National Grilled Cheese Sandwich Day—Make It With Sourdough

April is National Grilled Cheese Sandwich Month and April 12th is National Grilled Cheese Sandwich Day, making this twice the delightful opportunity to celebrate this timeless comfort food! Though many cultures have melted cheese on bread, this sandwich became and an American Classic in the 1920's, with the advent of sliced bread and American cheese.

The humble grilled cheese can be more than just a comfort food. By experimenting with different cheeses on Abigail's Oven sourdough bread you can transform this simple dish into a flavor explosion. Try incorporating sauteed vegetables, different seasonings, or herb-infused oils for an unexpected and delicious twist.

And is you really want a crispy, golden brown sandwich, "swap the butter for mayonnaise. You'll get a crisper, more flavorful, golden-brown exterior while keeping all that gooey goodness in the middle," promises today's National Day Calendar. 

Here are some fun ways to mark the occasion:

Indulge in a Classic:

• Make your favorite grilled cheese: This is the most obvious way to celebrate! Dust off your trusty pan, grab some quality bread and cheese, and create your perfect grilled cheese.
• Try making one of our our Top 10 sourdough and cheese sandwiches (Click here for recipes).
• Elevate the experience: Go beyond the basic white bread and American cheese combo. Experiment with different breads like sourdough, pumpernickel, or rye. Explore a variety of cheeses like cheddar, gouda, swiss, or even brie for a decadent twist.
• Add flavor boosters: Incorporate delicious extras like thinly sliced ham, roasted vegetables, or a drizzle of pesto for a flavor explosion.

Make it a Party!

• Host a grilled cheese bar: Gather your friends and family for a fun and interactive party. Set up a variety of breads, cheeses, spreads, and other toppings. Let everyone create their own personalized grilled cheese masterpiece!
• Get competitive: Hold a "Best Grilled Cheese" contest! Participants can create their signature grilled cheese and everyone votes for their favorite. Award a prize for the most creative or most delicious grilled cheese.

Social Media Fun:

• Share your creation: Post a picture of your delicious grilled cheese on social media using #NationalGrilledCheeseDay.
• Challenge your followers: Encourage others to participate in the celebration by asking them to share their favorite grilled cheese variations.

Beyond the Sandwich:

• Explore grilled cheese variations: National Grilled Cheese Day isn't limited to just sandwiches! Try making grilled cheese croutons for your salad, grilled cheese bites as appetizers, or even a grilled cheese quesadilla for a fun twist.
• Learn the history of grilled cheese: Did you know that there's a whole history behind this beloved comfort food? Take some time to research the origins of the grilled cheese sandwich and discover some fun facts.

No matter how you choose to celebrate, National Grilled Cheese Day is a perfect excuse to indulge in this cheesy goodness. So fire up your pan, get creative, and have fun!

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Author: Darryl Alder lives with his wife at Riverside Lodge along the Provo River. Together they have raised 4 adopted children and now have 6 grandchildren that keep them busy. After retiring from a career with the Boy Scouts of America, he became a hobby sourdough baker and blogger. He blogs for AbigailOven.com and yoursourdoughstart.com You can reach him via darrylhalder@gmail,  Instagram @darryl.alder, and X @DarrylHAlder.