Dip It, Top It, Love It: The Best Sauces & Soups to Pair With Grilled Cheese

Grilled cheese is no longer just a lunchbox classic—it’s a full-blown comfort food icon. And with National Grilled Cheese Day landing on Saturday, April 12, it’s time to take your melty masterpiece to the next level. Forget the plain Jane cheddar-on-white. We’re talking drizzles, dips, and flavor bombs that turn an ordinary sandwich into a crave-worthy experience.

Here’s how to level up your grilled cheese game!

Tomato Bisque: The Soulmate Dip

Let’s start with the OG. Dunking a crunchy, buttery grilled cheese into rich tomato bisque is the food equivalent of a warm hug. Want to spice things up? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a swirl of heavy cream for that perfect Insta-worthy swirl.

Garlic Aioli: Creamy, Dreamy, Addictive

Garlic aioli is like that friend who makes everything better. Slather it inside your sandwich or use it as a dip on the side. It brings a velvety punch that pairs insanely well with sharp cheddar or a three-cheese blend.

Sriracha Honey Drizzle: Sweet Meets Heat

This is for the bold eaters and flavor chasers. A sriracha honey drizzle on your grilled cheese? Chef’s kiss. It cuts through the richness with a perfect balance of sweet and spicy—especially good with pepper jack or gouda.

Truffle Oil: For the Main Character Energy

If you want to turn your grilled cheese into a gourmet affair, drizzle just a touch of truffle oil on top after grilling. Pair it with mushroom soup or even French onion. It’s luxe, it’s earthy, it’s a vibe.

Bonus Pairing Tips

• Soup Shooters: Serve mini grilled cheese bites with tiny soup cups at your next gathering. It’s grown-up nostalgia done right.

• Dipping Flight: Offer a trio of sauces—think pesto mayo, chipotle ranch, and classic marinara

  —for a grilled cheese tasting board.

Whether you’re team dip or team drizzle, April 12 is your excuse to get cheesy and creative.