Grilled cheese is a childhood favorite. Kids and adults alike love this simple, yet tasty meal. We all know grilled cheese is something everyone can make but have you ever wondered who thought of the idea?

Grilled cheese has a rich history behind it, and so does Grilled Cheese Sandwich Day! So, why not take the time to make a grilled cheese and celebrate Grilled Cheese Sandwich Day with your friends and family.

History of Grilled Cheese Sandwich Day

Grilled Cheese as we know it is considered to be an American tradition. Recipes for grilled cheeses have been mentioned in Ancient Roman texts, so the idea of grilled cheese goes back a long way. What many people consider to be grilled cheese can be traced back to the early 1920s.

During the industrial revolution, Otto Frederick Rohwedder invented the bread slicer that made distributing slice bread more accessible and more affordable. Shortly before this invention, however, James L. Kraft created processed cheese. His process ensured that this cheese won’t spoil even when transported long distances.

By 1914, J.L. Kraft & Bros Company opened in Illinois with the company ever expanding over the next five years. The company’s factory cheese was considered to be a cheap product that could be produced on a massive scale rather than a delicacy.

So, who thought of the combination? Well, the American Navy thought of it through their government-issued cookbooks. Navy chefs would cook up hundreds of “American cheese-filled sandwiches” for those fighting in World War II.

These sandwiches were served with grated cheese. Sliced cheese wasn’t introduced until the late 1940s when Kraft Foods introduced Kraft singles, and then years later supermarkets stocked them in the 1960s.

The ’60s brought out the term “grilled cheese,” an American invention added the second slice of bread on top, making it one of the most popular meals to have for lunch or dinner.

How to Celebrate Grilled Cheese Sandwich Day

Make your own grilled cheese using the basics; two pieces of plain white bread and Kraft single slices processed cheese. If you wish to make the sandwich more of a delicacy, change up the cheese by adding cheddar, gouda, or Munster cheese.

Change up the bread by making it whole grain and add your creativity to the dish. Serve your grilled cheese with some tomato soup, invite your friends over for a simple dinner, and enjoy it on this day.