Garlic Bread Grilled Cheese: 3 Mind-Blowing Recipes!

Are you tired of the same old grilled cheese sandwich? Looking to elevate this classic comfort food to something extraordinary? You’re in the right place! As the heart behind Foodydish, I’ve been perfecting these garlic bread grilled cheese recipes for years, and they’ve become absolute favorites at my family gatherings.

Hi there! I’m Michael from Foodydish, and I’m passionate about transforming simple ingredients into memorable meals. When I first combined garlic bread with grilled cheese, it was like discovering culinary magic the buttery garlic flavor infusing perfectly melted cheese between crispy bread. These three mind-blowing garlic bread grilled cheese recipes will revolutionize your sandwich game, whether you’re preparing a quick lunch or impressing guests at your next gathering.

In this guide, I’ll share my secrets for creating the perfect garlic bread grilled cheese, from selecting the best cheeses to achieving that golden, crispy exterior. I’ll cover ingredient selection, step-by-step instructions, and creative variations to suit different tastes. Let’s turn a humble sandwich into something extraordinary!

Why These Garlic Bread Grilled Cheese Recipes Work

• Uses affordable, everyday ingredients you likely already have
• Combines two beloved comfort foods into one incredible sandwich
• Cooks in under 15 minutes for a quick, satisfying meal
• Perfect for lunch, dinner, or late-night cravings
• Adaptable for different dietary preferences and flavor profiles
• Guaranteed to impress both kids and adults alike

Choosing the Right Ingredients for Garlic Bread Grilled Cheese

Best Breads for Garlic Bread Grilled Cheese

The foundation of any great grilled cheese is the bread. For garlic bread grilled cheese, you’ll want something sturdy enough to hold up to the garlic butter and melted cheese. Italian bread, sourdough, or a rustic country loaf work beautifully. Avoid pre-sliced sandwich bread as it can become too soggy under the weight of garlic butter and cheese.

Cheese Selection for the Perfect Melt

The cheese you choose will dramatically impact the final result of your garlic bread grilled cheese:

• Mozzarella: For that classic stretch and mild flavor
• Sharp cheddar: Adds bold flavor that pairs wonderfully with garlic
• Gruyère: Offers sophisticated nuttiness and exceptional melting properties
• Provolone: Mild but distinctive flavor that melts beautifully

Garlic Butter Essentials

Creating the perfect garlic butter is crucial for these recipes. Use:

• Unsalted butter (softened for easy spreading)
• Fresh garlic (minced or pressed for the most vibrant flavor)
• Italian herbs like parsley, basil, or oregano
• A pinch of salt to enhance all flavors

Ingredients & Prep for Garlic Bread Grilled Cheese

Basic Garlic Butter Preparation

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
• 3-4 garlic cloves, finely minced
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• Pinch of black pepper

Simply mix all ingredients until well combined. This can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Recipe 1: Classic Garlic Bread Grilled Cheese

• 2 slices Italian bread (½-inch thick)
• 2 tablespoons prepared garlic butter
• 4 ounces mozzarella cheese, sliced
• 2 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, grated

Recipe 2: Three-Cheese Garlic Bread Grilled Cheese

• 2 slices sourdough bread
• 2 tablespoons prepared garlic butter
• 2 ounces mozzarella cheese
• 2 ounces provolone cheese
• 1 ounce parmesan cheese, grated

Recipe 3: Herb-Loaded Garlic Bread Grilled Cheese

• 2 slices rustic country bread
• 2 tablespoons garlic butter
• 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
• 3 ounces gruyère cheese, sliced
• 2 ounces fontina cheese, sliced

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions for Garlic Bread Grilled Cheese

Pre-Cooking Prep for Garlic Bread Grilled Cheese

1. Ensure all cheeses are at room temperature for optimal melting.
2. Spread garlic butter on one side of each bread slice (the sides that will face outward).
3. For the inside of the sandwich, layer your cheeses evenly, starting and ending with the meltiest variety.

Cooking Method for Garlic Bread Grilled Cheese

1. Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium-low heat.
2. Place the sandwich butter-side down in the pan.
3. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the bottom is golden brown and the cheese begins to melt.
4. Carefully flip the sandwich using a spatula.
5. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the second side is golden and the cheese is completely melted.

Doneness Check for Garlic Bread Grilled Cheese

Your garlic bread grilled cheese is ready when:

• Both sides are golden brown and crispy
• Cheese is completely melted and starts to ooze slightly
• You can see the herbs and garlic specks caramelizing in the butter

Resting Your Garlic Bread Grilled Cheese

Allow your sandwich to rest for 1-2 minutes before cutting. This helps the melted cheese set slightly, resulting in that perfect cheese pull when you take your first bite!

