Bushra Griffith
Grilled cheese is a classic comfort food, but what do you serve on the side? There are many options to choose from, depending on your preferences. If you're looking for something classic, you can't go wrong with a bowl of tomato soup. But if you're feeling more adventurous, there are plenty of other options to explore. For a refreshing crunch, add some apple slices or fresh vegetables like carrots, cucumbers, and cherry tomatoes. To spice things up, try jalapeños, sriracha aioli, or a chilli crisp. Or, for a hearty meal, pair your grilled cheese with a potato or Mediterranean salad.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Salads | Arugula, spinach, caesar, potato, Mediterranean, seasonal |
| Soups | Tomato, pumpkin, borscht, chicken noodle, potato |
| Dips | Bacon aioli, basil aioli, sriracha aioli, salsa, spicy tomato jam, feijoa chutney, cheese sauce, cashew queso dip |
| Fruits | Apples, pears, grapes, berries |
| Condiments | Ketchup, hot sauce, pickles, pepperoncini, salt and vinegar chips |
| Other | Lobster or crab bisque, baked spiced apple slices, steak fries, broccoli florets, basil, anchovies, sour cream, mayo, chilli, chilli crisp, jalapenos, roasted red peppers, fig or apricot jam, pesto, balsamic glaze or reduction, Dijon mustard, strawberry preserves, powdered sugar |
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What You'll Learn
Salads, such as Caesar, spinach, or Mediterranean
Salads are a great side dish to serve with grilled cheese. They can provide a refreshing contrast to the rich, buttery sandwich, and offer a variety of textures and flavours that can complement the grilled cheese perfectly. Here are some salad options to consider:
Caesar Salad: A classic and popular choice, Caesar salad has a crisp and refreshing taste that can balance out the richness of the grilled cheese. The crunchy romaine lettuce, savoury Parmesan cheese, and tangy Caesar dressing combine to create a delicious accompaniment to the sandwich.
Spinach Salad: This salad option offers a nutritious and flavourful combination. It typically includes fresh baby spinach leaves, which provide a earthy and slightly peppery taste. The addition of mixed berries and crunchy nuts enhances the flavour and texture, making it a tasty and healthy side dish to enjoy with grilled cheese.
Mediterranean Salad: Packed with crunchy vegetables, hearty chickpeas, and creamy feta cheese, Mediterranean salad is a flavourful and satisfying option. The variety of textures and flavours in this salad can complement the grilled cheese nicely. The briny feta cheese, in particular, can be a great match for the sandwich.
When choosing a salad to serve with grilled cheese, consider the overall flavour profile and texture you want to create. A light and refreshing salad, such as a simple arugula salad, can provide a nice contrast to the sandwich. On the other hand, a heartier salad, like a potato salad made with Greek yoghurt, can add substance and depth to the meal.
Additionally, you can experiment with different ingredients and dressings to create unique and tasty combinations. For example, adding balsamic vinegar poppy seed dressing to a spinach salad or including crunchy nuts in a Mediterranean salad can elevate the flavours and textures, making them even more delightful accompaniments to the grilled cheese.
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Soups, including tomato, pumpkin, and chicken noodle
Soups are a fantastic pairing with grilled cheese, offering a comforting and warm meal. There are several soups that work well, including tomato, pumpkin, and chicken noodle.
Tomato soup is a classic pairing with grilled cheese, and for good reason. The tanginess of the soup complements the creaminess of the cheese, creating a well-rounded flavour profile. The soup is also a good base for adding other ingredients, such as basil or anchovies, to make it more interesting.
Pumpkin soup is another excellent choice, especially during autumn. The natural sweetness of the pumpkin pairs well with the saltiness of the cheese, and the soup's creamy texture is a nice contrast to the crunch of the grilled sandwich.
Chicken noodle soup is a comforting classic that also works well with grilled cheese. The broth-based soup is light yet satisfying, and the noodles provide a nice textural contrast to the sandwich.
To elevate these soup and sandwich combinations, consider adding some fresh herbs or spices. Basil, for example, adds a nice freshness to tomato soup, while chilli can give it a spicy kick. You could also try adding some crunch with croutons or crispy bacon bits.
