You guys!! I think I have found my favorite grilled cheese. This might be the one! But in the process, I am trashing up a traditional Korean side dish. Is this wrong? Or oh so right?
My wonderful landlord is Korean, and she made me and my boyfriend not one, but TWO jars of kimchi. I know, right? I am the luckiest person ever!
The only problem is, my boyfriend does not like kimchi. Not only does he not like kimchi, he can’t stand the smell of it. In all the 5 years that we have been dating, I only learn this now? I guess my dad’s plans for us to visit this really cool kimchi place by his place will need to be reconsidered.
Or maybe we won’t even need to reconsider the plans if I can make a smooth transition into him adoring kimchi like I do.
Okay, maybe that’s going too far. But getting to the “liking” stage may take some persuasion. And some grilled cheese.
The first time I made this, I needed to make this when he was at the university because he still hates the smell. But this was my little test run to see whether or not making a kimchi grilled cheese sandwich will likely change someone’s perception of this jar of fermented goodness.
Kimchi Grilled Cheese Sandwich Ingredients
These Kimchi Grilled Cheese Sandwiches is one of the easiest recipes to make. All you need is:
- bread slices
- sharp cheddar cheese
- spicy kimchi
- mayonnaise (kewpie mayo is best!)
Tips
Replace the mayonnaise. While I think that mayonnaise is the best to give the bottom of the sandwich that nice golden brown color, you can use 2 Tbsp of butter instead. You can also put a little but of olive oil on
What type of cheese to use. If you want a good melty cheese sandwich, getting the right slice of cheese is key. I have found that using pre-sliced cheese doesn’t give you that gooey melted cheese that you are looking for in your grilled cheese. Either slice it yourself, or use grated cheese. If you wanted a lighter cheese taste, try mozzarella cheese. If you myst use a sliced cheese, a slice of American cheese would work best to give it that cheese melt.
Type of bread: Because a big component of your grilled cheese is your bread, it is important to use a good quality bread. I love using a slice of sourdough bread or milk bread, because they both brown so nicely.
Make it vegan. Using vegan kimchi and vegan cheese for your layer of cheese would be a good way to make this vegan.
More Grilled Cheese Recipe Ideas
Like this Kimchi Grilled Cheese Sandwich? Then you will love these recipes for the perfect grilled cheese sandwich:
- Pizza Grilled Cheese Sandwich
- Roasted Zucchini Grilled Cheese Sandwich
- Jalapeno Popper Grilled Cheese Sandwich
If you try this recipe, let me know! Rate it, leave a comment and tag me with #atasteofmadness on Instagram! I always love seeing what you are creating!
Kimchi Grilled Cheese Sandwich
Ingredients
- 2 slices bread
- 1.3-1.5 oz old cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup kimchi, drained
- 2 Tbsp mayonnaise
Instructions
- Heat a skillet to medium heat.
- Place the cheese and the kimchi on one slice of bread. Spread 1 tablespoon of mayonnaise on the outside of the top piece of bread, and place the sandwich mayonnaise side down on the skillet. Cover with the lid of a saucepan. Cook for around 3 minutes.
- Spread the remaining 1 tablespoon of mayonnaise on the outside of the top piece of bread, and flip. Cook until golden brown, approximately another 3 minutes.
- Remove from heat, and enjoy!
I have never tasted..and am curious..many rave of it..I love the decadent look of your grilled cheese though..that's for sure;)
Hah, my old flatmate looooved kimchi, about as much as you do I am sure 😛 I still haven't tried it yet..I don't think, but aaaye! Check that sarnie out – YUM! Potential new Korean street food 😉
I hope you have an amazing weekend ahead! x
Is the fact that he doesn't like kimchi really that bad? That only means you don't have to share! Sounds delicious to me. 🙂
I've only had kimchi in friend rice and loved it. Despite that, I'm still a little scared to cook with it haha. This is totally convincing me 🙂
Oooh! that oozing cheese! And love Kimchi. I can't wait to have this sandwich 😀
Girl, what a great – surprisingly – way to use kimchi!! I would love to try this!
Oh gosh. I've been thinking about making Kimchi Rice and here you have a Kimchi grilled Cheese Sandwich! I would have to buy a really nice bottle of kimchi soon.
Peachy of The Peach Kitchen
I can't believe I've never tried Kimchi! This sounds like the perfect place to start!
You are lucky. I'd love for someone to make me kimchi.
That's a beautiful idea. Really love grilled cheese, will have to try with kimchi as well.
That oozing out cheese looks amazing!
Cathleen, what? Kimchi and cheese? That I must say is a taste of madness! hee..hee…
The.Boy doesn't like kimchi either but I LOVE IT. Having it on grilled cheese is just genius!
I love kimchi, this cheese sandwich will be very tasty sure .
I like mixing ethnical dishes (shhhh….). Your combo looks delicious!
Cathleen, the kimchi must bring a zesty bite to the grilled cheese, and yours looks scrumptious. Thanks for the inspiration!
Very unique indeed!!!
Love it!
Yelena
An unique Sandwich! Looks tempting. Never tried khimchi this way..
An unique Sandwich! Looks tempting. Never tried khimchi this way..
oh drool, this is perfect! You might have persuaded me to try kimchi. 🙂
I'm not a kimchi lover either, but after looking at this amazing grilled cheese, I might be converted!
I like Kimchi. And love sandwiches. This one is for me for sure.
I've never had kimchi, but this grilled cheese looks AMAZING!
Yes, you ARE lucky! I wish I had a friend who would gift me homemade kimchi! I never thought about putting kimchi in grilled cheese – it sounds amazing, and I wish I bought a jar when I was at the Asian grocery store yesterday!
Omomomomo!! It's sooooooooooooooooo yummy!!!
I feel left out of the kimchi party! Everyone is using it for this and that, and I've never even had any. Gotta try some!
I’ve never had kimchi before but I would love to try and this sandwich looks so cheesy delicious !……I’m drooling here
Thanks Kathy! It is such an easy meal to make with leftover kimchi!
Wow, this made me so hungry!!! Looks amazing and I love how simple your recipe is.
Thanks! I love making this sandwich!!
Wow this is so creative!! My hubby is obsessed with kimchi so I will get major points for this one, thanks!
I am sure he would love this!! 🙂