Say Cheese: Fancy Grilled Cheese Recipes

What We're Eating

May 28, 2012 at 1:52 pm
by Paula Chin

These days the classic grilled cheese sandwich is being reinvented by casual cooks and high-end chefs across the country. The sophisticated new combos feature specialty cheeses, artisanal breads and surprise ingredients—think Greek-influenced feta with roasted red pepper spread, French-style Gruyere with pickled and caramelized onions, even Fontina and foie gras. Cafes are popping up with grilled cheese-centric menus, and restaurants are devoting special evenings to this childhood favorite. Try getting creative at home, or just make one like your mom did. Either way, it’s crunchy-gooey good.

Fun Facts

The sandwich originated in the 1920s, when inexpensive sliced bread and American cheese became widely available.
“Cheese dream,” an open-faced version, was popular during the Depression. It wasn’t until the 1960s that adding a second slice of bread became common.
More than 2 billion grilled cheese sandwiches are now eaten in American homes each year.

Try these great recipes:

Grilled cheese with pancetta and fried egg

Grilled cheese with portobello, goat cheese and green olive pesto

Grilled cheese with ham and caramelized onions

40 more amazing recipes

Paula Chin is senior editor at Family Circle magazine.