Pro Tips for Perfect Garlic Bread Grilled Cheese

Avoiding Common Pitfalls

• Use medium-low heat to allow cheese to melt completely without burning the bread
• Press down gently with a spatula during cooking for even browning
• If bread is browning too quickly but cheese isn’t melted, lower the heat and cover the pan for 30 seconds

Tool Recommendations

• Cast-iron skillet for even heating and gorgeous browning
• Fish spatula or offset spatula for easy flipping
• Serrated knife for clean cutting without squishing the sandwich

Storage & Reheating

While garlic bread grilled cheese is best enjoyed fresh, you can:

• Wrap tightly and refrigerate for up to 2 days
• Reheat in a dry skillet over medium-low heat until warmed through
• Avoid microwave reheating as it will make the bread soggy

Looking for more delicious recipe inspiration? Check out my collection on Pinterest where I share new mouthwatering ideas every week!

Flavor Variations for Garlic Bread Grilled Cheese

Spicy Garlic Bread Grilled Cheese

• Add red pepper flakes to your garlic butter
• Include thinly sliced jalapeños between cheese layers
• Try pepper jack cheese for built-in heat

Mediterranean Garlic Bread Grilled Cheese

• Mix sun-dried tomatoes into your garlic butter
• Layer in fresh spinach leaves
• Use feta and mozzarella cheese combination

Herb Garden Garlic Bread Grilled Cheese

• Enhance garlic butter with fresh rosemary, thyme, and basil
• Add a thin layer of pesto between cheese layers
• Try with Havarti or fontina cheese for creamy results

Serving Suggestions for Garlic Bread Grilled Cheese

• Pair with tomato soup for the ultimate comfort food combo
• Serve alongside a crisp green salad with vinaigrette to cut through the richness
• Add a side of marinara sauce for dipping
• Complement with pickles or quick-pickled vegetables for acidity
• For a complete meal, serve with roasted vegetable soup or hearty vegetable stew

FAQs About Garlic Bread Grilled Cheese

Can I prepare garlic butter in advance?
Absolutely! Garlic butter can be made up to a week in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Just bring it to room temperature before spreading.

What’s the best way to get perfectly melted cheese?
Grate or slice your cheese thinly and allow it to come to room temperature before assembling your sandwich. Also, cooking over medium-low heat gives the cheese time to melt completely.

Can I use garlic powder instead of fresh garlic?
While fresh garlic provides the best flavor, you can substitute with 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder per clove in a pinch.

How do I prevent my sandwich from getting soggy?
Make sure your pan is properly preheated before adding the sandwich, and don’t overload with too many wet ingredients. The garlic butter should create a barrier that helps crisp the bread.

Can I make these recipes dairy-free?
Yes! Use plant-based butter and your favorite melting vegan cheese. Just be sure to check that your chosen vegan cheese melts well before using it.

Final Thoughts on Garlic Bread Grilled Cheese

These three garlic bread grilled cheese recipes transform an everyday sandwich into something truly extraordinary. The combination of aromatic garlic butter, perfectly toasted bread, and gooey melted cheese creates a comfort food experience that’s hard to beat. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or guests, these recipes are sure to impress while being remarkably simple to prepare.

I’d love to see your creations! Tag @foodydish on social media when you try these recipes, and share your own variations with our community of food lovers. And remember, cooking is about making something that brings you joy so feel free to adjust these recipes to suit your personal taste.

Garlic Bread Grilled Cheese: 3 Mind-Blowing Recipes!

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• Author: Michael
• Total Time: 15 mins
• Yield: 2 sandwiches 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Crispy, buttery, and cheesy  this Garlic Bread Grilled Cheese combines the best of two comfort foods. Each bite is packed with melted cheese and garlicky goodness for the ultimate sandwich experience.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

4 slices of bread (Italian or sourdough preferred)

4 tbsp softened butter

1 tsp garlic powder

1 tbsp chopped parsley (optional)

4 slices mozzarella cheese

2 slices cheddar cheese

1 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese

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Instructions

1. In a small bowl, mix softened butter with garlic powder, chopped parsley, and grated Parmesan.

2. Spread the garlic butter mixture evenly on one side of each bread slice.

3. Place two slices of bread, butter side down, on a skillet over medium heat.

4. Layer mozzarella and cheddar cheese slices on top of the bread in the skillet.

5. Cover with the remaining bread slices, butter side up.

6. Cook for 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown and the cheese is fully melted.

7. Remove from heat, slice in half, and serve warm.

Notes

Add a layer of tomato slices or cooked bacon for extra flavor.

Use a mix of provolone and Swiss cheese for a different cheesy twist.

Pairs perfectly with tomato soup for a cozy meal.

• Prep Time: 5 mins
• Cook Time: 10 mins
• Category: Lunch
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 sandwich
• Calories: 420
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 710mg
• Fat: 28g
• Saturated Fat: 14g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 16g
• Cholesterol: 70mg

Keywords: garlic bread grilled cheese, cheesy sandwich, comfort food, easy lunch recipe