Grilled Cheese: The Ultimate Guide To Perfect Sandwiches

A grilled cheese sandwich is a classic comfort food, but what goes on it? The answer is simple: cheese! But not just any cheese – the best options are sharp cheddar, gouda, fontina, American cheese, or brie. And of course, you'll need some bread – white bread or sourdough are popular choices. But why stop there? You can take your grilled cheese to the next level with various add-ons and sides. For example, why not try spreading some apple butter on your sandwich or dipping it into tomato soup? Or, if you're feeling fancy, go for a Chimichurri Chicken Grilled Cheese. The possibilities are endless!

Sauces and dips

Some popular sauces and dips include the classics: ketchup, mustard, and mayonnaise. These condiments are versatile and can be used as a spread, a dip, or cooked into the sandwich. Mustard, in particular, adds a bold, sharp kick that pairs well with rich cheeses like gruyere and sharp cheddar.

For those who like a spicy kick, hot sauces like Sriracha, sambal, harissa, Franks Red Hot, and Tabasco Green Chile Pepper Sauce are perfect. These can be used inside the sandwich or as a dip, adding a tangy, spicy edge.

Sweet and tangy flavours also work well with grilled cheese. Honey mustard, for example, is a classic sauce that adds depth. BBQ sauce is another sweet and smoky option, ideal for dipping or spreading. Sweet and sour sauce, with its balance of sweet and savoury, is a great pairing for the salty cheeses in grilled cheese sandwiches.

Jams and jellies are also a popular choice, with their sweetness pairing perfectly with the salty, savoury cheese. Fruit jams, in particular, offer a pleasing texture that complements the grilled cheese, and the mild acidity curbs the richness of the cheese. Blueberry jam pairs well with thyme and mild cheddar, while raspberry jam is a common option that elevates savoury cheeses.

For a more gourmet option, pesto is a great choice. The bright, herbal flavours of pesto made from basil, spinach, pine nuts, and parmesan cheese add a summery, fresh taste to the sandwich.

Other unique sauces to try include chimichurri, hoisin sauce, aioli, and cocktail sauce. For a spicy and unique option, harissa—a hot chili pepper paste—pairs well with creamy cheeses and crunchy toast.

And, of course, one classic combination is grilled cheese with tomato soup or a marinara dipping sauce.

Salads

Mixed Greens Salad

A simple salad of mixed greens with a tangy Greek dressing, or a homemade ranch or poppy seed dressing, is an excellent, healthy option. You could also make it a Caesar salad with sourdough croutons for some extra crunch.

Spinach Salad

This salad features a balsamic vinegar poppy seed dressing, mixed berries, and crunchy nuts. It's a great way to add some sweetness and texture to your meal.

Mediterranean Salad

A Mediterranean salad is a crunchy, veggie-packed option with hearty chickpeas and creamy feta cheese. It's a perfect choice if you want a break from leafy greens but still want a refreshing side.

Feta and Cucumber Salad

A feta and cucumber salad is a refreshing, tangy option that cools down your palate after the warm grilled cheese. The feta adds a nice salty, briny note to complement the sandwich.

Fruit Salad

A fruit salad is a sweet and juicy counterpart to grilled cheese, especially popular with kids. It's a great way to add some freshness and colour to your meal.

Broccoli Salad

If you're looking for a healthier option, a broccoli salad is a tasty choice. It typically includes fresh veggies like broccoli and red onions, along with cranberries, sunflower seeds, and bacon, all tossed in a tangy mayo-based sauce.

Sides

There are many side dishes that can accompany a grilled cheese sandwich. Here are some ideas, grouped into categories.

Dips

A dip can be a great addition to a grilled cheese sandwich. Here are some dip ideas that can enhance your grilled cheese experience:

• Pizza sauce
• Hummus (especially dill pickle hummus)
• Santa Fe Ranch (a zesty Greek yoghurt-based dip)
• Barbecue sauce
• Tomato jam
• Applesauce
• Bacon aioli
• Basil aioli
• Jalapeno ranch dip
• Cheese sauce
• Feijoa chutney
• Maple bacon onion jam
• Sriracha aioli

Garnishes

Garnishes can add a burst of flavour to your grilled cheese sandwich. Here are some ideas:

• Fresh herbs (such as parsley, basil, chives, dill or cilantro)
• Pickles (dill pickles, sweet pickles, or pickled vegetables like onions, beets or carrots)
• Sliced tomatoes

Finger foods

Finger foods are always a great option to accompany a sandwich. Here are some ideas:

• French fries or potato wedges
• Baked sweet plantains
• Sweet potato fries
• Onion rings (baked or deep-fried)
• Fresh vegetables (such as carrots, cucumbers, or cherry tomatoes)

Salads

A salad can be a refreshing counterpart to a grilled cheese sandwich. Here are some salad ideas:

• Caesar salad
• Spinach salad (with balsamic vinegar poppy seed dressing, mixed berries and crunchy nuts)
• Potato salad
• Mediterranean salad (with crunchy vegetables, chickpeas and feta cheese)
• Pasta salad
• Santa Fe salad
• Slaw (classic, Chimichurri or Lemon Tahini Slaw)
• Broccoli salad
• Mixed greens salad
• Feta and cucumber salad
• Apple kale slaw
• Garden salad with orange vinaigrette
• Rocket and pear salad
• Zucchini feta salad with hazelnuts

