The Perfect Pairings For Your Grilled Cheese Sandwich

Grilled cheese is a timeless classic, enjoyed by both kids and adults. But what to serve with it? The obvious answer is tomato soup, but there are so many other options to explore!

If you're after something crispy, why not try French fries, tater tots, tortilla chips, onion rings, or sweet potato fries? Or, if you're looking for something healthier, you could opt for a simple green salad, spinach salad, or arugula salad.

For those who like their sides spicy, dips like salsa, hot sauce, or tomato jam could be the perfect pairing. And if you're a fan of pickles, you could try them fried, or go for the classic dill option.

If you're still hungry after your grilled cheese, you could try another grilled cheese, or go for chicken nuggets, coconut shrimp, or chicken cheese balls.

Whatever you choose, your grilled cheese is sure to be delicious!

Salads: spinach, arugula, potato, pasta, cucumber, and Greek

Salads are a great side dish to serve with grilled cheese. Here are some ideas for different types of salads that would pair well with grilled cheese:

Spinach Salad

A spinach salad is a healthy and nutritious option that can be served as a side dish or topped with protein for a full meal. Here are some ingredients that would go well in a spinach salad:

• Baby spinach: Pre-washed baby spinach is convenient and has smaller, more tender leaves with a more flavorful taste.
• Cucumbers: Mini cucumbers are a great option as they are seedless and flavorful.
• Goat cheese: Adds a creamy texture to the salad.
• Red onion: Adds a bit of flavor and crunch.
• Dried cranberries: Provide a pop of sweetness and chewy texture.
• Avocado: Adds healthy fats and creaminess.
• Walnuts: Toasted walnuts add a crunchy texture and nutty flavor.
• Dressing: A creamy balsamic dressing made with balsamic vinegar, olive oil, Greek yogurt, dijon mustard, honey, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.

Arugula Salad

Arugula is a flexible green that can stand up to fully-flavored dressings. It has a signature peppery flavor that pairs well with many dishes. Here are some ingredients that would go well in an arugula salad:

• Arugula: Look for peppery arugula, which is part of the mustard greens family.
• Parmesan cheese: Shave high-quality Parmesan cheese yourself for the best flavor.
• Carrots: Shaved into ribbons or grated.
• Cherry tomatoes: Add a burst of sweet, juicy flavor.
• Lemon balsamic dressing: A simple combination of fresh lemon juice, balsamic vinegar, olive oil, and salt.
• Toppings: Sunflower seeds, toasted nuts, or fresh herbs.

Potato Salad

A potato salad is a classic side dish that can be made in many different ways. Here are some ingredients that would go well in a potato salad:

• Potatoes: Use your favorite type of potato, such as young potatoes, red potatoes, or Yukon gold potatoes.
• Vegetables: Add some crunch and flavor with chopped onions, celery, or pickles.
• Hard-boiled eggs: Chopped or sliced hard-boiled eggs add protein and creaminess.
• Relish: Sweet pickle relish or diced pickles add a tangy flavor.
• Mayonnaise: Use regular or vegan mayonnaise to bind the ingredients together.
• Mustard: A dash of mustard adds a sharp flavor.
• Herbs: Fresh chopped parsley, dill, or chives add a bright flavor.
• Seasonings: Salt, pepper, paprika, or garlic powder to taste.

Pasta Salad

A pasta salad is a versatile and filling side dish that can be served cold or at room temperature. Here are some ingredients that would go well in a pasta salad:

• Pasta: Use a short pasta shape such as fusilli, macaroni, or penne.
• Vegetables: Cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, onions, or olives.
• Cheese: Cubed provolone, cheddar, or pepper jack cheese.
• Meat: Salami, pepperoni, or cubed cooked chicken.
• Dressing: Italian salad dressing, mayonnaise, or a vinegar and oil-based dressing.

Greek Salad

A Greek salad is a flavorful and healthy option that pairs well with grilled cheese. Here are some ingredients that would go well in a Greek salad:

• Cucumbers: Use a young cucumber, peeled and diced.
• Tomatoes: Cherry tomatoes or regular tomatoes, diced or quartered.
• Red onion: Diced onion adds a sharp flavor.
• Olives: Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced.
• Feta cheese: Crumbled feta adds a salty flavor.
• Dressing: A simple dressing of olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, salt, and pepper.

Soups: tomato, pumpkin, butternut squash, and vegetable

There's nothing quite like a grilled cheese sandwich. But what to serve with it? Well, if you're looking for a soup to accompany this classic comfort food, you're in luck. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Tomato Soup

The classic pairing for a grilled cheese sandwich is, of course, tomato soup. It's a match made in heaven, with the tangy, creamy soup providing the perfect dip for your sandwich. Why not try a creamy tomato bisque, or a chilled heirloom tomato gazpacho for a refreshing twist? Or spice things up with a roasted fennel and white bean tomato soup.

