Kimchi Grilled Cheese (Printable version)

Tangy kimchi meets melted cheese in this spicy grilled cheese sandwich. Ready in under 20 minutes.

# List of ingredients:

→ Bread

01 - 4 slices sourdough or country-style bread

→ Cheese

02 - 4 slices sharp cheddar cheese
03 - 2 slices mozzarella cheese

→ Kimchi

04 - 1/2 cup well-drained, chopped kimchi

→ Butter

05 - 2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened

→ Optional Add-ins

06 - 1 tsp gochujang (Korean chili paste), for extra heat
07 - 1 green onion, finely chopped

# Directions:

01 - Pat the chopped kimchi dry with paper towels to minimize excess moisture. If desired, mix the kimchi with gochujang and green onion for extra flavor.
02 - Lay out the bread slices on a work surface. Butter one side of each slice evenly.
03 - Flip the bread so the unbuttered side is facing up. Place 1 slice of cheddar and 1 slice of mozzarella on two of the slices. Evenly distribute the chopped kimchi over the cheese, then top each with the remaining cheddar slices.
04 - Close the sandwiches with the other two bread slices, buttered side facing out.
05 - Heat a nonstick skillet or griddle over medium-low heat. Place the sandwiches in the pan and cook for 3–4 minutes per side, pressing gently with a spatula, until golden brown and the cheese is melted.
06 - Remove from heat, let rest for 1 minute, then slice and serve hot.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The kimchi cuts through the rich cheese with just the right amount of tang and heat
  • Ready in under 20 minutes but tastes like something from a specialty sandwich shop
  • Perfectly customizable to your spice tolerance and cheese preferences
02 -
  • Draining the kimchi thoroughly is the difference between a perfect sandwich and a soggy disappointment
  • Medium-low heat might feel slow but prevents burning the bread before the cheese melts
  • Pressing gently with your spatula helps the cheese melt evenly and creates better contact with the pan
03 -
  • Use a cast iron skillet for the most even browning and best crunch
  • Let your cheese come to room temperature before building for faster, more even melting

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