If you think a classic grilled cheese couldn’t get any better, wait until you try this Garlic Bread Grilled Cheese Recipe. It takes the familiar comfort of melted cheese on crispy bread and elevates it with the irresistible flavors of garlic butter and fresh parsley. Every bite is a perfect harmony of crispy, garlicky bread and gooey, melty cheese that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Whether you’re craving a quick lunch or an indulgent snack, this recipe will blow your mind and possibly become your new favorite go-to.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These simple, everyday ingredients work in harmony to create the ultimate Garlic Bread Grilled Cheese Recipe. Each item brings texture, flavor, and that golden finish that will have you coming back for more.
- Thick-cut bread: 4 slices of sourdough, white, or Texas toast provide the sturdy base that soaks up the garlic butter while staying crisp.
- Unsalted butter: 2 tablespoons, softened for easy mixing, form the rich, luscious garlic butter that toasts the bread to perfection.
- Mayonnaise (optional): 1 tablespoon boosts crispiness and adds a subtle tang to the garlic butter spread.
- Garlic cloves: 2 cloves, minced to release that fresh and punchy flavor that defines this grilled cheese.
- Fresh parsley: 1 tablespoon chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried) adds a burst of color and a touch of herbal brightness.
- Mozzarella cheese: 1 cup shredded, for its creamy meltiness that stretches beautifully with every bite.
- Cheddar cheese: 1 cup shredded, for its sharp, flavorful kick that balances the mozzarella perfectly.
- Salt: Just a pinch to enhance all the layers of flavor in the garlic butter.
How to Make Garlic Bread Grilled Cheese Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Garlic Butter
Start by combining the softened butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, and a pinch of salt in a small bowl. If you want that extra golden crispiness, stir in a tablespoon of mayonnaise as well. This garlicky spread is what transforms the bread into irresistible garlic bread with a luscious, buttery finish.
Step 2: Butter the Bread
Spread the garlic butter mixture generously on one side of each bread slice. Make sure to cover every corner so each bite bursts with flavor and crisps up evenly when grilled.
Step 3: Heat the Skillet
Place your skillet or griddle on medium heat, allowing it to warm up gradually. This step is key to getting that perfectly golden crust without burning the bread.
Step 4: Assemble and Grill the Sandwiches
Place two bread slices buttered-side down on the skillet. Immediately top them with an even mix of mozzarella and cheddar cheese. Then cover with the remaining bread slices, buttered side up. Press down gently with a spatula to help everything compact and meld together.
Step 5: Cook Until Golden and Gooey
Grill each side for about 3 to 4 minutes, keeping an eye on the bread color and encouraging even melting of the cheese. Flip carefully and press gently again; you want a golden crust and cheese that’s perfectly melted inside.
Step 6: Rest and Slice
Once cooked, remove the sandwiches from the heat and let them sit for a minute. This resting time helps the cheese settle slightly, so it doesn’t ooze out immediately when sliced. Then cut and serve warm for maximum comfort and yum.
How to Serve Garlic Bread Grilled Cheese Recipe
Garnishes
For that extra pop of freshness, sprinkle some chopped fresh parsley or a light dusting of grated Parmesan over the top just before serving. If you like a little heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of chili oil can add exciting layers to this comforting classic.
Side Dishes
This Garlic Bread Grilled Cheese Recipe pairs beautifully with tomato soup for the ultimate cozy combo. Crisp green salads or lightly roasted vegetables also balance out the richness, bringing freshness and crunch to your meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Think beyond the traditional sandwich! Cut your grilled cheese into fun shapes using cookie cutters for a party-friendly snack. Or, turn it into a decadent grilled cheese waffle by pressing it in a waffle iron, which adds quirky texture and looks amazing on the plate.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover grilled cheese, wrap it tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. This helps preserve the garlic butter’s flavor and keeps the bread from drying out too quickly.
