Kimchi Grilled Cheese (2024)

Pan-fried Kimchi Grilled Cheese is a level up from your classic grilled cheese sandwich! Melty, gooey cheese and tangy kimchi is sandwiched between two slices of crusty sourdough bread, cooked until golden-brown. No words!

Kimchi in a grilled cheese sandwich? YES! It tastes so, so good! The kimchi cuts through the richness of the cheese, and adds tangy and spicy flavors to this epic grilled cheese recipe.

What is kimchi?

Kimchi is a traditional Korean side dish made of pickled and fermented vegetables, usually with Napa cabbage and daikon radish. Other ingredients in kimchi often include garlic, ginger, sugar, fish sauce, and red pepper flakes.

Kimchi has been a staple in Korean households for centuries. It's often used as a condiment, a recipe ingredient, a dip, or a side dish on its own. And, best of all, kimchi is so good for you!

Know what else is good with kimchi? Mac and Cheese! Creamy Kimchi Mac and Cheese is comfort food in its purest form.This melty, cheesy recipe is a winner dinner the whole family will love!

Ingredients you'll need for this grilled cheese

This grilled cheese sandwich recipe is a no-brainer! And, it requires very few ingredients. Here's what you'll need:

[*See recipe card for quantities.]

• sourdough bread
• salted butter
• sliced cheddar cheese
• kimchi
• sliced gouda cheese

Making homemade sourdough bread is not as hard as you might think. Nothing tastes better than this kimchi grilled cheese made with right-out-of-the-oven, crusty sourdough bread! Learn how with this beginner sourdough recipe!

Substitutions and additions

• Bread - you can always use another crusty, artisan bread, like ciabatta or brioche.
• Cheese - feel free to use any melty cheese of your choice, like havarti or gruyere. And use more if you like it extra cheesy!
• Add more ingredients - you can get creative with this grilled cheese sandwich! Try adding some Korean gochujang, avocado slices, bacon, or green onions. There are no rules!
• Vegan - you can make this recipe vegan by using oil instead of butter, and vegan cheese that will melt. Choose a vegan kimchi that does not contain fish or shellfish.

How to make kimchi grilled cheese (quick and easy)

This is literally the easiest sandwich to make! You'll be taking your first bite out of this melty, gooeyKimchi Grilled Cheesein less than 15 minutes!

[*See recipe card for detailed instructions.]

1. Generously butter two slices of sourdough bread. Layer the sandwich with the cheese slices and kimchi.

2. Press the sandwich together, and pan-fry in a cast-iron pan over medium-high heat.

3. The sandwich should be golden brown on both sides and cheese melted through.

4. Ready to eat! Serve with a side of your favorite chips or Asian Slaw!

HELPFUL HINT: Make sure not to overheat the pan. You want the bread to brown slowly to give the cheese time to melt.

Storage

Store-bought kimchi will last in the fridge for a few months. Keep it fresh in a tight jar.

Common FAQ's

Want more korean-inspired recipes?

If you liked this Kimchi Grilled Cheese recipe, you're going to want these delicious Korean-inspired dishes too!

• Cauliflower Kimchi Fried Rice
• Creamy Kimchi Mac and Cheese
• Hot Dogs with Kimchi Slaw
• Korean Sweet Potato Noodles with Beef
• Instant Pot Korean-Inspired Pulled Pork
• Baked Korean Chicken Wings

Recipe notes

• You can always use whatever cheese you prefer in this sandwich, and add more cheese if you like it extra cheesy!
• You want the butter at room temperature so that it's easy to spread on the slices of bread. Alternatively, you can melt the butter in the skillet before you place the bread on top.
• Feel free to add more ingredients to yourKimchi Grilled Cheesesandwich, like honey,gochujang, avocado, or bacon. It's all good!
• Make sure not to overheat the cast iron pan. You want the bread to brown slowly to give the cheese time to melt.

Update Notes:This post was originally published on January 25, 2021, but was republished with slight text changes and additions, like step-by-step instructions, new images, and tips, inMarch 2023.

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