Skip to content

Grilled cheese is more than a sandwich—it’s a familiar comfort. National Grilled Cheese Month celebrates that warm mix of crisp bread and melted cheese.

It doesn’t ask for much, just a few ingredients and a hot pan. Yet it delivers a bite that feels like home.

This month reminds us that good food doesn’t need to be fancy. The grilled cheese is easy, filling, and widely loved. It brings people together without trying.

Whether you’re making lunch for one or sharing a snack, this sandwich shows how simple things still matter.

How to Celebrate National Grilled Cheese

National Grilled Cheese Month gives everyone a fun excuse to get creative with this warm, crispy, cheesy favorite.

Have a Recipe Remix Party

Invite friends over and challenge each other to twist the classic grilled cheese. Try mac‑and‑cheese filling, mix different cheeses, or swap in quirky breads like sourdough or multigrain.

People suggest experimenting with mac n’ cheese interiors, varied cheeses, and new bread styles to keep things fresh.

Try Bold Ingredient Combos

Add unexpected flavors. Consider sweet and salty like fruit preserves or savory elements such as bacon jam, kimchi, or pesto. These pairings create a sharp contrast and vibrant taste.

Explore Gourmet Cheese Picks

Go beyond ordinary cheese. Try gruyère, raclette, or fresh mozzarella for richer melt and flavor. These options elevate the familiar sandwich into something more refined.

Sneak in Nutritious Add‑Ins

Add greens or fruits to make your sandwich more vibrant. Spinach, sautéed kale, basil with pear, or sliced apples offer freshness and balance to the cheesy comfort.

Pair with a Perfect Side

A warm soup brightens the grilled cheese experience. Tomato soup remains classic, but a butternut‑squash or tomato‑orange blend brings nostalgia and flavor depth.

Share a Comfort Gift

Make a sandwich and bring it to someone you care about. It’s easy, thoughtful, and brings warmth in a simple and meaningful way.

History of National Grilled Cheese Month

Grilled cheese didn’t start as a full sandwich. In the 1920s, people made open-faced bread with melted cheese. It was cheap, easy, and filling.

During the 1930s, this sandwich became known as a “cheese dream.”

It gave comfort during tough economic times. Later, U.S. Navy cooks served hot cheese sandwiches to sailors in the 1940s. The meal stayed popular at home and on ships alike.

When Kraft introduced pre-sliced cheese in the 1950s, things got simpler. Cooks could melt cheese faster between two bread slices.

By the 1960s, the name “grilled cheese” stuck. That name spread through diners, cookbooks, and lunch counters across the country. It became a staple for kids and adults alike.

National Grilled Cheese Month started gaining notice in the late 1990s. Some believe food fans and writers helped push the idea forward. No official record names one founder.

Still, love for the sandwich made April its time to shine. Events, menus, and home cooks all joined the fun. Over time, one day wasn’t enough. A full month felt right for such a classic favorite.

Now, every April brings a wave of new twists, ingredients, and warm, golden sandwiches. It all began with simple bread and cheese.

Also in ...

View all holidays

Reading Is Funny Day

By reading books of riddles, jokes, and comedy, help kids see how reading can be just as fun and funny (if not moreso) as video games, tv, or the internet.

Fun Day

Carve out some time for yourself to laugh, play, and unwind from the high-speed stress of everyday life by doing something that brings you joy and happiness.

National Sourdough Bread Day

Try baking your own, enjoy your favorite sandwich or soup bowl, or even branch out and try sourdough cake on the delicious, yeasty National Sourdough Bread Day.

National Walking Day

Take in the fresh air and soak up the scenery — a great way to get exercise, clear your mind, and explore the world around you.

View all holidays

We think you may also like...

National Cheeseball Day

Usually a mix of rich cheeses and creams, tasty spices, and a coating of almonds, the Cheeseball makes a perfect party dip, with a little extra flair.

National Quiche Lorraine Day

A shortcrust pastry, bacon, eggs, cream, milk, cheese, and a little time in the oven; that’s all it takes to make the delicious and fancy-sounding Quiche Lorraine.

National Double Cheeseburger Day

Juicy, grilled patties layered with melted cheese and savory toppings, creating a satisfying blend of flavors that's a favorite among many.

Calendar

Join the community!

Password requirements

  • At least one capital letter
  • At least one lowercase letter
  • At least one number
  • 8 or more characters

Welcome back!

Log in to get personalized recommendations, follow events and topics you love, and never miss a day again!