Andy Montoya
Grilled cheese is a delicious dish, but what do you dip it in? There are many options to choose from, including various sauces, dips, and condiments. For example, you can dip your grilled cheese in tomato soup, or pair it with a salad dressing such as balsamic vinaigrette or ranch dressing. You can also dip your grilled cheese in ketchup, mustard, or pesto. If you're feeling adventurous, you can try dipping your grilled cheese in something unique like kimchi, jam, or even sriracha. The possibilities are endless!
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Soups | Tomato, black bean, pureed lentil, or other creamy soups |
| Salad dressings | Balsamic vinaigrette, dijon vinaigrette, or ranch |
| Sauces | Marinara, olive oil and balsamic vinegar, southern tomato gravy, sriracha, or BBQ sauce |
| Condiments | Ketchup, mustard, pesto, mayonnaise, chutney, salsa, jam, or kimchi |
| Pickles | Cucumber pickle, coleslaw, pickled jalapeños, or kimchi |
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What You'll Learn
Tomato soup
Grilled cheese sandwiches are a delicious comfort food, but they can be taken to the next level by serving them with a side of tomato soup. This classic combination is a perfect remedy for the winter blues and is a delicious option at any time of the year.
A simple tomato soup can be made with just five ingredients and is a great option to serve with grilled cheese, as it can be made quickly and easily with pantry staples. For those who enjoy a more indulgent soup, a creamy tomato soup can be made by adding cream or milk, creating a rich and velvety texture that pairs beautifully with the grilled cheese.
For those who enjoy a more complex flavour profile, there are many variations of tomato soup that can be made, such as adding spices or herbs, or even blending in other vegetables, like carrots or peppers, to add a subtle sweetness. For a more rustic, old-fashioned flavour, try adding in some Southern-style ingredients, like in this recipe for Southern Tomato Gravy.
Grilled cheese and tomato soup is a classic combination for a reason—the flavours and textures work so well together, creating a comforting and satisfying meal that is perfect for any time of the day.
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Salad dressings
Ranch dressing is another popular salad dressing that can be used as a dip for grilled cheese. Its creamy texture and tangy flavour can complement the melted cheese and bread. You can also make your own creamy dipping sauce by mixing mayonnaise with dijon mustard and parmesan, which Ina Garten recommends as a spread inside the sandwich.
If you're looking for something with a bit more kick, a spicy sriracha sauce can be a great addition to your grilled cheese. You can make your own by mixing sriracha with mayonnaise, or try a creamy sriracha sauce with only three ingredients.
For those who prefer a more herbal taste, pesto can be a great option. It can be used as a spread or a dip, and its herbal notes work well with a range of cheeses, especially cheddar and mozzarella.
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Sauces
Tomato-based Sauces:
- Tomato Soup: This classic pairing is loved by many and provides a comforting, creamy contrast to the grilled cheese. It is often considered the perfect remedy for cold weather.
- Marinara Sauce: This sauce can give your grilled cheese a pizza-like twist, especially when paired with Italian bread and cheese.
- Southern Tomato Gravy: A traditional recipe that can add a burst of flavour to your sandwich.
Spicy Sauces:
- Sriracha: A hot sauce that can add a spicy kick to your grilled cheese. It can be used as a dip or incorporated into the sandwich itself.
- Chilli Sauce: A generic chilli sauce can add spice and flavour to your grilled cheese.
Condiments:
- Ketchup: A classic condiment that pairs well with grilled cheese. It adds a tangy sweetness to the sandwich.
- Mustard: The bold flavour of mustard, especially Dijon mustard, can enhance the taste of the grilled cheese, making it pop. It can be used as a spread or paired with other ingredients like mayonnaise and parmesan.
- Mayonnaise: Mayonnaise has a higher smoke point than butter, making it ideal for achieving the perfect colour and crunch on your grilled cheese.
Herbal Sauces:
- Pesto: Pesto adds a gourmet touch to your grilled cheese. Its herbal notes complement the cheese, especially when paired with cheddar, mozzarella, and fresh tomatoes.
- Ranch: Ranch dressing can be a tasty dip for your grilled cheese, adding a creamy and tangy flavour.
Chutneys:
- Mango Chutney: A sweet and tangy chutney that can be a delicious dip for your grilled cheese, adding a unique flavour profile.
- Peach Chutney: Another chutney option that can provide a fruity and slightly spicy twist to your grilled cheese experience.
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Condiments
There are several condiments that can be paired with grilled cheese to elevate the sandwich. The classic combination of ketchup and mustard can never go wrong. If you like your food spicy, you can opt for a spicier version of mustard such as Dijon. You can also try blending mustard with mayonnaise and parmesan and spreading it on your sandwich. The sharpness of the Dijon pairs well with the rich selection of gruyere and sharp cheddar cheese.
Pesto is another condiment that can be used to make the sandwich more gourmet. The herbal notes of pesto bolster the flavor of the cheese and it works well with a range of cheese and bread varieties. You can also try adding mayonnaise to the outside of your sandwich to get the perfect color and crunch. Its higher smoke point than butter makes it a great cooking tool as it can be heated to higher temperatures without releasing unsavory fumes.
If you're feeling adventurous, you can try adding some sriracha to your grilled cheese or even pairing it with some peach or mango chutney. You can also dip your grilled cheese in some tomato soup or balsamic vinaigrette, dijon vinaigrette, or ranch salad dressing to add an acidic contrast to the creamy cheese.
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Pickles
If you're looking for a dip to accompany your grilled cheese, you could try making a fried pickle dip. This can be made with cream cheese, dill pickles, white cheddar, garlic, fresh dill, chives, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and seasoned panko. The dip can be served with whole wheat tortilla chips, kettle-cooked potato chips, crackers, or crudités.
However, if you're looking for a way to incorporate pickles into your grilled cheese, you could try adding them to the sandwich. Many recipes for grilled cheese sandwiches with pickles suggest using dill pickles, but some recipes call for bread and butter pickles for a sweeter flavor. It's important to pat the pickles dry to prevent the sandwich from becoming soggy, and some recipes recommend chopping the pickles into small pieces to prevent them from falling out of the sandwich. In addition to pickles, you can add butter, shredded or sliced cheddar cheese, hot sauce, and sourdough or Texas toast bread to make a grilled cheese sandwich.
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Frequently asked questions
Some dips that go well with grilled cheese include tomato soup, black bean soup, pureed lentil soup, and other creamy soups. You can also dip your grilled cheese in condiments such as ketchup, mustard, or pesto.
If you're feeling adventurous, you can try dipping your grilled cheese in sriracha, mango chutney, green salsa, or even ranch salad dressing.
Some side dishes that complement grilled cheese include a simple side salad, pickled vegetables such as cucumber pickles, coleslaw, pickled jalapeños, or kimchi.
Some condiments that can be added directly to a grilled cheese sandwich include mayonnaise, dijon mustard, parmesan, and pesto.
