Spicy Chutney Grilled Cheese

Section: Hearty Meals to Satisfy Your Hunger

This banger of a sandwich brings oozy cheese and punchy chutney together—think grilled bread stuffed with sautéed peppers kicked up with garam masala and taco spice, then loaded with homemade green cilantro goodness. Creamy mayo with fiery chutney ties it all together. Dip into tomato soup jazzed up with ginger, garlic, soy, and chili sauce for a next-level soggy bite. Crispy, cheesy, fresh, and spicy in every bite.

A woman in a white shirt and apron smiles for the camera.
Rédigé par Barbara Barbara
Dernière modification le Mon, 16 Jun 2025 16:55:57 GMT
A sandwich with cheese and tomatoes. Épingler l'article
A sandwich with cheese and tomatoes. | tastefullyeats.com

Bite into this mouthwatering chutney grilled cheese for a burst of global flavors. Tangy cilantro chutney, gooey cheese, and bell peppers tossed in warming spices turn a simple sandwich into something exciting. Dip it into a jazzed-up Campbell's tomato soup for a comfort meal with a twist that'll have you hooked.

This fun grilled cheese happened because I was just trying to use up leftover chutney after Indian takeout. My family thought I'd lost it with the flavor mash-up, but one bite in, and now we crave it so much we make it a couple times each month.

Ingredients

  • Butter: Don't skip this—it gives that amazing crispy golden outside
  • Spicy mayo: Just mayo and chili sauce mixed up for cool, spicy creaminess
  • Taco seasoning: Adds big, punchy flavor so you don't have to fuss with lots of spices
  • Sandwich bread: Pick a hearty loaf (try sourdough or country-style) for the ultimate crunch
  • Cilantro chutney: The secret weapon—blended cilantro, peanuts, ginger, chilies, garlic for a bright and zippy spread
  • Garam masala: This fragrant Indian spice brings the whole thing together with depth
  • Bell peppers: Grab one green and one red—sweet, crunchy, and colorful
  • Cheese slices: You want a melty cheese, so go for cheddar, pepper jack, or American

Winning Steps for Making It

Toast your sandwich like a pro:
On medium, melt a bit of butter in a nonstick pan. Lay down two bread slices, slap cheese on both, and spread a generous amount of spicy mayo on one side. Follow with another cheese slice, top with the cool pepper mix, and finish with chutney. Cap it with the other bread, cheese side in, and turn the heat down.
Finish with golden crunch:
Cook patiently, a few minutes per side, until it's crazy crispy and the cheese is melted. Be gentle flipping—it helps to use a wide spatula and toss in more butter if your bread needs extra crunch.
Whip up the spicy mayo:
Stir together mayonnaise and your favorite hot sauce. If you want to keep it traditional, go for thecha chutney, but sriracha or chili garlic sauce are awesome too.
Get the chutney sorted:
In a small blender, throw in roughly chopped cilantro, a couple garlic cloves, fresh ginger, chilies, peanuts, cumin powder, and salt. Splash in some water slowly so it blends up smooth but not watery. The peanuts make it creamy, so it's perfect for spreading.
Get those peppers going:
Toss diced red and green bell peppers in hot oil in a large skillet. Stir for about 3–4 minutes so they soften without turning mushy.
Add the seasoning:
Dust the cooked peppers with taco seasoning and garam masala, and quickly stir for a couple minutes so the flavors come alive and coat every bit. Take them off the heat and set aside to cool a bit.
A sandwich layered with tomatoes and melted cheese.
A sandwich layered with tomatoes and melted cheese. | tastefullyeats.com

You can't skip the chutney—it's truly special. The first batch I ever made was overloaded with chili, and my husband started sweating but called it his best sandwich ever. Now I tone it down or amp it up depending on who's eating, but it's always packed with loads of cilantro and plenty of garlic for that bold punch.

Epic Meal: Fresh Tomato Soup Pairing

It's super easy to make canned Campbell's tomato soup taste homemade. Pour oil in a pot, toss in some chopped garlic and ginger, and let them smell amazing. Next, add ketchup, chili garlic sauce, cumin, a bit of soy, and fresh cilantro. Heat until it all blends nicely. Tip in your can of soup plus its water, simmer gently, and you'll have a souped-up side for dipping in no time.

Swap It Up

This formula's super adaptable. Can't find cilantro chutney? Sub in a jarred green chutney and swirl in a spoon of peanut butter. Want a smoky taste? Use roasted poblanos instead of bell peppers—or zucchini if you like things mild. For vegans, switch to plant-based cheese and butter—works great. Go gluten free with your favorite GF bread and double check your spice mix is safe.

Storage Hacks

These sandwiches taste best fresh off the skillet, nice and crispy. But you can totally make the pepper mix and chutney ahead—chutney lasts up to 5 days in a tightly sealed container in the fridge, and the peppers are good for 3 to 4 days. For prepping in advance, stash the different fillings separately and put the sandwiches together just before eating. Tomato soup will keep fine in the fridge up to 4 days; reheat it slowly on the stove.

A sandwich stacked with lettuce and tomato on a white plate.
A sandwich stacked with lettuce and tomato on a white plate. | tastefullyeats.com

If you love a punchy twist on comfort food, this grilled cheese is gonna wow you!

Foire aux questions sur la recette

→ Can I make the cilantro chutney ahead of time?

Go for it! You can whip up the chutney and pop it in the fridge, sealed up tight, for about three days. The flavors get even better after hanging out awhile.

→ What cheese works best for this sandwich?

