What To Serve With Grilled Cheese (25 Best Sides)

Grilled cheese sandwiches are a classic, beloved comfort food that never goes out of style. And for good reason, who can resist the combination of melted cheese and crispy bread?

But while grilled cheese sandwiches are delicious on their own, pairing them with the right side dish makes all the difference. From classic soups and salads to more unique options like gazpacho and buffalo chicken dip, these side dishes add extra flavor and texture to every bite.

So, whether you’re craving a warm bowl of tomato soup or crispy French fries, we have the best grilled cheese side dishes that will put a smile on your face!

1. Roasted tomato soup

A classic grilled cheese sandwich and tomato soup is a match made in heaven. The warm, gooey cheese and buttery bread of the sandwich pairs perfectly with the creamy tomato soup.

Not only does the soup provide a delicious and comforting flavor, but it also helps to cut through the richness of the sandwich. The combination of the two makes for a satisfying and balanced meal.

Mix things up by trying different types of tomato soup, such as creamy tomato bisque or spicy tomato soup. Add toppings like fresh basil, croutons, or even a sprinkle of parmesan cheese to take your soup to the next level.

We love: Roasted Tomato Soup Recipe (by Kim’s Cravings)

2. French fries

French fries are a classic and delicious grilled cheese side.

These crispy, salty, and golden-brown fries are a staple in many households and are a great complement to the gooey, melted cheese in your sandwich.

You can also try making them in an air fryer for a healthier option. Or head in the opposite direction with loaded fries with toppings like bacon, cheese, or chili for a fun twist.

We love: Homemade Seasoned French Fries (by The Heirloom Pantry)

3. Sweet potato fries

Grilled cheese sandwiches and sweet potato fries make a delicious and satisfying meal. The crispy, sweet fries complement the gooey, savory sandwich perfectly.

Add a dipping sauce like a spicy mayo or honey mustard. And for a complete meal, pair your grilled cheese and sweet potato fries with a fresh green salad.

We love: Crispy baked sweet potato fries (by I Heart Naptime)

4. Coleslaw

Coleslaw is a great side dish to serve with a grilled cheese sandwich. The refreshing and tangy flavors of coleslaw complement the rich and gooey taste of the sandwich.

Coleslaw is also a versatile and easy recipe that can be made with simple ingredients like cabbage, carrots, and a creamy dressing.

We love: This Is the Most Popular Slaw Recipe on Pinterest (by Kitchn)

5. Mac and cheese

Mac and cheese is a classic and comforting side dish that I can eat with absolutely anything. The creamy and cheesy flavors of mac and cheese compliment the gooey and buttery goodness of a grilled cheese sandwich.

For a twist on the traditional mac and cheese, add some cooked bacon, diced jalapenos for a spicy kick, or roasted root vegetables for sustenance.

We love: The BEST Homemade Baked Mac and Cheese (by Mom On Timeout)

6. Tomato and avocado salad

Tomato and avocado salad is a delicious and healthy side dish to turn a grilled cheese into a meal.

The fresh flavors of the salad complement the rich and creamy flavors of the melted cheese, while also providing a nice balance of textures.

To make the salad even more flavorful, add some fresh herbs, like basil or parsley, and a drizzle of olive oil over the top.

We love: Tomato Avocado Salad (by Dinner at the Zoo)

7. Potato chips

Potato chips are the perfect lazy day side dish for a grilled cheese.

And, the combination of the crispy chips and gooey cheese from the sandwich is simply irresistible.

Make homemade potato chips if you have the time, or opt for store-bought chips with a dipping sauce.

We love: Homemade Potato Chips (by Beyond The Chicken Coop)

8. Pickles

Pickles are the perfect snacking side dish for a grilled cheese sandwich. The tangy and crunchy pickles provide a nice contrast to the rich and creamy cheese.

You can make your own if you’re up for the adventure, or serve store-bought pickles. And if you’re looking for something a bit more indulgent, try deep fried pickles!