Soups

Soups are a classic pairing with grilled cheese sandwiches. Here are some soup ideas:

• Tomato soup (hot, cold or gourmet)
• Pumpkin soup
• Borscht
• Chicken noodle soup
• Potato soup
• Creamy vegetable soup
• Butternut squash soup
• Panera Bread Tomato Soup
• Creamy tomato bisque
• Heirloom tomato gazpacho soup
• Roasted fennel and white bean tomato soup
• Roasted red pepper soup with gouda cheese
• Potato zucchini soup
• Panera-style corn chowder
• Easy crockpot vegetable soup
• Beef vegetable soup
• Butternut squash and apple soup
• Potato leek soup

Sweet treats

A sweet treat can be a delightful conclusion to your grilled cheese sandwich. Here are some ideas:

• Fresh fruit (sliced apples, strawberries, cherries, peaches)
• Apple nachos (thinly sliced apples topped with nut butter, granola and seeds)
• Chocolate chip cookies
• Fruit salad
• Rice paper candy straws
• Chocolate hummus with fresh fruit

Soups

A grilled cheese sandwich is a classic, comforting meal. But what soup should you serve on the side? Here are some ideas to elevate your grilled cheese experience:

Tomato Soup

The classic pairing for a grilled cheese sandwich is, of course, tomato soup. This combination is a favourite for a reason—the tangy, creamy soup balances out the rich, cheesy sandwich. You can stick to the classic canned variety, or get creative with a creamy tomato bisque, a chilled heirloom tomato gazpacho, or a roasted fennel and white bean tomato soup. Don't forget to dip your sandwich in!

Light Vegetable Soup

A light vegetable soup is another excellent option to accompany your grilled cheese. Opt for a simple broth-based soup or load it up with veggies—either way, it will be a refreshing counterpart to the sandwich.

Pumpkin Soup

For an autumnal twist, pair your grilled cheese with a pumpkin soup. The autumnal flavours of the soup will complement a grilled cheese made with more robust, nutty cheeses.

Chicken Noodle Soup

Chicken noodle soup is the epitome of comfort food, so it's no surprise that it pairs well with a grilled cheese sandwich. This broth-y soup will refresh your palate between bites of the sandwich.

Potato Soup

A creamy potato soup is another hearty option to dip your grilled cheese into. For an extra indulgent experience, try making crockpot potato soup—it's sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Butternut Squash and Apple Soup

This creamy, vegan soup is a unique option to serve with grilled cheese. The combination of butternut squash and apples, seasoned with fresh herbs, will bring out the best flavours of fall.

Beef Vegetable Soup

If you're looking for something more substantial, try a beef vegetable soup. With tender chunks of slow-simmered chuck roast, onions, celery, carrots, potatoes, tomatoes, and green beans, this soup will make for a satisfying meal alongside your grilled cheese.

Borscht

Borscht, a hearty soup with a tomato base and loaded with vegetables, is another excellent option to dip your grilled cheese into. The tanginess of the soup will cut through the richness of the sandwich.

Panera Bread Tomato Soup

If you're looking for a specific recipe to try, the Panera Bread Tomato Soup is a great choice. This soup pairs perfectly with a grilled cheese, especially if you dip the sandwich into the soup.

Creamy Vegetable Soup

For a soup that's both packed with veggies and creamy, try a creamy vegetable soup. It's the perfect consistency for dipping your grilled cheese sandwich into.

Instant Pot Vegetable Soup

If you're short on time, an Instant Pot vegetable soup is a great option. This pressure cooker soup is packed with hearty vegetables and cooked to perfection, making it a quick and easy side for your grilled cheese.

Crock Pot Potato Soup

Another slow cooker option is the Crock Pot potato soup. With just five ingredients, this soup is simple yet delicious and sure to satisfy your comfort food cravings.

There you have it—a list of soup ideas to elevate your grilled cheese sandwich experience. Whether you stick to the classic tomato soup or venture out to try something new, these soups are sure to complement the cheesy, buttery, toasted sandwich.

Sweet treats

Nutella, Strawberry, and Brioche Grilled Cheese

Nutella, strawberries, mascarpone, and pistachios are stuffed between two slices of brioche bread. This sandwich is a perfect blend of sweet and savoury, with the added crunch of pistachios.

Blueberry and Brie Grilled Cheese

Sweet and juicy blueberries are paired with creamy brie, creating a surprisingly delightful combination. For an extra burst of sweetness, add a generous dusting of powdered sugar on top.

Bananas Foster Grilled Cheese

This sandwich is a sweet delight with a creamy texture. It combines cream cheese, bananas, caramel, and Biscoff cookie spread between two slices of French bread.

Donut Grilled Cheese

This unique take on a grilled cheese sandwich uses a donut instead of bread. The salty and sweet flavours are balanced with the addition of American cheese.

Funfetti Ricotta Grilled Cheese

This fun and colourful sandwich features ricotta cheese and sprinkles sandwiched between two slices of bread. It's a perfect option for those with a sweet tooth.

Chocolate Grilled Cheese

A layer of chocolate is added to a classic grilled cheese sandwich, made with bread and American cheese. You can use either chocolate spread or melted chocolate to create this indulgent treat.

Frequently asked questions