Cheddar, White Bread And A Diagonal Cut Make Americas Favorite Grilled Cheese

It turns out the countrys favorite comfort food has a winning formula. According to a new survey of 5,000 Americans, the ultimate grilled cheese sandwich is made with white bread layered with a gooey mix of cheddar and American cheese and cut into triangles.

The poll, conducted by Talker Research for the Tillamook County Creamery Association ahead of National Sandwich Day on Nov. 3, found that Americans like to double down on flavor, putting two types of cheese in their ideal sandwich. Cheddar was the top pick overall (44%), followed closely by American (40%), while pepper jack earned a loyal following (40%) across several states. In Wyoming (81%), Arkansas (79%), and Utah (78%), cheddar was the undisputed favorite.

When it comes to bread, white came out on top (43%), with sourdough (24%) trailing behind, though sourdough dominated on the West Coast, winning over residents of California (30%), Oregon (39%), and Washington (28%). Most Americans prefer to keep the crust (80%) and slice their sandwich diagonally (48%) for that classic café look.

A perfect grilled cheese isnt just about whats inside — its also about the crispy, golden crunch on the outside. Nearly three-quarters of respondents (71%) said butter is the best coating for bread before grilling, while 12% favored mayonnaise, and another 12% swore by a mix of both. That butter-and-mayo combo proved especially popular in Delaware (24%), Idaho (23%), and Washington (20%).

The love for grilled cheese runs deep: 62% of Americans identified as “grilled cheese enthusiasts,” with Georgia crowned the grilled cheese capital of the U.S. (76%), followed by Washington (75%), Delaware (73%), Idaho (72%), Ohio (71%) and Oregon (71%). On average, Americans eat three grilled cheese sandwiches a month — though residents of Delaware and Idaho average five.

Nearly eight in ten (84%) agreed that biting into one with the perfect crispy crust and gooey center is one of lifes greatest simple pleasures.

“The iconic grilled cheese sandwich may seem simple, but it’s so much more: dynamic, decadent and inexplicably comforting,” sai Josh Archibald, executive chef of culinary development at Tillamook. “For National Sandwich Day, we wanted to explore how Americans craft their version of the perfect grilled cheese sandwich, and although a variety of methods abound, one thing is clear from the results: the simple love of grilled cheese is universal.”

When it comes to customization, bacon (41%), ham (39%), and tomatoes (25%) are the nations favorite add-ins, while others prefer a twist with pickles (11%), pulled pork (11%), or even potato chips and fries (10% each). A surprising 39% said grilled cheese is best served with a sauce for dipping, with people in Idaho (66%) and Delaware (56%) most likely to agree. Favorite dipping sauces are ranch (19%), ketchup (14%), honey mustard (13%), mayonnaise (12%) and chipotle sauce (10%).

Most people agree the best grilled cheese comes off a frying pan (52%), while others prefer a griddle (18%) or even the backyard grill (8%). And for true enthusiasts, the “cheese pull” — that satisfying stretch of melted cheese between sandwich halves — is everything, with 72% saying its important and one-third calling it “extremely important.”

The survey also found that comfort plays a big role — 72% said they turn to a grilled cheese when theyre feeling down. Nostalgia also appears to be a factor in respondents’ favorite grilled cheese memories.

“My best grilled cheese was actually in the hospital after having my son. It was amazing and so cheesy with tomato basil soup. This was three years ago and I think about it every once in a while,” one respondent shared.

“[I] love making grilled cheese with [my] grandma. The best is when we can go to the local family-owned bakery and get fresh bread to use that day. It’s the ultimate lazy day with grilled cheese, a deck of cards and grandma,” another respondent said.

“From adding potato chips or pickles inside a grilled cheese, or another one of my personal favorites — pesto — and opting for mozzarella over cheddar, theres no right way to craft grilled cheese,” said Archibald. “For anyone looking to turn a humble sandwich into a golden, gourmet masterpiece, focus on the basics: good bread, good cheese, a combination of butter and mayo on the outside, and patience, which delivers to the perfect crispy outside and gooey, melty middle.”