If you are ready to take your comfort food game to a new level, this Garlic Bread Grilled Cheese Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine the perfect marriage of buttery, garlicky bread with gooey, melted cheese that stretches with every bite. This dish combines the best of two beloved classics: garlic bread and grilled cheese sandwiches. It’s so easy to whip up, yet so impressive in flavor and texture that it will quickly become a favorite for lunch, dinner, or even a cozy snack on a rainy day.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic behind this Garlic Bread Grilled Cheese Recipe lies in its simple, quality ingredients. Each component has a role: butter for richness, garlic for that irresistible aroma, fresh herbs for brightness, and a dreamy blend of cheeses for ooey-gooey satisfaction.
- Thick-cut bread (4 slices): Sourdough, white, or Texas toast all work beautifully and provide a sturdy base for the sandwich.
- Unsalted butter, 2 tbsp, softened: Ensures even spreading and perfect browning without overpowering other flavors.
- Mayonnaise, 1 tbsp (optional): Adds extra crispiness to the crust and a slight tang, but you can skip it if you prefer pure garlic butter.
- Garlic cloves, 2 minced: The heart of the recipe—garlic elevates the sandwich with robust, savory aroma and flavor.
- Fresh parsley, 1 tbsp chopped (or 1 tsp dried): Brings a fresh, herbaceous note to the buttery garlic spread.
- Mozzarella cheese, 1 cup shredded: Melted, creamy, and mild, it complements the sharper cheddar perfectly.
- Cheddar cheese, 1 cup shredded: Adds depth and a tangy punch to balance the mozzarella’s creaminess.
- Salt, to taste: Enhances all the flavors without stealing the show.
How to Make Garlic Bread Grilled Cheese Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Garlic Butter
Start by mixing the softened butter with the minced garlic, chopped parsley, and a pinch of salt in a small bowl. If you want your grilled cheese to have an extra crispy, golden crust, stir in the optional mayonnaise. This mixture is what transforms ordinary bread into irresistible garlic bread slices.
Step 2: Spread the Garlic Butter
Generously spread this garlic butter on one side of every slice of bread. This coating ensures every bite has that rich garlic flavor and crisps up beautifully when grilled.
Step 3: Heat Your Skillet
Place a skillet or griddle over medium heat. Preheating the pan is crucial to getting that perfect golden-brown crust without burning the bread or leaving the cheese unmelted.
Step 4: Assemble and Grill the Sandwich
Butter side down, place two slices of bread on the skillet. Evenly divide the shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheeses over these slices. Top them with the remaining two bread slices, buttered side facing up. Press gently with a spatula to encourage even grilling and cheese melting.
Step 5: Flip and Finish Grilling
After 3 to 4 minutes, once the bottoms are golden and crispy, carefully flip the sandwiches. Grill the other side for another 3 to 4 minutes until it’s equally golden and the cheese is melted to gooey perfection. Patience here pays off.
Step 6: Rest and Slice
Remove your sandwiches from the pan and let them rest for about a minute. This brief pause helps the melted cheese settle just enough so it doesn’t spill out immediately when you slice. Cut them in half or quarters and serve hot.
How to Serve Garlic Bread Grilled Cheese Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or a light dusting of Parmesan cheese on top adds an elegant touch and fresh flavor contrast. For a little extra zing, a drizzle of balsamic glaze can be delightful against the rich garlic butter.
Side Dishes
This Garlic Bread Grilled Cheese pairs wonderfully with a bowl of tomato soup for that classic combo, or a side salad with a tangy vinaigrette to balance the richness. Roasted or steamed vegetables can also complement the indulgence beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Try cutting the sandwich into bite-sized wedges for a party platter. You can also add a fried egg on top for a dreamy brunch dish or layer in some caramelized onions or crispy bacon to make it extra special. Presenting it alongside a small ramekin of marinara sauce for dipping turns it into an irresistible appetizer.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, wrap them tightly in foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate. They’ll keep well for up to 2 days, making for an easy next-day meal.
Freezing
You can freeze the sandwich before grilling by assembling it with the garlic butter spread and cheese, then wrapping it well. Freeze flat in a zip-top bag and grill or toast straight from the freezer, adding a minute or two extra to cook.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in a skillet over medium-low heat to restore the crispiness of the garlic bread and melt the cheese again. Avoid the microwave if possible, as it can make the bread soggy and the cheese rubbery.
FAQs
Can I use other types of cheese in this recipe?
Absolutely! While mozzarella and cheddar are a great classic combo, feel free to experiment with provolone, Swiss, or even pepper jack for a flavor twist. Just pick cheeses that melt well for the best results.
Is mayonnaise necessary in the garlic butter mixture?
No, mayonnaise is completely optional. It helps create a slightly crispier and more golden crust, but the sandwich is delicious without it as well.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes, by swapping the butter for a plant-based alternative and using vegan cheeses, you can enjoy a tasty vegan version of this Garlic Bread Grilled Cheese Recipe. Just make sure your bread is vegan, too!
What type of bread works best?
Thick-cut bread like sourdough, Texas toast, or even a hearty white bread works best because it holds up to the butter and cheese. Thin bread can get soggy or break apart during grilling.
How do I prevent the sandwich from burning while melting the cheese?
Grill over medium heat and press gently with a spatula. If your heat is too high, the outside will burn before the cheese melts. Patience is key—go slow and low for perfectly melted cheese and golden crust.
Final Thoughts
This Garlic Bread Grilled Cheese Recipe is a delightful way to elevate a simple sandwich into a crave-worthy meal bursting with flavor and texture. Whether you make it for yourself on a quiet night or share it with friends, it promises to bring smiles and satisfied cravings. Give it a try—you might just find yourself coming back to it again and again.
Print
Garlic Bread Grilled Cheese Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Total Time: 13 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Sandwich
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Garlic Bread Grilled Cheese recipe combines the rich flavors of garlicky buttered bread with a melty blend of mozzarella and cheddar cheeses, grilled to golden perfection. Ready in just 13 minutes, it’s a quick and delicious twist on classic grilled cheese that’s perfect for a satisfying lunch or dinner.
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. If desired, stir in mayonnaise to achieve an extra golden, crispy texture on the bread.
- Spread Butter on Bread: Evenly spread the garlic butter mixture on one side of each bread slice, ensuring full coverage for maximum flavor and crispness.
- Heat Skillet: Preheat a skillet or griddle over medium heat to create the perfect temperature for grilling the sandwiches without burning.
- Assemble Sandwiches: Place two slices of bread, buttered side down, onto the skillet. Top each slice with an equal mixture of shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese for a melty, cheesy center.
- Top with Remaining Bread: Place the remaining bread slices on top of the cheese, buttered side facing up to ensure both sides grill golden and flavorful.
- Grill Sandwiches: Cook for 3–4 minutes on each side, pressing gently with a spatula to flatten slightly. Grill until the bread turns golden brown and the cheese inside is fully melted.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the sandwiches from the heat, let them sit for about a minute to firm up slightly, then slice and serve hot for best taste and texture.
Notes
- Mayonnaise is optional but recommended for an extra crisp and golden exterior.
- Feel free to substitute the cheese blend with your favorite cheeses like provolone or gouda.
- Use fresh garlic for the best flavor; dried garlic powder can be substituted in a pinch but reduce quantity to avoid overpowering.
- Cooking time may vary slightly depending on skillet heat and bread thickness.
- For a vegetarian option, ensure the cheeses used do not contain animal rennet.
