Grilled cheese sandwiches are a timeless comfort food, beloved for their simplicity and deliciousness. Whether you’re making a classic American grilled cheese or experimenting with gourmet variations, finding the right accompaniments can elevate your meal to new heights. This comprehensive guide explores what goes well with grilled cheese, from sides and beverages to complementary dishes and desserts. By the end, you’ll have a well-rounded understanding of how to create a satisfying and balanced meal centered around this classic dish.
What Goes Well with Grilled Cheese?
Sides
Soups
Soups are a classic and comforting side that pairs perfectly with grilled cheese.
| Soup Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Tomato Soup | Creamy and tangy, enhances the flavors of grilled cheese. |
| Chicken Noodle Soup | Classic and comforting, balances the meal. |
| Butternut Squash Soup | Rich and creamy, adds depth to the meal. |
Tomato Soup
Tomato soup is a creamy and tangy classic that perfectly complements grilled cheese.
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Tomatoes | 4 cups, chopped |
| Onion | 1, chopped |
| Garlic | 2 cloves, minced |
| Chicken Broth | 2 cups |
| Heavy Cream | 1/2 cup |
| Basil | 1 tbsp, chopped |
Chicken Noodle Soup
Chicken noodle soup adds a hearty and comforting touch to your meal.
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Chicken Breast | 1 lb, cooked and shredded |
| Carrots | 1 cup, sliced |
| Celery | 1 cup, sliced |
| Onion | 1, chopped |
| Egg Noodles | 2 cups |
| Chicken Broth | 6 cups |
| Parsley | 1 tbsp, chopped |
Butternut Squash Soup
Butternut squash soup is rich and creamy, adding depth to the grilled cheese experience.
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Butternut Squash | 4 cups, chopped |
| Onion | 1, chopped |
| Garlic | 2 cloves, minced |
| Vegetable Broth | 4 cups |
| Heavy Cream | 1/2 cup |
| Nutmeg | 1/4 tsp |
Salads
Salads provide a fresh and crunchy contrast to the rich flavors of grilled cheese.
| Salad Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Caesar Salad | Crisp romaine lettuce with Caesar dressing, croutons, and Parmesan cheese. |
| Greek Salad | Combines cucumbers, tomatoes, feta cheese, olives, and a tangy dressing. |
| Spinach Salad | Fresh spinach with a light vinaigrette, bacon bits, and boiled eggs. |
Caesar Salad
A Caesar salad provides a creamy and savory balance to grilled cheese.
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Romaine Lettuce | 4 cups, chopped |
| Croutons | 1 cup |
| Parmesan Cheese | 1/2 cup, grated |
| Caesar Dressing | 1/2 cup |
| Lemon Juice | 1 tbsp |
Greek Salad
A Greek salad adds a Mediterranean flair to your meal, complementing the flavors of grilled cheese.
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Cucumbers | 1 cup, chopped |
| Tomatoes | 1 cup, chopped |
| Feta Cheese | 1/2 cup, crumbled |
| Olives | 1/4 cup, sliced |
| Red Onion | 1/4 cup, sliced |
| Olive Oil | 2 tbsp |
| Red Wine Vinegar | 1 tbsp |
Spinach Salad
A spinach salad is a healthy and refreshing side that pairs well with grilled cheese.
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Fresh Spinach | 4 cups |
| Bacon Bits | 1/2 cup |
| Boiled Eggs | 2, sliced |
| Red Onion | 1/4 cup, sliced |
| Vinaigrette | 1/4 cup |
Starches
Starchy sides provide a hearty complement to grilled cheese.
| Starch Type | Description |
|---|---|
| French Fries | Crispy and salty, a classic pairing. |
| Sweet Potato Fries | Sweet and savory, offers a twist on the classic. |
| Potato Salad | Creamy and tangy, balances the flavors of grilled cheese. |
French Fries
French fries are a crispy and salty classic that pairs well with grilled cheese.
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Potatoes | 4, sliced |
| Vegetable Oil | 4 cups |
| Salt | To taste |
Sweet Potato Fries
Sweet potato fries offer a sweet and savory twist on the classic fries.
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Sweet Potatoes | 4, sliced |
| Vegetable Oil | 4 cups |
| Salt | To taste |
| Paprika | 1 tsp |
Potato Salad
Potato salad is creamy and tangy, providing a balanced side for grilled cheese.
