what goes with grilled cheese

Grilled cheese sandwiches are a classic comfort food. They can be made even better with the right sides. Whether you want a classic combo or something new, there are many delicious options. We’ll look at some tasty sides to make your grilled cheese even better.

There are endless choices for grilled cheese pairings. You can try creamy soups, fresh salads, or crispy sides. These options can turn a simple grilled cheese into a gourmet meal. It’s a great way to satisfy your cravings and impress your taste buds.

Classic Soup Pairings for Your Grilled Cheese Sandwich

Looking for the perfect match for your grilled cheese sandwich? Warm, creamy soups are hard to beat. From classic tomato soup to new flavors, these soups will make your grilled cheese even better.

Creamy Tomato Soup: The Perfect Match

Tomato soup is the ultimate pair for grilled cheese. Its smooth texture goes well with the crispy bread and melted cheese. It’s a mix of flavors that feels both familiar and satisfying.

Homemade Vegetable Soup Options

Want something more filling? Try a homemade vegetable soup with your grilled cheese. From hearty minestrone to fresh garden soups, they offer a variety of tastes and textures. They balance out the richness of the cheese nicely.

Butternut Squash Soup Combination

For a unique taste, pair your grilled cheese with butternut squash soup. The squash’s sweetness complements the cheese’s savory flavor. It’s a delightful mix that will excite your taste buds.

Choosing the right soup for your grilled cheese is all about comfort. Whether it’s tomato soup or butternut squash, the goal is to enhance the sandwich’s flavors. This makes for a more enjoyable meal.

Fresh Salad Combinations That Complement Grilled Cheese

Pairing your grilled cheese sandwich with a refreshing salad is a great idea. These salads add a nutritional boost and balance the rich flavors of the sandwich. They also make your meal more enjoyable.

Try a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette for a classic choice. The acidity and crunch of the greens contrast nicely with the cheese. You can also try a quinoa and roasted vegetable medley or a lentil and arugula salad. These options add fiber and protein, making your meal more satisfying.

Salad PairingKey IngredientsFlavor Profile
Classic Green SaladMixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, balsamic vinaigretteCrisp, refreshing, and light
Quinoa and Roasted Veggie SaladQuinoa, roasted bell peppers, zucchini, red onion, feta, lemon-herb dressingHearty, nutrient-dense, and satisfying
Lentil and Arugula SaladLentils, arugula, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, feta, balsamic vinaigretteProtein-packed, peppery, and filling

Adding these fresh salads to your meal makes it balanced and healthy. They complement the indulgence of your grilled cheese. Try different salads to find your favorite grilled cheese sandwich sides and healthy sides for grilled cheese.

What Goes with Grilled Cheese: Complete Meal Ideas

Making your grilled cheese sandwich into a full meal is simple. Just add a few things to make it more satisfying. You’ll find many ways to pair your grilled cheese with tasty sides and extras.

Hot and Cold Pairing Suggestions

For a cozy meal, try your grilled cheese with tomato or vegetable soup. The warm soup is a great match for the crispy sandwich. Or, a fresh salad with a zesty dressing can be a nice contrast.

Balanced Meal Components

  • Grilled cheese sandwich as the main dish
  • A side of roasted vegetables or a leafy green salad for added nutrition
  • A cup of fruit or a small serving of a healthy snack, such as apple slices or carrot sticks

Quick Weeknight Dinner Solutions

For a quick dinner, pair your grilled cheese with a pre-made soup or salad kit. These kits make a fast, balanced meal. Or, serve it with potato chips or baby carrots for a speedy dinner.

The secret to a complete meal with grilled cheese is balance. Choose sides and extras that complement the flavors and textures. This way, you turn a simple sandwich into a full and enjoyable meal.

Crispy Side Dishes to Serve with Your Sandwich

Looking for the perfect side for your grilled cheese? Crunchy sides are a great choice. They add a nice texture and boost the flavor of your meal. Let’s dive into some top picks to make your grilled cheese even better.

Crispy Potato Chips

Every grilled cheese needs a side of crispy potato chips. These chips offer a satisfying crunch that goes well with the melted cheese.

Homemade Veggie Chips

  • Thinly sliced zucchini or eggplant, lightly seasoned and baked to perfection
  • Kale chips for a nutrient-dense and crunchy side
  • Sweet potato chips for a touch of natural sweetness

Homemade veggie chips add crunch and color to your grilled cheese plate.

Crispy Onion Rings

Try crispy onion rings for a rich twist. The crunchy coating and soft onion inside make a great contrast.

Choose any crunchy side to make your grilled cheese sandwich even better. Try different options to find your favorite. This will make your grilled cheese experience unforgettable.

Healthy Vegetable Sides for a Balanced Meal

Vegetables are a great choice to go with your grilled cheese. They make your meal balanced and satisfying. Here are some tasty options that will pair well with your grilled cheese.

Roasted Vegetable Medley

Roasting vegetables brings out their sweetness and flavor. Mix colorful veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, carrots, and brussels sprouts. Add olive oil, herbs, and spices, then roast until tender and caramelized.

