Cheese and bread have been a timeless pairing in European kitchens for centuries. The grilled or toasted cheese sandwich remains a beloved staple across many cultures, known by various names. 

 In the U.K., it’s a 'cheese toastie,' while in France, it’s the elegant 'croque monsieur,' and in Italy, the 'panini' has been enjoyed since as early as the 16th century. However, its American version didn’t make its debut on menus until the early 1900s, cementing its place in culinary history. 

 The story of the American grilled cheese sandwich began in 1915 with the invention of blended, pasteurized cheese by J.L. Kraft & Bros. Company, the forerunner of Kraft Foods. Known as 'processed cheese,' this innovative product was sold grated and in bulk, making it easy to distribute without spoiling. 

 A historic Kraft Foods recipe suggested mixing the grated cheese with salad dressing or mustard, spreading it over two slices of buttered bread, and toasting it to perfection. Affordable and satisfying, toasted cheese sandwiches quickly became a staple for Depression-era families seeking a comforting and economical meal. 

 During World War I, the United States Army purchased an impressive 6 million pounds of Kraft’s cheese. By World War II, the Navy had adopted 'American cheese filling sandwiches' as a staple for servicemen, a recipe so well-loved that it was included in the 1945 U.S. Navy cookbook. 

 

 After the war, the popularity of grilled cheese sandwiches only grew, evolving into a beloved classic. Today, gourmet variations of this iconic dish can be found everywhere, from casual food trucks to upscale dining establishments. 

 Who can resist the irresistible allure of melted cheese oozing from between two slices of perfectly toasted, grilled, or pan-fried bread? The grilled cheese sandwich has rightfully earned its place as a cherished classic in American cuisine. 

 Today, restaurants across the nation put their own spin on this comfort food favorite, offering endless variations with different cheeses, breads, and creative fillings. Galveston, with its innovative chefs and vibrant culinary scene, proudly embraces this timeless dish. 

 But the cheesy delights don’t stop with the grill. The toasted cheese sandwich has a deliciously rich relative - the macaroni and cheese casserole - which traces its roots back to 14th-century Italian and English cookbooks. 

 The earliest known recipe for a cheese and pasta casserole appeared in 1390 in the medieval English cookbook Forme of Cury. This original dish featured hand-cut pasta layered with melted butter and cheese, a humble yet satisfying creation. 

 Fast forward to today, and American chefs have transformed this simple classic into a canvas for culinary creativity, adding everything from smoked brisket to Gulf Coast seafood and beyond. The mac and cheese dishes served up by Galveston’s restaurants are far from your grandma’s recipe (though we’d never say no to a comforting bowl of anything granny made). 

 Get ready to dive into 10 irresistible cheese dishes from local restaurants, ranging from grilled cheese sandwiches and macaroni and cheese casseroles to a show-stopping seafood fondue. These must-try favorites were carefully curated by GM from a recent readers’ poll, celebrating the best cheesy creations in town. 

KATIE’S SEAFOOD HOUSE 

 The Shrimp Grilled Cheese at Katie’s Seafood House combines a decadent five-cheese blend of cheddar, mozzarella, fontina, Swiss, and pepper Jack with fresh-caught Gulf shrimp sourced directly from Katie’s Seafood Market. 

 Served on locally sourced sourdough bread that’s grilled to golden perfection in butter on a flat top, this indulgent sandwich is paired with their rich and flavorful Butternut Lump Crab Bisque for the perfect dipping companion. 

 Trottole pasta proves to be an ideal choice for the Shrimp Mac ‘n Cheese at Katie’s Seafood House, with its spiraled shape offering plenty of nooks to capture their signature five-cheese blend. 

 This indulgent dish features a mix of smaller shrimp and sautéed vegetables, all smothered in a creamy mushroom sauce and topped with locally sourced, blackened jumbo shrimp for a satisfying and hearty meal. 

 CAPTAIN CEVICHE’S FOOD TRUCK 

 The Lobster Grilled Cheese from Captain Ceviche’s Food Truck on 61st Street redefines indulgence. Crafted with potato bread, the sandwich features six layers of American and pepper Jack cheeses paired with lobster meat sourced straight from Maine. 

 The lobster is delicately cooked in a house-made lemon butter bath, and the sandwich is then grilled to golden perfection on a flat top using the same butter, resulting in a truly decadent creation. 

 KOOP’S BBQ KITCHEN 

 The Brisket Grilled Cheese Sandwich from Koop’s BBQ Kitchen strikes a perfect balance between indulgence and simplicity. Packed with multiple layers of white and yellow American cheeses, it’s paired with a generous portion of their award-winning, house-smoked brisket. Grilled to golden perfection in butter on a flat top, this hearty creation delivers an extra-crispy finish and a satisfyingly belly-filling meal. 

 

 BREWS BROTHERS 

 The Bougie Boar Sandwich at Brews Brothers is a limited-time offering that showcases bold and inventive flavors. This creation features a deep-fried, parmesan-crusted pork tenderloin, paired with creamy garlic and herb Boursin cheese, fresh arugula, house-made pickled yellow pear, and grilled onions, all nestled on a locally sourced Kaiser roll. 

 A drizzle of habanero and poppy seed-infused agave brings a touch of 'Nashville Hot' flair to a sandwich crafted with the signature creativity of chef Blaine Lunz.

 

HENDLEY WINE CO. 

 The Pesto Grilled Cheese at Hendley Wine Co. offers a delicious Italian twist on a classic sandwich, thoughtfully crafted to complement their wine selection. Made with Tuscan white bread, it’s grilled - not pressed - to perfection and generously spread with a house-made parmesan pesto paste. 

 The sandwich is completed with layers of melted mozzarella and thinly sliced tomatoes tossed in a balsamic glaze, making it irresistibly flavorful. 

GYPSY JOYNT 

 The Sleazy Mac N Cheese from Gypsy Joynt is a bold fusion of flavors, described by owner Keith Weller as a 'love potion' that blends both stimulating and comforting elements. This inventive dish elevates classic comfort food with ingredients traditionally considered aphrodisiacs, creating a unique culinary experience. 

 Curly cavatappi pasta is enveloped in a house-made cheese sauce - a closely guarded secret - and enhanced with asparagus, bacon, crawfish, basil, a roasted red pepper spread, and jalapeños. The dish is finished with a topping of breadcrumbs and fresh avocado slices, making it a truly one-of-a-kind creation. 

 SALTWATER GRILL 

 The Gulf Shrimp and Crawfish Fondue from Saltwater Grill is a seafood lover’s dream, packed with shrimp, crawfish, mushrooms, and spinach for the ultimate indulgence. This rich, shareable dish is baked with a blend of cheddar and pepper Jack cheeses, creating a creamy, flavorful delight.

 It’s perfectly paired with their signature toasted garlic bread for dipping and remains one of the most popular items on the menu. 

 MARMO CAFÉ & LOUNGE 

The Pulled Pork Mac ‘n’ Cheese at MarMo Café & Lounge combines classic elbow macaroni with flavorful barbecued pulled pork, all smothered in a rich aged white cheddar sauce. It’s finished with a generous sprinkle of parmesan and baked to perfection in their stone oven. 

 Equally indulgent, their Grilled Cheese features locally sourced sourdough bread, slathered with house-made garlic aioli and layered with a decadent trio of gruyere, aged cheddar, and Havarti cheeses. Like the mac ‘n’ cheese, it’s baked to golden perfection on a stone in MarMo’s brick oven.