Kimchi Grilled Cheese with Bacon + Sesame Oil
This kimchi grilled cheese is crispy, melty, and packed with umami – bacon-caramelized kimchi, Monterey Jack, and sourdough toasted to perfection.
Equipment
- cast iron skillet, or other heavy bottomed skillet
Ingredients
- 2 cups prepared kimchi, roughly chopped
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds
- 6 slices bacon, (I use center-cut; thick cut is nice, too)
- 8 slices sourdough bread
- 8 ounces monterey jack, shredded on a box grater
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
- 3 tablespoons mayonnaise, (regular or light; use Kewpie if you've got! You may not need all 3 tbsps.)
- 2 tablespoons toasted sesame oil
Instructions
- Place the bacon slices in a heavy bottomed skillet (cast iron is ideal) over medium heat. Cook until crisp, then transfer to a paper towel to drain. Cool slightly, then roughly chop.
- Add the chopped kimchi to the bacon fat in the skillet. Cook over medium heat for 3-4 minutes to caramelize. Mix the chopped bacon and sesame seeds into the kimchi to combine. Remove to a plate, and turn off the heat. DO NOT wipe out the skillet.
- Layer the sandwiches like this: sourdough, 1 ounce of cheese, 1/4 of the kimchi-bacon mixture, 1/4 of the sliced green onions, another 1 ounce of cheese, last slice of sourdough. Spread a thin layer of mayo on the top and the bottom of the sandwiches.
- Toast the sandwiches in 2 batches: add 2 teaspoons of sesame oil to the skillet and return it to medium-low heat. Once hot and shimmery, add 2 of the sandwiches. Cook for 3 to 5 minutes per side; adding another teaspoon of sesame oil when flipping. Remove to a cutting board and repeat with the other two sandwiches. (You can keep the first batch warm by placing them on a sheet pan in a very low oven.)
- Slice in half + enjoy!
Notes
- **The original recipe was published on October 8, 2020, and received a much needed glow-up on January 29, 2026. This new version features more kimchi; the addition of bacon, green onions, sesame seeds, sesame oil and mayonnaise; Monterey jack replaces havarti; butter has been removed.**
- Please see the full post for FAQs, including swaps and variations.
Nutrition
Calories: 844kcal | Carbohydrates: 69g | Protein: 33g | Fat: 49g | Saturated Fat: 18g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 12g | Monounsaturated Fat: 16g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 77mg | Sodium: 1683mg | Potassium: 369mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 568IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 520mg | Iron: 7mg
Drop a comment or question!Have a question about recipe variations or techniques? Did this recipe make your taste buds do a happy dance? Let me know in the ratings and comments! Your feedback keeps our kitchen sizzling and helps us cook up more free, mouthwatering recipes for you.
