There is nothing better than a good grilled cheese sandwich. You can bite into it and then get the ultimate comfort out of it. It is gooey and cheesy and everything is going well in this world. The toast is fried in butter to reach the perfect level of crisp buttery perfection. The soft and crunchy texture of the sandwich makes it so much more sophisticated than it is. The rich creamy texture along either the sweet and savory goes really well.
Dishes
You can have the best grilled cheese sandwich but it is not going to be filling if you do not accompany it with a side dish. You have to eat something along with the sandwich to give yourself some substance. There is a general rule that when you come up with grilled cheese side dish pairings then you have to pick something that is subtle in flavor. The main thing is having such a strong flavor so you do not want something go clash with it. Here are a few dishes that you can serve with grilled cheese. Take a look.
Tomato Soup
This is a classic combination. There is nothing more classic than a good old bowl of tomato soup with grilled cheese. This pairing is made in heaven and they are perfect for each other. Imagine dunking your grilled cheese sandwich into the soup and taking a bite out of it. The tangy flavor of the soup makes it even better. This combination started after the World War II. It was served to children in school cafeteria. Tomato soup was very easy to make and at that point in time the teachers of small schools were required to teach the children as well as make lunches.
We do not recommend eating tomato soup from the can because they are not that flavorful. However, if you do not have the time to make it from scratch then it can do the job. But if you do have the time then you can make it with fresh tomatoes. Add some cream, chicken broth, and onions to make it even more tasty.
Green Salad
You want to eat something subtle and refreshing with your grilled cheese sandwich. A simple salad is perfect for that. We know that salads have a bad reputation but if it is paired correctly then it can be delicious. You can customize the salad to suit your taste. You can add your favorite leafy greens, fruits, veggies, protein, nuts, and cheese. If you are wondering about the dressing then you have quite a few options. You can go with balsamic, dijon vinaigrette, ranch, or caesar dressing. A light and refreshing salad is just perfect. It does not take a lot of time to make either.
Marinara Sauce
We have already established that grilled cheese sandwiches goes well with tomato soup. So if you think about it then you know that it is going to go well with marinara sauce too. The sauce is sweet and tart and is generally used in pizza. It has a tomato base. You can spread it on top of your grilled cheese and eat it like a pizza!
Jam, Marmalade, or Chutney
We know what you are thinking. Who eats jam with grilled cheese? Trust me, it taste so good that you would be eating it again and again once you try it. This is kind of a weird food pairing that actually tastes good. The sweet and savory combination is one of the best. So, if you are pairing the savory sandwich with sweet jam or chutney then the result will be obviously good. You can go with mango, orange, or blueberry. The harmony of the different flavors is going to burst in your mouth and make you very happy. Just try it.
Ketchup and Mustard
Grilled cheese is also a sandwich and it is always better to eat a sandwich with a dip. You can add some ketchup and mustard in the sandwich to add more flavor to it or you can keep them as dips for people who actually like those condiments. We have to say that ketchup and mustard is not liked by a lot of people so you need to be careful.
Coleslaw
Here is another vegetable mix that is never going to disappoint. The cabbage and carrots brings a mild sweetness to the palette that can cut through the fatty flavor of the cheese. We know that sometimes it can get too oily and greasy with a grilled cheese. This is why salads are a great side dish to a grilled cheese sandwich. Try to go with a light vinegar dressing with the coleslaw instead of the classic mayo. The vinegar will be refreshing to taste while the mayo can clash with the flavor of the sandwich.
Fruit Salad
We are following the same idea as that of including fresh veggies as a side dish. Fruits can also be added as a complimentary dish to the grilled cheese. The idea is to balance out the rich and oily flavors of the sandwich with the refreshing fruits. You can have a combination of your favorite fruits like mangoes, peaches, bananas, grapes or anything else you like. Coat them in Greek yogurt for extra flavor. The combination is divine and it works very well together.
Sweet Potato Fries
This is one of our personal favorite things to pair with grilled cheese. You can say that the French fries are the classic sides to go with a grilled cheese but we think that it becomes a greasy overload. You can go with the sweet potato fries in place of the French fries. It is similar to the French fries but it is better to pair with a grilled cheese sandwich. The sweet flavor of the sweet potato contrasts with the savory sandwich. It also adds a nice crunch to the meal. It is better to bake them instead of the frying method. This means that they will also be much more subtle and healthier for your body. We know a lot of people are very health conscious. In this manner you can indulge in it without any guilt.
