Grilled Cheese Sandwich: Perfect Pairings Beyond Tomato Soup

Grilled cheese sandwiches and tomato soup are a classic combination, but what else can you pair with a grilled cheese sandwich? There are plenty of other options to choose from, whether you're looking for something savoury, spicy, or sweet.

For a savoury option, you could try a sandwich with bacon, avocado, or caramelised onions. If you're looking for something with a bit of spice, why not add some pepper jack cheese, kimchi, or Calabrian chilli peppers to your sandwich? And if you're craving something sweet, you could pair your grilled cheese with a bowl of fruit or a sweet potato side dish.

There are also plenty of other soups that go well with grilled cheese sandwiches. Some options include light vegetable soup, broth-based meat soup, or a creamy tomato bisque.

So, the next time you're looking for something to pair with your grilled cheese sandwich, don't be afraid to get creative and try something new!

Salads and sandwiches

Salads

A crisp and refreshing salad can be a great complement to grilled cheese. Try a simple green salad or something more substantial like a fun and tasty apple kale slaw. A wintery roasted vegetable and rocket salad could also be a great choice. If you're looking for something lighter, a fresh veggie salad with vinaigrette is always a good option.

Sandwiches

When it comes to sandwiches, there are endless possibilities to pair with grilled cheese. You can go with a classic like a provolone grilled cheese, or get creative with different types of bread and cheese combinations. For example, try sourdough or ciabatta with Gouda or smoked Gouda. Don't be afraid to add extra ingredients like caramelized onions, bacon, or avocado slices. If you're feeling fancy, you could even try a baked apples and Brie grilled cheese.

So, whether you're in the mood for a light and refreshing salad or a hearty and comforting sandwich, there are plenty of options to choose from to pair with your grilled cheese.

Comfort food options

Comfort food is all about indulgence, and grilled cheese sandwiches are the perfect partner for a warming bowl of soup. But what if you want to change things up a little? Here are some comforting side dishes and variations to serve with your grilled cheese sandwich that aren't tomato soup.

Baked Potatoes

A baked potato is a versatile side dish that can be dressed up with a variety of toppings. Try loading your potato with sour cream, chives, bacon, or butter. You could even use sweet potatoes for an added flavour twist.

Crispy Roasted Potatoes

Regular or sweet, roasted potatoes are a classic side dish that pairs well with grilled cheese. Why not try adding some herbs or spices to your roasties for an extra flavour kick?

Salads

A crisp, refreshing salad can cut through the richness of grilled cheese. Try a simple green salad or something more substantial like a winter roasted veg and rocket salad. If you're feeling fruity, a rocket and pear salad combines sweet and salty flavours with a crunchy texture.

Dips

Take your grilled cheese to the next level by serving it with a gourmet dip. Try bacon aioli, basil aioli, or a spicy jalapeno ranch dip. You could even dip your sandwich straight into a rich cheese sauce!

Pickles

Pickles are a refreshing palate cleanser that goes well with grilled cheese. Go for a classic dill pickle or get creative with pickled red onions, green tomatoes, radishes, or even berries!

Fries

Who doesn't love a sandwich and chips? For an indulgent side dish, try truffle fries, sweet potato fries, or disco fries (gravy, mozzarella, and potato fries).

Mac and Cheese

For an extra cheesy experience, serve your grilled cheese with a comforting bowl of mac and cheese. For a spicy kick, add some jalapenos, or keep things classic with rosemary macaroni and cheese.

Pizza

Pizzas are a fun way to mix and match flavours. Why not try a cheeseburger pizza or an air fryer English muffin pizza?

Brats and Sausages

Grilled, air-fried, pan-seared, or baked sausages are a delicious side dish. Wrap them in bacon and cook them in an air fryer for a speedy, tasty treat.

Roasted Veg

Roasted vegetables offer a healthy and flavourful accompaniment to grilled cheese. Try a medley of seasonal veggies like sweet potato, carrots, Brussels sprouts, and bell peppers.

