid. The lid needs to be wider than the sandwich but it does not need to cover the whole pan. Let it toast for about 2 minutes. Uncover the sandwich. Use a spatula to flip over your sandwich. Re-cover and toast for 2 minutes. Remove the lid. Remove the sandwich from the pan with a spatula and plate the sandwich. Cut horizontally or diagonally. Pro-tip: Ask your kiddo which way they want it cute. Apparently, according to kid logic, cutting it differently affects the taste of the grilled cheese sandwich.
These are a staple in our house. On April 12 treat yourself and your family to your favorite version of the classic sandwich.
How do you like to prep yours? Let us know in the comments below.
