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What to Serve With Grilled Cheese: 15 Best Side Dishes

Grilled cheese sandwiches reach new heights when paired with delightful side dishes. Tomato soup is a classic choice, offering a warm, invigorating touch. Pickles provide a tangy contrast, enlivening each bite. Coleslaw adds a rejuvenating crunch, while French fries deliver a crispy, comforting texture. A fresh salad, with vibrant greens and tangy dressings, balances the sandwich's richness. You might also enjoy chicken noodle soup or apple slices for a sweet twist. For a unique spin, try onion rings or pasta salad. These sides will make your grilled cheese experience truly memorable. Discover more flavorful pairings that will excite your taste buds.

Tomato Soup

comforting homemade tomato soup

Tomato soup, with its rich and comforting flavors, serves as a classic and harmonious companion to grilled cheese. Originating in the 19th century, this beloved soup has a storied history.

It's not just delicious; it also offers health benefits, being rich in antioxidants and vitamins. Together, tomato soup and grilled cheese create a warm, satisfying meal that's both nutritious and delightful.

Pickles

crunchy tangy cucumber snack

Beyond the comforting warmth of tomato soup, pickles offer a tangy and invigorating contrast that elevates the grilled cheese experience. Their sharp, crisp flavor cuts through the richness of melted cheese, providing a delightful flavor contrast.

Opt for homemade varieties to enhance the pairing even further, as the customized brine can add unique flavors, making each bite of your sandwich truly memorable.

Coleslaw

tasty and refreshing side dish

Coleslaw brings an invigorating crunch and a hint of acidity that complements the gooey richness of grilled cheese sandwiches.

A homemade recipe allows you to tailor the flavors, exploring variations like tangy vinegar-based or creamy mayonnaise-based versions.

This side dish not only adds texture but also balances the savory elements, making it an excellent choice for enhancing your grilled cheese experience.

French Fries

fast food indulgence delight

French fries offer a classic and satisfying accompaniment to grilled cheese, providing a delightful contrast in texture and flavor.

Whether you opt for traditional fries, sweet potato variations, or the playful twists of curly fries, each option brings its unique taste and crunch.

These versatile sides complement the gooey, cheesy goodness of the sandwich, making for a well-rounded and enjoyable meal.

Fresh Salad

delicious healthy colorful mix

A fresh salad introduces a burst of invigorating textures and vibrant flavors that perfectly balance the rich, melted cheese of a grilled cheese sandwich.

Consider pairing the sandwich with seasonal greens like arugula or spinach. Explore dressing options such as tangy vinaigrettes or creamy ranch to enhance the salad.

This combination creates a light, revitalizing contrast to the hearty sandwich.

Potato Chips

crunchy salty snack favorite

While a fresh salad brings a light and invigorating element, the satisfying crunch of potato chips offers a delightful contrast to the gooey richness of a grilled cheese sandwich.

Homemade chips, with their unique flavors, elevate this pairing. Whether seasoned with sea salt or spiced with paprika, these crispy delights add a burst of flavor and texture, making each bite more enjoyable.

Fruit Salad

colorful and healthy mix

A vibrant fruit salad introduces an invigorating and sweet contrast to the savory flavors of a grilled cheese sandwich. Utilizing seasonal varieties guarantees the freshest and most flavorful experience.

Enhance the salad with a light citrus dressing, which adds a revitalizing zest. This combination not only complements the sandwich but also provides a delightful mix of textures and tastes.

Veggie Sticks

healthy snack option choice

Crunchy veggie sticks offer a revitalizing and nutritious accompaniment to a grilled cheese sandwich. Their colorful presentation enhances the meal's visual appeal, making it more inviting.

Pairing these sticks with various dipping sauces, such as ranch or hummus, adds flavor and variety. This combination not only balances the richness of the cheese but also provides a healthy contrast that everyone will enjoy.

Baked Beans

family picnic with beans

For a heartier accompaniment to grilled cheese, baked beans offer a savory and satisfying option.

Originating from Native American cuisine, baked beans have a rich history.

They come in various flavor variations, from sweet molasses to tangy tomato-based sauces.

This versatility allows them to complement the gooey goodness of grilled cheese, making for a balanced and enjoyable meal.

Macaroni Salad

not your average recipe

Complementing the comforting flavors of grilled cheese, macaroni salad brings a creamy and tangy element to the meal. Utilizing various pasta types like elbow macaroni, it offers a delightful texture.

Ideal for picnic ideas, this side dish is easy to prepare and transport. Its blend of mayonnaise, vinegar, and fresh vegetables creates a perfect balance, making it an excellent pairing.

Roasted Veggies

healthy and delicious meal

Roasted veggies add a savory and wholesome dimension to the meal, enhancing the flavors of grilled cheese with their caramelized goodness.

Opt for seasonal choices like carrots, bell peppers, or zucchini. Use simple cooking techniques such as tossing the veggies in olive oil, salt, and pepper before roasting.

This side dish not only complements the cheesy sandwich but also provides a nutritious balance.

Chicken Noodle Soup

capturing the warmth perfectly

A steaming bowl of chicken noodle soup pairs perfectly with grilled cheese, offering a comforting and hearty addition to the meal.

This classic combination is made even better with a homemade recipe, allowing for noodle variations to suit any palate.

Whether using egg noodles or rotini, the richness of the soup complements the crisp, cheesy goodness of the sandwich flawlessly.

Apple Slices

healthy snack option

For an invigorating and crisp counterpart to the rich flavors of grilled cheese, consider adding a serving of fresh apple slices to your meal. Different apple varieties, such as Granny Smith and Honeycrisp, offer unique tastes and textures.

Beyond their delightful crunch, apples provide numerous health benefits, including fiber and vitamins. This combination creates a balanced, satisfying dining experience that's both nutritious and delicious.

Onion Rings

crunchy fried appetizer delight

Onion rings provide a savory, crunchy side dish that perfectly complements the melty goodness of grilled cheese. They add a delightful texture and flavor contrast.

Homemade recipes for onion rings often yield the best results, ensuring a fresh, crisp bite. Pair them with various dipping sauces, such as ketchup or garlic aioli, for an enhanced culinary experience that balances the richness of the grilled cheese.

Are the Same Side Dishes Suitable for Both Grilled Cheese and Blue Cheese Dip?

When it comes to the best side dishes for blue cheese dip, options like fresh-cut vegetables, pretzel chips, and warm breadsticks are always a hit. However, these may not be the most suitable choices for grilled cheese. While the dip pairs well with these options, grilled cheese is better complemented by classic sides like tomato soup or a simple salad.

Pasta Salad

refreshing summer pasta salad

Complementing the crispy texture of onion rings, pasta salad offers an invigorating and versatile side dish that pairs beautifully with the warmth and richness of grilled cheese.

The delightful flavor combinations, such as fresh vegetables and herbs, harmonize well with various dressing options like vinaigrette or creamy sauces.

This balance creates a rejuvenating contrast, making every bite of grilled cheese more enjoyable and satisfying.