Grilled cheese sandwich

A grilled cheese sandwich, served with tomato soup

A grilled cheese sandwich is a grilled (actually fried) or broiled sandwich consisting of two slices of bread (usually buttered) with cheese melted in between, sometimes combined with an additional ingredient such as bacon, tomato or onion. It is a simple variation on the normal cheese sandwich, and is sometimes known by the latter's name without any qualification. In some regions, the sandwich is also known as acheese toastie or toasted cheese sandwich, and even toastie pie. History The grilled cheese sandwich began in the 1920s with the widespread availability ofsliced bread and processed cheese. It was originally made as an open sandwich, but the top slice of bread became common by the 1960s.The sandwich now has a dedicated following. At the Grilled Cheese Invitational cook-off (held annually in Los Angeles), contestants attempt to cook the best grilled cheese sandwich in various categories. On November 23, 2004, a grilled cheese sandwich containing a likeness of the Virgin Mary was sold at auction for $28,000.The 2008 winner of the Grilled Cheese Invitational was the "Cake and Mivens" a dessert grilled cheese sandwich that featured peeps. Preparation A grilled cheese sandwich can be made in a variety of ways, depending on both the region and personal preference. Ironically, none of the usual methods utilize an American style grill. In the United States, the outside of the assembled sandwich is usually buttered before being fried. The sandwich may be cooked with a griddle, pan, or cast iron skillet. When the bottom of the sandwich is golden brown, it is flipped and cooked on the other side. The sandwich is finished when both sides are toasted and the cheese has melted. In an alternative "pan method," butter or oil is first heated in the pan in which the unbuttered sandwich is then cooked. A second technique is to make the sandwich in a toaster oven. With this method, a slice of cheese is placed on each slice of bread, and the two halves are separately toasted. The sandwich is then carefully combined at the end, with the two separate slices of cheese bonding to hold the sandwich together. A regular oven or a sandwich toaster can also be used. This method is more common in the United Kingdom where the sandwiches are called "toasties."