We’ve all been there: a perfectly toasted grilled cheese sandwich in hand, yet something’s missing.
The classic comfort food is delicious, but pairing it with the right side dish can turn a simple meal into a memorable feast.
Don’t worry – we’ve got you covered. In this post, we’ll introduce 30 tasty side dishes that complement and enhance your favorite cheesy sandwich.
From crisp salads to hearty soups, crunchy vegetables, and savory dips, we’ll explore various options to suit every palate and occasion.
Get ready to discover new flavors and textures that will make your grilled cheese experience more exciting and satisfying.
Best Sides for Grilled Cheese
1. French Fries
Ingredients: Potatoes, salt, oil.
Taste Profile: Crispy exterior, soft interior, lightly salted.
Description: The ultimate comfort food pairing offers a satisfying crunch to contrast the gooey cheese.
2. Tomato Basil Soup
Ingredients: Tomatoes, basil, garlic, onion.
Taste Profile: Tangy and rich, with herbal notes from the basil.
Description: A classic combination that balances grilled cheese’s creamy richness with tomato’s tartness.
3. Onion Rings
Ingredients: Onions, flour, breadcrumbs, seasoning.
Taste Profile: Sweet and salty with a crispy coating.
Description: Adds a sweet and savory crunch, perfect for enhancing the cheesy goodness of grilled cheese.
4. Coleslaw
Ingredients: Cabbage, carrots, mayonnaise, vinegar.
Taste Profile: Creamy, tangy, and slightly sweet.
Description: A refreshing side that adds a crisp texture and tangy flavor, complementing the rich sandwich.
5. Sweet Potato Fries
Ingredients: Sweet potatoes, oil, salt.
Taste Profile: Sweet and salty with a crispy exterior.
Description: A healthier alternative to regular fries, these add a touch of sweetness to the savory grilled cheese.
6. Greek Salad
Ingredients: Tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, feta cheese, onions.
Taste Profile: Fresh, tangy, with a hint of saltiness from the feta.
Description: A light and refreshing side that balances the heaviness of the grilled cheese.
7. Coconut Shrimp
Ingredients: Shrimp, shredded coconut, flour, eggs.
Taste Profile: Sweet and savory with a crunchy exterior.
Description: This dish adds an exotic flair to your meal, pairing the rich cheese with the sweet, crunchy shrimp.
8. Fried Pickles
Ingredients: Pickles, flour, seasoning, oil.
Taste Profile: Tangy and salty with a crispy coating.
Description: Perfect for those who love a tangy kick, these pickles add a unique twist to the meal.
9. Baked Zucchini
Ingredients: Zucchini, olive oil, parmesan, garlic.
Taste Profile: Light and savory with a cheesy crust.
Description: A healthier option that adds a delicate, herb-infused flavor to your plate.
10. Potato Wedges
Ingredients: Potatoes, garlic, parmesan, olive oil.
Taste Profile: Crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, with a garlicky flavor.
Description: Hearty and flavorful, these wedges are a more robust alternative to fries.
Creative and Unique Sides for Grilled Cheese
11. Cauliflower Mac and Cheese
Ingredients: Cauliflower, cheese, milk, flour.
Taste Profile: Creamy and cheesy with a subtle vegetable undertone.
Description: A low-carb, nutrient-rich option that doesn’t compromise on flavor.
12. Garlic Green Beans
Ingredients: Green beans, garlic, butter, salt.
Taste Profile: Fresh and savory with a strong garlic flavor.
Description: Adds a necessary green element to the plate, enhancing the meal’s nutritional value.
13. Caprese Salad
Ingredients: Tomatoes, mozzarella, basil, olive oil, balsamic vinegar.
Taste Profile: Fresh, tangy, with a creamy finish.
Description: A Mediterranean twist that adds freshness and a touch of acidity.
14. Chicken Nuggets
Ingredients: Chicken, breadcrumbs, seasoning.
Taste Profile: Savory, crispy, with a juicy interior.
Description: A kid-friendly side that’s perfect for family meals.
15. Corn Fries
Ingredients: Cornmeal, cheese, seasoning.
Taste Profile: Crispy with a subtle corn flavor and a cheesy finish.
