Garlic Bread Grilled Cheese

This garlic bread grilled cheese combines two comfort food classics into one irresistible sandwich. The crispy garlic-infused exterior gives way to a gooey, melted cheese center that will transport you straight back to childhood but with an elevated twist.

I first made this recipe during a rainy weekend when my kids were craving something cozy but I wanted to elevate our usual grilled cheese routine. The moment that garlicky aroma filled our kitchen, I knew this would become our new family favorite.

Ingredients

• Unsalted butter provides the perfect base for our garlic butter spread. Choose high quality butter for the richest flavor.
• Garlic powder infuses the butter with aromatic flavor without the risk of burning that comes with fresh garlic.
• Dried parsley adds a subtle herbal note and visual appeal to the golden crust.
• Sandwich bread serves as our canvas. I prefer white bread for its neutral flavor but sourdough adds wonderful tang.
• Mozzarella and cheddar cheese blend combines stretchy meltability with sharp flavor. Freshly grated cheese melts more smoothly than pre-packaged.

How To Make Garlic Bread Grilled Cheese

Prepare the garlic butter

Mix softened unsalted butter with garlic powder and dried parsley until completely combined. The butter should be room temperature for easy spreading. Make sure all ingredients are evenly incorporated for consistent flavor throughout.

Butter the bread

Apply the garlic butter mixture generously to one side of each bread slice using a spatula or butter knife. Spread it right to the edges to ensure every bite has that delicious garlic flavor. The butter acts as both flavor enhancer and the key to achieving that perfect golden crust.

Assemble the sandwiches

Place two bread slices buttered side down on your work surface. This orientation ensures the garlic butter will make direct contact with the hot pan. Distribute your cheese blend evenly across both slices, making sure to cover the bread completely. Top with remaining slices, buttered side facing up.

Cook first side

Heat a large sauté pan over low heat. The secret to perfect grilled cheese is cooking slowly to allow the cheese to melt completely while the exterior browns gradually. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes until the bottom is golden brown and crisp. Resist the urge to increase the heat or flip too early.

Flip and finish cooking

Carefully flip each sandwich using a spatula, supporting the sandwich to keep the cheese from spilling out. Continue cooking for another 4 to 5 minutes until the second side reaches that perfect golden brown color and the cheese has completely melted into a gooey center.

Serve immediately

Transfer to plates and serve while hot. The ideal garlic bread grilled cheese has a crispy exterior that crackles when you cut into it, revealing stretchy, molten cheese that pulls into tempting strings with each bite.

My absolute favorite part of this recipe is the moment when the garlic-infused butter hits the hot pan, releasing an aroma that draws everyone to the kitchen. My grandmother always said that the smell of good cooking brings the family together, and this sandwich proves her right every time.

Cheese Selection Tips

While the mozzarella and cheddar blend creates the perfect balance of meltability and flavor, you can customize this sandwich with different cheese combinations. For a more sophisticated version, try adding a small amount of blue cheese or gruyere to the mix. Just remember to keep at least half of the cheese as a good melting variety like mozzarella or American to maintain that perfect gooey center. I've found that using three different cheeses creates the most complex and satisfying flavor profile.

Making Ahead and Storage

If you need to prepare these sandwiches in advance, assemble them completely but stop before cooking. Wrap each sandwich individually in parchment paper or plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to cook, let them sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes before following the regular cooking instructions. This might take an extra minute or two in the pan since the ingredients will be cold. Leftover cooked sandwiches can be stored in the refrigerator and reheated in a pan over low heat until warmed through and crispy again. The microwave will work in a pinch but will sacrifice the crispy texture that makes these sandwiches special.

Serving Suggestions

These garlic bread grilled cheese sandwiches make an excellent light meal on their own, but they truly shine when paired with complementary dishes. Serve alongside a cup of creamy tomato soup for dipping, creating that classic comfort food combination that appeals to all ages. For a more substantial meal, add a simple side salad with a vinaigrette dressing that cuts through the richness of the cheese. During colder months, I like to serve these with a bowl of roasted red pepper soup for a colorful twist on the traditional pairing that still provides that satisfying contrast between creamy soup and crispy sandwich.

Recipe FAQs

→ What cheese works best for garlic bread grilled cheese?

A combination of mozzarella and cheddar creates the ideal balance of stretchiness and flavor. Mozzarella provides that classic cheese pull while cheddar adds sharpness. You can adjust the ratio based on your preference or substitute with other melting cheeses like provolone, Monterey Jack, or Gruyère.

→ Can I use fresh garlic instead of garlic powder?

Absolutely! For a more intense garlic flavor, substitute the powder with 2-3 minced fresh garlic cloves. Mix them thoroughly into your softened butter. Fresh garlic will give a more pronounced, aromatic quality to your sandwich.

→ How do I prevent my sandwich from burning?

Cook over low to medium-low heat to allow the cheese to melt completely before the bread gets too dark. Be patient and don't rush the process - it's worth the wait! If your bread is browning too quickly, lower the heat and continue cooking until the cheese melts.

→ What can I serve with garlic bread grilled cheese?

This sandwich pairs beautifully with tomato soup for a classic comfort food combination. It also works well alongside a simple green salad to balance the richness. For a heartier meal, serve with roasted vegetables, pickle spears, or a cup of chili.

→ Can I prepare the garlic butter in advance?

Yes! The garlic butter can be prepared days ahead and stored in the refrigerator. Make a larger batch by multiplying the ingredients and keep it on hand for quick sandwiches or to spread on regular toast, vegetables, or pasta. Just bring it to room temperature before using for easier spreading.

→ How can I make this dairy-free?

Use plant-based butter and dairy-free cheese alternatives designed for melting. Many supermarkets now carry mozzarella and cheddar-style vegan cheeses that melt similarly to traditional cheese. The cooking technique remains the same, though you may need to adjust timing slightly based on how your specific cheese alternative melts.