The Perfect Pairings: Soups and Salads to Accompany Grilled Cheese
There’s nothing quite like the comforting combination of a grilled cheese sandwich and a warm bowl of soup or a refreshing side salad. Whether you’re looking to add some pizzazz to a classic grilled cheese or searching for a light and refreshing accompaniment, we’ve got you covered.
In this article, we’ll explore a variety of soups and salads that pair perfectly with grilled cheese, providing you with a diverse range of options to suit your taste buds.
Soups To Serve With Grilled Cheese
Tomato Soup
When it comes to classic pairings, tomato soup and grilled cheese are a match made in heaven. The rich, velvety texture of tomato soup provides a deliciously creamy base for the crispy, melty goodness of a grilled cheese sandwich.
While you can certainly make your own tomato soup from scratch using fresh tomatoes, canned tomatoes are a convenient alternative that still delivers a delectable flavor. Simply simmer the canned tomatoes with some onions, garlic, and a few aromatic herbs and spices for a homemade taste that will have your taste buds singing.
Butternut Squash Soup
For a twist on the traditional, butternut squash soup is a delightful choice to accompany your grilled cheese. With its natural sweetness and creamy consistency, this soup offers a cozy and satisfying experience.
To make butternut squash soup, roast the squash until soft and then blend it together with some vegetable broth and a touch of cream. Adding a hint of nutmeg and a sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper will elevate the flavors and complement the cheesy goodness of your grilled cheese sandwich.
Cream Corn Chowder
If you’re in the mood for something hearty and comforting, look no further than cream corn chowder. This creamy soup is packed with tender corn kernels, potatoes, and crispy bacon, making it a filling and flavorful choice.
The sweetness of the corn pairs exceptionally well with the savory goodness of a grilled cheese. To make cream corn chowder, saut onions and garlic, then add corn, potatoes, and broth.
Simmer until the vegetables are soft, and then blend half of the soup to achieve a thick and creamy consistency. Serve alongside your favorite grilled cheese for a satisfying meal.
Salads That Go Well With Grilled Cheese
Cucumber Salad
When it comes to light and refreshing salads, cucumber salad is a winner alongside grilled cheese. Its crispness and mild flavor provide a refreshing contrast to the rich and cheesy sandwich.
To make a simple cucumber salad, slice cucumbers and toss them with a dressing made from vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper. For an extra burst of flavor, add some thinly sliced onions or fresh dill.
The coolness of the cucumber salad will balance the warmth of the grilled cheese, creating a harmonious combination.
Coleslaw
If you’re looking for a salad with a bit more crunch and tang, coleslaw is an excellent choice. The crisp shredded cabbage, carrots, and mayo-based dressing add a satisfying texture to your meal.
Making coleslaw is a breeze – simply shred the cabbage and carrots, then mix them together with a dressing made from mayo, vinegar, mustard, sugar, salt, and pepper. Feeling adventurous?
Add some shredded apple or raisins for a hint of sweetness. The contrast of textures and flavors between the grilled cheese and the coleslaw will leave your taste buds begging for more.
Spinach Salad
For those seeking a healthier option, a spinach salad is a fantastic choice to accompany your grilled cheese. Packed with nutrients, spinach offers a slightly bitter taste that balances the richness of the sandwich.
To make a simple spinach salad, toss fresh spinach leaves with a tangy vinaigrette dressing made from olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. For added flavor and texture, top your salad with some sliced almonds, crumbled feta cheese, or juicy cherry tomatoes.
This light and vibrant salad will add a burst of freshness to your meal. In conclusion, finding the perfect pairing for your grilled cheese can elevate your meal to new heights of satisfaction.
Whether you prefer a comforting soup or a refreshing salad, there are plenty of options to choose from. Tomato, butternut squash, and cream corn chowder soups offer rich and creamy goodness that complements the cheesy delight of a grilled cheese sandwich.
On the other hand, cucumber salad, coleslaw, and spinach salad provide refreshing and crisp accompaniments that balance the flavors and textures of the sandwich. So the next time you indulge in a grilled cheese, consider taking it to the next level by pairing it with a delightful soup or salad.
Fried Foods To Eat With Grilled Cheese
There’s no denying that fried foods are incredibly tempting. The crispy, golden exterior paired with the tender and flavorful inside is a winning combination.
When it comes to finding the perfect accompaniment for your grilled cheese, fried foods provide an indulgent and delicious option. In this section, we’ll explore a variety of fried foods that perfectly complement the cheesy goodness of your grilled cheese sandwich.
French Fries
French fries are a classic choice when it comes to fried foods, and they pair exceptionally well with grilled cheese. The combination of the crispy exterior and soft center of the fries perfectly complements the creamy and melty texture of the sandwich.
Whether you choose to make your own homemade fries or opt for store-bought frozen fries, there are a few key steps to achieving the best results. Start by cutting your potatoes into uniform fry shapes, then soak them in cold water to remove excess starch.
After draining and patting them dry, fry them twice – once at a lower temperature to cook the inside and then at a higher temperature to achieve the desired crispiness. Season them with salt and any other desired spices, and enjoy your perfectly crispy fries alongside your grilled cheese masterpiece.
