April Is Grilled Cheese Sandwich Month: Celebrate with a Global Twist

April is officially Grilled Cheese Sandwich Month—and there’s no better time to celebrate this beloved classic. In North America, the grilled cheese is often a nostalgic favorite, bringing back memories of buttery bread, melty cheese, and maybe even a bowl of tomato soup on the side.

For calorie counters, the sandwich can feel like a guilty pleasure. But for low-carb eaters, there’s good news: when made with low-carb bread, the classic grilled cheese is a 12-carb treat. With regular bread, it climbs to about 30 carbs—but every bite is worth it for many fans.

However you make it, the grilled cheese is one of the world’s most popular and adaptable sandwiches. Cultures around the globe have taken the concept and made it their own, adding layers of flavor and regional flair.

In Switzerland, a twist on the grilled cheese involves layering ham between toasted bread, then smothering it with broiled Swiss cheese until it melts into a gooey, golden crust.

France takes it a step further with the Croque Monsieur, a refined, oven-baked sandwich made with Gruyère cheese and thinly sliced ham on white bread. It’s topped with Béchamel sauce, a creamy white sauce flavored with nutmeg, then baked until bubbly and golden.

Across the channel in England, it’s called a toastie. The British version often includes Montgomery cheddar, a nutty, aged cheese, paired with leeks, onions, and garlic, all tucked between slices of grilled sourdough.

Why not give your grilled cheese an Italian spin? Try this Caprese Grilled Cheese Sandwich, a fresh and savory variation that brings together tomatoes, mozzarella, basil, and a touch of garlic. It’s a sandwich that tastes like spring on a plate.

Caprese Grilled Cheese Sandwich Recipe

Ingredients:

• 4 slices sourdough or white bread

  

• 6 oz fresh mozzarella rounds, sliced

• 8 slices Roma tomatoes

• 2 tbsp fresh basil, chopped into ribbons

• Fresh black pepper to taste

• 4 tsp extra virgin olive oil (or 2 tsp butter)

• 1 clove garlic

Instructions:

1. Layer mozzarella slices on two pieces of bread. Add tomato slices on top.

2. Sprinkle chopped basil and a pinch of black pepper over the tomatoes.

3. Top with remaining slices of bread to form sandwiches.

   

4. Drizzle olive oil into a non-stick skillet and heat until shimmering. If you prefer, use butter on the outside of the bread instead.

5. Grill sandwiches over medium heat, pressing down gently. Use a heavy pan on top to get an even, golden crust.

6. Cook for about 2 minutes per side or until bread is golden and cheese is fully melted.

7. Once toasted, lightly rub a clove of garlic over each crispy side for extra flavor.

8. Serve hot and enjoy immediately.