If youโre a fan of ooey-gooey cheese and crispy, garlicky bread, then Garlic Bread Grilled Cheese is the upgrade your sandwich game has been waiting for. This is comfort food at its absolute best: buttery, fragrant slices of bread hugging a molten, stretchy cheese center, crisped to perfection with a golden garlic crust. Whether you serve it as a solo snack or alongside tomato soup for the ultimate duo, this sandwich brings big smiles and full bellies every single time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Garlic Bread Grilled Cheese is in its simplicityโjust a handful of everyday staples come together to make something extraordinary. Each ingredient is chosen for maximum flavor payoff, so donโt skip a thing!
- Good-quality bread: Opt for a rustic sourdough or hearty Italian loaf for structure and flavor.
- Softened butter: Essential for achieving that crisp, golden crust and rich, savory taste.
- Garlic cloves: Freshly minced garlic infuses each bite with irresistible aroma and zing.
- Fresh parsley: This adds a pop of color and a hint of herbal brightness.
- Mozzarella cheese: Delivers wonderful meltiness and that signature cheese pull.
- Sharp cheddar: Brings depth, tang, and a pleasant sharpness to the cheese mix.
- Parmesan cheese: Sprinkled into the butter for extra umami and a wonderful savory boost.
- Pinch of salt: Enhances the garlic spread and makes the flavors pop.
How to Make Garlic Bread Grilled Cheese
Step 1: Prepare the Garlic Herb Butter
In a small bowl, combine your softened butter with minced garlic, chopped fresh parsley, grated Parmesan, and a pinch of salt. Stir everything together until itโs evenly mixed. This magical spread is what transforms basic bread into the best garlicky crust youโll ever crunch into.
Step 2: Assemble the Sandwiches
Generously spread your garlic butter on one side of each bread slice. On the unbuttered side, layer a good helping of mozzarella and sharp cheddar cheese. Place a second slice of bread on top, buttered side out, to make a sandwich.
Step 3: Grill to Golden Perfection
Heat a skillet over medium-low heat and lay your sandwiches, butter-side down, into the pan. Fry gently for a few minutes until the bottom is golden and crisp, then flip carefully. Cook until the other side is also crisp and the cheese inside is gloriously gooey and melted. Take your time hereโlow and slow makes the best Garlic Bread Grilled Cheese!
Step 4: Slice and Serve
Transfer your sandwiches to a cutting board and let them sit for a minute before slicing. This quick rest ensures the cheese doesnโt all ooze out when you cut into it. Slice, admire that cheese pull, and serve warm for peak deliciousness.
How to Serve Garlic Bread Grilled Cheese
Garnishes
A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or a light dusting of Parmesan takes your Garlic Bread Grilled Cheese from tasty to unforgettable. If you love a kick, drizzle a little chili oil or add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for a spicy edge.
Side Dishes
This sandwich was made to be dunked! Pair it with a steaming bowl of tomato soup, a crisp green salad, or even a light coleslaw. A tangy pickle on the side is always a winner and helps cut through the richness of the cheese.
Creative Ways to Present
Cut your sandwiches into strips and serve them as โgrilled cheese dippersโ alongside petite shot glasses of tomato soup for a fun party platter. Or, turn them into bite-sized squares, skewer them, and serve with a garlicky dipping sauce at your next get-together. Garlic Bread Grilled Cheese isnโt just a sandwich, itโs an experience!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers (though I doubt you will!), let the sandwiches cool completely, then wrap them tightly in foil or store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Theyโll lose their crispness but are still super tasty reheated.
Freezing
Freeze fully assembled, uncooked Garlic Bread Grilled Cheese sandwiches for convenience. Lay them on a baking sheet to freeze until firm, then transfer to zip-top bags. Theyโll keep well for up to a monthโjust thaw overnight in the fridge before cooking.
Reheating
To revive the crisp factor, reheat your sandwiches in a skillet over medium-low heat or pop them in a toaster oven. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can result in a soggy textureโcrisp edges and melty centers are what youโre after!
FAQs
Can I use pre-shredded cheese?
Absolutely! While freshly grated cheese melts more smoothly, pre-shredded works in a pinch. Go for a good-quality blend if youโre short on time.
What bread works best for Garlic Bread Grilled Cheese?
Sturdy loaves like sourdough, Italian, or thick-cut white bread hold up beautifully to the garlic butter and gooey filling. Thin, ultra-soft breads may turn mushy, so opt for something with structure.
Can I make it vegan?
Yes! Use your favorite vegan butter and cheese replacements, and make sure your bread is dairy-free. The garlicky, herby vibe will still shine through.
How do I prevent the garlic from burning?
Make sure to incorporate your minced garlic fully into the softened butterโthis keeps the garlic from direct heat contact, infusing flavor without burning during grilling.
Is there a way to add protein?
Absolutely! Layer in a few slices of turkey, ham, or even cooked bacon for an extra hearty Garlic Bread Grilled Cheese. Just donโt overfill, or the cheese wonโt melt as beautifully.
Final Thoughts
Once youโve tried Garlic Bread Grilled Cheese, thereโs no turning back! Every bite is satisfying, gooey, and packed with serious garlicky goodness. I hope you enjoy making (and devouring) this fun twist on a favorite classicโdonโt be surprised if it becomes your new go-to comfort food!
PrintGarlic Bread Grilled Cheese Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 2 sandwiches 1x
- Category: Snacks
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Garlic Bread Grilled Cheese is the ultimate comfort food mashupโa golden, buttery garlic bread exterior surrounding gooey, melty cheese. It’s a delicious twist on two classics, perfect for a quick lunch, a decadent snack, or a nostalgic meal with a punch of flavor.
Ingredients
For the Garlic Butter
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
For the Sandwiches
- 4 slices thick-cut white or sourdough bread
- 4 slices mozzarella cheese
- 4 slices sharp cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Prepare the Garlic Butter: In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, and salt. Mix until the ingredients are evenly distributed and fragrant.
- Butter the Bread: Lay the bread slices on a cutting board. Spread a generous, even layer of the garlic butter mixture on one side of each slice.
- Assemble the Sandwiches: Place two slices of bread, buttered side down, onto a clean surface. Top each with two slices of mozzarella and two slices of cheddar cheese, then cover with the remaining bread slices, buttered side up.
- Grill the Sandwiches: Heat a nonstick skillet over medium heat. Carefully place the sandwiches in the pan. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side, pressing gently, until the bread is golden brown and crisp and the cheese is melted.
- Slice and Serve: Remove the sandwiches from the skillet. Let them cool slightly for a minute, then slice in half and serve hot.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of Italian seasoning to the garlic butter.
- Feel free to use your favorite cheeses; provolone or fontina work wonderfully.
- A panini press can give even crispier bread, but a skillet works perfectly well.
- Serve with tomato soup for a classic pairing.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 470
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 840mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
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