Go Back
Kimchi Grilled Cheese Recipe

Kimchi Grilled Cheese Recipe - Simple Easy Meals

As I stood in my kitchen contemplating dinner one evening, I found myself staring down a jar of kimchi. Now, I love a good grilled cheese sandwich, but I wanted to mix things up a bit. 
A light bulb moment flicked on in my mind—what if I put that tangy, spicy delight into a gooey, cheesy layer of heaven? I decided to experiment.
The result? A killer kimchi grilled cheese that knocked my socks off. Buckle up, because I’m about to take you on a taste adventure!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Fusion
Calories: 511
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 4 thick slices of artisan sourdough bread
  • 1 cup kimchi, coarsely chopped
  • 1/2 cup Gruyère cheese, grated
  • 1 cup extra sharp cheddar cheese, grated
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 garlic clove, finely minced
  • 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
  • 1-2 tablespoons Gochujang
  • A pinch of smoked paprika
  • A dash of sesame oil
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves instead of basil
  • Fresh dill, for garnish
  • A drizzle of agave syrup, for serving

Method
 

Step 1: Mix the Filling
  1. Start by mixing the cheeses in a bowl. Grab your Gruyère and sharp cheddar, and combine them with the garlic, kimchi, and Gochujang. Add the sesame seeds, smoked paprika, and sesame oil. Stir this medley until all the flavors meld together.
    The aroma will already have you feeling excited about what’s to come.
Step 2: Butter the Bread
  1. Take your slices of sourdough and generously spread softened butter on one side of each slice. This will give you that delicious, crispy crust when grilled. Embrace the butter love!
Step 3: Assemble the Sandwich
  1. Now, it’s time to create your masterpiece. Place one slice of bread, buttered side down, on a cutting board. Scoop out your kimchi and cheese mixture, and pile it high on top. There's no such thing as too much filling here!
    Then, top it with another slice of bread, buttered side up. Repeat this process for additional sandwiches if you're in the mood to share—well, if you can resist devouring them by yourself!
Step 4: Cook in the Skillet
  1. Heat a skillet over medium heat. Once it's nice and warm, place your sandwich in the pan. Let it cook for about 3-5 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese inside starts to melt.
    Flip it gently to avoid losing any delicious filling. Cook the other side until it’s equally golden. Patience is key here—smell the toasty goodness!
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
  1. Once your sandwich is perfectly toasted on each side, remove it from the skillet. Let it cool for just a minute before slicing it in half.
    Plating it up, add a sprinkle of fresh dill and a drizzle of agave syrup for that touch of sweetness. You might want to take a picture first because it’s just that beautiful. Then, dig in—your taste buds will thank you!

Notes

  • Choose the Right Bread: Artisan sourdough holds up well and has a great flavor. Other good choices include thick challah or whole grain bread.
  • Tailor Your Cheese: Experiment with different cheese combinations. Mozzarella adds a lovely stretch, while pepper jack can bring the heat.
  • Don’t Skip the Butter: Spread it on generously for that crispy, golden crust. You won’t regret it!
  • Amp Up the Flavor: Add extra spices into the filling mix, like black pepper or even a bit of onion powder for depth.
  • Serve It With Style: Pair this sandwich with a side of pickles or a simple salad to complement the richness.