Crisp grilled sandwich with kimchi and melty cheese
Korean Kimchi Grilled Cheese
Prep Time
10 min
Cook Time
10 min
Total Time
20 min
Servings
2
2 sandwiches
Difficulty
Easy
Cost
Budget
$
Korean Kimchi Grilled Cheese
Crisp grilled sandwich with kimchi and melty cheese
A grilled cheese sandwich sharpened with kimchi so it feels punchier and more grown-up than the standard version.
10m
Prep Time
10m
Cook Time
20m
Total Time
2
Servings
Easy
Difficulty
Budget $
Cost
Sarah Chen
(Updated )
Kimchi and melted cheese make immediate sense together once you taste them. The acid and heat from the kimchi keep the sandwich from feeling too rich or one-note.
Ingredients
- 4 slices bread
- 1/2 cup chopped kimchi
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- 2 tbsp butter or mayo for the bread
Instructions
- 1
Butter or mayo the outside of the bread.
- 2
Fill the sandwiches with cheese and kimchi.
- 3
Cook in a skillet until the bread is crisp and the cheese is melted.
- 4
Rest briefly, then slice and serve.
Serving Suggestions
Ways to Serve This Dish
Serve over steamed jasmine or sticky rice
Pair with a side of pickled vegetables or kimchi
Add a drizzle of sesame oil and toasted sesame seeds for extra flavor
FlavorPantry
Test Kitchen Pick
Gochujang
Helpful Pantry Staple
Why the pantry staple matters
Korean recipes often get much of their identity from a few core pantry ingredients. Gochujang is one of the most versatile places to start.
This is the pantry move that usually shifts the flavor most.
- Adds heat, sweetness, and depth
- Useful in sauces, bowls, and marinades
A tub of gochujang tends to pull double duty across a lot of Korean cooking.
Shop gochujang for this recipeTips & Storage
Pro Tips
Use a cheese that melts easily, like mozzarella, cheddar, or Monterey Jack.
Press the sandwich lightly as it cooks for better contact with the pan.
Storage
Refrigerate leftovers in airtight containers for up to 4 days.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop, in the oven, or in the microwave until hot.
Nutrition Facts
Per serving (1 sandwich) · 2 servings
Calories390
LowModerateHigh
A moderate-calorie serving · based on a 2,000 cal daily diet
Protein15g
Carbohydrates27g
Fat24g
Fiber2g
Sugar4g
Sodium760mg
Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I make this ahead?
- Yes. The components or finished dish hold well if properly chilled and stored.
- Can I adjust the seasoning?
- Yes. Taste near the end and adjust salt, acid, or heat so it suits the way you like to cook and eat.
About Sarah Chen
Sarah Chen is a professional recipe developer and food editor with over a decade of experience in test kitchens and food media. She trained at the Culinary Institute of America before spending six years developing and testing recipes for national food publications, where she honed her ability to translate restaurant techniques into approachable home cooking. At RecipePool, Sarah leads recipe development, ensuring every dish is tested at least three times for clarity, accuracy, and genuine deliciousness. When she is not in the kitchen, she is browsing farmers markets and collecting vintage cookbooks.
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