The Perfect Pairing For A Grilled Cheese Sandwich

Grilled cheese sandwiches are a classic comfort food, but what should you serve on the side? There are several options to choose from, depending on your preferences.

If you're looking for something crispy and salty, potato chips, French fries, or tater tots are always a good choice. You could also try something different like baked sweet plantains, sweet potato fries, or onion rings.

For a refreshing crunch, a simple green salad or mixed greens salad with a tangy dressing can balance out the richness of the grilled cheese.

Of course, you can't go wrong with the classic combination of grilled cheese and tomato soup. But if that's not your thing, there are other soups to choose from, like butternut squash, creamy vegetable, or chicken noodle soup.

And let's not forget the pickles! Dill pickles are a popular choice to add that briny zesty kick to your meal.

So, whether you're looking for something crispy, refreshing, hearty, or tangy, there are plenty of options to take your grilled cheese sandwich to the next level!

Soups

There's nothing quite as comforting as a hot bowl of soup with a grilled cheese sandwich. Here are some soup ideas that will go perfectly with your grilled cheese:

Tomato Soup

The classic pairing of tomato soup and grilled cheese is a match made in heaven. This combination is a childhood favourite and a crowd-pleaser. You can elevate this pairing by swirling in some cream and adding fresh basil leaves to your soup. You can also add a twist to your grilled cheese by adding tomato jam, or even ketchup, to your sandwich.

Roasted Red Pepper Soup

This soup has a smoky, slightly sweet flavour from the roasted peppers. It can be paired with a gourmet grilled cheese sandwich with thick sourdough, bacon, date jam, and blue cheese.

Carrot and Fennel Soup with Chilli Garlic Oil

This spicy, creamy puree is a comforting soup with a light feel. It can be served with a grilled cheese sandwich with apple and red onions. The crisp bite of apple and the tang of red onion, along with aged cheddar, make this sandwich a perfect match for the soup.

Creamy Mushroom Soup

A creamy mushroom soup is a decadent pairing with a grilled cheese sandwich. You can also try a French onion grilled cheese to go with this soup.

Egyptian Tomato Soup

When eating an Egyptian tomato soup, it is best to stick with the classic grilled cheese sandwich.

Southwestern Butternut Squash Soup

This soup has a little spice from paprika and cumin, along with a touch of warmth from oranges and limes. A pueblo chile grilled cheese with strawberry jam is a great pairing for this soup, as the sweetness of the jam balances the spice of the soup.

Cuban Black Bean Soup

A grilled cheese with avocado, kale pesto, and prosciutto is a great match for this soup. The cool avocado and creamy black beans complement each other, while the prosciutto and soft cheese elevate the sandwich.

Chicken Noodle Soup

This comfort food classic is a great match for a grilled cheese sandwich.

Potato Soup

A creamy potato soup is a delicious and hearty side for a grilled cheese sandwich.

Borscht

Borscht is a hearty vegetable soup with a tomato base. It is a great companion to a grilled cheese sandwich.

Salads

Caesar Salad

A classic Caesar salad is always a great choice to accompany a grilled cheese sandwich. It has a nice balance of flavours and textures, and the crispiness of the lettuce pairs well with the melted cheese in the sandwich.

Spinach Salad

For something a little different, try a spinach salad. This option features a unique combination of ingredients, including balsamic vinegar poppy seed dressing, mixed berries, and crunchy nuts. The sweetness of the berries and the crunch of the nuts create an interesting contrast that complements the sandwich.

Potato Salad

If you're looking for a heartier option, potato salad is a perfect choice. It's a classic side dish that goes well with grilled cheese. You can make it with Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise for a lighter, healthier twist while still enjoying the familiar flavours.

Mediterranean Salad

This salad is a great choice if you want a break from leafy greens. It's packed with crunchy vegetables, hearty chickpeas, and creamy feta cheese. The combination of textures and flavours will elevate your grilled cheese sandwich experience.

Santa Fe Salad

If you're looking for a green salad, the Santa Fe Salad is a refreshing option. It's packed with veggies and has a tangy dressing that will complement the sandwich perfectly. This salad is a delicious and healthy way to complete your meal.

Broccoli Salad

Broccoli salad is another excellent side dish option. It adds flavour and texture to your meal, and it goes surprisingly well with grilled cheese sandwiches. You can make it with raw or roasted broccoli, depending on your preference.

