Wondering what to serve with grilled cheese sandwiches? I've got you covered! I've compiled a list of 35+ of the best options that pair perfectly with this lunch time classic. From dips and soups to salads and dessert, I've got plenty of ideas for you!
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What's not to love about a grilled cheese? Cheesy, buttery and toasty- it is one of my favorite comfort foods (and often the only thing I want when I'm sick).
Whether keeping it plain with just bread, butter and cheese (and maybe some sort of delicious, healthy spread), or making something a bit more fancy like a Chimichurri Chicken Grilled Cheese, this sandwich is always a crowd-pleaser.
Whenever I'm making one, my first instinct is to pair it with a bowl of tomato soup (always a good choice!). But I've been trying not to limit this fabulous handheld to one side dish. And there are a lot of other sides that go great with tomato soup.
And so I've come up with this extensive collection of recipes to make for the next time you're having a melty grilled cheese. (If you need inspo for another type of sandwich, see this list of healthy sandwich sides).
I hope this post give you plenty of tasty inspiration!
Sauces and Dips
Take your cheesy sandwich to the next level by dipping it into one of these flavorful sauces!
1. Pizza Sauce- I love the way that this easy recipe is a nod to dipping your grilled cheese in tomato soup. And it's fantastic if you added ham or Italian sausage to your sandwich for extra pizza inspired flavor.
2. Hummus- Either as a dip to the sandwich itself or as a dip to some vegetables alongside, I love serving dill pickle hummus with grilled cheese as I find the pickle flavor such a perfect pairing.
3. Santa Fe Ranch- This zesty Greek yogurt based dip adds some taco-inspired flavors to your sandwich.
4. Barbecue Sauce- This homemade BBQ sauce is naturally sweetened and perfect for giving your grilled cheese some southwest flare.
5. Tomato Jam- I know ketchup is a common condiment to grilled cheese but I'm personally just not a fan. Tomato jam though is super flavorful and wonderful as a dip or even spread on your sandwich.
6. Applesauce- I love spreading applesauce or apple butter on my grilled cheese (apple + cheese= almost as good as peanut butter and chocolate!). But it would also be a tasty dip (or even side) to your sandwich.
Garnishes
Another great option for taking your hearty sandwich up a level is to serve it with some tasty garnishes.
7. Fresh Herbs- Depending on the kind of cheese(s) you use, try serving adding some chopped fresh herbs such as parsley, basil (great with mozzarella), chives (with cheddar), dill (with havarti) or cilantro.
8. pickles- I will choose dill pickles in all situations, but sweet pickles or a different type of pickled vegetable (such as pickled onions, beets or carrots) would all add some flavor and crunch.
9. Sliced Tomatoes- It's no secret that tomatoes and cheese are friends, so why not try a fresh sliced tomato with your sandwich?
Finger Foods
Tasty finger foods make a great side dish to grilled cheese (or side to any sandwich, really) and there are plenty of delicious, healthy options!
10. French Fries or Potato Wedges- This easy side dish is crispy, perfectly seasoned and one of the best sides for grilled cheese (and well, anything)!
11. Baked Sweet Plantains- A fun alternative to fries, these are crispy on the outside, creamy on the inside and the perfect combination of salty and sweet.
12. Sweet Potato Fries- Sweet and crispy, these make a perfect side dish to your creamy grilled cheese. Use sweet potatoes in place of regular potatoes in my baked fries recipe.
13. Onion Rings- A family favorite side dish, onion rings are a great addition to your plate. To keep them on the healthier side, you can try this baked version.
14. Fresh Vegetables (Aka: Crudite)- For a healthy side dish, serve some sliced carrots, cucumbers, cherry tomatoes or whatever other fresh veggies you enjoy best with your grilled cheese for a great way to make it a complete meal. Feel free to serve them with a dip, too (I love using Cashew Queso Dip).
Salads
Sandwiches and salads are a natural pairing and make the perfect meal. Whether you want something light and green like an arugula salad or something hearty and creamy like potato, here are a few great options.
15. Caesar Salad- Always a great accompaniment to grilled cheese.
16. Spinach Salad- Try this green salad which features balsamic vinegar poppy seed dressing, mixed berries and crunchy nuts.
17. Potato Salad- For a heartier option, my recipe, which is made with Greek yogurt in place of mayo, is perfect.
18. Mediterranean Salad- With crunchy vegetables, hearty chickpeas and creamy feta cheese, this is always a great choice if you want a veggie-packed salad but don't want leafy greens.
19. Pasta Salad- Like potato salad, pasta or macaroni salad is a filling side to serve with your cheesy sandwich.
20. Santa Fe Salad- My all-time favorite salad, this is definitely my number one choice if I'm having greens with my grilled cheese.
21. Slaw- Whether you prefer classic, Chimichurri or this Lemon Tahini Slaw version, coleslaw is an easy and satisfying pairing for grilled cheese.
22. Broccoli Salad- Full of flavor and texture this delicious side dish works surprisingly well with grilled cheese sandwiches.
Soups
While I love all of the different healthy sides that you can serve with grilled cheese, will always be the greatest to me! I would hands-down always choose this delicious meal combination first.
23. Tomato Soup- An absolute classic with a grilled cheese (though you can serve tomato soup with a different side...), this soup is like its very best friend.
24. Pumpkin Soup- This is great alongside a grilled cheese, especially one made with some autumn flavors.
25. Borscht- Full of hearty vegetables and a tomato base, I love this soup alongside a grilled cheese sandwich.
26. Chicken Noodle Soup- This broth-y soup is an absolute comfort food so it should be no surprise that it makes a good accompaniment to grilled cheese.
27. Potato Soup- This creamy soup is delicious and hearty side for your sandwich.
Vegetables
When looking for healthy alternatives to serve as a side to your sandwiches, these vegetable dishes are all great options.
28. Roasted Carrots and Asparagus- An easy side that pairs with almost anything, these roasted vegetables are a tasty way to add more plants to your plate.
29. Sautéed Green Beans- Made using frozen green beans, this simple recipe is quick, easy and delicious!
30. Onion Roasted Potatoes- If fries are a good side with grilled cheese, then I don't see any reason why roasted potatoes wouldn't be!
Sweets
And last but certainly not least, if you're looking for a sweet side to serve with your grilled cheese (or dessert), here are some suggestions.
31. Fresh Fruit- Sliced apples, fresh strawberries, cherries, peaches. Any fruit that you love will pair nicely. Try making some chocolate hummus for a dip.
32. Apple Nachos- These thinly sliced apples are topped with nut butter, granola and seeds for a fun way to eat your "apple-a-day".
33. Chocolate Chip Cookies- Easily packed along, chocolate chip cookies are timeless and always a crowd pleaser.
34. Fruit Salad- If the vegetable salads above didn't suit you, try enjoying a fruit salad instead!
35. Rice Paper Candy Straws- This homemade, fruity spin on candy straws is a fun and sweet side to your sandwich.
Hopefully you have found plenty of inspiration for what to serve with grilled cheese in this post! If you're making a different kind of sandwich, check out this post on 34 Delicious and Healthy Sides to Serve with Sandwiches.
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