Restaurants and recipes for National Grilled Cheese Sandwich Day

Tuesday, April 12 is National Grilled Cheese Sandwich Day.

Whoever thought of grilling up some cheese between two slices of bread is deserving of the holiday. The classic sandwich has been an American staple for years and years, dotting the menus of U.S. diners, drive-ins and restaurants. Connecticut is no exception, with its own selection of spots to take a seat and enjoy a grilled cheese.

Not feeling like venturing out? Grilled cheese is easy enough to make, as well. We’ve found a mix of recipes to make at home to celebrate National Grilled Cheese Sandwich Day. Check it out!

Where to grab a grilled cheese in CT

Hungry for a grilled cheese but don’t want to cook? You’ve got a few choices in Eastern Connecticut.

The Broken Crust

185 Kennedy Dr, Putnam

A recent feature on Local Flavor, The Broken Crust has its own grilled cheese menu year-round.

Looking for something a bit fancy? Try their Triple B: a grilled cheese with applewood smoked bacon, Brie cheese, apricot preserves, and balsamic glaze. They’ve also got a Jalapeno Popper grilled cheese with hickory smoked bacon, sweet cheese and cheddar blend, and roasted jalapenos.

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Of course, they’ve got the classic grilled cheese, as well: a blend of Parmesan, mozzarella, provolone and cheddar. Pair it with a mug of roasted tomato bisque or their other hearty, warm soups and you’ve got a meal.

Hank’s Dairy Bar

1006 Norwich Rd, Plainfield

A classic spot that needs no introduction, Hank’s Dairy Bar has you covered when it comes to grilled cheese.

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Looking to save a bit of money? Hank’s grilled cheeses start at just $2! Add on some tuna and you’re looking at around $6.75.

They’ve also got a signature grilled cheese called The Mayor. It’s cheese, tuna, bacon, and a side of Cajun fries, all for $7.75. You can pair it with a sundae, float, or hearty milkshake.

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Egg & Cheese

892 CT-32, North Franklin

A cozy stop for breakfast and lunch, Egg & Cheese is no stranger to a delicious grilled cheese.

A simple grilled cheese will cost you just $3.25, made to order, of course. Add a tomato for 75 cents, or bacon for $1.50.

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There’s a mix of cheesy breakfast sandwiches as well: egg and cheese with your choice of meats from bacon, ham, and sausage. They’re grilled, and they have cheese. That counts, right?

The Stomping Ground

132 Main Street, Putnam

The Stomping Ground and their spread of gourmet grilled cheeses are perfect to celebrate National Grilled Cheese Sandwich Day.

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There’s the House of Pain: Applewood smoked bacon, sharp cheddar, caramelized onion, baked potato, and apple cider reduction. You’ve got the State Fair, with pulled pork, salted caramel, caramelized apples, cheddar cheese, and powdered sugar.

The Belle Gunness comes with smoked salmon, cream cheese, lettuce, tomato, onion, and capers, and the Pretender is a 6-ounce beef batty with lettuce, caramelized onion, tomato. The David Byrne is a buffalo chicken grilled cheese with Gorgonzola and tomato.

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There’s even a William Shatner grilled cheese with mozzarella, cheddar, feta, and smoked Gouda.

A few grilled cheese recipes to make at home

While most recipes have a multitude of steps and ingredients, grilled cheeses are pretty simple. The folks at Food Network have a list of 50 different grilled cheeses you can whip up with ease. We’ve gone ahead and picked out a few to highlight. Check them out:

• Blue cheese and onion: Take two slices of marble rye bread and add two slices of muenster and soft blue cheese to preference. Add in some caramelized onions and cook, flipping once, until golden.

• Swiss-mushroom: Spread two slices of rye bread with thousand island dressing. Add a slice of Swiss cheese, some sautéed mushrooms and onions, and another slice of cheese. Cook, flip once, and enjoy!

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• Egg in a hole: Fry up some bacon in a pan. Cut a 2-inch round from the center of a slice of country white bread. Place on a hot-buttered skillet and crack an egg in the hole. Cook until the white sets, the flip and top with a slice of cheddar cheese. Add another slice of bread to the skillet and top with a slice of cheddar and 3 slices of bacon. Sandwich the two halves and cook until golden.

• Nutella and banana: Spread a slice of challah bread or brioche with ricotta. Spread a second slice with Nutella. Sandwich the slices with sliced banana and cook, flipping once, until golden.

• Fontina and sage: Fry up four sage leaves in a skillet in butter and olive oil until nice and crisp. Sandwich two slices of crusty bread with two slices of fontina and the fried sage. Cook up in the same skillet.

This article originally appeared on The Bulletin: Restaurants and recipes for National Grilled Cheese Sandwich Day