It's about time we had a "grown-up" version of a classic grilled cheese -- this Kimchi Grilled Cheese sandwich! Spicy kimchi, sharp cheddar and mild gouda cheese all sandwiched together between two slices of buttered sourdough bread -- OMG!

It may sound weird to put kimchi in a grilled cheese sandwich, but it tastes so, so good! The kimchi cuts through the richness of the cheese and adds tangy and spicy flavors to the sandwich.
Feel free to add more ingredients into your Kimchi Grilled Cheese sandwich like honey, gochujang, and avocado! No rules with this winner of a sammy! Serve with a side of your favorite chips.
Kimchi is one of those super foods that's incredibly good for you! Made of salted, fermented vegetables, kimchi is loaded with probiotics (good for your gut!). It's no wonder it's a staple of Korean foods. I used Nasoya Kimchi for this recipe post, but there are many options available in the refrigerated section of your grocery store.
Steps to make a perfect kimchi grilled cheese:
This is literally the easiest sandwich to make! You'll be taking your first bite out of this melty Kimchi Grilled Cheese in less than 20 minutes!
- Thoroughly butter the outside of 4 slices of sourdough bread.
- Layer the inside of two pieces of bread with 2 slices of sharp cheddar cheese, 2 tablespoons of fresh kimchi, and 2 slices of gouda cheese (or cheeses of your choice). Form the sandwiches with both slices together.
- Heat a cast iron pan or heavy skillet on medium high. Cook the sandwiches until golden brown, about 5 minutes on each side. Remove from pan and slice in half. Cheese should be melty!
I made this fresh sourdough bread (also very good for you!) using a recipe from my good friend and fellow food blogger, Amy Duska, with Little Spoon Farm. Learn how to make this beginner's sourdough bread. It's easier than you think!
Buttery goodness on this fresh sourdough bread. Slather the butter on both sides!
Grill the sandwich in a cast iron pan until golden brown, about 5 minutes on each side.
Look at that melty, cheesy goodness in this Kimchi Grilled Cheese sandwich!
Tips and Tricks
- You want the butter at room temperature so that it is easy to spread on the slices of bread. Alternatively, you can melt the butter in the skillet before you place the bread on top.
- You can always use whatever cheese you prefer in this sandwich, and add more cheese if you like it super cheesy!
- Feel free to add more ingredients into your Kimchi Grilled Cheese sandwich like honey, gochujang, and avocado! No rules with this winner of a sammy!
Want more?
If you liked this Kimchi Grilled Cheese sandwich, you’re going to want these recipes:
- Creamy Kimchi Mac and Cheese
- Cauliflower Kimchi Fried Rice
- Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Bánh Mì
- California Everything Bagel Sandwich
Kimchi Grilled Cheese
Spicy kimchi, sharp cheddar and mild gouda cheese are all sandwiched together in this melty, buttery Kimchi Grilled Cheese!
- Total Time: 20 min
- Yield: 4 1x
Ingredients
- 4 slices sourdough bread
- 2 tablespoons salted butter, room temperature
- 2 slices sharp cheddar cheese (or ½ cup)
- 2 slices gouda cheese (or ½ cup)
- ½ cup kimchi
Instructions
- Thoroughly butter the outside of 4 slices of sourdough bread.
- Layer the inside of two pieces of bread with 2 slices of sharp cheddar cheese, 2 tablespoons of fresh kimchi, and 2 slices of gouda cheese (or cheeses of your choice). Form the sandwiches with both slices together.
- Heat a cast iron pan or heavy skillet on medium high. Cook the sandwiches until golden brown, about 5 minutes on each side.
- Remove from pan and slice in half. (Cheese should be melty!) Serve while warm.
Notes
- You want the butter at room temperature so that it is easy to spread on the slices of bread. Alternatively, you can melt the butter in the skillet before you place the bread on top.
- You can always use whatever cheese you prefer in this sandwich, and add more cheese if you like it super cheesy!
- Feel free to add more ingredients into your Kimchi Grilled Cheese sandwich like honey, gochujang, and avocado! No rules with this winner of a sammy!
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 10
- Category: Sandwiches
- Method: Stove top
- Cuisine: Korean
Nutrition
- Serving Size:
- Calories: 490
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 1123.2 mg
- Fat: 13 g
- Carbohydrates: 73.1 g
- Protein: 20.6 g
- Cholesterol: 32 mg
Keywords: kimchi grilled cheese, kimchi recipe, best grilled cheese recipe, how to make grilled cheese
Julie @ Running in a Skirt
I love this unexpected combination of flavors! The kimchi went so great with the grilled cheese and I love how this came out. WIll make again.
★★★★★
Asian Caucasian
It seems to be a crowd pleaser, and it's surprisingly good together! So glad you enjoyed it!
Kari Heron
I would never have thought of combining kimchi and cheese. They seem so far from each other. But somehow you managed to unite them in perfect harmony between buttered slices of sourdough!
★★★★★
Asian Caucasian
Yes, this combo really works! You simply must try this Kimchi Grilled Cheese sandwich!
Ali Hanson
I don't think it sounds weird at all. The ingredients are perfect compliments to each other!
★★★★★
Asian Caucasian
Yes! The tangy, cheesy combo is just perfect! Kimchi is surprisingly good in this grilled cheese sandwich!
Amy Liu Dong
I love Kimchi so much and I am happy to learn new recipe using this. I am so excited to make this, thank you!
★★★★★
Asian Caucasian
If you're like me, you can never have enough kimchi recipes. I love kimchi for the taste, but also because it's just so good for you!
Stine Mari
Mmmm the sour kimchi is in perfect balance to these two cheeses and crisp bread! Delicious!
★★★★★
Asian Caucasian
These ingredients work so well together in this cheesy, tangy grilled cheese sandwich! So glad you liked it!
Jere Cassidy
Grilled cheese is my go-to comfort food and this recipe with the kimchi just sounds amazing. Trying this recipe for sure.
★★★★★
Asian Caucasian
So happy to hear that, Jere! I do love this combo of kimchi and grilled cheese. It's surprisingly good!!
Ramona
I have to say I was a little sceptical about the combination at first but I wanted to try it so I did! It was absolutely delicious and even my picky hubby loved it. Recipe saved. Thanks for sharing.
★★★★★
Asian Caucasian
Glad you gave it a go! Spicy, cheesy, tangy, what could be better in a grilled cheese sandwich?
Marta
This grilled cheese gives me so many good feelings. I love both recipes separately, but together they're a winner!
★★★★★
Asian Caucasian
This marriage of kimchi and grilled cheese is surprisingly so tasty! So glad you liked the recipe!
Brenda Samuelson
As a fan of grilled cheese (or any cheese in general!) I cannot wait to try this cheese Asian take on this classic sandwich! Looks so yummy!!
★★★★★
Asian Caucasian
I'm with you on the cheese, Brenda! This sammy is such a fun twist on the classic grilled cheese, and has so much flavor in just one bite!