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–+ servings

Ultimate Kimchi Grilled Cheese with Sesame Garlic Butter

Elevate your sandwich game with the Ultimate Kimchi Grilled Cheese! This recipe transforms the classic comfort food with a spicy, funky kick from Korean kimchi, perfectly balanced by gooey, melted sharp cheddar and fontina cheese. It's all grilled to perfection between slices of crusty sourdough slathered in an irresistible sesame garlic butter. Ready in under 20 minutes, this easy Kimchi Grilled Cheese is the perfect quick lunch or dinner when you're craving something incredibly delicious and satisfying.
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Course: Dinner, Lunch, Snack
Cuisine: American, Korean
Keyword: Easy Lunch, Kimchi Grilled Cheese, Sourdough Sandwich, Spicy Grilled Cheese
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 2 sandwiches
Calories: 595kcal

Ingredients 

Garlic Sesame Butter

  • 3 tablespoons salted butter softened to room temperature
  • 1 clove garlic finely minced
  • 1 teaspoon raw sesame seeds

For the Sandwich

  • 4 slices sourdough bread preferably thick-cut
  • 1/2 cup sharp cheddar cheese shredded
  • 1/2 cup fontina cheese shredded
  • 1/2 cup kimchi drained and roughly chopped
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
  • flaky sea salt for finishing
  • 1 tablespoon fresh chives finely chopped, for garnish

Instructions

  • Prepare the garlic sesame butter by combining the softened salted butter, finely minced garlic, and raw sesame seeds in a small bowl. Mix until thoroughly combined.
  • Spread the garlic sesame butter evenly over one side of each of the four sourdough bread slices.
  • Assemble the sandwiches by placing two slices of bread, butter-side down, onto your work surface. Layer each with half of the shredded sharp cheddar, half of the shredded fontina, half of the chopped kimchi, and a layer of fresh basil leaves.
  • Complete the sandwiches by placing the remaining two slices of sourdough on top, with the buttered side facing up.
  • Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. Carefully place the assembled sandwiches in the hot skillet and cook for 3-5 minutes per side, until the bread is a deep golden brown and the cheese is completely melted and gooey.
  • Remove the grilled cheese from the skillet. Garnish immediately with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt and fresh chives. Slice in half and serve hot.

Equipment

  • Large Skillet

Notes

For the best results, use a high-quality, crusty sourdough bread that can hold up to all the fillings. Also, ensure your kimchi is well-drained to prevent the sandwich from becoming soggy.

Nutrition

Calories: 595kcal | Carbohydrates: 42g | Protein: 26g | Fat: 37g | Saturated Fat: 21g | Cholesterol: 95mg | Sodium: 1250mg | Potassium: 210mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 1150IU | Vitamin C: 5mg | Calcium: 550mg | Iron: 2.5mg