Freezing
Leftover sandwiches can also be frozen for up to a month. Wrap each sandwich individually in plastic wrap and then place them inside an airtight bag or container. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.
Reheating
Reheat your Garlic Bread Grilled Cheese Recipe in a skillet over low heat to retain its crispiness and ensure the cheese melts evenly. Avoid the microwave if you want to keep the bread crispy and delicious—just a few minutes on the stove works wonders.
FAQs
Can I use other types of cheese?
Absolutely! While mozzarella and cheddar give the perfect balance of melt and flavor, you can try provolone, gouda, or fontina to switch things up. Just choose cheeses that melt well to keep the ooey-gooey texture.
Is it necessary to use mayonnaise in the garlic butter?
Mayonnaise is optional but highly recommended for extra crispiness and a bit of tang. If you prefer to keep it simple, just butter, garlic, and parsley work perfectly too.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Definitely! Swap the butter for a plant-based spread, use vegan mayonnaise if you choose to include it, and replace the mozzarella and cheddar with vegan cheeses that melt well. The garlic bread flavor will still shine.
Why do you press the sandwich while grilling?
Pressing helps the bread make even contact with the skillet, ensuring a uniform golden brown crust and helps the cheese melt thoroughly, giving you that satisfying grilled cheese texture.
What’s the best bread for the Garlic Bread Grilled Cheese Recipe?
Thick-cut breads like sourdough, white, or Texas toast are ideal because they hold up well when buttered and grilled, giving you a crispy exterior with a soft center. Avoid thin or soft breads which can become soggy quickly.
Final Thoughts
This Garlic Bread Grilled Cheese Recipe is pure comfort food magic at its very best. The combination of garlicky, buttery bread and melting cheeses creates an unforgettable taste experience that’s easy to make anytime you want a cozy pick-me-up. Trust me, once you try it, this will be the grilled cheese recipe you’ll reach for again and again, sharing the joy and warmth with everyone at your table.
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Garlic Bread Grilled Cheese Recipe
- Total Time: 13 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
Description
This Garlic Bread Grilled Cheese recipe combines the comforting flavors of garlic buttered bread with a melty blend of mozzarella and cheddar cheeses. Perfectly crisped on a skillet, it’s a quick and delicious twist on a classic grilled cheese sandwich that’s guaranteed to satisfy your cravings in just 13 minutes.
Ingredients
Bread and Butter Mixture
- 4 slices thick-cut bread (sourdough, white, or Texas toast)
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
- 1 tbsp mayonnaise (optional, for extra crispiness)
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (or 1 tsp dried)
- Salt, to taste
Cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Prepare Garlic Butter: In a small bowl, mix softened butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, and a pinch of salt thoroughly. Optionally, stir in mayonnaise which adds extra golden crispiness to the bread.
- Spread Butter on Bread: Generously spread the garlic butter mixture on one side of each of the four bread slices, ensuring even coverage for maximum flavor.
- Heat Skillet: Preheat a skillet or griddle over medium heat to ensure an even cooking surface for grilling the sandwiches.
- Assemble Sandwiches: Place two buttered slices of bread, butter side down, on the hot skillet. Evenly distribute the shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese over them.
- Top with Bread: Place the remaining two bread slices on top of the cheese, with the buttered side facing up, forming two sandwiches.
- Grill Sandwiches: Grill each sandwich for 3–4 minutes on each side, pressing gently with a spatula to achieve a golden brown crust and fully melted cheese inside.
- Serve: Remove sandwiches from heat, let rest for 1 minute to avoid burns, then slice and serve hot for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Using mayonnaise is optional but recommended for a crispier, golden crust.
- Thick-cut bread like sourdough or Texas toast works best to hold the cheese without becoming soggy.
- Feel free to add other herbs like oregano or basil for variation.
- Use a spatula to gently press the sandwich while grilling for even cheese melting and crust formation.
- Letting it rest for a minute helps the cheese set slightly, making it easier to cut.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Category: Lunch
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
