Viral Kimchi Grilled Cheese

When it comes to comfort food, nothing quite hits the spot like a classic grilled cheese sandwich. But what if I were to tell you that there’s a way to make this classic, delicious sandwich even better? Introducing my Viral Kimchi Grilled Cheese – a delicious fusion of two beloved foods that will leave your taste buds dancing. It’s tangy, it’s spicy, it’s cheesy; I truly can’t get enough of it, and I know you will, too!

When it comes to sandwiches, the kimchi grilled cheese sandwich is the perfect balance of flavors. The tanginess of the kimchi perfectly complements the creamy, melted cheese, while the heat from the kimchi adds a nice kick of spice. The bread is perfectly toasted, giving it a crispy exterior and a soft, warm interior. It’s a sandwich that truly has it all, and couldn’t be more delicious.

This sandwich has been making its way around TikTok lately, and when I saw the trend, I knew immediately that I needed to try it. After all, who can say no to bread, cheese, and kimchi? As soon as I tried it, I knew this recipe was a winner, and that I needed to share it with you. This recipe, truly, will change your life.

Plus, if you are looking to get more fermented foods into your diet, then this is the perfect way to do so. Kimchi is fermented and therefore naturally loaded with probiotics that help to feed the good bacteria in your gut. And, the spiciness of kimchi adds the perfect tang to this grilled cheese. It truly couldn’t be more delicious!

4 Ingredients to Making This Viral Grilled Cheese

And the best part of this sandwich? There are only four ingredients that you need in order to make it! It truly couldn’t be more simple or easy to whip up on a whim.

• Bread: When it comes to bread, pick your favorite and use it! I personally like using sourdough because it is also fermented and contains natural probiotics.
• Cheddar Cheese: When it comes to grilled cheese, sure any cheese will *truly* work, but I believe that cheddar is the best cheese to use in a grilled cheese. I use a raw cheddar cheese, but any type of cheddar is great! And if you want to make this sandwich dairy-free, you can also use vegan cheese here.
• Kimchi: Of course, this wouldn’t be a kimchi grilled cheese without the kimchi! There are so many types of kimchi out there, from Baechu (red, Napa cabbage) kimchi to Baek (white, non-spicy) kimchi. Any type of kimchi will work here!
• Butter or Vegan Butter: While there is an age-old debate between butter vs. mayo for grilled cheese sandwiches, for me, I am team butter all the way. You can use conventional, dairy butter for this recipe or vegan butter. But trust me: make this sandwich with butter!

How to Make This Perfect, Toasty, Kimchi-Packed Sandwich

Making this sandwich is simple, easy, and requires only a few steps. Whether you’re making it for a late-night snack or the perfect easy dinner, I promise that you are going to love this recipe!

Start by slicing off two slices of bread and place them on a cutting board. Then, top one half of the bread with slices of cheddar cheese and a heaping spoonful of kimchi. Place the second piece of bread on top to form your sandwich.

Next, melt your butter in a small dish in the microwave for 30-seconds, then brush the melted butter onto each slice of bread.

Finally, place your grilled cheese into the basket of an air fryer and air fry at 400F for 10 minutes, being sure to flip your sandwich at the 5 minute mark so that the sandwich cooks evenly. If you don’t have an air fryer, you can heat a pan, on the stove, over medium-high heat and cook your sandwich until it’s golden brown.

Once done, cut your sandwich in half, serve, and enjoy! Store any leftovers in a sandwich bag, in the fridge, for up to three days, and reheat before eating.

If you make this recipe, please be sure to leave a review and rating below! To see more recipes and behind the scenes, follow along on Instagram, TikTok, and Youtube! I’m also now on Pinterest, so stop by and take a look at what’s new.

** Photography by Gayle McLeod