Kimchi & Bacon Grilled Cheese Sandwich

This Kimchi & Bacon Grilled Cheese Sandwich combines the rich flavours of bacon, melted cheese, and the tangy kick of kimchi for a delightful twist on the traditional grilled cheese sandwich. You can serve this sandwich on its own; or, for a more wholesome meal, you can serve it with a side of sweet potato fries, a mixed green salad, or a warm bowl of soup.

Kimchi is a traditional Korean dish that consists of fermented vegetables, usually napa cabbage, combined with red pepper flakes, garlic, ginger and other seasonings. Kimchi has a long history in Korean culture and is often served as a side dish or used as an ingredient in various recipes. 

If you don’t have kimchi readily available, you can also replace this with other ingredients that offer a similar tangy or flavourful profile such as:

1. Sauerkraut: Sauerkraut is another fermented cabbage dish that has a tangy and slightly sour taste. It can provide a similar contrast to the richness of the cheese and bacon.
2. Pickled Vegetables: You could use pickled red onions, pickled cucumbers, or other pickled vegetables to add a tangy element to the sandwich.

Or, you can use the more traditional caramelized onions as a substitute. I provided more instructions in the Notes section below on how to make caramelized onions.

Ingredients (2 sandwiches)

• 4 slices of bread (sourdough, white, or whole wheat)
• 8 slices of Cheddar or Provolone cheese or 300 g (1.5 cup) shredded cheese; you can also use Swiss, Gouda or other cheeses, depending on you preferences – see my note below related to cheese types good for grilled cheese sandwiches 
• 8 Tbsp kimchi, drained 
• 4-6 slices of bacon
• 4 Tbsp butter, salted or unsalted depending on your preference

Directions

If your kimchi is in large pieces, chop it into smaller bits. Make sure the kimchi is well-drained to prevent the sandwich from becoming too soggy.

Preheat a skillet or griddle over medium heat.  

Cut the bacon into smaller pieces and cook it in the skillet until crispy. There is no need to add extra oil to the pan as the bacon will release enough fat. Place the cooked bacon on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease.

Add the kimchi pieces and sauté them for 5 minutes, mixing occasionally. 

Butter one side of each slice of bread. 

Place one slice of bread, buttered side down, onto the heated skillet or griddle.

Then, place two slices of cheese on top and top with half of the kimchi, half of the bacon, and two other cheese slices. Lastly, place the second slice of bread, buttered side up, on top of the cheese.

Repeat the same steps to make the second sandwich. 

Cook each sandwich for about 2-4 minutes, or until the bottom slice of bread is golden brown. Then, carefully flip the sandwich over.

Continue cooking for an additional 2-4 minutes, or until the second side of the sandwich is golden brown and the cheese is melted.

Once the sandwich is cooked to your desired level of crispiness, remove it from the skillet or griddle.

Allow the sandwich to cool for a minute or two, then cut it in half or into quarters if desired.

Serve your delicious kimchi and bacon grilled cheese sandwich while it’s still warm and enjoy!

This is just a basic recipe, and you can customize it to your liking by using different breads, cheeses, and additional ingredients. Feel free to experiment and get creative with your grilled cheese sandwiches!

Video – Kimchi & Bacon Grilled Cheese Sandwich

Notes

Types of Cheeses to Use for Grilled Cheese Sandwiches 

When it comes to choosing the best cheese for a grilled cheese sandwich, it often comes down to personal preference. However, there are a few types of cheese that are particularly well-suited for making a delicious grilled cheese sandwich:

• Cheddar: Cheddar cheese is a classic choice for grilled cheese sandwiches. It melts well and has a sharp, tangy flavour that complements the buttery bread. You can use mild, medium, or sharp cheddar depending on your taste preferences.
• Provolone: Provolone cheese is an Italian cheese with a mild and slightly tangy flavour. It has good melting properties and can create a deliciously gooey grilled cheese sandwich.
• American: American cheese is another popular option for grilled cheese sandwiches. It has a creamy, mild flavour and melts easily, resulting in a smooth and gooey texture.
• Swiss: Swiss cheese has a slightly nutty and sweet flavour. It melts nicely and adds a distinctive taste to your grilled cheese sandwich. Swiss cheese pairs well with other ingredients like ham or turkey.
• Gouda: Gouda cheese is known for its rich and creamy texture. It melts smoothly and has a slightly sweet and smoky flavour. Gouda can add a unique twist to your grilled cheese sandwich.

Caramelized Onions Recipe

If you want to use caramelized onions in your sandwich, instead of kimchi, you can make these as follows:

1. Peel 2 medium-sized onions and slice them thinly. 
2. Heat a large skillet or frying pan over medium-low heat.
3. Add 2 tablespoons of butter or olive oil to the pan and let it melt.
4. Add the sliced onions to the pan and stir to coat them in the butter or oil. Spread them out evenly in the pan.
5. Cook the onions slowly over low to medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. This process will take time, typically around 30-45 minutes.
6. After about 15 minutes of cooking, sprinkle a pinch of salt over the onions. This helps draw out moisture and aids in the caramelization process.
7. Continue cooking the onions, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking or burning. As they cook, the onions will gradually turn soft, golden, and caramelized.
8. If desired, you can add a teaspoon or two of sugar to enhance the caramelization and sweetness of the onions. This step is optional, as onions naturally become sweet as they caramelize.
9. Cook the onions until they reach your preferred level of caramelization. They should have a deep golden brown colour and a sweet, rich flavour.
10. Once caramelized, remove the onions from the heat and let them cool slightly before adding them to your sandwich. 
11. You can store any leftover caramelized onions in an airtight container in the refrigerator for a few days.