For a heartier meal, serve the soup and sandwich with a side of fresh vegetables, such as sliced carrots, cucumbers, or cherry tomatoes. These can be served with a dip, such as cashew queso, to add even more flavour to the meal.
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Dips, like sriracha aioli, chilli crisp, or salsa
Dips are a great way to elevate your grilled cheese sandwich experience. They add flavour, moisture, and texture to your sandwich, and they can be as spicy and tangy or as mild and creamy as you like.
If you're a fan of spice, sriracha aioli is a perfect blend of spicy and creamy with a tangy zing of lime. You can make this dip from scratch or use a store-bought version, and it's an excellent way to add a kick to your grilled cheese. Another spicy option is chilli crisp, a salty and crunchy condiment that goes well with many dishes, including grilled cheese sandwiches. If you're looking for something with a kick but not too spicy, bacon aioli might be the perfect option. It adds a salty-sweet flavour to your sandwich and is a classic combination that never fails to impress.
For those who prefer a milder dip, a simple salsa is an excellent option. It adds a fresh, tangy flavour to your sandwich and can be made as mild or spicy as you like. You can even add some feisty feijoa chutney, a great way to use up feijoas and a fantastic savoury option that pairs wonderfully with melted cheese. If you're feeling creative, you could also try making your own cheese sauce or basil aioli, a tangy and fresh sauce that goes well with grilled cheese and vegetables.
Whatever dip you choose, don't be afraid to experiment with different combinations to find your perfect pairing. Grilled cheese is a versatile dish, so go ahead and indulge in some delicious dips to take your sandwich to the next level!
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Pickles, or pickled vegetables
You can make your own pickles at home, which is an easy and quick process. Simply take some unseasoned rice vinegar, salt, and sugar, and use this brine to pickle some mixed vegetables of your choice. You could try cucumber, carrots, or even something more unusual like green tomatoes or red onions. If you're feeling particularly adventurous, you could even make some spicy jalapeño pickled eggs, which would be a high-protein and healthy side to your grilled cheese.
If you're short on time, you can, of course, buy pickles from the store. Full sour or dill pickles are a great choice to accompany your grilled cheese.
If you want to add even more flavour to your meal, you could try dipping your sandwich into a sauce. A great option is bacon aioli, which adds a salty-sweet flavour to your sandwich. You could even spread the bacon aioli on the bread before adding the cheese and grilling it. Alternatively, you could dip your sandwich into a spicy, tangy sriracha aioli, or a classic basil aioli.
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Fruit, including apples, pears, or grapes
Apples, in particular, are a classic pairing with cheese. Try thinly sliced apples, such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp, to add that refreshing crunch and a hint of sweetness to your grilled cheese. You could even try adding slices of green apple inside your grilled cheese sandwich for a surprising twist. If you're feeling adventurous, experiment with different types of apples to find your favourite pairing.
Pears are another excellent fruit option to serve on the side or even inside your grilled cheese sandwich. Sliced pears can provide a similar crunch and sweetness as apples, and their juicy texture can complement the creaminess of the cheese. For an elegant presentation, try slicing the pears thinly and fanning them out on the plate, adding a touch of colour and sophistication to your meal.
Grapes are a less traditional but equally delicious option to serve with grilled cheese. Their small size makes them easy to pop into your mouth, providing a burst of sweetness that can contrast nicely with the savouriness of the grilled cheese. Try serving a small bunch of crisp grapes alongside your sandwich, or for a more whimsical presentation, thread the grapes onto a skewer for easy eating.
Whether you choose apples, pears, or grapes, fruit can add a touch of freshness and sweetness to your grilled cheese sandwich. Don't be afraid to experiment with different varieties and presentations to find your favourite pairings.
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Frequently asked questions
There are many side dishes that go well with grilled cheese, including:
- Salads
- Soups
- Chips
- Soft drinks
- Fruit
- Pickles
- Potato salad
- Ketchup
Some dips that can accompany grilled cheese include:
- Basil aioli
- Sriracha aioli
- Spicy tomato jam
- Pizza sauce
- Hummus
- Santa Fe Ranch
- Chilli crisp
- Cheese sauce
Some sweet sides to serve with grilled cheese are:
- Apple slices
- Chocolate chip cookies
- Fruit salad
- Rice paper candy straws
