What to Eat with Grilled Cheese – 18 Yummy Side Dishes

There’s nothing like grilled cheese – it’s simple, comforting, and always satisfying. But what should you serve as a side dish?

I remember the time I tried to serve my grilled cheese with a side of broccoli. It was a total disaster. The broccoli was soggy, and the grilled cheese was dry. Not a good combination! Since then, I’ve learned my lesson, and now I always make sure to choose side dishes that will complement the grilled cheese.

Keep reading as we’ll explore a variety of mouth-watering options that will perfectly complement your grilled cheese sandwich. From creamy Butternut Squash Soup to crunchy Coleslaw, we’ve got something for everyone. So what are you waiting for?

Here are some of my favorites:

Sides for Grilled Cheese:

1. Bean and Corn Salad
2. Butternut Squash Soup
3. Fresh Salad
4. Fruit Salad
5. Baked Avocado with Eggs and Bacon
6. Chutney
7. Tomato Soup
8. Ketchup and Mustard
9. Pickles
10. Marinara Sauce
11. Brussels Sprouts
12. Fries
13. Coleslaw

Bean and Corn Salad

This first option might be the perfect side dish for you: bean and corn salad. This nutrient-packed salad is a mix of heat and sweet, and it’s the perfect delicious side for your grilled cheese sandwich.

And the best part is, that you can be playful with your additions. So go ahead and add some chopped tomatoes, green onions, or even a little avocado.

The best way to serve a Bean and Corn Salad as a side for grilled cheese is to place a scoop on top of your sandwich. This way, you’ll get a little bit of salad in every bite!

Butternut Squash Soup

This soup is the perfect side dish for grilled cheese for a few reasons. First, it’s creamy and delicious. The sweetness of the squash pairs perfectly with the savory flavors of grilled cheese.

This vitamin-packed soup is not only scrumptious but also packed with nutrients like vitamin A and antioxidants. Its vibrant orange color is the perfect complement to a melt-in-your-mouth grilled cheese sandwich.

Additionally, it’s easy to make. You can either buy pre-made soup or whip up a batch from scratch.

If you’re feeling really adventurous, you can even try roasting the squash yourself! Just cut it in half, remove the seeds, and place it face down on a baking sheet. Then, bake at 375 degrees for about 45 minutes.

Once the squash is roasted, simply place it in a blender with some chicken broth and blend until smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Then, ladle the soup into a bowl and serve it alongside the grilled cheese sandwich.

Fresh Salad

Some people might think that a salad is too light to be a satisfying side dish for a grilled cheese sandwich. But let me tell you, salads are nutritious, versatile, and easy to make – everything you could want in a side dish!

Plus, there’s no need to limit yourself to plain old iceberg lettuce.

There are endless possibilities when it comes to combining veggies, fruits, and cheeses and a grilled cheese sandwich is the perfect vehicle for delivering fresh salad to your mouth. The crispy bread pairs perfectly with the crunch of fresh veggies, and the melty cheese pulls it all together.

For this side dish, I like to keep things simple. I’ll usually just chop up some tomatoes, cucumbers, and red onions and mix them together in a bowl. Then, I’ll add a little bit of olive oil, vinegar, salt, and pepper.

You can also get creative with your salad additions. Try adding some chopped fruit like strawberries or grapes. Or, if you’re feeling really fancy, try making a grilled cheese sandwich with avocado and tomato salad inside!

Fruit Salad

As we continue with salads, it’s worth noting that a fruit salad is another excellent side dish for a grilled cheese sandwich. First of all, it’s a nice change of pace from the day-to-day roasted vegetables or potato chips.

Secondly, it’s not too heavy, so it won’t weigh down the sandwich.

Thirdly, the balance of salt and sweetness in the salad helps to cut through the richness of the cheese. And lastly, the mix of fruits in the salad provides a beautiful contrast to the gooeyness of the cheese.

To make this side dish, simply mix together your favorite fruits. I like to use a combination of berries, grapes, and chopped apples. Then, I add a little bit of honey and lemon juice to help balance out the flavors.

Likewise, you can also get creative with your fruit salad by adding some chopped nuts or mint leaves.

If you’re feeling really adventurous, try grilling the fruit before adding it to the salad! This will give the salad a smoky flavor that pairs perfectly with grilled cheese.

Baked Avocado with Eggs and Bacon

I enjoy making my Grilled Cheese Sandwich with a side of Baked Avocado with Eggs and Bacon.

The combination of flavors is simply unbeatable, and the crisp bacon and creamy avocado add an extra level of deliciousness that takes the classic sandwich to new heights. Plus, the bacon adds a nice smoky flavor.