Description: A crunchy, cheesy side that’s perfect for dipping.
Dips and Sauces to Serve with Grilled Cheese
16. White Cheese Sauce
Ingredients: Cheese, milk, butter, flour.
Taste Profile: Creamy, rich, and intensely cheesy.
Description: A decadent dip that doubles down on the cheese factor.
17. Tabasco Sauce
Ingredients: Vinegar, red peppers, salt.
Taste Profile: Spicy, tangy, with a strong vinegar base.
Description: For those who like it hot, this sauce adds a fiery kick to your grilled cheese.
18. Bacon Aioli
Ingredients: Bacon, mayonnaise, garlic, lemon juice.
Taste Profile: Smoky, savory, with a creamy texture.
Description: Adds a smoky, luxurious touch to your meal.
19. Basil Aioli
Ingredients: Basil, mayonnaise, garlic, lemon.
Taste Profile: Fresh and herby with a rich creaminess.
Description: A fresh and tangy dip that complements the cheese perfectly.
20. Maple Bacon Onion Jam
Ingredients: Bacon, onions, maple syrup.
Taste Profile: Sweet and savory with a smoky undertone.
Description: A gourmet topping that adds depth and richness.
Pickles and Vegetables to Serve with Grilled Cheese
21. Dill Pickles
Ingredients: Cucumbers, dill, vinegar, garlic.
Taste Profile: Tart, crunchy, with a strong dill flavor.
Description: Classic pickles that offer a refreshing contrast to the richness of grilled cheese.
22. Pickled Onions
Ingredients: Red onions, vinegar, sugar, spices.
Taste Profile: Tangy and slightly sweet with a crisp texture.
Description: These add a bright, sharp flavor that cuts through the cheese.
23. Spicy Jalapeno Pickled Eggs
Ingredients: Eggs, jalapenos, vinegar, spices.
Taste Profile: Spicy, tangy, with a firm texture.
Description: A unique and bold side for those who love heat.
24. Quick Mixed Pickles
Ingredients: Various vegetables, vinegar, sugar, salt.
Taste Profile: Sweet, tangy, with a crunchy texture.
Description: A colorful and refreshing side that adds variety to your meal.
25. Traditional Pickled Radishes
Ingredients: Radishes, vinegar, salt, sugar.
Taste Profile: Crisp, tangy, with a peppery bite.
Description: Adds a unique crunch and zing to your plate.
Healthy and Light Sides for Grilled Cheese
26. Cucumber Salad
Ingredients: Cucumbers, vinegar, onions, salt.
Taste Profile: Crisp, refreshing, with a tangy finish.
Description: A light and refreshing salad that helps balance the richness of the grilled cheese.
27. Roasted Red Pepper Soup
Ingredients: Red peppers, garlic, onions, broth.
Taste Profile: Sweet and smoky with a velvety texture.
Description: A flavorful, warming soup that pairs beautifully with grilled cheese.
28. Apple Kale Slaw
Ingredients: Apples, kale, vinaigrette, nuts.
Taste Profile: Crisp, sweet, with a tangy dressing.
Description: A nutritious side that adds a sweet and tart contrast.
29. Zucchini Feta Salad
Ingredients: Zucchini, feta, hazelnuts, olive oil.
Taste Profile: Light, fresh, with a salty cheese bite.
Description: A refreshing salad with a Mediterranean twist.
30. Rocket and Pear Salad
Ingredients: Rocket (arugula), pear, walnuts, blue cheese.
Taste Profile: Sweet, nutty, with a peppery finish.
Description: A sophisticated side that adds complexity to your grilled cheese experience.
Conclusion
As we’ve explored, the perfect side dish can transform a simple grilled cheese into a memorable meal.
From classic French fries to unexpected delights like coconut shrimp, these 30 sides offer something for every taste and occasion.
By pairing your sandwich with these complementary flavors and textures, you’re not just eating but creating an experience.
Whether looking for a quick weeknight dinner or planning a casual get-together, these sides will help you impress your family and friends.
Why not challenge yourself to try a new combination each week? Start with a classic tomato soup, then work through the list.
Share your favorite pairings in the comments below, and subscribe for more delicious food ideas!
