A Gourmet Grilled Cheese Sandwich

A sandwich is any dish wherein at least two slices of bread serve to contain or hold together other foods.

The sandwich comes in different shapes and sizes. Even a wrap is considered a true sandwich.

The sandwich came to be and was named by the 4th Earl of Sandwich (1729 – 1792) – John Montagu.

It is written that he would often asked for meat stuffed between two pieces of bread.

Even the Hawaiian Islands were called, The Sandwich Islands, as the Islands were also named after John Montagu, in 1778.

The first written record of the word “sandwich” appeared in the personal journal of Edward Gibbons (1737-1794) on November 24,1762. Gibbons was an English author, scholar, and historian.

In 1840 the sandwich made its way to the United States.

Englishwoman Elizabeth Leslie had a recipe for ham sandwiches in her cookbook, Directions for Cookery, in which she suggested it be used as a main dish.

The Grilled Cheese Sandwich

What about the grilled cheese sandwich? This sandwich started out as a simple one with just three ingredients – bread, cheese and butter.

Nothing is known about the grilled cheese sandwich between ancient times and the 1920s.

It has come along ways though, as gourmet versions are popping up in residential kitchens and restaurants across the USA.

People are even exploring international varieties as well.

According to Food Time Line bread and cheese are ancient foods and were also included in Roman cookbooks.

Many cultures have their own way of preparing the dish.

In Switzerland it is customary to toast the bread and melt the cheese separately before combining them.

And in France the Croque Monsieur, a grilled ham and cheese sandwich, is popular.

A Gourmet Grilled Cheese Sandwich

The grilled cheese is one of the most popular comfort foods in the world.

And there are few things more gratifying or enjoyable than making a perfectly cooked grilled cheese or even a gourmet grilled cheese sandwich.

What constitutes a gourmet sandwich?

Well when you think of the word gourmet, it refers to an elaborate preparation of the food you are preparing.

In the case of a grilled cheese sandwich, that would mean simply more than just white bread, American cheese and butter.

Why not switch the white bread for pumpernickel, rye, sourdough, or any of the whole grain breads. Make sure it’s not too thick and doesn’t have too many large holes.

Get rid of the processed American cheese and try Swiss, Gouda, brie, mozzarella, pepper jack, Havarti, and sharp cheddar, among many other cheesy choices.

Try different spreads on the bread.
Such as honey mustard, chipotle mayonnaise, cranberry relish, pesto, buffalo wing sauce, among others.

Sky is the limit when it comes to adding meat.

Grilled cheese sandwich with chicken sausage

Preparing a Grilled Cheese Sandwich with Chicken Apple Sausage, Pepper Jack and Arugula

You could try, sausage, bacon, pepperoni, thinly sliced steak, thin sliced chicken breast, tuna, corned beef, European style bacon and so on.

Grilled cheese with meat and leafy greens — Grilled Cheese On Sourdough with Bacon and Leafy Greens

You can also add avocado slices, tomatoes, caramelized onions, just about any leafy green, like spinach, arugula, beet greens, mushrooms, zucchini, and peppers.

Add some fresh herbs such as basil leaves, chopped tarragon, chopped rosemary, parsley, cilantro or garlic.

There are so many ways that you can spruce up your grilled cheese.