Kimchi Grilled Cheese
Take this classic sandwich to the next level with some Korean flair! Our Kimchi Grilled Cheese is for the kimchi lovers and non, adding so much flavor, just a little heat, and of course crunch, to create a perfectly toasted and unique cheddar grilled cheese!
Next, try our Kimchi Deviled Eggs!
My new favorite sandwich!! Our Kimchi Grilled Cheese is something I’ve been thinking about for a while now and also one that I can’t believe it took me so long to finally get around to making! It is so good and so easy to make. It takes all the classic elements of a grilled cheese you love, the toasted bread, and the melty cheese, but kicks it up a notch by adding flavor-packed kimchi and a touch of sweet caramelization. The combination makes an absolutely incredible unique grilled cheese recipe that even my not-a-fan-of-kimchi mom loved!
Ingredients Needed
- Sourdough Bread – This is our favorite bread for this unique grilled cheese because of its slightly tangy acidic flavor. And we love the size of this Seattle based company sourdough bread that we used, but Dan’s Como Bread or even our Hawaiian Sandwich Bread is also great! These slices are definitely on the larger size, if you use a smaller or more standard square sandwich bread, then you’ll likely be able to get 4 sandwiches.
- Kimchi – Now there are so many varieties out there, but I think that a classic kimchi is perfect for this, but you could also go for a more spicy take, by using your favorite spicy kimchi, too!
- Cheddar Cheese – This is hands-down the best cheese for grilled cheese sandwiches.
- Onion – White is our preferred for this recipe, but a sweet yellow would also be great!
- Brown Sugar – Just enough to help tamper and balance the heat of the kimchi and provide some caramelization.
- Sesame Oil – You could also use butter or olive oil, but we think that sesame oil adds the best flavor!
- Butter – This is for the bread to ensure the best toast on the bread on your grilled cheese!
Easy to Make
While this may take just a tad longer to make than your traditional grilled cheese sandwich, it’s also what makes this a unique grilled cheese! Sauteeing the onions and then adding some kimchi and just a touch of sugar to balance out the heat of the kimchi makes for the most delicious and unexpected pairing for that cheese!
What Kind of Kimchi to Use
As a staple banchan (side served with cooked rice) of Korean cooking, there are sooo many different kinds of kimchi out there! Stay tuned for ours, coming eventually, but in the meantime, you can use your favorite! Widely available in most major grocery stores now in the refrigerated section, you can find a beginner kimchi for those just starting to explore its complex Korean flavors or a for those looking for some heat, a spicy variety! When you’re ready to explore even more, head to your local Asian/Korean market to find an even wider variety!
This is a great brand of kimchi that you can find in a local Whole Foods or online, and here’s another that you can find in most Kroger brand stores.
A key step to any and all grilled cheese sandwiches, generously butter your bread! By buttering the outside of the bread, this will ensure the most delicious and flavorful crunch for your grilled sandwich.
Once the onion and kimchi mixture is done, then you’re ready to assemble your sandwich. A layer of cheese, a layer of kimchi, another layer of cheese, and then grilled to crispy perfection on each side!
We love our Finex cast iron skillet for this recipe, but you could absolutely use a flattop, griddle, or your favorite non-stick pan.
Kimchi Grilled Cheese! Seriously, this sandwich is good. It has the buttery crispy bread and ooey gooey cheese, but then this amazing flavorful kimchi with the sauteed onions just takes it all to the next level.
Recipe Tips
In our opinion, it’s cheddar all of the way! For this grilled cheese recipe specifically, the cheddar is what pairs best with the kimchi. Either thinly slice pieces off of a block and shred.
While you can absolutely choose to shred your cheddar cheese instead of using slices, however, stay away from pre-shredded cheese if you want to best melt. This is a good rule of thumb for any recipe that calls for shredded cheese and you want a nice gooey melted cheese, that’s because pre-shredded cheeses have anti-clumping preservatives added to them that also prevent the cheese from melting as nicely as cheese that’s freshly grated.
The best way to achieve the ultimate melty cheese without burning your bread, be sure to use low heat to give enough time for the cheese to melt and the bread to brown, but not burn.
This is not the time to skimp on the butter! You want those bread slices nice and generously buttered for the ultimate flavor and toast.
Now who doesn’t want to take a big bite out of this loaded grilled cheese? While it was still a little too much for my kiddos, my mom who does not like too much spice and is not a big fan of kimchi, loved it. While the kids are still more grilled cheese purists, this is one sandwich that my husband and I are more than happy to not have to share!
You Also Might Like
- Kimchi Coleslaw
- Kimchi Deviled Eggs
- Kimchi Sloppy Joes
- 20 Minute Gochujang Pasta
- Grilled Chicken Banh Mi
- Croque Monsieur
Enjoy! As always, if you make this recipe or any of my others, I love to hear what you think! Leave a comment below, email me, or you can find me on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest!
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Kimchi Grilled Cheese
Ingredients
- 4 large slices sourdough bread
- 4 tablespoons salted butter softened
- 2 cups kimchi
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1/2 large white onion thinly sliced
- 8 slices cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Prep the kimchi: Heat sesame oil in a large saute pan or cast iron on medium. Add onion and saute for 2-3 minutes until onions are softened. Add kimchi and saute for another minute before adding sugar and saute for another 3-4 minutes. Set aside.
- Prep Bread: Take the slices of bread and generously butter one side of each slice. Use approximatley 1/2 tablespoon for each side, dependent on how big your slices of sourdough are.
- Grill Sandwiches: Use either the pan you used for cooking the kimchi and onions, or a large griddle to grill your sandwiches. Heat to medium and add 1 tablespoon of butter and let melt. Turn the heat down to medium-low. Place 1 slice of bread butter side down, then layer 2 slices of cheese (or enough to cover the bread), the cooked kimchi, and then 2 more slices of cheese. Top with butter slice of bread, butter facing up. Let grill for 3-4 minutes until the cheese on the bottom piece of bread begins to melt and the bread is browned. Gently flip the sandwich, being careful not to lose the filling, and brown the other side for another 3-4 minutes until the cheese is melted and the bread toasted browned.
Wow! This is such a great idea for a sandwich dish! I just love this combination! It’s like a western combined with an Asian dish! It’s just so perfect! Loved it!
So wonderful to hear, Jamie! Thanks for sharing!
I love grilled cheese sandwiches, and this one was great! Probably my new favorite recipe for grilled cheese!
Wonderful to hear, Ann! Thanks so much for sharing!
This is such a fun twist on a regular grilled cheese! Love the tangy spicy flavors the kimchi adds!
Great to hear, Anjali! Thanks for sharing!
I love grilled cheese and I love Kimchi so I decided to give this recipe a try. It did not disappoint! Thanks for the great idea. That is nothing that I would have ever thought to put together!
So glad you enjoyed it, Holly! Thanks so much for sharing and taking the time to leave a review!