Skillet Kimchi Cheddar Fusion

Featured in: Simple Weekday Favorites

This skillet-toasted sandwich blends sharp cheddar and tangy kimchi for a fusion of bold flavors. Buttered sourdough bread crisps to a golden crust while melting the cheese and warming the kimchi, creating a savory, satisfying bite. Optional green onions and toasted sesame seeds add fresh and nutty accents. Perfect for a quick, comforting meal with unique taste contrasts.

Updated on Fri, 28 Nov 2025 10:14:00 GMT
Golden, melted cheddar and spicy kimchi layered in the Skillet Kimchi & Cheddar Fusion Grilled Cheese. Save to Pinterest
Golden, melted cheddar and spicy kimchi layered in the Skillet Kimchi & Cheddar Fusion Grilled Cheese. | maplefrost.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.

Preparation Time: 10 minutes Cooking Time: 10 minutes Total Time: 20 minutes

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.
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| maplefrost.com

Family moments come alive when sharing this fusion grilled cheese snack that brings everyone to the table for a warm and comforting bite.

Notes

For extra crispiness, use mayonnaise instead of butter on the bread exterior. Try mozzarella or Gruyère for a milder flavor. Pair with tomato soup or a lightly dressed salad.

Required Tools

Skillet or frying pan Spatula Knife Cutting board

Nutritional Information

Calories: 420 Total Fat: 23 g Carbohydrates: 38 g Protein: 16 g

Crispy sourdough hugging gooey, melty cheese and kimchi in a delicious Skillet Kimchi & Cheddar Fusion Grilled Cheese. Save to Pinterest
Crispy sourdough hugging gooey, melty cheese and kimchi in a delicious Skillet Kimchi & Cheddar Fusion Grilled Cheese. | maplefrost.com

This sandwich is perfect for a quick lunch or a cozy dinner Add a side salad or soup for a full meal

Recipe FAQs

What type of bread works best for this sandwich?

Sturdy sourdough or country bread provides the ideal texture and flavor, holding up well during pan-toasting.

Can I adjust the spice level of the kimchi?

Yes, choosing milder or more fermented kimchi varieties can vary the spice and tang in the sandwich.

What are good alternatives to sharp cheddar?

Mozzarella or Gruyère can be used for creamier, milder cheese options that melt beautifully.

How can I get extra crispiness on the sandwich exterior?

Using mayonnaise instead of butter on the bread's outer side enhances the crisp texture during toasting.

Are there suggested pairings with this sandwich?

Tomato soup or a lightly dressed salad complement the bold kimchi and cheddar flavors well.

Is this suitable for vegetarians?

It can be vegetarian if the kimchi does not contain seafood ingredients; always check labels to confirm.

Skillet Kimchi Cheddar Fusion

Bold kimchi and sharp cheddar layered sandwich, pan-toasted to a golden finish with optional sesame seeds.

Prep time
10 minutes
Time to cook
10 minutes
Overall time
20 minutes
Created by Hannah Marlowe


Level Easy

Cuisine type Fusion (Korean-American)

Makes 2 Portions

Diet preferences Meat-free

What You’ll Need

Bread

01 4 slices sturdy sourdough or country bread

Cheese

01 4 oz sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

Kimchi

01 ½ 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

Directions

Step 01

Butter Bread: Spread softened butter evenly on one side of each bread slice.

Step 02

Assemble Sandwich Base: Place two bread slices buttered side down on a clean surface.

Step 03

Add Cheese: Evenly distribute shredded cheddar over the two slices.

Step 04

Layer Kimchi and Optional Toppings: Scatter chopped kimchi evenly over the cheese, then add green onions and toasted sesame seeds if desired.

Step 05

Complete Sandwich Assembly: Top with remaining bread slices, buttered sides facing outwards.

Step 06

Preheat Skillet: Heat a skillet over medium-low heat until warm.

Step 07

Grill Sandwiches: Place sandwiches in skillet and cook 3 to 4 minutes per side, pressing lightly with a spatula until bread is golden and cheese melted.

Step 08

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

Equipment you’ll need

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

Allergy details

Be sure to review ingredient lists for allergens and reach out to your healthcare provider if uncertain.
  • Contains dairy (cheese, butter), gluten (bread), soy (possible in kimchi)
  • Kimchi may contain seafood (fish sauce or shrimp paste); verify if vegetarian or allergic.

Nutrition info (per portion)

All nutrition info is just for reference and can’t replace professional medical guidance.
  • Energy: 420
  • Total fat: 23 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 38 grams
  • Proteins: 16 grams