We love: Crunchy Garlic Dill Pickles (by The Grateful Girl Cooks!)

9. Fruit salad

Fruit salad is a great side dish to serve with a classic grilled cheese. I love how the fresh, juicy fruits create a delicious balance of flavors.

Not only does it add a burst of sweetness to the meal, but it also provides a healthy and refreshing element.

Serve the fresh fruit salad alongside your sandwich or as a wholesome dessert option.

We love: Fruit Salad Recipe {with Honey Lime Dressing} (by Cooking Classy)

10. Roasted vegetables

Roasted vegetables are a classic and delicious side dish. The combination of the warm, buttery sandwich and the crispy, caramelized vegetables is a match made in heaven.

Customize this easy side dish with your favorite vegetables, such as Brussels sprouts, sweet potatoes, broccoli, and mushrooms. Simply toss them in olive oil and roast in the oven until golden brown and tender.

We love: The BEST oven roasted vegetables (by Diethood®)

11. Green salad

A green salad is the perfect accompaniment to most meals. The fresh and crisp greens provide a nice contrast to the warm and gooey sandwich.

Try a Caesar salad with homemade dressing or opt for a simple salad of mixed leaves. Or add some protein to your salad, like grilled chicken or hard-boiled eggs, for a more filling meal.

We love: Best Simple Tossed Green Salad (by Creme De La Crumb)

12. Gazpacho

Gazpacho, a chilled Spanish soup made with fresh tomatoes and herbs, is a light and refreshing side dish.

This combination is also great for a hot summer day, as the chilled gazpacho provides a cool and refreshing contrast to the hot grilled cheese sandwich. Plus, the fresh ingredients in gazpacho make it a healthy and nutritious addition to your meal.

We love: Easy Gazpacho Recipe (by Two Spoons)

13. Onion rings

Onion rings are another great American classic side dish. The crispy, golden brown batter and sweet onion slices are a great contrast to the rich, melted cheese in the sandwich.

For a complete meal, serve your grilled cheese sandwich and onion rings with a dipping sauce—I love blue cheese sauce—and a simple green salad.

We love: Homemade Classic Onion Rings (by Bless this Mess)

14. Pasta salad

I love a macaroni salad packed with fresh veggies. And, the light and refreshing flavors of the pasta salad are a great contrast to the hearty and indulgent sandwich.

Not only is pasta salad an easy and tasty side dish, but it also adds a pop of color to your plate.

And it is very customizable. Use Italian vegetables with an olive oil dressing and fusilli pasta, or opt for the classic macaroni salad with creamy mayonnaise dressing. Or, try a Greek orzo salad.

We love: Greek Olive Pasta Salad. (by Half Baked Harvest)

15. Stuffed mushrooms

Stuffed mushrooms may not be the first side dish you think of, but they work perfectly together.

The earthy and savory flavors of the mushrooms are a perfect complement to the rich and creamy cheese in your grilled cheese sandwich.

We love: Classic Stuffed Mushrooms (by The Genetic Chef)

16. Grilled asparagus

Grilled asparagus is a delicious and easy side dish. The simple yet flavorful taste of grilled asparagus perfectly complements the rich and gooey cheese in the sandwich.

Top your grilled asparagus with crumbled feta cheese or grated parmesan cheese and a drizzle of olive oil with a squeeze of fresh lemon. It adds a nice tangy flavor to the meal.

We love: Lemon and Feta Grilled Asparagus (by Closet Cooking)

17. Creamy tomato soup

A grilled cheese sandwich is a classic comfort food that immediately lifts my spirit. But it’s at its best served with tomato soup.

I love creamy tomato soup, but you can also serve it with tomato basil soup.

The smooth and tangy flavors of the soup perfectly complement the gooey and savory cheese in the sandwich.

We love: Best Tomato Soup Recipe (by JoyFoodSunshine)

18. Broccoli salad

Broccoli salad is a great vegetable side dish to complement the rich and indulgent sandwich.

