If you’re wondering what to serve with your grilled cheese, you’ve come to the right place.
In this article, I list 39 of the most popular side dishes for grilled cheese.
In a rush? Here’s the short answer.
The best side dishes to serve with grilled cheese are a classic tomato soup, fried onion rings, and zucchini tots. You can also serve a side of sweet potato fries, sauerkraut, and salsa verde. For salad options, there’s a cucumber tomato salad, or coleslaw. And what about some cookies for dessert?
Ready? Let’s jump right in.
Tomato soup
You can’t go wrong with a classic tomato soup and grilled cheese sandwiches.
It’s such a warm and comforting duo, and will transport you right back to your childhood.
Pro tip: have a play around with the soup’s consistency by making it creamy and smooth, or tangy and chunky until it’s just right for you.
Why we love this recipe: it’s a guaranteed crowd pleaser.
Featured recipe
Tomato soup
Make it green
Cream of asparagus soup
Make it cheesy
Broccoli cheddar soup
Sauerkraut
Sauerkraut is a traditional German dish made from finely chopped and fermented cabbage.
It has a signature tangy, sour flavor, which provides a unique contrast to the cheesiness of your sandwich.
Psst… for something warm and healthy, try making sauerkraut soup!
Why we love this recipe: it’s a great dish to have in the fridge.
Featured recipe
Sauerkraut
Make it hearty
Sauerkraut soup
Make it simple
German red cabbage
Baked sweet potato fries
If you want something substantial with your grilled cheese, fries are a safe bet.
But to keep things interesting, go for sweet potato fries instead of the standard potato option.
The secret to getting actually crispy sweet potato fries? Soak them in cold water, dry them, and then coat them in cornstarch.
Oh, and hold off on the salt until just before serving.
Why we love this recipe: you can go crazy with the seasoning.
Featured recipe
Sweet potato fries
Make it a classic
Potato wedges
Make it healthy
Zucchini fries
Fried onion rings
Fried onion rings are always a solid side for a sandwich.
And the secret to getting them extra crunchy is to double dip the onions in the batter.
Don’t forget a fun dipping sauce either – I like creamy horseradish because it brings a little heat.
Psst… want some more ideas on what to eat with onion rings?
Why we love this recipe: it’s a guaranteed crowd pleaser.
Featured recipe
Fried onion rings
Make it easy
Mozzarella sticks
Make it sweet
Caramelized onions
Arugula salad with pine nuts
If you’re in a real rush, this is the side for you.
You only need three ingredients (plus a dressing made from simple pantry staples) and it takes just a few minutes to throw together.
It’s a great recipe to have stuck on your fridge for emergencies.
Why we love this recipe: the dressing is made from scratch, so you know it won’t be bland.
Featured recipe
Arugula salad with lemon dressing
Skip the arugula
Kale caesar salad
Make it fancier
Arugula salad with blue cheese
Parmesan potato chips
If fries sound like a bit much for you, what about potato chips instead?
These ones are oh so crispy and coated with an addicting layer of parmesan cheese – you can never go wrong with more cheese!
Or you can keep it simple with some salt and pepper seasoning.
Why we love this recipe: you can customize the seasoning however you want.
Featured recipe
Parmesan potato chips
Swap the flavor
Baked sweet potato chips
Make it unique
Kale chips
Applesauce
Applesauce and grilled cheese may sound like an odd combo but believe me, it works!
You can spread the applesauce inside the sandwich or just use it as a dipping sauce.
Either way, the sweetness of the sauce will add a nice contrast to the gooey richness of the melty cheese.
Why we love this recipe: it’s really easy to make, you only need three ingredients.
Featured recipe
Homemade applesauce
Make it unique
Peach jam
Make it savory
Blue cheese dip
Salsa verde
Brighten up your grilled cheese with a serving of this vibrant salsa verde. It’s bright, light, and refreshing.
And you can get it on the table in just five minutes – talk about convenience!
Pro tip: for less spice, remove the core and seeds from the jalapeno before tossing it in the blender.
Why we love this recipe: there’s no cooking involved.
Featured recipe
Salsa verde
Make it a classic
Pico de gallo
Make it fruity
Watermelon salsa
Cucumber tomato salad
Keep things simple with this basic side salad.
Cheese and tomato and cheese and onions are well known flavor combos, and the cucumber adds some crunch.
Psst… I like to add olives to the mix as well for a touch of sophistication.
Why we love this recipe: it’s great for summer.
Featured recipe
Cucumber tomato salad
Make it spicy
Asian cucumber salad
Make it warm
Roasted tomato salad
Zucchini tots
Skip the store-bought frozen tater tots and make this healthier version instead. It’s stuffed with zucchini, and some shredded carrot would also be a great addition.
All you need to complete the meal is a tasty dipping sauce, like this homemade ketchup.
Why we love this recipe: they’re baked instead of fried, making them even healthier.
Featured recipe
Zucchini tater tots
Skip the zucchini
Cauliflower tots
Go traditional
Homemade tater tots
Creamy coleslaw
A warm and soft grilled cheese sandwich doesn’t need anything fancy to be delicious.
A simple creamy coleslaw will do the trick!
And don’t be afraid to mix things up – some extra purple cabbage will add more color, while some minced jalapenos would bring some spice.
Why we love this recipe: it’s perfect if you’re serving a crowd.
Featured recipe
Creamy coleslaw
Make it mayo-free
Creamy Greek yogurt coleslaw
Take an Asian route
Asian slaw with sesame dressing
Dill pickles
Complement your indulgent grilled cheese with some bright dill pickles.
The tangy acidity of the dill pickles will cleanse your palate between bites of cheese and will keep the whole meal from getting too heavy.
Pro tip: make these a few days in advance to get the best flavor.
Why we love this recipe: they’re tastier and cheaper than store-bought pickles.
Featured recipe
Dill pickles
Make it fancy
Dill pickle bacon roll-ups
Make it easy
Pickled okra
Chocolate chip cookies
When was the last time you treated yourself?
The answer should be today!
For the ultimate treat meal, have a grilled cheese sandwich followed by a freshly baked chocolate chip cookie. YUM!
Why we love this recipe: your house will smell amazing.
Featured recipe
Chocolate chip cookies
Make it easy
One-bowl fudge brownies
Make it simple
Vanilla pudding
The best side dishes to serve with grilled cheese:
- Tomato soup
- Sauerkraut
- Baked sweet potato fries
- Fried onion rings
- Arugula salad with pine nuts
- Parmesan potato chips
- Applesauce
- Salsa verde
- Cucumber tomato salad
- Zucchini tots
- Creamy coleslaw
- Dill pickles
- Chocolate chip cookies
What To Serve With Grilled Cheese
Ingredients
- 1 portion grilled cheese
Instructions
- Prepare your grilled cheese according to your favorite recipe.
- In the meantime, choose one of the following sides to serve alongside it.
- Side dishes include: tomato soup, sauerkraut, baked sweet potato fries, fried onion rings, arugula salad with pine nuts, parmesan potato chips, applesauce, salsa verde, cucumber tomato salad, zucchini tots, creamy coleslaw, dill pickles, and chocolate chip cookies.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
![25 Delicious Ways To Enjoy Matcha [Sweet And Savory]](https://pantryandlarder.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Matcha-recipes-200x200.jpg)