Roasted/Air-fried Vegetables
If you’re looking for a slightly healthier alternative to traditional fried foods, then roasted or air-fried vegetables can be the perfect accompaniment to your grilled cheese. These cooking methods provide a healthier twist while still delivering that desirable crispiness.
You can choose a variety of vegetables to roast or air-fry, such as broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, or sweet potatoes. To roast vegetables, simply toss them in olive oil, sprinkle with salt and any desired seasonings, and spread them out on a baking sheet.
Roast in the oven until golden and tender, turning once or twice during the cooking process. To air-fry vegetables, follow the same steps but place the vegetables in an air fryer instead.
The result will be a deliciously crispy and flavorful vegetable side dish that perfectly complements your grilled cheese.
Chips
When it comes to simplicity and convenience, chips are a fantastic fried food option to enjoy with grilled cheese. The salty and crunchy nature of chips provides a satisfying contrast to the melty and gooey texture of the sandwich.
There are a wide variety of chips available, such as potato, tortilla, or even veggie chips, providing options to suit any palate. Opt for plain or lightly seasoned chips to avoid overpowering the flavors of your grilled cheese.
Alternatively, you can also make your own homemade chips by thinly slicing potatoes or tortillas and frying them until crispy. Whichever route you choose, the combination of a grilled cheese sandwich and a side of chips is sure to be a delightful and crunchy treat.
Pickles That Go Well With Grilled Cheese
Pickles, with their tangy and zesty flavors, provide the perfect counterbalance to the richness of a grilled cheese sandwich. The acidity and crunch of pickles help cut through the cheese, cleansing the palate after each delicious bite.
In this section, we’ll explore a variety of pickles that pair exceptionally well with grilled cheese.
Dill Pickles
Dill pickles, with their classic flavor and crisp texture, are a popular choice to accompany grilled cheese. The savory and garlicky notes of dill pickles complement the cheesiness of the sandwich, providing a burst of tanginess and crunch.
Whether you prefer whole dill pickles or sliced spears, their refreshing and vibrant taste is sure to enhance the overall experience of your grilled cheese. For an extra layer of flavor, you can even make your own homemade dill pickles using fresh cucumbers, vinegar, dill, garlic, and other desired spices.
The combination of a grilled cheese sandwich and a dill pickle on the side is a timeless and satisfying pairing.
Kimchi
If you’re feeling adventurous and craving some bold and spicy flavors, kimchi is an excellent choice to enjoy with grilled cheese.
Kimchi, a traditional Korean fermented cabbage dish, provides a unique flavor profile that adds a touch of heat and complexity to your meal.
The tangy, sour, and slightly spicy taste of kimchi harmonizes with the creamy and cheesy flavors of grilled cheese, creating an exciting fusion of cuisines. You can find kimchi in many grocery stores or Asian markets, or try making your own at home by fermenting cabbage, radishes, and other vegetables with a mixture of spices, garlic, and chili paste.
Be prepared for a flavor explosion as you take a bite of your grilled cheese and a forkful of tangy kimchi.
Sauerkraut
Sauerkraut, a fermented cabbage condiment, is another pickle option that pairs wonderfully with grilled cheese. Its tangy and slightly sour taste provides a delightful contrast to the richness of the sandwich, adding a refreshing and crunchy element to each bite.
Sauerkraut is made by fermenting cabbage with salt, resulting in a probiotic-rich food that offers numerous health benefits. To enjoy this traditional Eastern European side dish with your grilled cheese, simply place a generous amount of sauerkraut on top of the sandwich or serve it on the side.
The combination of the melty cheese, crispy bread, and tangy sauerkraut will create a flavor combination that is sure to tantalize your taste buds. Incorporating fried foods and pickles alongside your grilled cheese adds a new dimension of flavor and texture to this classic comfort food.
Whether you opt for traditional french fries, crispy roasted vegetables, or crunchy chips, these fried accompaniments provide a satisfying contrast to the melted cheese. Adding tangy and zesty pickles like dill pickles, kimchi, or sauerkraut enhances the overall taste experience, providing a refreshing and vibrant bite.
So the next time you indulge in a grilled cheese, consider elevating it to new heights by incorporating fried foods and pickles for a truly unforgettable meal. In conclusion, the perfect accompaniments to a grilled cheese sandwich can elevate your meal to new levels of satisfaction.
Whether you choose to pair your sandwich with a comforting soup like tomato, butternut squash, or cream corn chowder, or opt for a refreshing side salad like cucumber salad, coleslaw, or spinach salad, there are endless possibilities to suit your taste buds. Additionally, fried foods like french fries, roasted/air-fried vegetables, or chips provide a delightful crunch, while pickles such as dill pickles, kimchi, or sauerkraut add tanginess and complexity.
The key is to find the perfect balance to complement the rich and gooey texture of the grilled cheese. So, the next time you enjoy a grilled cheese, don’t forget to explore these delicious pairings your taste buds will thank you.