Chips and fries

Another option is to make 'Grilled Cheese Chips', which are essentially mini grilled cheese sandwiches that have been flattened, cut into triangles, and baked in the oven until crispy. These can be served with dips, such as tomato chutney, or alongside a cooked breakfast to scoop up runny egg yolk.

If you're looking for a more traditional side dish, French fries or sweet potato fries are a great option to serve with a grilled cheese sandwich. You can even make them more indulgent by adding toppings like gravy and mozzarella cheese to create 'Disco Fries'.

Finally, for a unique twist, you can add potato chips directly into your grilled cheese sandwich. Simply add the chips to the sandwich with the cheese and cook until the bread is golden brown and the cheese has melted.

Dips and sauces

Pizza Sauce

Pizza sauce is a great option if you're looking for a flavourful dip with a tomato base. It pairs especially well with grilled cheese sandwiches that have added ham or Italian sausage.

Hummus

Hummus is a versatile dip that can be served with your grilled cheese sandwich or on the side with some vegetables. Dill pickle hummus is a great option as the pickle flavour complements the sandwich perfectly.

Santa Fe Ranch

This zesty Greek yoghurt-based dip adds a taco-inspired twist to your grilled cheese. It's a great way to add some extra flavour and creaminess to your sandwich.

Barbecue Sauce

A homemade BBQ sauce is a perfect way to give your grilled cheese sandwich a southwest flare. It's naturally sweetened and full of flavour.

Tomato Jam

Tomato jam is a super flavourful option if you're looking for something a little different to spread on or dip your sandwich in. It's a great alternative to ketchup if that's not your thing.

Applesauce

Applesauce (or apple butter) is a delicious spread or dip for your grilled cheese sandwich. The combination of apple and cheese is a classic, and it can also work well as a side.

Marinara Sauce

A simple marinara sauce is another tomato-based option that makes a perfect side dish for dipping your grilled cheese sandwich. It's easy to make and full of flavour.

Basil Aioli

Basil aioli is a delicious, tangy sauce that pairs well with grilled cheese sandwiches and vegetables. It's a great way to get your kids to eat their veggies!

Bacon Aioli

If you're looking for a salty-sweet flavour combination, bacon aioli is the way to go. It's a great dip for your sandwich, or you can spread it on your bread before adding the cheese and grilling to perfection.

Jalapeno Ranch Dip

This dip is an easy recipe using simple ingredients like sour cream, mayo, spices, and jalapenos. It's spicy, bright, and refreshing—the perfect complement to your grilled cheese sandwich.

Cheese Sauce

For the ultimate decadent experience, dip your grilled cheese sandwich into a rich and creamy cheese sauce. It's cheesy goodness taken to the next level!

Feijoa Chutney

Feijoa chutney is a great way to use up feijoas and keep them for longer. It's a savoury option that pairs wonderfully with melted cheese and crispy, toasted bread.

Maple Bacon Onion Jam

This sweet and savoury jam is perfect for fall. The combination of maple, bacon, and onion creates a unique flavour profile that will take your grilled cheese sandwich to the next level.

Sriracha Aioli

If you're looking for something with a kick, sriracha aioli is a great choice. It's spicy, tangy, and creamy with a zing of lime. It's sure to add some extra flavour to your sandwich.

Fruit

Some fruits that go well with grilled cheese sandwiches include apples, pears, and stone fruits like peaches, plums, and apricots. You can also use berries like strawberries, raspberries, and blackberries, either fresh or in the form of a jam or preserve. Tropical fruits like mangoes and guava can also be paired with grilled cheese.

When adding fruit to a grilled cheese sandwich, you can use thin, crisp slices of fresh fruit, or cook the fruit down into a jam or compote. For example, you could try sautéing pear slices in butter until they are tender, then layering them with cheddar cheese and sourdough bread to make a grilled cheese sandwich. You could also spread apricot jam on a slice of whole wheat bread, top it with mozzarella cheese, and another slice of bread, then grill the sandwich until the bread is crispy and the cheese is melted.

If you want to get creative, you could try pairing different types of cheese with complementary fruits. For example, brie and grape, smoked gouda and plum, or goat cheese and strawberry. You could also try more exotic combinations like fried paneer and mango, labneh and apricot, or feta and cantaloupe.

Frequently asked questions