What Sauces Go With Grilled Cheese? A Delicious Guide!
Ah, grilled cheese – the ultimate comfort food!
Whether you’ve had a long day at work or just want an easy yet satisfying snack, grilled cheese has always got you covered.
But as terrific as it is, sometimes you might want to elevate the experience by trying out different sauces to complement the taste and texture.
You’re in luck, as there’s a world of dipping and spreading sauce options out there, each adding a unique twist of flavour to your favourite cheesy delight.
Here, we’re going to take a look at the pairings that you absolutely need to try…
What Sauces Go With Grilled Cheese?
Before we get into all the finer details of creating that perfect sandwich, here are some quick ideas for the best sauces for grilled cheese:
- Tomato soup
- Mustard
- Ketchup
- Marinara sauce
- Dressings, e.g. tangy honey and mustard
- Jam (a fruity jam may sound strange, but it works so well!)
- Pizza sauce
Let’s take a look at these ideas in some more detail…
Tomato Soup
A classic grilled cheese sandwich is never complete without a warm, comforting bowl of tomato soup by its side!
The acidity and sweetness in the tomato soup perfectly complement the rich and gooey goodness of a melted cheese sandwich.
Trust us, this classic pairing will never disappoint you.
Mustard
When you’re looking to add a bit of extra bite to your grilled cheese sandwich, mustard is the way to go.
Dijon mustard, with its tangy and slightly spicy flavour, is an excellent choice to enhance the taste of your sandwich.
Spread a thin layer of Dijon mustard on one side of your bread before grilling, or simply serve it as a dip on the side. You’ll find that the sharpness and heat of mustard create a beautiful contrast with the mild and creamy flavours of your cheese, making each bite an adventure.
Ketchup
Sometimes, simplicity is all you need, and ketchup exemplifies that sentiment.
This common and beloved condiment is a straightforward but delightful pairing with grilled cheese.
The sweet and tangy taste of ketchup adds another layer of flavour to your comforting sandwich.
You can spread a little on your grilled cheese, or keep it on the side as a dipping sauce. Either way, this simple addition can take a standard grilled cheese to a whole new level of deliciousness.
Fancy making your own? This homemade ketchup takes just 5 minutes to make.
Marinara Sauce
A classic choice for a saucy companion to your grilled cheese sandwich is the humble marinara sauce.
Rich tomato flavours with a blend of garlic, onions, and herbs works wonderfully with the melted cheese in your sandwich.
You can choose to make your own marinara sauce or buy a pre-made one from the store.
Dressings
Experimenting with different dressings can add a whole new dimension to your grilled cheese.
For instance, a drizzle of tangy honey mustard dressing works wonders with gooey cheese and crusty bread, while a creamy buttermilk ranch pairs nicely with a more delicate cheese selection.
Feel free to mix and match, or even create your own unique dressing. Remember to include some fresh vegetables like lettuce, tomatoes, or cucumber slices to balance the richness of the cheese and add a fresh crunch.
Dipping Sauces
If you prefer to keep your sauces separate from your sandwich, consider serving up a range of dipping sauces as side dishes.
From classic ketchup or mustard to more adventurous options like a zesty aioli or a spicy barbecue sauce, the possibilities are endless.
Fruit-Based Sauces
Fruit-based sauces can add a delightful and fresh twist to your grilled cheese sandwich.
Some popular options include jam, marmalade, and chutney.
Jams such as raspberry, strawberry, or even apricot can complement the savoury flavours of your grilled cheese sandwich.
Not only do they add a pop of colour, but they also bring a natural sweetness that works well with the gooey cheese. Just a dollop on the side for dipping or spread lightly on the sandwich before grilling can elevate your taste experience to new heights!
Chutneys, on the other hand, often bring a sweet and tangy flavour with a hint of spice. Mango chutney is a popular choice that adds an exotic touch to your sandwiches. Another option is apple chutney, which pairs wonderfully with sharp cheddar.
Sweet and Savoury Combinations
Incorporating both sweet and savoury elements can create a symphony of flavours in your grilled cheese sandwich.
One way to achieve this is by using a fruit-based sauce combined with ingredients that pack a punch in the savoury department.
Some examples of ingredients that provide a savoury kick are onions, bacon, or even blue cheese.
For example, you could try creating a sandwich with brie, bacon, and a dollop of cranberry sauce on crusty bread. The tart flavour of the cranberry cuts through the richness of the brie and bacon, creating a delightful blend of contrasting flavours.
Another tempting combination worth trying is camembert with pear and walnut chutney.
The creamy camembert pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the pear, and the walnut adds an extra layer of texture to the sandwich. Remember to experiment with different combinations until you find your perfect sweet and savoury grilled cheese!
Bonus Suggestion: Pizza-Inspired Grilled Cheese!
Who says you can’t combine the flavours of pizza with the comforting texture of a grilled cheese sandwich?
For a delicious twist on the classic grilled cheese, make a pizza-inspired grilled cheese.
Start with slices of white bread, then add the following ingredients:
- Provolone cheese
- Pepperoni
- Mozzarella cheese
- Pizza sauce
Cook your sandwich in a pan or on a griddle with melted butter, and you’ll end up with a scrumptious fusion of your favourite pizza and grilled cheese.
