How to Make the Perfect Kimchi Grilled Cheese
Korean-American Fusion · Easy · 15 min · 2 servings
A boldly tangy grilled cheese that layers fermented kimchi with melted cheddar and gooey mozzarella between buttered sourdough slices. The kimchi adds heat and depth to a classic comfort sandwich.
Why this recipe works
This Kimchi Grilled Cheese recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 15 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 490 calories with 22g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 8 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 4 slice sourdough bread
- 0.75 cup well fermented kimchi drained and chopped
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 0.5 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter softened
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp gochujang paste
- 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Kimchi
Drain excess liquid from the kimchi and chop it into smaller pieces. Pat the kimchi dry with paper towels to prevent the bread from becoming soggy.
Step 2: Mix the Cheese and Spread
Combine cheddar and mozzarella in a bowl. Mix gochujang with sesame oil in a small dish and spread a thin layer on the inner sides of all four bread slices.
Step 3: Build the Sandwich
Layer a generous amount of mixed cheese on the gochujang side of two bread slices. Spread kimchi evenly over the cheese then top with remaining cheese before placing the second bread slice on top.
Step 4: Butter the Exterior
Spread softened butter generously and evenly on both outer sides of each assembled sandwich. Make sure to reach the edges to ensure even browning.
Step 5: Grill Until Golden
Place sandwiches in a cold skillet then turn heat to medium low. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes per side pressing gently with a spatula until deeply golden and cheese is fully melted. Sprinkle sesame seeds on top before serving.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- sourdough bread → thick cut white bread for a softer crust
- sharp cheddar → gruyere for a nuttier flavor profile
- gochujang paste → sriracha mixed with a pinch of sugar
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Using wet kimchi which makes the bread soggy before it can toast
- Cooking on high heat which burns the outside before the cheese melts inside
- Overfilling the sandwich which prevents it from closing and melting evenly
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 490 calories, 22g protein, 38g carbs, 28g fat, 3g fiber.
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