Get ready to experience the ultimate comfort food mashup with this Garlic Bread Grilled Cheese! This ingenious creation combines two beloved classics—garlic bread’s aromatic, buttery goodness and the gooey, melty perfection of grilled cheese—into one irresistible sandwich.
I stumbled upon this idea during a late-night kitchen experiment, and it’s become an instant family favorite. The garlic-infused butter creates a fragrant, crispy exterior while the interior delivers that stretchy cheese pull we all crave. It’s comfort food elevated to a whole new level of deliciousness!
Why You’ll Love This
- Uses simple pantry ingredients you likely already have on hand
- Perfect balance of crispy, buttery exterior and gooey, melted cheese inside
- Kid-approved but sophisticated enough for adults to enjoy
- Ready in just 45 minutes from start to finish
- Easily customizable with different cheese combinations or add-ins
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons butter, softened
- ½ tablespoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon dried parsley
- 4 slices bread
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese blend
Instructions
- In a small mixing bowl, combine softened butter, garlic powder, and dried parsley. Stir well until all ingredients are evenly mixed.
- Spread the garlic butter mixture evenly on one side of all four slices of bread.
- Flip two slices of bread so they are butter-side down. Divide the shredded cheese evenly between these two slices. Top with the remaining bread slices, butter-side up, to form two sandwiches.
- Place the sandwiches in a large sauté pan over low heat. Cook for 4-5 minutes until the bottoms are golden brown and crispy.
- Carefully flip the sandwiches using a spatula and continue cooking for another 4-5 minutes until the other side is golden brown and the cheese is fully melted.
- Remove from heat and serve immediately while the cheese is still gooey and the bread is crispy.
Tips & Variations
- For extra garlic flavor, rub a cut clove of garlic directly on the bread before spreading the butter mixture.
- Try different cheese combinations like Gruyère, fontina, or pepper jack for unique flavor profiles.
- Add thin slices of tomato or a few fresh basil leaves between the cheeses for an Italian twist.
- Make it meaty by adding crispy bacon, prosciutto, or thin slices of pepperoni.
- For a spicy kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to your garlic butter.
- Pre-toast the bread in the oven for extra crispiness if you prefer a sturdier sandwich.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these indulgent garlic bread grilled cheese sandwiches with a simple tomato soup for the ultimate comfort food pairing. The acidic brightness of the soup perfectly balances the rich, buttery sandwich.
For a lighter meal, pair with a fresh green salad dressed with a tangy vinaigrette to cut through the richness of the cheese and garlic butter.
Notes
- For best results, grate your own cheese rather than using pre-shredded, as it melts more smoothly.
- Cook on medium-low heat to ensure the bread gets golden and crispy without burning while giving the cheese time to melt completely.
- Leftover garlic butter can be refrigerated for up to a week and used on regular toast or for making more sandwiches.
FAQs
Can I make the garlic butter ahead of time?
Yes! The garlic butter can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Just bring it to room temperature before spreading.
What’s the best bread to use for garlic bread grilled cheese?
Sourdough works wonderfully for its sturdiness and flavor, but Italian bread, French bread, or a hearty white bread are excellent alternatives.
Can I make this in the oven instead of on the stovetop?
Absolutely! Assemble the sandwiches, place on a baking sheet, and bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and cheese is melted.
How do I know when my grilled cheese is done?
The perfect grilled cheese has a golden-brown, crispy exterior and completely melted cheese inside. If the bread is browning too quickly but the cheese isn’t melted, lower the heat and cover the pan for a minute or two.
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