Pumpkin Soup

For an autumnal twist, pair your grilled cheese with a pumpkin soup. This combination will warm you up from the inside out on a cold day.

Butternut Squash Soup

Another great option for a soup to accompany grilled cheese is butternut squash. This creamy, vegan soup is usually made with apples and seasoned with fresh herbs—the perfect fall flavors.

Vegetable Soup

A light vegetable soup is also a great choice to accompany a grilled cheese sandwich. Load your bowl with tons of veggies and dip your sandwich for amazing flavor.

But why stop there? You could also try a light veggie soup, such as corn chowder, creamy hazelnut soup, or summer zucchini soup. These options will add a touch of excitement to your meal.

Chips: potato, tortilla, tater tots, and veggie

Chips are a great side to grilled cheese, whether they're served alongside or incorporated into the sandwich. Here are some chip options to go with your grilled cheese:

Potato Chips

Potato chips are a classic side to grilled cheese, offering a crunchy texture and salty flavour that complements the sandwich well. You can serve them as is, or get creative and include them in your grilled cheese sandwich. Simply place some potato chips and cheese slices between two slices of toasted bread, and cook until the cheese is melted and the bread is golden brown.

Tortilla Chips

Tortilla chips can be a great alternative to traditional potato chips. You can serve them with a variety of dips, such as salsa, guacamole, or cheese dip. For a more indulgent option, try making cheesy baked tortilla chips by stuffing tortillas with cheese and baking them in the oven. These can be served as a side or turned into nachos by adding toppings such as grilled cheese.

Tater Tots

Tater tots are another fun option to pair with grilled cheese. You can cook them in a waffle iron to create a crispy, golden base for your sandwich. Place some cheese between two tater tot waffles and bake until the cheese is melted. This combination offers a unique texture and flavour that takes your grilled cheese to the next level.

Veggie Chips

For a healthier option, consider veggie chips. You can find a variety of options made from vegetables like sweet potatoes, beets, or kale. These chips often have a crisp texture and a slightly sweeter flavour profile, making them a tasty and nutritious side to your grilled cheese sandwich.

Whether you choose potato, tortilla, tater tots, or veggie chips, there are plenty of ways to incorporate chips into your grilled cheese experience and elevate this classic comfort food.

Dips: hummus, ranch, barbecue sauce, and marinara sauce

Dips are a great way to elevate your grilled cheese sandwich and there are plenty of options to choose from. Here are some ideas for dips that will perfectly complement the classic grilled cheese:

Hummus

Hummus is a delicious and versatile dip that can be served with grilled cheese. It is a great option if you are looking for something creamy and tangy. Try serving dill pickle hummus for a unique twist that pairs perfectly with grilled cheese. You can dip your sandwich in the hummus or use it as a dip for some vegetables on the side.

Ranch

A zesty ranch dip is another excellent choice to pair with grilled cheese. Try the Santa Fe Ranch dip, which is a Greek yogurt-based dip with a taco-inspired flavour. You can also make a delicious jalapeno ranch dip by combining sour cream, mayonnaise, spices, and jalapenos for a spicy and refreshing option.

Barbecue Sauce

If you want to give your grilled cheese a southwest flare, try dipping it in barbecue sauce. You can make a naturally sweetened homemade BBQ sauce that will add a perfect balance of sweet and savoury to your sandwich.

Marinara Sauce

Marinara sauce is a simple yet flavourful dip for grilled cheese. This classic Italian sauce is perfect for those who want a dip with a tomato base. You can also spread it on your sandwich for an extra flavour boost.

These dips will surely enhance your grilled cheese experience and offer a variety of flavours to enjoy. Experiment with different dips and find your favourite combinations!

Pickles: fried, dill, and sweet

Pickles are a popular side to grilled cheese, but they can also be a tasty addition to the sandwich itself.

Fried Pickles

Fried pickles are a great way to add a crunchy texture to your grilled cheese. To make them, simply slice some pickles, pat them dry, and coat them in a light layer of flour, egg, and breadcrumbs before frying them in hot oil. You can also add some dill or other spices to the breading for an extra flavour kick.

Dill Pickles

Dill pickles are a classic choice for grilled cheese sandwiches. Their tangy, briny flavour pairs perfectly with the rich, creamy cheese. To add dill pickles to your grilled cheese, simply chop them up into small pieces and layer them between the cheese slices. You can also add some dill weed or fresh dill to reinforce that dill flavour. Just remember to pat your pickles dry before adding them to the sandwich to avoid sogginess.

Sweet Pickles

For those with a sweet tooth, sweet pickles can be a delicious addition to a grilled cheese sandwich. Bread and butter pickles are a great option for this, providing a slightly different flavour profile than dill pickles. Like with dill pickles, it's important to pat sweet pickles dry before adding them to your sandwich to avoid sogginess.

Frequently asked questions