Skillet Kimchi & Cheddar

Featured in: Grill & Chill Recipes

This skillet melt features tangy, chopped kimchi layered with sharp cheddar cheese between sturdy bread slices, pan-toasted in butter until the bread achieves a crisp golden crust and the cheese melts beautifully. Optional green onions and toasted sesame seeds add an extra flavor dimension. Perfect for a quick, flavorful meal blending Korean and American tastes in an easy, savory sandwich.

Updated on Fri, 28 Nov 2025 16:09:00 GMT
Golden, melty Skillet Kimchi & Cheddar Fusion Grilled Cheese with crispy bread crusts, ready to devour. Pin It
Golden, melty Skillet Kimchi & Cheddar Fusion Grilled Cheese with crispy bread crusts, ready to devour. | dudesnack.com

A bold and savory grilled cheese sandwich featuring tangy kimchi and sharp cheddar, pan-toasted to golden perfection a fusion twist on a classic comfort food.

This sandwich became an instant favorite in my household, combining unexpected ingredients in a delicious way.

Ingredients

  • Bread: 4 slices sturdy sourdough or country bread
  • Cheese: 120 g (4 oz) sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • Kimchi: 100 g (about 1/2 cup) well-drained kimchi, chopped
  • Butter: 2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
  • Optional Additions: 1 tbsp sliced green onions, 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds

Instructions

Step 1:
Lay out the bread slices and spread butter evenly on one side of each slice.
Step 2:
Place two slices, buttered side down, on a clean surface.
Step 3:
Evenly distribute the shredded cheddar on both slices.
Step 4:
Top with the chopped kimchi, spreading it out for even coverage. Add green onions and sesame seeds if using.
Step 5:
Place the remaining bread slices on top, buttered side facing out.
Step 6:
Heat a skillet over medium-low heat.
Step 7:
Place the sandwiches in the skillet. Cook for 3 4 minutes per side, pressing gently with a spatula, until the bread is golden brown and the cheese has melted.
Step 8:
Remove from the skillet, let rest for 1 minute, then slice in half and serve warm.
A close-up of a bubbling, cheesy Skillet Kimchi & Cheddar Fusion Grilled Cheese sandwich, sliced nearly in half. Pin It
A close-up of a bubbling, cheesy Skillet Kimchi & Cheddar Fusion Grilled Cheese sandwich, sliced nearly in half. | dudesnack.com

Making this grilled cheese brought back memories of family dinners filled with laughter and shared love for adventurous flavors.

Notes

Try mozzarella or Gruyère for a milder flavor and pair with tomato soup or a lightly dressed salad for a complete meal.

Required Tools

Skillet or frying pan, Spatula, Knife, Cutting board

Nutritional Information

Calories: 420, Total Fat: 23 g, Carbohydrates: 38 g, Protein: 16 g per serving

Freshly assembled Skillet Kimchi & Cheddar Fusion Grilled Cheese, showcasing tangy kimchi and melted cheddar between toasted bread. Pin It
Freshly assembled Skillet Kimchi & Cheddar Fusion Grilled Cheese, showcasing tangy kimchi and melted cheddar between toasted bread. | dudesnack.com

This grilled cheese sandwich is a quick, flavorful way to enjoy comforting food with a twist.

Recipe Questions & Answers

What bread works best for this sandwich?

Sturdy breads like sourdough or country bread hold up well to melting cheese and kimchi, providing a good balance of texture and flavor.

Can I substitute the cheese?

Mozzarella or Gruyère are great alternatives if you prefer a milder, creamy melt without overpowering the kimchi's tang.

How should I prepare the kimchi for the sandwich?

Drain and chop the kimchi finely to avoid sogginess and ensure even distribution across the sandwich layers.

What cooking technique ensures a crispy crust?

Pan-toasting on medium-low heat with butter and pressing gently with a spatula helps the bread crisp evenly while melting cheese inside.

Are there flavor enhancers I can add?

Sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds add fresh, nutty notes that complement the kimchi and cheddar beautifully.

Skillet Kimchi & Cheddar

Tangy kimchi meets sharp cheddar in a golden skillet melt with crisp bread and savory layers.

Prep Time
10 minutes
Time to Cook
10 minutes
Overall Time
20 minutes
Created by Jake Anderson

Recipe Category Grill & Chill Recipes

Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Type Fusion (Korean-American)

Output 2 Portion Size

Diet Preferences Vegetarian Option

What You'll Need

Bread

01 4 slices sturdy sourdough or country bread

Cheese

01 4 oz sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

Kimchi

01 1/2 cup well-drained kimchi, chopped

Butter

01 2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened

Optional Additions

01 1 tbsp sliced green onions
02 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds

How to Make It

Step 01

Prepare Bread: Lay out the bread slices and evenly spread softened butter on one side of each slice.

Step 02

Assemble Sandwiches: Place two slices of bread, buttered side down, on a clean surface; distribute shredded cheddar evenly over both slices. Top with chopped kimchi, spreading it uniformly. Add green onions and sesame seeds if desired. Cover with remaining bread slices, buttered side facing out.

Step 03

Heat Skillet: Preheat a skillet over medium-low heat to ensure gentle toasting.

Step 04

Cook Sandwiches: Place sandwiches in the skillet and cook for 3 to 4 minutes per side, pressing gently with a spatula, until bread is golden brown and cheese melts.

Step 05

Rest and Serve: Remove from heat, allow sandwiches to rest for 1 minute, then slice in half and serve warm.

Gear Needed

  • Skillet or frying pan
  • Spatula
  • Knife
  • Cutting board

Allergy Details

Always review all ingredients for allergens before starting. Check with a health specialist if uncertain.
  • Contains dairy (cheese, butter), gluten (bread), and possibly soy (kimchi). Kimchi may contain seafood-derived ingredients; verify if allergic or vegetarian.

Nutrition Details (per portion)

Nutrition info is for guidance and isn't a substitute for professional advice.
  • Calorie Count: 420
  • Fats: 23 g
  • Carbohydrates: 38 g
  • Proteins: 16 g