KIMCHI BACON GRILLED CHEESE

Gooey melted cheese combined with crispy, buttery bread- There is nothing more comforting than a grilled cheese sandwich. It is the ultimate comfort meal, but what happens when you elevate it and give it an Asian twist??

Here is my Kimchi Bacon Grilled Cheese - the perfect fusion of the savory, cheesy goodness of a classic grilled cheese, combined with an Asian staple, kimchi, and smoky crispy bacon.

This dish is familiar yet exciting for when you want a quick, cozy meal that has all the flavors from savory, tangy, crispy, and cheesy. Whether you're a fan of kimchi or have never tried it before, this grilled cheese will have you obsessed from the first bite.

What is Kimchi?

Real quick, for those who have no idea what kimchi is, it is made from fermented vegetables, typically napa cabbage. It has a unique spicy and sour taste, packing it with gut-healthy probiotics. It is a staple in every Korean household and is eaten with almost every meal. Kimchi is the perfect pairing to a grilled cheese because it cuts the greasiness that can come from the cheese and bacon.

Key Ingredients for the Kimchi Bacon Grilled Cheese

(see full Ingredient list below on the Recipe Card)

• Kimchi: this provides a spicy, tangy contrast to the richness of the cheese and bacon.
• Bacon: whether thick-cut or smoked, this adds the crunch that balances the gooey cheese.
• Sharp Cheddar Cheese: the preferred cheese to use for grilled cheeses due to its bold flavor.
• Mozzarella Cheese: gives the grilled cheese that perfect stretch and gooey texture when melted.
• Sourdough Bread: this provides a sturdy base that will hold all the ingredients together.

Tools and Equipment Needed

• Skillet or pan: to fry the bacon, sauté the kimchi, and grill the sandwich.
• Small bowl: to mix the sauce in
• Cheese grater: to grate the cheese. Ignore if using pre-grated cheese.
• Sharp knife and cutting board: to chop the kimchi
• Spatula: cooking utensil for each process
• Paper-towel covered plate: to drain the excess oil from the cooked bacon

Now that we are fully aware of the major ingredients and necessary tools for this Kimchi Bacon Grilled Cheese, let's get down to business and begin to create this recipe.

Step-by-Step Instructions for the Kimchi Bacon Grilled Cheese

1. Cook the Bacon: Fry up the bacon over medium high heat until crispy on both sides. Place on a plate covered with paper towel to drain.
2. Sauté the Kimchi: Use a paper towel to remove the bacon fat from the skillet, making sure to save about 1-2 tsp. Chop the kimchi and add it to the same skillet. Add sesame oil and sugar then sauté for about 2-3 minutes.
   • If kimchi is beginning to burn from the heat, reduce to medium low.
   • Optional: add in sliced onions or green onions for more flavor.
3. Make the Sauce & Shred the Cheeses: Combine gochujang and mayo in a small bowl to make a quick sauce to spread on the bread before grilling (optional). Also, shred the sharp cheddar and mozzarella cheeses using a cheese grater and set aside.
   • If gochujang is not available, you can use sriracha or hot sauce as a substitute.
   • Pre-grated cheese can also be used for a faster alternative.
4. Assemble the Sandwich: Spread a layer of the gochujang mayo onto one bread slice then layer with the shredded cheese, bacon, then sauteed kimchi. Generously sprinkle more cheese on top and cover with the other bread slice.
5. Grill the Sandwich: In a heated skillet, toss in a bit of butter and allow to melt fully. Place the sandwich on top and grill each side for 3-4 minutes.
   • While the sandwich is grilling on one side, spread a layer of butter on the bread on top before flipping.
   • Grill the sandwich in medium-low heat to reduce burning.
   • Press gently with a spatula once flipped.
6. Serve: Allow the sandwich to cool down for a minute then slice in half and serve with tomato soup.

Recipe Tips for Best Results

1. Drain the kimchi before chopping or sauté until no juices remain to prevent a soggy sandwich.
2. Use a low-moisture mozzarella for the best stretch.
3. Shred your own cheese for the ultimate cheese pull rather than using pre-shredded cheese.
4. Grill the sandwich in medium low heat to achieve even browning and fully melted cheese.

Substitutions/Variations

• Bacon Alternatives: For a vegetarian option, omit bacon and use sauteed mushrooms or vegan bacon instead. Use turkey bacon for a lower fat alternative.
• Cheese Variations: Instead of mozzarella cheese, use provolone or even burrata cheese for that creaminess.
• Bread: If sourdough is not available, use ciabatta or brioche bread. Avoid overly soft breads, as they may not hold up as well.

FAQs

1. Do I need to sauté the kimchi? I would recommend it because it can be overpowering. Cooking it with some sesame oil and sugar will reduce the sourness.
2. Can I use pre-shredded cheese? Yes, this is quicker than shredding your own cheese but will not melt as well.
3. Can I just use sharp cheddar cheese? Yes, if mozzarella cheese is not available, you can use just sharp cheddar, but the grilled cheese will not have the same cheese pull.

Other Fun Similar Recipes

If you loved this recipe, try out these other sandwich recipes with an Asian twist linked below! They sure would not disappoint.

1. MISO HONEY STEAK & EGG SANDO: Steak pieces marinated with a miso honey sauce and fluffy scrambled eggs nestled between soft bread.
2. CURRY CHICKEN KATSU SANDWICH: Crispy, fried chicken paired with a crunchy cabbage slaw slathered in a Japanese curry sauce nestled in a soft bun.

Conclusion

This Kimchi Bacon Grilled Cheese elevated the classic sandwich to another level with bold Asian flavors that is sure to wow your taste buds. Familiar, yet exciting, each bite is packed with a myriad of flavors from savory to tangy leaving you wanting more!

If you are a fan of Asian flavors blended into cozy dishes, give this recipe a try and tell me what you think. Leave a comment about any reviews or questions you may have!

Make sure to share your delicious, kimchi grilled cheese creations with me by tagging me @foods_ofli on Instagram. I would love to see what you've chef'd up in the kitchen! Happy cooking!

For more delicious recipes like this one, visit Foodsofli.com. Don’t forget to share your creations with me on social media using #Foodsofli and make sure to tag me @foods_ofli so that I can see your masterpiece.