National Cheese Toast Day: How We Celebrate at Thorn Ridge

Every year on National Cheese Toast Day, we take a moment to appreciate one of life’s simplest, most comforting pleasures — warm, melty cheese on perfectly toasted bread. This quirky holiday began in 2015 when Sizzler, the restaurant chain famous for its cheese toast, declared September 15th a day to honor their iconic side dish. It didn’t take long for the rest of us to get on board because honestly, who doesn’t love the combination of crispy bread and gooey cheese?

At Thorn Ridge, we think National Cheese Toast Day is the perfect excuse to slow down, gather in the kitchen, and enjoy this timeless comfort food in all its forms. Country life is all about taking simple things and making them special, and cheese toast is no exception so let's discuss how to make cheese toast.

Our Favorite Ways to Make Cheese Toast

There’s no single “right” way to make cheese toast and that’s what makes it fun. Here are a few of our favorite methods, from quick and easy to slow and cozy, so you can celebrate no matter how much time you have.

1. Sizzler's Original Famous Cheese Toast Recipe

Sizzler’s famous cheese toast was made by mixing softened margarine with finely grated Pecorino-Romano cheese and spreading it on thick-cut white bread. The bread was cooked cheese-side down on a flat griddle until the topping turned golden and crispy, leaving the other side soft. This simple method gave the original Sizzler cheese toast recipe its perfect balance of crunch and salty, cheesy flavor and it’s still one of the easiest copycat recipes to try at home.

2. Quick Cheese Toast in the Toaster and Microwave

When you’re short on time, this is the fastest way to get that cheesy goodness on your plate. Toast your bread in the toaster, sprinkle shredded cheese on top, and pop it in the microwave for about 20–30 seconds until melted. It’s perfect for busy mornings on the farm or a quick afternoon snack between chores.

3. Classic Oven-Broiled Cheese Toast

If you’ve got a few minutes to spare, broiling cheese toast in the oven creates that beautiful golden-brown crust everyone loves. Butter your bread, layer on shredded cheddar or mozzarella, and place it under the broiler for 2–3 minutes. This method gives you a bubbly, crispy finish that feels extra special.

4. Air Fryer Cheese Toast

If you’ve joined the air fryer crowd, you’ll love this quick method. Mix softened margarine with grated pecorino cheese, then spread the mixture evenly over slices of bread. Place the bread in the air fryer and cook at 200°C (about 390°F) for 5 minutes, or until golden and melty. This air fryer cheese toast recipe gives you the same crispy edges and gooey middle you’d get from a broiler but without heating up your whole kitchen.

5. Stovetop Grilled Cheese Style

Sometimes we go all-in and make a grilled cheese sandwich in a cast-iron skillet. There’s something about butter sizzling in the pan and the smell of toasted bread that turns a simple meal into an experience. Pair it with tomato soup on a cool evening, and you’ve got the ultimate cozy farmhouse dinner.

Make It Your Own

Cheese toast doesn’t have to be fancy, but it’s fun to experiment. Try using sourdough, add a sprinkle of garlic powder, or mix in some spicy pepper jack for a little kick. At Thorn Ridge, we love turning a simple slice of toast into something worth gathering around the table for, because the best meals are the ones that make you pause and smile.

Why We Love This Tradition

National Cheese Toast Day may have started as a restaurant promotion, but it’s become a small but meaningful way to celebrate comfort food that brings people together. Whether you’re making it in the toaster before heading out to the barn or firing up the oven for a family dinner, cheese toast is proof that the simplest foods can be the most memorable.