What to Serve With Grilled Cheese Besides Tomato Soup: 15 Best Side Dishes

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Craving something cozy with your grilled cheese? Besides tomato soup, consider Caesar salad, which offers a rich burst of Parmesan and a revitalizing crunch. Coleslaw, available in creamy or tangy varieties, brings a rejuvenating balance. Dill pickles provide a zesty contrast that's simply delightful. You can't go wrong with crispy French fries or the slightly sweeter, seasoned goodness of sweet potato fries. For a lighter touch, how about a simple mixed greens salad or avocado slices? These sides guarantee your grilled cheese experience is anything but ordinary. To uncover more delicious pairing options, continue on.

Caesar Salad

text details in four words

A Caesar salad serves as a classic and invigorating complement to a grilled cheese sandwich.

The homemade dressing, rich with Parmesan and anchovy, provides a zesty kick that balances the sandwich's warmth.

Crouton variations, such as garlic, herb, or even cheese-infused, add delightful textures and flavors.

Together, they create a harmonious contrast, making each bite a revitalizing experience.

Coleslaw

crisp and creamy coleslaw

Coleslaw, with its crisp texture and invigorating flavor, serves as a rejuvenating counterpart to the rich, gooey goodness of a grilled cheese sandwich.

Coleslaw varieties, ranging from creamy to tangy, offer diverse options to suit different palates.

Simple coleslaw recipes can include classic cabbage and carrot mixes or more adventurous combinations with apples and cranberries, making it a versatile and delightful side dish.

Dill Pickles

crunchy tangy briny delight

Accompanying a grilled cheese sandwich with dill pickles introduces a burst of tangy flavor that enhances the overall eating experience.

Dill pickles have a rich history, originating from ancient Mesopotamia.

The pickling process involves soaking cucumbers in brine or vinegar, allowing them to ferment and develop their characteristic tang.

This combination creates a delightful contrast, making each bite of the sandwich even more enjoyable.

French Fries

craving salty crispy goodness

While dill pickles bring a tangy zest to a grilled cheese sandwich, French fries offer a crispy and savory counterpart that perfectly complements the sandwich's gooey richness.

Consider indulging in classic French dips for an added burst of flavor, or explore poutine variations where fries are topped with cheese curds and gravy.

These options elevate your meal, making it more satisfying and delightful.

Sweet Potato Fries

crunchy flavorful orange fries

Offering a slightly sweeter alternative to traditional fries, sweet potato fries provide a delectable balance of crispy texture and natural sweetness that pairs beautifully with a grilled cheese sandwich.

With a variety of seasoning options, such as smoked paprika or cinnamon, and an array of dipping sauces like garlic aioli or honey mustard, sweet potato fries can elevate your meal to gourmet levels.

Roasted Vegetables

healthy colorful flavorful dish

Roasted vegetables bring a nutritious and flavorful complement to a grilled cheese sandwich. They enhance the meal with their rich, caramelized flavors and vibrant colors. Opt for seasonal selections like carrots, bell peppers, and zucchini, which pair well with herb seasoning such as rosemary and thyme.

These roasted delights offer a satisfying contrast in texture and taste, making every bite of your sandwich even more enjoyable.

Fruit Salad

fresh colorful fruit medley

A crisp fruit salad brings a revitalizing and naturally sweet contrast to the savory richness of a grilled cheese sandwich.

Using seasonal fruits guarantees freshness and vibrant flavors. Consider a mix of berries, melons, and citrus, offering a burst of color and taste.

For dressing options, a light honey-lime or a simple mint syrup can enhance the natural sweetness without overpowering it.

Macaroni Salad

delicious summer picnic staple

Accompany your grilled cheese with a creamy and tangy macaroni salad to provide a delightful textural contrast and complementary flavor.

Classic recipes often include mayonnaise, mustard, and fresh vegetables like celery and bell peppers.

For flavor variations, consider adding ingredients like pickles, bacon bits, or even a splash of vinegar.

This versatile side dish brings both comfort and a burst of freshness to your meal.

Garlic Bread

delicious garlic bread recipe

Elevate your grilled cheese experience with savory garlic bread, offering a rich and aromatic complement to the meal.

Made with warm, crusty bread slathered in garlic butter, this side dish adds a burst of flavor.

For a fun twist, serve garlic knots, which are small, doughy delights also infused with garlic goodness.

Both options enhance the comforting taste of grilled cheese.

Onion Rings

deep fried crispy perfection

Complement your grilled cheese with crispy onion rings, offering a satisfying crunch and a burst of savory flavor.

These delightful rings of fried onions, encased in a perfectly crispy batter, elevate your meal to a new level. Their golden exterior and tender interior provide a wonderful contrast to the gooey cheese, making each bite an enjoyable experience.

Perfectly paired, they create a harmonious culinary delight.

Cucumber Salad

fresh tangy summer side

An energizing cucumber salad provides a crisp and cool contrast to the rich, melted cheese of a grilled cheese sandwich. Choose from cucumber varieties like English or Persian for different textures.

Enhance the salad with light, flavorful salad dressings such as dill yogurt or vinaigrette. This revitalizing side dish balances the savory notes of your sandwich, making each bite more enjoyable.

Potato Chips

crunchy snack food option

Crispy potato chips bring a satisfying crunch that pairs perfectly with the gooey texture of a grilled cheese sandwich.

Exploring homemade variations allows you to experiment with diverse flavor combinations, ensuring each bite is delightful.

From classic salted to spicy barbecue, potato chips offer a versatile and delicious side dish.

They are easy to prepare and can elevate your meal experience.

Mixed Greens

healthy salad with variety

While potato chips offer a satisfying crunch, mixed greens provide a revitalizing and nutritious balance to a grilled cheese sandwich.

A fresh mix of leafy greens, such as spinach and arugula, paired with a light vinaigrette dressing, enhances the meal's overall flavor.

The tangy dressing complements the richness of the cheese, making each bite both invigorating and delightful.

Pasta Salad

delicious summer picnic dish

Pasta salad serves as a versatile and hearty side dish that pairs exceptionally well with a grilled cheese sandwich. The delightful mix of flavors and textures in pasta salad complements the rich, gooey cheese.

For flavor combinations, consider adding cherry tomatoes, olives, and feta. Serving suggestions include a light vinaigrette dressing, which adds a rejuvenating contrast to the warm, crispy sandwich.

Are the Side Dishes for Grilled Cheese and Cheese the Same?

When it comes to the best side dishes for cheese, there is a slight difference between those for grilled cheese and regular cheese. For grilled cheese, common side dishes include tomato soup, coleslaw, or a simple green salad. For regular cheese, popular pairings include fruits, crackers, and nuts.

Avocado Slices

sweet and creamy fruit

Avocado slices provide a creamy and nutritious complement to a grilled cheese sandwich. Rich in healthy fats and vitamins, avocados offer several health benefits.

For serving suggestions, simply slice and lightly season them with salt and pepper, or drizzle with a bit of olive oil and lemon juice.

This side dish adds a delightful texture and flavor, enhancing your meal beautifully.