You’ve got options! Sharp cheddar gives a nice bite against the heat, American melts super smooth, and pepper jack brings some fire. Found Amul cheese at your market? It’s a tasty classic for this kind of sandwich.

→ Can I substitute the bell peppers with other vegetables?

Definitely! Sautéed mushrooms, onions, or even spinach work fine. Just cook them down long enough so your bread doesn’t go soggy.

→ What can I use instead of Thecha Chutney for the spicy mayo?

If you can’t find Thecha, squirt in some Sriracha or chili garlic sauce. Sambal, harissa, or even a pinch of cayenne in regular mayo all get you there too.

→ Is there a way to make this vegetarian sandwich vegan?

Sure thing! Sub in vegan cheese, mayo, and butter. The bell pepper mix and green chutney are already good to go. Just double check your soup and sauces are plant-based.

→ How spicy is this sandwich?

You’re in charge of the heat. For less fire, swap in jalapeños for hotter chilis, use less chili sauce, and cut back on spicy mayo. Want extra kick? Add more peppers or hot sauce.

Spicy Chutney Grilled Cheese

Melty cheese, fragrant cilantro dip, and spiced peppers pack a fun punch in this mashup on classic cheese sandwiches with Indian vibes.

Durée de préparation
20 min
Durée de cuisson
25 min
Temps global
45 min
Rédigé par Barbara: Barbara

Type de plat: Main Dishes

Niveau de difficulté: Modéré

Origine culinaire: Fusion of Indian and American flavors

Quantité obtenue: 4 Nombre de portions (4 gooey sandwiches and paired tomato soup)

Spécificités diététiques: Végétarien

Liste des ingrédients

→ Bread Layers

01 6-8 slices of bread
02 1-2 tablespoons of softened butter
03 10-12 slices of your favorite cheese

→ Bell Pepper Mixture

04 1 tablespoon cooking oil
05 1 teaspoon garam masala spice
06 2 teaspoons taco spice mix
07 2 cups diced bell peppers (red and green in equal amounts)

→ Zesty Mayo Spread

08 1/3 cup plain mayonnaise
09 1/2 teaspoon of Chili Garlic Sauce, Sriracha, or Thecha Chutney

→ Herby Cilantro Sauce

10 1 generous bunch of cilantro (trim 1 inch off the stems)
11 4 peeled cloves of garlic
12 A small piece of ginger (about 1/2 inch)
13 3 chilies (Serrano or Jalapeño), roughly cut up
14 1 teaspoon powdered cumin
15 3 tablespoons unsalted peanuts
16 1/4 teaspoon salt (or adjust to taste)
17 Add small splashes of water if needed for blending

→ Enhanced Tomato Soup

18 1/2 teaspoon garlic, finely minced
19 1/2 teaspoon ginger, minced
20 1 can (310g) of condensed tomato soup
21 1 tablespoon of ketchup
22 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
23 1 teaspoon soy sauce
24 2 tablespoons chili garlic paste
25 1/2 teaspoon powdered cumin
26 1 tablespoon of oil for cooking

Étapes de préparation

Instruction 01

In a blender, add the cilantro leaves, garlic cloves, ginger, chopped chilies, cumin powder, peanuts, and a pinch of salt. Blend everything until smooth. Add a little water one spoonful at a time if the mixture is too thick, but keep it spreadable. You don’t want it too runny!

Instruction 02

In a large frying pan, warm up some oil over medium heat. Throw in the diced peppers and cook for a few minutes, keeping them slightly crunchy. Sprinkle the taco spices and garam masala, giving it all a stir for 1-2 minutes before turning off the heat. No need to add extra salt; the other toppings cover it.

Instruction 03

Take a small bowl and mix the mayonnaise with Thecha Chutney, Sriracha, or any chili garlic sauce until it blends smoothly.

Instruction 04

On a hot non-stick frying pan, melt a thin layer of butter over medium heat. Lay down two slices of bread. Spread a thin layer of mayo mixture on one, top it with pepper filling, cheese slices, and a generous swipe of cilantro sauce. Cover it with the second bread slice. Flip carefully and cook on both sides over low heat till the cheese melts and it turns wonderfully golden.

Instruction 05

Heat up some oil in a medium pot. Stir in ginger and garlic, letting them soften lightly. Add chili garlic paste, ketchup, powdered cumin, soy sauce, and fresh cilantro. Mix well. Pour in condensed tomato soup along with one can of water. Bring everything to a soft simmer, then take it off the stove.

Instruction 06

Cut the toasted sandwiches into halves or quarters. Serve alongside a bowl full of hot tomato soup for dipping, and dig in!

Informations complémentaires

  1. For the best texture, cook peppers quickly on high heat to avoid steam making them soggy.
  2. Cilantro sauce stays fresh in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Ustensiles requis

  • Small blender or compact food processor
  • Wide skillet with a non-stick base
  • A medium-sized cooking pot
  • Flipping spatula

Informations sur les allergènes

Examinez chaque ingrédient pour repérer la présence d'allergènes. Demandez conseil à un professionnel de santé en cas d'incertitude.
  • Includes dairy in cheese and butter
  • Contains peanuts as part of the sauce
  • Bread adds gluten
  • Egg is present in mayo
  • Made with soy-based sauce

Informations nutritionnelles (par portion)

Ces données sont fournies à titre informatif et ne sauraient remplacer l'avis d'un professionnel de santé.
  • Apport calorique: 420
  • Matières grasses: 23.5 g
  • Glucides: 38 g
  • Protéines: 15 g