National Grilled Cheese Month
April 1 - April 30
About National Grilled Cheese Month
National Grilled Cheese Month runs throughout April, celebrating one of the most beloved comfort foods in the United States. The month honours the simple yet satisfying grilled cheese sandwich and encourages people to explore new recipes, share their favourite combinations, and appreciate the culinary traditions behind melted cheese on toasted bread.
How to Celebrate National Grilled Cheese Month
April is the perfect time to get creative in the kitchen and celebrate the grilled cheese sandwich in all its melted, golden glory. Here are some ideas to make the most of National Grilled Cheese Month:
- Host a grilled cheese cook-off – Invite friends or family to a friendly competition where everyone prepares their signature grilled cheese. Vote on the best combination of bread, cheese, and fillings. It is a fun, low-cost way to bring people together over food.
- Try a new cheese every week – Step beyond standard cheddar or American cheese and experiment with Gruyere, Brie, Gouda, or smoked mozzarella. Each week of April, pair a different cheese with complementary ingredients for a fresh take on the classic.
- Visit a local restaurant specialising in grilled cheese – Many cities have restaurants and food trucks dedicated to the grilled cheese sandwich. Use the month as an excuse to support a local business and try a version you would not make at home.
- Create a grilled cheese and soup pairing menu – The combination of grilled cheese and tomato soup is iconic, but April is a great time to explore other pairings. Try a three-cheese grilled sandwich with roasted red pepper soup, or a Brie and apple version alongside butternut squash bisque.
- Explore international cheese toast traditions – The grilled cheese has cousins around the world: the French croque-monsieur, the Italian mozzarella in carrozza, and the British cheese toastie. Take a culinary tour without leaving your kitchen.
- Share your creations on social media – Post photos of your best grilled cheese creations online. Tag local cheesemakers, bakeries, or food bloggers to spread the word and inspire others to join the celebration.
- Teach children how to make a grilled cheese – The grilled cheese sandwich is one of the simplest recipes for young cooks to learn. Under supervision, children can practise kitchen skills while creating a meal they will genuinely enjoy eating.
- Donate to a food bank – Bread and cheese are pantry staples that many families rely on. Consider donating these items to a local food bank during April, combining the spirit of the month with a meaningful act of generosity.
What is National Grilled Cheese Month?
National Grilled Cheese Month is a month-long celebration observed throughout April in the United States. It shines a light on the grilled cheese sandwich, a staple of American kitchens for over a century. The month encompasses National Grilled Cheese Sandwich Day on 12 April, which serves as the centrepiece of the celebration. Restaurants, food bloggers, and home cooks across the country use the month to share recipes, offer special menus, and celebrate the enduring appeal of melted cheese between two slices of bread.
When is National Grilled Cheese Month?
National Grilled Cheese Month takes place every April, from 1 April to 30 April. In 2026, it runs from Wednesday, 1 April through Thursday, 30 April. Within the month, National Grilled Cheese Sandwich Day falls on Sunday, 12 April 2026.
The History of the Grilled Cheese Sandwich
The story of the grilled cheese sandwich is woven into the fabric of American food history. Open-faced “cheese dreams,” made by placing cheese on bread and toasting it under a grill, became popular in the 1920s following two key innovations: Otto Frederick Rohwedder’s commercial bread slicer made affordable sliced bread widely available, and James L. Kraft’s patented pasteurisation process created shelf-stable processed cheese that could be transported across the country without spoiling.
During the Great Depression, the cheese dream became a cheap, filling meal for families on tight budgets. By World War II, the U.S. Navy was serving “American cheese filling sandwiches” to sailors aboard ships, following recipes in government-issued cookbooks. Interestingly, the term “grilled cheese” did not appear in print until the 1960s. Before that, the sandwich was known by various names including “toasted cheese” and “melted cheese sandwich.” The addition of a second slice of bread on top, creating the closed sandwich we know today, helped cement the name and the format. If you enjoy celebrating food traditions, National Cheese Day on 4 June offers another opportunity to explore the world of cheese.
By the 21st century, the grilled cheese had evolved from a humble staple into a gourmet category of its own. Food trucks, dedicated restaurants, and artisan versions with ingredients like truffle oil, fig jam, and heritage cheeses have elevated the sandwich while its classic appeal remains firmly intact.
Fun Facts About Grilled Cheese
- Americans consume approximately 2.4 billion grilled cheese sandwiches at home each year, with another 171 million ordered at restaurants and foodservice outlets.
- A 2025 survey found that 62% of American respondents identified as grilled cheese enthusiasts.
- The most expensive grilled cheese sandwich ever sold was reportedly priced at $214 and featured high-end ingredients including white truffle butter and gold leaf.
- Cheddar is the most popular cheese for grilled cheese sandwiches in the United States, followed by American cheese and mozzarella.
- The world record for the largest grilled cheese sandwich weighed over 2,000 pounds and was made in 2018 using multiple types of cheese and hundreds of loaves of bread.
- In the UK, the closest equivalent is the cheese toastie, which has its own dedicated day on 27 October.
Why National Grilled Cheese Month Matters
The grilled cheese sandwich is far more than a quick meal. It represents comfort, nostalgia, and the ability to create something satisfying from the simplest of ingredients. The month also supports the wider food industry, with restaurants offering specials and local cheesemakers and bakeries gaining exposure. For many families, teaching a child to make a grilled cheese is a rite of passage, a first step in the kitchen that builds confidence and independence.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is National Grilled Cheese Month?
National Grilled Cheese Month is observed throughout April in the United States. It celebrates the grilled cheese sandwich through recipes, restaurant specials, and community events, with National Grilled Cheese Sandwich Day on 12 April as the highlight.
When is National Grilled Cheese Month in 2026?
National Grilled Cheese Month runs from Wednesday, 1 April to Thursday, 30 April 2026.
What is the best cheese for a grilled cheese sandwich?
Cheddar is the most popular choice in the United States, valued for its sharp flavour and excellent melting properties. American cheese is another classic option that melts smoothly. For a gourmet twist, try Gruyere, fontina, or a blend of multiple cheeses.
Spread the Word
Join the celebration and share your best grilled cheese creations on social media with #GrilledCheeseMonth and #GrilledCheeseMonth2026. Tag your friends and challenge them to make their ultimate grilled cheese sandwich!
Related Awareness Days
- National Grilled Cheese Sandwich Day – Celebrated on 12 April, this is the centrepiece of Grilled Cheese Month, dedicated entirely to the iconic sandwich.
- National Cheese Day – Observed on 4 June, this day celebrates all types of cheese, from artisan varieties to everyday favourites.
- National Cheese Toastie Day – The UK’s answer to the grilled cheese, celebrated on 27 October with melted cheese between toasted bread.
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