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Kimchi Grilled Cheese with Ham
Spicy, garlicky kimchi ups the umami quotient of the classic grilled cheese. The pairing of cheese and kimchi actually isn’t new. Budae jjigae, otherwise known as army base stew, originates with the Korean War. It’s a hot pot made with American surplus foods, such as hot dogs, baked beans and instant noodles, along with kimchi and American cheese. These sandwiches aren’t quite as lavish, but they’re indisputably tasty.
4
Servings
30 minutes
Ingredients
-
⅓
cup mayonnaise
-
1
tablespoon kimchi juice, plus 1⅓ cups cabbage kimchi, drained and chopped
Directions
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01In a small bowl, stir together the mayonnaise and kimchi brine. Spread evenly over one side of each slice of bread. Flip 4 of the slices to be mayonnaise side down, then top each with 1 slice of cheese, 1 slice of ham (or 1 slice bacon, torn to fit) and a quarter of the kimchi. Top each with a slice of the remaining cheese, then with another slice of bread, mayonnaise side up. Press on the sandwiches to compact the fillings.
Reviews
July 23, 2026
great grilled cheese
yes, the kimchi definitely upped this grilled cheese. definitely a keeper.
March 26, 2026
Lorraine L
This grilled cheese is a flavor burst! I know now what to do with my extra kimchi, Loved the idea of using kimchi mayo for the griddle rather than butter to carry the flavors through. My husband devoured his and half of mine and correctly guessed the recipe was from Milk Street. He loves everything I make from this site. Thanks Milk Street! You really do change the way I cook!!
February 26, 2025
Great Tailgating Food
Made these on my griddle when we tailgated. Major hit with everyone. Super easy to make. Great flavor.
February 19, 2023
Grown to love kimchi
I prefer a homemade fresh Kimchi but there some good store bought ones too. I liked the sandwich a little more than my husband
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