And for me, this is truly a superb accompaniment to any grilled cheese sandwich!

Did I mention, that it’s so easy to make?

I simply bake some eggs in avocado halves, then top them with crumbled bacon and shredded cheese

Chutney

As you might have guessed, I’m a big fan of grilled cheese sandwiches. They’re ooey- gooey, and all-around delicious.

But you know what makes them even better?

Chutney!

Why does it go well as a side dish, you ask?

Let me tell you. First of all, it adds hints of spice to the sandwich, giving it an extra zing. And secondly, the sweetness of the chutney helps to cut through the richness of the cheese.

Plus, it’s super simple to prepare!

For this side dish, I like to use a combination of mangoes, apricots, and ginger. I simply chop up the fruit and mix it together in a bowl. Then, I add a little bit of sugar, vinegar, and salt to taste.

Tomato Soup

The bright hue of a velvety tomato soup tantalizingly peeks out from behind a grilled cheese sandwich, tempting you to take a bite.

And what a delicious bite it is!

The soup’s tangy flavor perfectly complements the melted cheese and crispy bread of the sandwich, making it the perfect accompaniment.

Ultimately, when serving grilled cheese, you can’t go wrong, including a piping hot bowl of tomato soup on the side.

Ketchup and Mustard

This next duo is here to make their mark. While ketchup and mustard may be simple condiments, they make an excellent side dish for grilled cheese sandwiches.

For one thing, they’re convenient, and all you have to do is dip your sandwich in and enjoy.

Plus, they add a delicious tangy flavor that takes the sandwich up a notch. I like to pair ketchup with cheddar cheese and mustard with Swiss cheese, but you can really use any combination you like.

After all, ketchup and mustard are more than just condiments – they’re part of the meal.

Pickles

Grilled cheese and pickles are a classic combination for a reason. The acidic, sour pickles help to balance out the rich, creamy grilled cheese.

Plus, they make a great side dish!

I like to add a few thinly sliced pickles to my grilled cheese sandwich, along with some sharp cheddar cheese and a sprinkle of herbs. The result is a delicious, hearty sandwich that’s perfect for any time of day.

Marinara Sauce

It is a flavorsome side that will make your cheese sandwich taste like pizza and have you coming back for more.

The sauce is also comforting, making it the perfect side dish for any grilled cheese lover.

Brussels Sprouts

Brussels sprouts may not be the first vegetable that comes to mind when you think of grilled cheese, but trust me, they’re a perfect match! The slightly bitter flavor of Brussels sprouts pairs perfectly with the rich, cheesy goodness of a grilled cheese sandwich.

Plus, they add a touch of sophistication to what is otherwise a fairly simple dish.

Therefore, whether you roast or sauté your Brussels sprouts, I guarantee they’ll be a delicious and welcome addition to your grilled cheese sandwich.

Fries

Fries are my favorite side dish for grilled cheese sandwiches. They can be baked or deep-fried, and they’re very filling.

Plus, you can spruce them up with all sorts of toppings. My personal favorite is to top them with grilled onions and mushrooms.

But you can also add ketchup, mustard, or even mayonnaise.

All in all, fries are a delicious and easy-to-make side dish for your grilled cheese sandwich.

Coleslaw

There are a million reasons to love coleslaw, but did you know that it also makes an excellent side dish for grilled cheese sandwiches?

That’s right, vegan or not, this foolproof side dish is the perfect way to add a little dazzle to your next grilled cheese sandwich.

Further coleslaw is mildly sweet, and it provides a great balance to the savory flavors of grilled cheese. It’s also very easy to make. Just mix together some shredded cabbage, carrots, and vegan mayo, and you’re good to go.

This side dish is the perfect way to take your sandwich from good to great!

FAQ

What kind of bread should I use for grilled cheese?

The best bread to use for a grilled cheese sandwich is hearty, crusty bread. This will ensure that the sandwich holds together well and doesn’t fall apart when you take a bite.

What cheese should I use for grilled cheese?

The best cheese to use for a grilled cheese sandwich is sharp cheddar. This will give the sandwich a delicious, sharp flavor that pairs well with the other ingredients.

In Summary

A grilled cheese sandwich is a classic dish that can be enjoyed with a variety of different side dishes.

Each side dish brings its own unique flavor to the table, making grilled cheese an even more enjoyable experience. With so many delicious options to choose from, you can’t go wrong!

Now that you know this, get out there and try some new side dishes for your grilled cheese sandwich today.