Easy Side Dishes for Grilled Cheese: 35+ Tasty Pairing Ideas
Are you wondering what to serve with grilled cheese? I’ve got you covered with over 35 perfect side dishes for grilled cheese that will make your meal extra special.
From classic tomato soup to unique pairings like grilled peaches, these sides will transform your simple sandwich into a memorable feast.
You’ll find something perfect here, whether you want comfort food or healthy options. Let’s explore these tasty companions that go perfectly with your favorite melty sandwich!
What is Grilled Cheese?
Grilled cheese sandwich started as a simple Depression-era meal. Today, it’s comfort food royalty! Two slices of buttered bread hugging melted cheese, grilled until golden brown. I love how it begs for tasty sides to make it a complete meal.
What to Serve with Grilled Cheese?
Your classic grilled cheese deserves great company! I’ve grouped these sides into soups, salads, veggies, proteins, and creative options. Each category brings something special to your plate.
Classic Soups to Pair with Grilled Cheese
Nothing beats dunking a crispy grilled cheese into warm, comforting soup. These soul-warming combinations will make your taste buds dance with joy. Here are my favorite soupy sidekicks:
- Tomato Basil Soup: The classic partner! I love how the creamy, bright soup complements the rich, melted cheese. The fresh basil adds an aromatic twist that makes this pairing absolutely perfect.
- Vegetable Soup: This hearty soup packs nutrients and flavor. The colorful veggies add different textures and make your meal more filling. Plus, it helps balance out the richness of your sandwich.
- Potato Soup: Talk about comfort food heaven! The creamy potato soup makes every bite feel like a warm hug. It’s especially good on cold days when you need extra coziness.
- Chicken Noodle Soup: Sometimes I want something lighter but still satisfying. The clear broth and tender chicken pieces work surprisingly well with grilled cheese. It’s like a hug in a bowl!
- Sauerkraut Soup: This tangy soup cuts through the richness of the cheese perfectly. It’s an unexpected pairing that really works! The fermented flavors add complexity to your meal.
Need more soup ideas with grilled cheese? Check out our guide on what soup goes with grilled cheese.
Easy Salads That Complement Grilled Cheese
Fresh, crispy salads balance the richness of grilled cheese perfectly. These green companions add crunch and freshness to every bite. Let’s explore these leafy friends:
- Simple Green Salad: Sometimes basic is best! Fresh lettuce, tomatoes, and cucumbers with light vinaigrette keep things fresh and easy. You’ll love how it cleanses your palate between bites of your warm, cheesy sandwich.
- Caesar Salad: The garlicky dressing and crunchy croutons make this a perfect match. I love how the romaine lettuce stays crisp against the warm sandwich. Looking for more ideas? Check out what to serve with Caesar salad.
- Spinach Salad: Dark, leafy spinach leaves pack tons of nutrients. I add strawberries and almonds to mine for sweetness and crunch. The iron-rich spinach makes this combo feel almost virtuous!
- Potato Salad: Creamy, tangy potato salad brings comfort food vibes. The mayo-based dressing echoes the richness of your grilled cheese while adding new flavors. It’s like a hug on your plate!
- Broccoli Salad: Crunchy broccoli florets with bacon bits and creamy dressing? Yes, please! This salad stays crisp and adds great texture. Plus, it’s packed with vitamins that balance out your meal.
- Creamy Coleslaw: The cool, crunchy cabbage with creamy dressing is a perfect match. I love how the tangy slaw cuts through the rich cheese. It’s like having a deli-style lunch at home!
- Macaroni Salad: This picnic favorite brings fun pasta shapes and creamy comfort. The cold pasta with crunchy veggies makes every bite interesting. It’s especially good when your grilled cheese is extra hot!
- Waldorf Salad: Sweet apples, grapes, and walnuts make this salad special. The fruit adds brightness while celery brings crunch. The creamy dressing ties everything together beautifully.
- Arugula Salad with Pine Nuts: Peppery arugula leaves wake up your taste buds! The pine nuts add richness, while a light lemon dressing keeps things bright. It’s fancy enough for company but easy enough for every day.
Vegetable-Based Sides for Grilled Cheese
Looking to add some veggie goodness to your meal? These colorful sides bring nutrients and exciting flavors to your plate. Each one adds its own special touch!
- Roasted Vegetables: I love how the caramelized edges of roasted veggies complement a gooey grilled cheese. The slight char brings out natural sweetness, while different textures keep things interesting.
