Pepperidge Farm is celebrating National Grilled Cheese Month by unveiling new data to settle some of the hottest debates about America’s favorite toasted sandwich. The Pepperidge Farm Grilled Cheese Survey reveals what America agrees on and where opinions are split, and it all starts with the bread.

• White bread is America’s top choice. 57% opt for white, trailed by sourdough (24%) and wheat (23%).
• Most grilled cheese makers are crafting sandwiches with butter (70%) but there’s no shortage of buzz about using mayo, as 20% prefer it.
• When it comes to the most important quality of cheese, 54% say the cheese needs to be gooey.
• Conversation may be heated about what to use to cook a grilled cheese, but a simple pan remains the top choice for Americans at 60%, followed by a cast iron skillet (34%), toaster oven (12%) and panini press (11%). Air fryers come in fifth place with 9%.
• America is divided on the way to cut the sandwich. 52% cut diagonally in half, while 21% cut vertically in half. Surprisingly, 10% cut horizontally in half and 17% don’t cut it at all.

“We asked, and America answered: the right bread is crucial in making the best grilled cheese,” says Ama Auwarter, vice president of bakery marketing at Campbell Snacks. “We couldn’t agree more. At Pepperidge Farm, our baker’s passion and attention to detail comes through in every soft, thick slice. With a delicious fresh-from-the-oven taste, Pepperidge Farm Farmhouse Hearty White elevates every grilled cheese.”

Source: Pepperidge Farm

Emmy-award winning actress Hannah Waddingham also weighed in on the debate. The star is seen enjoying a grilled cheese in the brand’s “Have a Little Taste” campaign, sharing that she makes her grilled cheese with Pepperidge Farm Farmhouse Hearty White and cheddar cooked in a pan with butter and cut diagonally for a late morning snack.

To create a recipe inspired by America’s preferences, Pepperidge Farm teamed-up with grilled cheese enthusiast, recipe developer and cookbook author Justine Doiron, known online as Justine Snacks. The recipe featuring her favorite bread – Pepperidge Farm Farmhouse Hearty White – will post on Pepperidge Farm social channels starting on National Grilled Cheese Day (April 12).

“As a home-cook, I love the simple elegance and joy a delicious grilled cheese brings to my day. I’ve experimented with many different recipes, and my go-to bread is Pepperidge Farm Farmhouse Hearty White Bread,” says Justine Snacks. “With thick, flour-dusted slices that are perfect for toasting, my grilled cheese sandwiches are always golden and crispy on the outside and pillowy soft on the inside.”

Most Americans prefer thick sliced bread over thin (43% vs. 33%). They also look for bread that toasts well (57%), has a crispy outside (51%) and holds together ingredients without falling apart (39%).