Dill Pickles
Sweet goes well with savory but now let's try something our. You might be astonished at the combination of the two flavors but they work well together. A dill pickle has a tart flavor that can cut through the savory flavor of the grilled cheese sandwich. A little bit spice is also added to the dill pickles so you will get that extra hit from the flavor. If you have the time then you can make the pickles at home too instead of buying them in a bottle at the grocery store. Cut some cucumbers and red onions and toss them in a jar. You have to soak the vegetables in vinegar and water mixture. Add some salt, pepper, and dill fronds. You have to cover the jar and then refrigerate it for 4 hours.
Caprese Salad
Here we have the caprese salad that is perfect for summer. You can even say that it is the perfect salad for summer. The classic Italian salad is very easy to make and it is always a fan favorite among the guests. It is generally made with fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil. It tastes very fresh and it is usually served cold rather than at room temperature. This makes it very refreshing to go with the greasy grilled cheese sandwich.
Potato Wedges
If you have an air firer then you can easily make potato wedges. Think about it. Potatoes are always very good to eat. They can go along with everything and you can cook it in all the different ways that you want. Potato wedges are better than French fries as a side dish to grilled cheese. They are crispy on the inside and soft on the inside. It makes everyone happy. You can expect good compliments from your guests if you make it with grilled cheese.
Onion Rings
If you are a fan of onion rings then we have good news for you. They go perfectly well with grilled cheese. They are perfect for eating and they are easy to make too. They are soft and crispy and if you do it properly then they will melt in your mouth. Onion rings are a mass favorite so you will definitely make a lot of people happy by having it as a side dish.
Garlic Butter Shrimp
Garlic butter shrimp brings saliva in our mouth as we talk about it. Never have we seen a dish so simple yet so delicious. They are the perfect dish to serve with the grilled cheese. You can also get some protein in your diet with the seafood. Butter and garlic is a flavor combination that goes well. Having this with a grilled cheese sandwich enhances the flavor of the food. You will be going for a second mouthful with such delicious sides.
Potato Chips
We know this might sound weird to some but if you do not have time to make something then you can take the easy way out with the potato chips. They can be plain or you can get the salted ones. We think that both of these varieties goes well together. If you are short on time then this is the perfect side for your grilled cheese. It involves no hassle.
Greek Salad
Now don't confuse it with Green salad. This is a refreshing salad that is made with crisp veggies, salty feta cheese, and a homemade Greek dressing. Vegetables are once again stealing the show when it comes to grilled cheese. We will never get over the fact that these two items can make such a good pair. It is tangy and tasty and you are going to love it with your grilled cheese sandwich.
Charcuterie Board
If you are inviting a lot of people for a party and one of your dishes is grilled cheese then you want to make sure that you have a number of options as sides to the grilled cheese. It can be different sides of your choice but making them can take some time. If you want to save time and still have some variety to the table then you can go for the charcurerie board. You can customize it however you want and there will be always something for people with different taste. A gathering of meats, cheeses, and veggies will always do the job.
Cream Cheese Stuffed Mushrooms
Mushrooms can be a great addition to a meal and they can be very filling. You can stuff mushrooms with cream cheese to pair them with the grilled cheese sandwich. They actually pair really well and we were shocked about it the first time I tried it.
Baked Parmesan Zucchini Rounds
If you want to eat something healthy to balance out the greasy grilled cheese but you are not in the mood for a salad then no need to worry because we have got you. Baked Parmesan Zucchini Rounds might sound like something fancy but it is a simple dish. You get the crunch and freshness of the zucchini paired with delicious parmesan cheese. Baking it also makes it healthier than fried food. Give it a try!
Potato Soup
We have had tomato soup on the list but if you are not a fan of the tangy taste then you can go for the creamy potato soup. It pairs just as well with the grilled cheese even if it is not a classic combination. It is hearty and comforting. You will only need four ingredients to make this soup including potatoes, bacon, cheese, and cream. It is simple and fast to make. Who doesn't like to eat some comfort food?
