This Garlic Bread Grilled Cheese is where two of my favorite comfort foods come together in one glorious bite. Imagine buttery, golden garlic bread hugging gooey melted cheese—crispy on the outside, melty on the inside. It’s rich, flavorful, and unbelievably satisfying, whether I’m serving it for lunch, a quick dinner, or just indulging in a cozy snack.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love how this sandwich takes a classic grilled cheese and elevates it with the bold flavor of garlic bread. The crispy crust from pan-toasting, combined with creamy, melty cheese, creates a texture and taste explosion that’s hard to beat. Plus, it’s fast, easy to make, and uses simple ingredients I usually already have in my kitchen.
Ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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4 slices thick-cut sourdough bread
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4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
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1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
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½ teaspoon Italian seasoning (optional)
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Pinch of salt
Directions
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I start by mixing the softened butter with minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and a pinch of salt until well combined.
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Then, I spread the garlic butter generously on one side of each bread slice.
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I flip the bread slices over and divide the mozzarella and cheddar cheese between two slices (on the non-buttered side).
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I top with the remaining bread slices, buttered side facing out.
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In a skillet over medium heat, I grill the sandwiches for about 3–4 minutes on each side, pressing slightly, until the bread is golden brown and the cheese has melted.
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I remove them from the skillet, let them cool for a minute, slice, and enjoy.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes 2 sandwiches.
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 8 minutes
Total time: 13 minutes
Variations
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I sometimes swap in sour cream and onion butter for a fun twist.
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For an Italian vibe, I add slices of pepperoni or a spoonful of marinara between the cheese layers.
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Using a blend of gouda and provolone gives a smoky richness I really enjoy.
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If I want extra crunch, I sprinkle a bit of parmesan on the outside before grilling.
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Gluten-free bread or a keto-friendly loaf works just as well for dietary needs.
Storage/Reheating
If I have leftovers, I wrap the sandwiches in foil or store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, I prefer using a skillet over low heat to keep the bread crispy. A toaster oven works great too. I avoid microwaving since it makes the bread soggy.
FAQs
How do I keep the bread from burning while the cheese melts?
I use medium-low heat and cover the skillet loosely with a lid to help the cheese melt evenly without burning the bread.
Can I make this in the oven?
Yes, I bake it at 375°F for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through. It turns out golden and perfectly melty.
What kind of bread works best?
I like thick-cut sourdough for its sturdy texture and flavor, but Texas toast or ciabatta also work well.
Can I make it ahead of time?
I prepare the sandwiches ahead and refrigerate them ungrilled. When I’m ready to eat, I just pop them in a skillet to cook fresh.
What cheeses can I substitute?
I often switch it up with fontina, Swiss, or pepper jack for different flavor profiles.
Conclusion
Garlic Bread Grilled Cheese is my go-to when I want the ultimate comfort meal fast. It’s rich, cheesy, garlicky, and endlessly customizable. Whether I keep it classic or play with flavors, it never disappoints.
Print
Garlic Bread Grilled Cheese
Garlic Bread Grilled Cheese is a comforting mash-up of crispy garlic bread and gooey melted cheese. With golden, buttery bread and a rich blend of mozzarella and cheddar, this quick sandwich delivers maximum flavor in minimal time.
- Total Time: 13 minutes
- Yield: 2 sandwiches
Ingredients
- 4 slices thick-cut sourdough bread
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning (optional)
- Pinch of salt
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- In a small bowl, mix softened butter, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and a pinch of salt.
- Spread the garlic butter on one side of each bread slice.
- Flip the bread slices over and divide the mozzarella and cheddar cheese between two slices (on the non-buttered side).
- Top with the remaining slices of bread, buttered side facing out.
- Heat a skillet over medium heat and place the sandwiches in the pan.
- Grill each side for 3–4 minutes, pressing slightly, until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
- Remove from the skillet, let cool for a minute, slice, and serve.
Notes
- Use sour cream and onion butter for a flavor twist.
- Add pepperoni or marinara for an Italian-style version.
- Try gouda and provolone for a smoky variation.
- Sprinkle parmesan on the outside of the bread before grilling for extra crunch.
- Use gluten-free or keto-friendly bread if needed.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Category: Sandwich
- Method: Pan-Grilled
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 85mg