Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love this recipe because it transforms two comfort food classics—grilled cheese and garlic bread—into one buttery, crispy, cheesy masterpiece. It’s perfect for quick lunches, cozy sides with soup, or late-night snacks. The garlic butter brings rich flavor, while the cheese pulls in all the gooey nostalgia I could want. It’s fast, affordable, and always a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Garlic Butter:
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2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
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½ tablespoon garlic powder
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½ teaspoon dried parsley
Sandwich Assembly:
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4 slices sandwich bread
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1 cup shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese blend
Directions
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In a small bowl, I mix the softened butter with garlic powder and dried parsley until it’s completely smooth and evenly combined.
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I spread a generous layer of garlic butter on one side of each bread slice.
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I place two of the slices, buttered side down, on a clean surface and evenly pile the shredded cheese on top.
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I cover each with the remaining slices of bread, buttered side up, to make two sandwiches.
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I heat a large sauté pan over low heat—this part is key to getting the cheese melted without burning the bread.
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I add the sandwiches and cook for 4–5 minutes on one side, until they’re golden and crisp.
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I carefully flip them with a spatula and cook the other side for another 4–5 minutes until the cheese is melted and the bread is perfectly toasted.
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I remove the sandwiches from the pan and serve them hot—because that melty cheese moment is everything.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes 2 sandwiches (2 servings).
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Prep Time: 8 minutes
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Cook Time: 10 minutes
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Total Time: 18 minutes
Variations
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Add tomato slices or pesto: For extra flavor, I like tucking in thin tomato slices or a smear of pesto before grilling.
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Switch up the cheese: Provolone, gouda, or pepper jack all melt beautifully and give the sandwich a different twist.
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Use garlic cloves: If I want a stronger garlic flavor, I mash fresh roasted garlic into the butter instead of using powder.
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Spicy version: A pinch of red pepper flakes or sliced jalapeños in the cheese layer adds a nice heat.
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Dipping sauces: I sometimes serve this with warm marinara or ranch dressing for dipping.
Storage/Reheating
These sandwiches are best eaten fresh, but if I do have leftovers, I wrap them in foil and store them in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, I place them in a hot skillet or toaster oven until the bread crisps back up and the cheese melts again. I avoid microwaving, since it softens the bread.
FAQs
Can I use pre-shredded cheese?
Yes, I often use a bagged mozzarella-cheddar blend for convenience, but freshly shredded cheese melts more smoothly if I have the time.
Can I make this with gluten-free bread?
Absolutely. I’ve used gluten-free sandwich bread and it crisps up just as well—just keep an eye on it, as it may cook faster.
What’s the best bread to use?
I like classic sandwich bread for even crisping, but sourdough or brioche make a richer, thicker version that’s extra indulgent.
Can I make the garlic butter ahead of time?
Yes, I often mix a batch and keep it in the fridge for a few days—it’s great for toast, veggies, or pasta too.
Is this freezer-friendly?
Not really. The texture of grilled cheese doesn’t hold up well after freezing and thawing, so I always make it fresh.
Conclusion
This Garlic Bread Grilled Cheese is my go-to when I want something fast, flavorful, and ultra-comforting. With crisp garlic-buttered bread and a gooey, cheesy center, it’s simple to make but feels like a treat every time. Whether I serve it with soup, salad, or all by itself, it’s a recipe I keep coming back to.
Print
Garlic Bread Grilled Cheese
- Total Time: 18 minutes
- Yield: 2 sandwiches (2 servings)
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Golden, buttery garlic bread meets gooey melted mozzarella and cheddar for the ultimate grilled cheese upgrade. Quick, easy, and totally irresistible.
Ingredients
Garlic Butter
2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
½ tbsp garlic powder
½ tsp dried parsley
Sandwich Assembly
4 slices sandwich bread
1 cup shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese blend
Instructions
Prepare Garlic Butter: In a small bowl, mix softened butter with garlic powder and parsley until smooth.
Butter the Bread: Spread garlic butter evenly on one side of each bread slice.
Assemble Sandwiches: Place two bread slices buttered side down. Sprinkle shredded cheese evenly on top. Cover with remaining slices, buttered side up.
Cook the Sandwiches: Heat a large sauté pan over low heat. Cook sandwiches for 4–5 minutes per side, until golden brown and cheese is fully melted.
Serve Hot: Remove from skillet and serve immediately for the best gooey texture.
Notes
Cook on low heat to avoid burning the bread before the cheese melts.
Try adding extras like sliced tomatoes, caramelized onions, or fresh basil for variety.
Best served immediately while hot and melty.
- Prep Time: 8 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Side Dishes, Lunch, Snack
- Method: Stovetop, Pan-fried
- Cuisine: American