Bacon Wrapped Brussel Sprouts
If you like bacon and want to incorporate it in the sandwich in some way then you can make bacon wrapped brussel sprouts. It is delicious and it pairs well with the grilled cheese without the need to add actual bacon to the sandwich. The brussel sprouts will also include veggies in your diet which is always good. If you ask me then this is the only possible way to eat brussel sprouts. Crispy bacon, sweet honey, and fresh brussel sprouts is all you are going to need for this recipe.
Mac and Cheese
This is another classic that is hard to beat. Mac and cheese is a favorite for everyone. You might think that grilled cheese with Mac and cheese can turn out to be an overdose of cheesiness but no one has ever said no to this combination. Is it good for your health? Maybe not so much. However, it is a guilty pleasure that most of us would love to indulge in. You can make your own version of Mac and Cheese if you want. There are many ways to upgrade the recipe. It is always going to be a classic combo.
Garlic Green Beans
We know that a lot of people would not like to eat a lot of vegetables. This recipe makes you go for a second helping even if you are not a fan of the greens. They are healthy and delicious. All you need to do is to pan fry the fresh green beans with butter and garlic. Make sure to not use too much though because it tastes the best when only a fine layer of buttery goodness covers the surface of the green beans.
Chicken Noodle Soup
For all the soup lovers out there who are wondering whether there are any other soups that you can pair with grilled cheese sandwich then we have some for you. First you can go with the chicken noodle soup where you get the broth as well as the noodle for substance. The traditional chicken noodle soup is a comport food and we are sure that you have had it before. It is hearty and delicious.
Lentil Soup
If you are willing to do something unconventional then you can go with the red lentil soup. It is tomato based which is familiar with the combination but it is not exactly the same as tomato soup. There is a different kind of richness to this soup that strangely enough does not affect the flavor of the grilled cheese. This has been a strange pairing for us but when we tasted it, we were very happy at the flavor combinations.
Orzo Salad
Now that we have talked about soup, we can go ahead with the salads. We have included a few salad items in the list but now we are going to add even more. These are not very conventional but they taste well with the grilled cheese. Orzo salad is generally made with olives, sundried tomatoes and herbs. You can make a tangy, lemony dressing to go with the salad. We assure you that you will be licking your fingers after eating this salad with grilled cheese sandwich.
Waldorf Salad
This is an uncommon salad but it is an excellent pair with the grilled cheese sandwich. It is made with apples, grapes and nuts–3. Easy to make and delicious to consume. What else can we ask for? Oh do not forget that it is healthy for the body.
Baby Carrots
This is not a dish. You can just put them as a side and the crunchy carrots will make people reach for more. It is perfect for a day when you do not have the energy to actually make a side dish so you just go ahead and serve some fresh baby carrots to go. We understand that it is not that satisfying without any side. In this case there is no effort to make the side dish. Given the fact that we are sometimes to tired to make something, here are a few items that can be served as is or with minimal preparation.
Fresh Fruit and Nuts
You can choose either or both. It is very light and healthy. Some fruits that pair well with grilled cheese sandwich are apple slices, grapes, pears, cherries, watermelon and berries. You can also go for nuts. If you are a taste expert then you know that nuts and cheese are a match made in heaven. They can add protein to your meal and they are delicious too. Almonds, walnuts, pecans and pistachios are the best nuts to pair with a grilled cheese.
Apple Sauce
If you have never had apple sauce then now is the perfect time to try it. It tastes divine with grilled cheese. Dip it in the sauce and you will taste something exceptional. Not enough people know about this wonderful combination. We highly recomment this one because even if Apple sauce is not techically a side dish but rather a dip, it can make your grilled cheese much better.
Conclusion
You can eat your grilled cheese sandwich on it's own if you like. There is nothing wrong with that. However, the side dishes adds another dimension to the flavor of the already delicious grilled cheese sandwich. We have included a lot of side dishes in this article. There is something for everyone here. If you are a soup lover then we have a number of those options. There are also a number of salads included in the list.Take care of yourself and make sure to eat a lot of healthy and tasty food. Share it with your friends and family. Food always tastes best when we share it with our loved ones!