The crunch of the broccoli and the tanginess of the dressing provide a nice contrast to the gooey melted cheese and buttery bread of the sandwich.

Plus, the salad is easy to customize with what you have available. I love mine with chunks of cheddar cheese, thinly sliced red onion, and a creamy mayonnaise sauce (or Greek yogurt dressing for a lighter salad).

We love: Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Salad (by My Incredible Recipes)

19. Creamy cucumber salad

Cucumber salad is a great option to lighten the meal.

You can opt for a spicy Asian-style cucumber salad, but I love a creamy cucumber salad with a grilled cheese.

The crisp and refreshing cucumber slices add a nice contrast to the warm and gooey grilled cheese. Plus, the tangy Greek yogurt dressing helps cut through the richness of the cheese and bread.

We love: Creamy Cucumber Salad (by Budget Bytes)

20. Creamy butternut squash soup

The smooth and rich flavors of butternut soup complement the crispy, cheesy goodness of the sandwich.

And you’ll get a healthy dose of your daily vegetables in one comforting bowl. Complete the meal with more delicious side dishes for butternut squash soup.

We love: Roasted Butternut Squash Soup (by Little Spoon Farm)

21. Chili

Chili is a hearty and flavorful stew that is a perfect complement to a grilled cheese sandwich. The warm and comforting tomato-based meat stew goes well with the crispy bread and melted cheese.

Dipping your grilled cheese sandwich in a bowl of chili is the ultimate comfort food combination. Serve it alongside classics chili sides like sour cream, avocado salad or guacamole—see my ultimate collection of side dishes for chili.

We love: Best Beef Chili (by Fit Foodie Finds)

22. Buffalo chicken dip

Why not up your protein with a spicy and flavorful buffalo chicken dip?

This dip is made with shredded chicken, hot sauce, and a blend of creamy cheeses, making it the perfect accompaniment to turn a simple grilled cheese sandwich into a complete meal.

We love: Buffalo Chicken Dip Crock Pot (by Real Housemoms)

23. Waldorf salad

A Waldorf salad is a fruit and nut salad that’s perfect as an appetizer or light meal.

It typically includes crispy lettuce celery, fresh apples, walnuts, and grapes, dressed in a mayonnaise sauce, and traditionally served on a bed of lettuce as an appetizer or a light meal.

The refreshing salad has a crispy texture and slightly sweet flavor pairing perfectly with any toastie.

We love: Waldorf Salad – A Classic Holiday Salad Recipe (by Downshiftology)

24. Deviled egg potato salad

What better way to enjoy a comforting, cheesy sandwich than with a protein-packed potato salad?

You can make this easy potato salad ahead of time, making it a convenient choice for meal plans, dinner parties and picnics.

We love: Deviled Egg Potato Salad (by Sweet and Savory Meals)

25. Caprese salad

The combination of ripe tomatoes, fresh basil, and creamy mozzarella is delicious with the gooey cheese and crispy bread.

Plus, the light and refreshing flavors of the tomato salad provide a nice contrast to the rich and indulgent sandwich. It’s a great way to add some variety and freshness to your meal.

We love: Caprese Salad Recipe (by Natasha’s Kitchen)

26. Soup

While I specifically listed creamy tomato soup, gazpacho and creamy butternut squash soup earlier, any soup can benefit from a deliciously crispy and gooey toastie.

My favorites are creamy mushroom soup, broccoli cheese soup, rustic vegetable soup, leek and potato soup, chicken noodle soup.

Find your favorite: 50 Best Soups for Cold Weather (by Simply Happenings)

Frequently asked questions

Grilled cheese sandwiches are a classic comfort food that is delicious on its own, but even better paired with the perfect side dish. From creamy tomato soup to a crisp green salad, there are endless options for the ultimate grilled cheese sides.

What’s your favorite side dishes for a grilled cheese sandwhich?