The caramelized edges and soft centers of the veggies will contrast nicely with the grilled cheese.

Steamed Green Options

Steamed greens like broccoli, asparagus, or green beans are light and nutritious. Season them with lemon juice, garlic, salt, and pepper. This will enhance their flavor.

The crisp-tender greens will refresh your palate after the rich grilled cheese.

Quick Sautéed Vegetables

For a quick side, sauté seasonal veggies like mushrooms, spinach, or cherry tomatoes. Use olive oil or butter until they’re tender. The vibrant colors and flavors will match the grilled cheese well.

Adding these healthy sides to your grilled cheese meal boosts nutrition and taste. Try different veggies and cooking methods to find your favorite combination.

Unique Dipping Sauces and Condiments

Make your grilled cheese better with tasty dipping sauces and condiments. Try tangy aiolis or spicy chutneys for a new twist. These options will make your sandwich even more exciting.

Creamy Dipping Sauces

Garlic aioli or chipotle mayo add a rich taste to your grilled cheese. They bring a creamy texture and bold flavors that match the grilled bread perfectly.

Zesty Chutneys and Relishes

For a tangy and sweet touch, try a chutney or relish. Mango chutney, cranberry relish, or pineapple salsa can add a nice contrast to your grilled cheese.

Spicy Condiments

Want some heat? Try dipping your grilled cheese in sriracha, gochujang, or homemade hot sauce. These spicy sauces add a bold flavor to your cheesy delight.

Dipping SauceFlavor ProfilePairing Suggestions
Garlic AioliCreamy, garlickyClassic grilled cheese, ham and cheese
Mango ChutneySweet, tangy, spicyGrilled cheese with caramelized onions or bacon
SrirachaSpicy, flavorfulGrilled cheese with jalapeños or pepper jack cheese

Try out different grilled cheese dipping sauces and condiments for grilled cheese to find your favorite. There are so many ways to make your grilled cheese sandwich even better.

Perfect Pickle Pairings and Tangy Accompaniments

Grilled cheese sandwiches get a boost from the right pickle pairing. Explore the world of pickles to find the perfect match for your grilled cheese.

Types of Pickles to Consider

There are many pickle types to choose from. Here are a few to try with your grilled cheese:

  • Dill pickles: They add a fresh, herbal taste to your sandwich.
  • Bread and butter pickles: Their sweet and sour taste is a nice contrast to the cheese.
  • Spicy pickles: Jalapeño or habanero pickles add a spicy kick.
  • Pickled onions: They bring a tangy, crunchy texture to your sandwich.

Other Fermented Side Options

There are more fermented sides to try with grilled cheese. Here are a few:

  1. Sauerkraut: Its tangy flavor goes well with the cheese.
  2. Kimchi: It adds a spicy, unique twist to your sandwich.
  3. Fermented olives: Their briny, umami taste is a great contrast to the cheese.

Try these tangy sides to find the perfect match for your grilled cheese.

Finding the right balance of flavors is key for a great grilled cheese. Pair it with the perfect pickle or fermented side for a delicious meal.

Conclusion

Exploring side dishes for grilled cheese opens up a world of possibilities. You can choose from classic soups, fresh salads, crispy sides, and tangy condiments. There’s a perfect match for every taste.

Maybe you love the warmth of a creamy tomato soup or the fresh taste of roasted veggies. The important thing is to try different best pairings for grilled cheese. This way, you can find what truly excites your taste buds. The grilled cheese side dish ideas we talked about are just the beginning. Don’t be afraid to try new things and find your own favorite flavors.

So, when you make a grilled cheese, think about what sides you can add. A bit of exploration can lead you to the perfect sides. This will make your grilled cheese even more enjoyable.

FAQ

What are some classic soup pairings for a grilled cheese sandwich?

Creamy tomato soup is the top choice for grilled cheese. Homemade vegetable soup and butternut squash soup also pair well. They add to the sandwich’s richness.

What types of fresh salads go well with grilled cheese?

Try crisp green salads or hearty grain-based salads. They balance the grilled cheese’s richness. They offer a healthy and tasty side dish.

How can I turn a grilled cheese sandwich into a complete meal?

Pair grilled cheese with hot and cold options. This ensures a balanced meal. It’s also great for quick weeknight dinners.

What are some crispy side dishes that pair well with grilled cheese?

Classic potato chips and homemade veggie chips are great. They add texture and flavor to your grilled cheese.

What healthy vegetable side dishes can I serve with grilled cheese?

Roasted vegetable medleys and steamed greens are good choices. Quick sautéed veggies also work well. They’re nutritious and tasty with grilled cheese.

What unique dipping sauces and condiments can I try with grilled cheese?

Try tangy aiolis and spicy chutneys. They add excitement and make your grilled cheese better.

What types of pickles and tangy accompaniments go well with grilled cheese?

Different pickles and fermented sides add a zesty kick. They complement the grilled cheese’s richness.