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Potatoes | 4 cups, boiled and chopped |
| Mayonnaise | 1 cup |
| Mustard | 2 tbsp |
| Celery | 1/2 cup, chopped |
| Onion | 1/4 cup, chopped |
| Pickles | 1/4 cup, chopped |
| Salt and Pepper | To taste |
Beverages
Wines
Wine is an excellent beverage choice to pair with grilled cheese, enhancing the meal’s flavors.
| Wine Type | Description |
|---|---|
| White Wine | Pairs well with mild cheeses. |
| Red Wine | Complements sharp cheeses. |
| Rosé Wine | Versatile option that works with various fillings. |
White Wine
White wines like Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc pair well with mild cheese grilled cheese sandwiches.
| Wine Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Chardonnay | Rich and creamy, complements mild cheese flavors. |
| Sauvignon Blanc | Crisp and light, balances the flavors of grilled cheese. |
Red Wine
Red wines such as Merlot or Pinot Noir complement the rich flavors of sharp cheese grilled cheese sandwiches.
| Wine Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Merlot | Smooth and medium-bodied, enhances sharp cheese flavors. |
| Pinot Noir | Light and fruity, pairs well with a variety of cheeses. |
Rosé Wine
Rosé wine is a versatile choice that works well with various types of grilled cheese.
| Wine Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Rosé | Light and refreshing, pairs with various fillings. |
Non-Alcoholic Beverages
For those who prefer non-alcoholic options, there are plenty of choices to pair with grilled cheese.
| Beverage Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Sparkling Water | Refreshing and light, complements the meal without overpowering it. |
| Lemonade | Sweet and tangy, pairs well with grilled cheese. |
| Iced Tea | Versatile and refreshing, enhances the meal’s flavors. |
Desserts
Light Desserts
Light desserts provide a sweet ending without overwhelming the palate.
| Dessert Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Fruit Salad | Fresh fruits with a light syrup. |
| Sorbet | Refreshing and tangy frozen dessert. |
| Yogurt Parfait | Layers of yogurt, granola, and fresh fruit. |
Fruit Salad
A fruit salad is a light and refreshing dessert that complements grilled cheese.
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Strawberries | 1 cup, sliced |
| Blueberries | 1 cup |
| Kiwi | 2, sliced |
| Mango | 1, chopped |
| Honey | 2 tbsp |
| Lemon Juice | 1 tbsp |
Sorbet
Sorbet is a light and refreshing dessert that cleanses the palate.
| Flavor | Description |
|---|---|
| Lemon Sorbet | Tangy and refreshing, perfect for summer meals. |
| Raspberry Sorbet | Sweet and tart, pairs well with savory dishes. |
Yogurt Parfait
A yogurt parfait is a healthy and light dessert option.
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Greek Yogurt | 2 cups |
| Granola | 1 cup |
| Mixed Berries | 1 cup |
| Honey | 2 tbsp |
Complementary Dishes
Pickles
Pickles add a tangy crunch that pairs well with the richness of grilled cheese.
| Pick
| le Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Dill Pickles | Classic, tangy, and crunchy. |
| Bread and Butter Pickles | Sweet and tangy, with a unique flavor. |
| Spicy Pickles | Adds a bit of heat to the meal. |
Chips
Chips provide a crunchy texture that complements the soft and melty grilled cheese.
| Chip Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Potato Chips | Classic and salty, pairs well with grilled cheese. |
| Tortilla Chips | Crispy and perfect for dipping. |
| Veggie Chips | Healthy and flavorful, adds variety. |
Conclusion
Grilled cheese sandwiches are incredibly versatile and can be paired with a wide range of sides, beverages, and complementary dishes to create a well-rounded and satisfying meal. Whether you prefer classic tomato soup, a fresh Caesar salad, or crispy French fries, there are endless options to enhance your grilled cheese experience. Experiment with different pairings to find your favorites and enjoy the delicious simplicity of grilled cheese.
FAQs
What sides go well with grilled cheese?
Great sides for grilled cheese include soups like tomato or butternut squash soup, salads such as Caesar or Greek salad, and starchy sides like French fries or sweet potato fries.
What beverages pair well with grilled cheese?
Wines like Chardonnay, Merlot, and Rosé are excellent choices. Non-alcoholic options include sparkling water, lemonade, and iced tea.
What desserts complement grilled cheese?
Light desserts like fruit salad, sorbet, and yogurt parfait are perfect for balancing the rich flavors of grilled cheese.
What are some complementary dishes for grilled cheese?
Complementary dishes include pickles, which add a tangy crunch, and chips, which provide a satisfying texture contrast.
Are there specific wines that go well with gourmet grilled cheese?
Yes, white wines like Chardonnay pair well with mild cheese, while red wines such as Merlot complement sharp cheese flavors. Rosé is versatile and works with various fillings.