Description
Craving a comforting, cheesy sandwich with a flavorful twist? Garlic Bread Grilled Cheese combines the gooey goodness of a classic grilled cheese with the irresistible garlicky, buttery crunch of garlic bread.
Ingredients
Garlic Bread Grilled Cheese uses simple ingredients to create a flavorful, cheesy sandwich. Here’s what you need and why each one matters:
- Butter (2 tablespoons, softened): Creates a rich, crispy exterior when spread with garlic and parsley.
- Garlic Powder (½ tablespoon): Adds bold, savory garlic flavor without the prep of fresh garlic.
- Dried Parsley (½ teaspoon): Provides a subtle herby note and visual appeal to the garlic butter.
- Bread (4 slices): Forms the sandwich base; choose sturdy bread like sourdough or white to hold the cheese.
- Shredded Mozzarella and Cheddar Cheese Blend (1 cup): Mozzarella adds stretchy melt, cheddar brings sharp, tangy flavor.
Substitutions and Variations
- Butter: Swap for margarine, olive oil, or vegan butter for dairy-free.
- Garlic Powder: Use 1-2 minced fresh garlic cloves for a stronger, fresher flavor, or ½ teaspoon garlic salt (reduce added salt).
- Dried Parsley: Replace with fresh parsley (1 teaspoon, finely chopped) or dried Italian seasoning for a different herb profile.
- Bread: Try sourdough, whole wheat, ciabatta, or gluten-free bread for dietary needs or flavor variety.
- Cheese: Swap for other melty cheeses like provolone, Gouda, or Monterey Jack; use all mozzarella or all cheddar for a single-cheese version.
- Add-Ins: Add sliced tomatoes, cooked bacon, ham, or fresh basil inside the sandwich for extra flavor.
Pro Tip: Use freshly shredded cheese for better melting; pre-shredded cheese may contain anti-caking agents that affect texture. Choose thick bread slices to support the generous cheese filling.
Instructions
Making Garlic Bread Grilled Cheese is quick and straightforward with a skillet. Follow these steps for a perfect sandwich:
- Prepare Garlic Butter:
- In a small bowl, mix 2 tablespoons softened butter, ½ tablespoon garlic powder, and ½ teaspoon dried parsley until smooth and well combined.
- Tip: Ensure butter is soft (not melted) for easy mixing and spreading.
- Spread Garlic Butter:
- Spread the garlic butter mixture evenly on one side of each of the 4 bread slices, covering all the way to the edges for maximum flavor and crispiness.
- Tip: Use a butter knife or small spatula for even application; don’t skimp on the edges.
- Assemble Sandwiches:
- Place 2 slices of bread butter-side down on a work surface.
- Sprinkle ½ cup shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese blend evenly over each slice.
- Top with the remaining 2 bread slices, butter-side up, to form 2 sandwiches.
- Tip: Press gently to help the sandwich hold together during cooking.
- Cook First Side:
- Heat a large skillet over low heat (no oil needed, as the butter provides enough fat).
- Place both sandwiches in the skillet and cook for 4-5 minutes, until the bottom is golden brown and crispy.
- Tip: Low heat ensures even browning and allows the cheese to melt without burning the bread.
- Flip and Cook Second Side:
- Carefully flip each sandwich with a spatula and cook for another 4-5 minutes, until the second side is golden brown and the cheese is fully melted and gooey.
- Tip: Press gently with the spatula to help the cheese meld with the bread.
- Serve:
- Remove sandwiches from the skillet and transfer to a cutting board.
- Slice diagonally (optional) and serve immediately while the cheese is gooey and the bread is crispy (makes 2 sandwiches).
- Tip: Let sit for 1 minute to avoid cheese oozing out when cutting.
Cooking Tips:
- Low and Slow: Cook on low heat to prevent burning the garlic butter and ensure the cheese melts evenly.
- Check Doneness: Lift a corner of the sandwich with a spatula to check for golden color before flipping.
- Melty Cheese: If cheese isn’t fully melted, cover the skillet with a lid for the last 1-2 minutes to trap heat.