Kamil Perry
Grilled cheese is a classic comfort food, but what sauces can you pair with it to take it to the next level? The traditional grilled cheese is hard to beat, but there are many ways to elevate this sandwich. From tangy dips to sweet spreads, there are endless combinations to experiment with. Whether you're looking for a classic pairing or something more adventurous, there's a sauce for every taste.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type | Dipping sauce, spread, or addition to the grilled cheese |
| Flavour | Tangy, spicy, hot, sweet, tart, fruity, savoury, salty, creamy, garlicky, tangy, acidic |
| Texture | Chunky, smooth |
| Ingredients | Lemongrass, peanut oil, brown sugar, Thai chilli, coconut milk, salt, lemon juice, cayenne pepper, mayonnaise, chives, blue cheese, sesame oil, rice wine vinegar, green onions, garlic, sugar, low sodium soy sauce, Smucker’s® Apricot Preserves, Dijon-style mustard, red pepper flakes, pineapple preserves, lime juice, black pepper, carrot, serrano chiles, garlic, water, cider vinegar, soy sauce, honey, wine, butter, chicken broth, black peppercorns, dried thyme leaves, sour cream, freshly ground black pepper, Hellmann's or Best Foods Mayonnaise Dressing with Extra Virgin Olive Oil, crumbled blue cheese, cilantro, feta cheese, buttermilk, avocado, lime juice, extra virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice, basil leaves, grated Parmesan cheese, mint leaves, parsley leaves, orange juice, onion powder, heavy cream, all-purpose flour, milk, Worcestershire sauce, kosher salt, ground black pepper, orange, orange juice, sugar, cheese, dark rum, unsalted butter, palm sugar, fish sauce, fresh lime juice, finely chopped garlic, hoisin sauce, plum sauce, honey, ground ginger, chopped garlic, tomato soup, ketchup, mustard, cucumber pickle, coleslaw, kimchi, mango chutney, fig jam, balsamic vinegar, ranch dressing, marinara sauce, BBQ sauce, tomato puree, apricot jam, white vinegar, sweet pickle relish, soy sauce, mayonnaise |
What You'll Learn
Tomato soup
A classic pairing with grilled cheese, tomato soup is a great way to elevate your sandwich into a more substantial meal. This combination is a favourite for kids and adults alike.
If you want to make your own grilled cheese dippers, you can use any sliced bread, although softer, more pliable bread is recommended. Start by removing the crusts and use a rolling pin to flatten out the slices. Then, place your cheese slices on the bread and roll it up, keeping the cheese intact inside. Finally, cook the dippers in a skillet, turning them over frequently until you have golden, crispy edges.
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Mustard
Dijon mustard is a popular choice to spread on the inside of a grilled cheese sandwich. It adds a nice tang and a little kick, balancing the richness of the cheese. You only need a very thin layer of Dijon mustard on your bread.
You can also try wholegrain mustard or honey mustard. Honey mustard is a great choice if you want to add a little sweetness to your sandwich. If you want something with a bit more kick, Chinese mustard is also a great option.
If you want to get creative, you can try mixing mustard with other ingredients to make a sauce. For example, you could try an apricot Dijon dipping sauce, made with apricot preserves, Dijon mustard, and red pepper flakes. Or, for something more savoury, you could make a dukan sauce, with garlic powder, herbs, mustard, and wine vinegar.
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Hot sauce
There are many types of hot sauce to choose from, but pepper-based hot sauces are a great option. Sriracha, sambal, and harissa are all excellent choices that will add a nice spicy kick to your sandwich. You can also try hot pepper-based condiments like chili garlic sauce or chili oil.
If you're feeling adventurous, you can even make your own hot sauce at home. Many recipes are available online, and you can adjust the ingredients to your taste preferences.
When adding hot sauce to your grilled cheese, consider the type of cheese you are using. Hot sauce pairs well with sharp cheeses like cheddar or Alpine cheeses like Gruyere and Emmental. The spiciness of the hot sauce will complement the sharpness of the cheese, creating a delicious flavor combination.
Additionally, you can experiment with different types of bread to find your favorite combination. Try using potato bread, brioche, or sprouted whole grain bread for a unique twist on the classic grilled cheese.
So, the next time you're craving a grilled cheese sandwich, don't be afraid to turn up the heat with some hot sauce!
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Apricot jam
When choosing an apricot jam to pair with grilled cheese, opt for one that is sweet and tart with a fruity flavour. The intensity of the jam should match that of the cheese so that neither overwhelms the other. For example, a mild cheese like chevre would pair well with a lighter apricot jam, while a pungent blue cheese could stand up to a more intense, tangy jam.
To elevate the pairing, consider adding some fresh herbs like basil, thyme or oregano to the grilled cheese. These herbs will complement the sweetness of the apricot jam and enhance the overall flavour profile.
Additionally, the type of bread used for the grilled cheese can also make a difference. A soft, pliable bread that is easy to bite into will allow the flavours of the cheese and jam to shine through.
For a fun presentation and added texture, you could even roll the grilled cheese and apricot jam into dippers or roll-ups. These can be served alongside a bowl of soup for a comforting and interactive meal.
So, the next time you're craving a grilled cheese, don't forget to add a generous spread of apricot jam for a sweet and savoury delight!
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Marinara sauce
A bowl of tomato soup is incomplete without a grilled cheese sandwich, and dipping grilled cheese dippers into a bowl of soup is a great way to make the meal more enjoyable for kids and adults alike. If you want to make your grilled cheese sandwich healthier, you can add leftover veggies like kale, sauteed with garlic, roasted mushrooms, or caramelised onions.
When making a grilled sandwich with Italian bread and cheese, serve it with a side of marinara sauce. You can also remove the crusts from the bread slices, flatten them with a rolling pin, add cheese, and roll them up to make grilled cheese dippers. This way, you can enjoy the perfect combination of melted cheese and warm, crispy bread with a side of warm marinara sauce for dipping.
Grilled cheese and marinara sauce is a match made in heaven, offering a delightful contrast of creamy and acidic flavours.
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Frequently asked questions
Classic sauces that pair well with grilled cheese include ketchup, mustard, and marinara sauce.
Yes, sweet sauces such as mango chutney, fig jam, and apricot jam can add a nice contrast to the savoury flavours of grilled cheese.
Yes, some popular dipping sauces for grilled cheese include balsamic vinegar, ranch dressing, and marinara sauce.
Spicy sauces such as sriracha, sambal, harissa, and other hot pepper-based condiments can add a nice kick to grilled cheese sandwiches.
Some less common but tasty options include olive tapenade, Thai peanut dipping sauce, and soy ginger dipping sauce.
