Where did the grilled cheese sandwich originate?

The origins of the grilled cheese sandwich are not entirely clear, but there are several theories and claimants.

1. James L. Kraft: Grilled Cheese Sandwich

- In 1909, James L. Kraft, a Canadian-born American businessman and inventor, patented a processed American cheese that could be easily sliced and melted. This development made the grilled cheese sandwich more practical and accessible.

2. French Croque-Monsieur:

- Some believe the grilled cheese sandwich derived inspiration from the French "Croque-Monsieur," which consists of ham and cheese melted between two pieces of bread and grilled. The earliest known reference to the Croque-Monsieur dates back to 1910, appearing in a Parisian newspaper.

3. American Cookbooks and Magazines:

- In the early 20th century, the grilled cheese sandwich started appearing in American cookbooks and magazines.

- In 1902, the Ladies Home Journal published a recipe for a cheese dream sandwich, which called for grilling American cheese between two pieces of buttered white bread.

- In 1914, The Boston Cooking School Magazine featured a recipe for a Toasted-Cheese Sandwich, made by placing American cheese between buttered bread and heating it in a toaster.

It is likely that the grilled cheese sandwich evolved from a combination of these influences and gained popularity due to its simplicity and the widespread availability of processed cheese in the United States.