- Sliced Tomatoes: Fresh, juicy tomato slices bring brightness to your plate. They’re like having the tomato soup experience but in solid form! A sprinkle of salt makes them perfect.
- French Fries: Crispy, golden fries are always a winner! I love dunking both my sandwich and fries in some ketchup. The salty crunch makes every bite better.
- Sweet Potato Fries: The sweet-and-salty combo is unbeatable! These orange beauties bring vitamin A and natural sweetness. A sprinkle of cinnamon makes them extra special.
- Dill Pickles: These tangy cucumbers cut through rich cheese perfectly. The vinegary crunch refreshes your palate between bites. Try my favorite dips with them: dipping sauce for fried pickles.
- Green Bean Casserole: Creamy, crunchy, and totally comforting! The crispy onion topping adds a fun texture while green beans keep things wholesome.
- Baked Parmesan Zucchini Rounds: These crispy coins are like healthy chips! The parmesan adds extra cheese flavor that works great with your sandwich.
- Fried Onion Rings: Golden, crispy rings bring the fun factor! They’re like wearing a crown with your grilled cheese kingdom. The sweet onion flavor is just perfect.
- Tomato Jam: This sweet-savory spread takes your meal up a notch! It’s like fancy ketchup that makes everything taste better. Spread it on your sandwich or use as a dip.
Want more veggie ideas with the main course? Check out vegetable sides for fried fish.
Protein-rich Sides to Serve with Grilled Cheese
Want to make your grilled cheese meal more filling? These protein-packed sides will do the trick! Each option adds staying power to your plate.
- Garlic Butter Shrimp: Succulent shrimp in garlicky butter sauce? Yes, please! The seafood brings elegance to your humble sandwich.
- Coconut Shrimp: Crispy, tropical vibes meet comfort food! The sweet coconut coating brings fun texture and flavor. It’s like a vacation with your sandwich. Want more shrimp ideas? Check out dipping sauces for shrimp.
- Cauliflower Mac and Cheese: Double the cheesy goodness! This low-carb side brings creamy comfort without heavy pasta. The roasted cauliflower adds nutty flavors that work great.
- Cheese Curds: These squeaky cheese bites are pure fun! They’re like little cheese bombs that make your meal more exciting. Try them with marinara for dipping.
- Parmesan Potato Chips: Crunchy, cheesy, and totally addictive! The parmesan coating makes regular chips extra special. They’re perfect for scooping up any melted cheese that escapes your sandwich.
Unique and Creative Sides for Grilled Cheese
Let’s think outside the box! These creative sides bring unexpected flavors that really work.
- Chakalaka: This spicy South African vegetable relish brings bold flavors to your grilled cheese. The mix of baked beans, carrots, peppers, tomatoes and beans adds exciting texture and warmth
- Applesauce: Sweet, smooth, and surprisingly perfect! The cool applesauce balances hot, melty cheese. It’s like having dessert with your meal.
- Sauerkraut: Once I paired grilled cheese with sauerkraut, instead of the usual coleslaw, it was a game change. Tangy fermented cabbage cuts through rich cheese perfectly. It’s a German-inspired pairing that makes so much sense!
- German Red Cabbage: Sweet and sour flavors make this side special. The warm spices and tender cabbage complement your sandwich beautifully.
Fruity Additions for Grilled Cheese
Fresh fruits bring a sweet balance to your savory sandwich. These bright bites refresh your palate and add natural sweetness!
- Apple Slices: I don’t miss them! Crisp, sweet-tart apples wake up your taste buds. They’re like nature’s palate cleanser between bites of gooey cheese.
- Bananas: Caramelized banana slices bring dessert vibes! The sweet, creamy fruit makes your meal feel special. Try them grilled for extra yum!
- Cherries: These juicy gems add bursts of flavor! Fresh or dried, cherries bring sweet-tart magic to your plate.
- Oranges: Bright citrus segments refresh your palate! The sweet-acid balance works surprisingly well with melted cheese.
- Grilled Peaches: Warm, caramelized peaches are heaven! The sweet fruit gets even better with a honey drizzle.
- Wild Blueberries: Tiny bursts of sweet-tart flavor! These little berries add antioxidants and fun purple spots to your plate.
Conclusion
Side dishes for grilled cheese transform a simple sandwich into an exciting meal.
From classic tomato soup to unexpected pairs like grilled peaches, each side brings something special to your plate.
Mix and match these options to create your perfect combo! Remember, the best side dish is one that makes you smile.
So get creative, try new pairings, and enjoy making your grilled cheese adventures even better!
