Crispy Kimchi Grilled Cheese Sandwich
A quick and easy grilled cheese sandwich featuring melty cheddar and tangy, crunchy kimchi for a deliciously spicy twist on classic comfort food.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Total Time: 18 minutes
- Yield: 1 sandwich
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Korean Fusion
Ingredients
- Thick slices of sourdough or rustic white bread
- Sharp or medium cheddar cheese, shredded or sliced (about 1/2 cup / 56 g per sandwich)
- Well-drained and chopped kimchi (about 1/2 cup / 120 ml)
- Unsalted butter, softened (for spreading on bread)
- Mayonnaise (optional, for spreading on outside of bread)
- Garlic powder (a pinch, to sprinkle inside sandwich)
- Thinly sliced green onions (optional)
- Toasted sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Drain and roughly chop about 1/2 cup (120 ml) of kimchi. Ensure it is moist but not soggy.
- Spread a thin layer of softened unsalted butter on one side of each bread slice. Optionally, mix a pinch of garlic powder into mayonnaise and spread it on the other side for extra crispiness and flavor.
- On the non-buttered side of one slice, layer a generous handful (about 1/2 cup / 56 g) of shredded sharp cheddar cheese. Sprinkle the chopped kimchi evenly over the cheese. Add another layer of cheddar on top of the kimchi. Optionally, scatter thinly sliced green onions for freshness.
- Top with the second slice of bread, buttered side facing out.
- Heat a non-stick skillet or cast-iron pan over medium heat and warm for about 2 minutes.
- Place the sandwich in the pan and cook for 3-4 minutes until the bottom is golden brown and crispy. Adjust heat if browning too fast.
- Carefully flip the sandwich and press down lightly with a spatula. Cook for another 3-4 minutes until the second side is golden and the cheese is fully melted. If cheese isn’t melting well, cover the pan with a lid for 1-2 minutes.
- Remove the sandwich from the pan and let it rest for a minute. Slice diagonally and serve hot.
Notes
Drain kimchi well to avoid soggy sandwiches. Use medium heat and cover pan briefly if cheese isn’t melting. Butter gives classic crunch; mayo on outside adds extra crispiness and tang. For vegan version, use dairy-free cheddar, vegan butter, and vegan mayo or mashed avocado. Gluten-free bread can be used as needed.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 4
- Sodium: 700
- Fat: 25
- Saturated Fat: 14
- Carbohydrates: 35
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 18
Keywords: kimchi grilled cheese, crispy sandwich, melty cheddar, Korean fusion, comfort food, easy sandwich recipe