Grilled Cheese Variations

There are endless variations on the classic grilled cheese. Try using different types of bread like sourdough or ciabatta, and experiment with cheeses like smoked gouda, goat cheese, or pepper jack. Add some caramelised onions, bacon, or avocado for an extra special treat.

Breadsticks

If you want to make your own breadsticks, here is a simple recipe:

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1 cup warm water
• 1 tablespoon dried oregano
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions:

• Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
• In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. Stir well to mix.
• Add the olive oil and warm water. Mix until a soft dough forms.
• Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5 minutes, until smooth.
• Roll the dough out into a rectangle, about 1/4-inch thick.
• Sprinkle the dough with the oregano and Parmesan cheese.
• Cut the dough into strips, about 1/2-inch wide and 6 inches long.
• Place the breadsticks on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown.
• Serve warm with your grilled cheese sandwich and tomato soup.

You can also get creative and experiment with different herbs, spices, and cheeses to suit your taste. For example, you could try using rosemary, thyme, or garlic powder instead of oregano. Or, for a more indulgent option, sprinkle some grated mozzarella or cheddar cheese on top of the breadsticks before baking.

Spicy toppings

If you're looking to add a spicy kick to your grilled cheese sandwich, there are several ingredients you can use. Here are some ideas for spicy toppings to elevate your grilled cheese experience:

• Pepper Jack Cheese: This spicy and tangy cheese will add a nice kick to your sandwich. It pairs well with other cheeses like Muenster or Colby Jack.
• Mozzarella and Calabrian Chilli Peppers: For a spicy twist on the classic, try using mozzarella cheese with Calabrian chilli peppers. The heat from the peppers will complement the creaminess of the mozzarella.
• Garlic Powder: A sprinkle of garlic powder on the outside of the bread will add a subtle spicy kick to your grilled cheese.
• Cream Cheese: Spread a thin layer of cream cheese inside your sandwich for a creamy texture and a hint of tanginess.
• Kimchi: Kimchi, a traditional Korean side dish made of fermented vegetables, is an excellent spicy addition to your grilled cheese. It adds a unique flavour and texture.
• Goat Cheese and Smoked Gouda: Combining creamy goat cheese with the smoky flavour of gouda will give your sandwich a complex and spicy flavour profile.
• Sun-dried Tomatoes and Cheddar: Sun-dried tomatoes have an intense flavour that pairs well with the sharpness of cheddar cheese. This combination will add a spicy and tangy twist to your grilled cheese.
• Chopped Green Onions and Monterey Jack: Green onions have a mild onion flavour with a hint of spice, and they pair well with the mild and creamy Monterey Jack cheese.
• Chorizo and Colby Jack: For an extra greasy and spicy treat, pair Colby Jack cheese with chorizo. The spice from the chorizo will be a perfect complement to the creaminess of the cheese.

Feel free to experiment with different combinations of these spicy toppings to find your favourite grilled cheese creation!

Crisps and fries

Crisps

• Potato chips: Make your own homemade potato chips, or buy a bag of ready-made crisps. For an extra twist, add some dill pickle flavouring to your potato chips.
• Veggie crisps: For a healthier option, opt for vegetable crisps. You could even make your own by thinly slicing vegetables and baking them in the oven.
• Tortilla chips: These are great for dipping into your grilled cheese, or crumbling over your soup.

Fries

• French fries: Homemade French fries are a great side to grilled cheese. Try making them in the oven or air fryer for a healthier option.
• Sweet potato fries: These are a tasty alternative to regular fries and can be baked or air-fried. Serve with a wasabi-pea dip for a dynamic duo of colours and flavours.
• Truffle fries: For a gourmet option, try making truffle fries. Sprinkle parmesan cheese over your fries, and either bake them in the oven or cook them in an air fryer.

There are plenty of options to choose from to elevate your grilled cheese sandwich and take it to the next level. Experiment with different types of crisps and fries, and don't be afraid to get creative!

Frequently asked questions