Garlic Bread Grilled Cheese

This ultimate comfort food mashup transforms two beloved classics into one irresistible sandwich. The crispy garlic butter exterior gives way to a perfectly melted cheese center, creating the kind of indulgent meal that makes any day feel special. I discovered this combination during a particularly lazy Sunday afternoon when I couldn't decide between making garlic bread or grilled cheese for lunch, and now it's become my go-to whenever I need something both quick and satisfying.

I first made this during a rainy weekend when I was craving something warm and comforting. My family now requests it whenever they want something that feels like a warm hug in sandwich form. The combination of aromatic garlic butter and melted cheese never fails to bring smiles to the table.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons butter, softened: Choose high quality butter for the best flavor; European style butter works beautifully here
• ½ tablespoon garlic powder: Provides consistent garlic flavor throughout; fresh minced garlic can burn too easily
• ½ teaspoon dried parsley: Adds a subtle herb note and beautiful color flecks
• 4 slices of bread: Sturdy white or sourdough works best; avoid thin sandwich bread that might tear
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese blend: The mozzarella gives stretch while cheddar adds sharp flavor

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Garlic Butter

In a small bowl, mix together the softened butter, garlic powder, and dried parsley until well combined. The butter should be soft enough to spread easily but not melted. This mixture is the secret to achieving that perfect garlic bread flavor on the outside of your sandwich.

Butter the Bread

Spread the garlic butter mixture onto one side of each bread slice, making sure to cover the entire surface evenly. Don't be shy with the butter; this is what creates the golden, crispy exterior that makes this sandwich special.

Assemble the Sandwiches

Place two slices butter side down on your work surface. Distribute the shredded cheese evenly between the two slices, creating a generous layer. Top each with a second slice of bread, butter side up. Press gently to help the sandwiches hold together.

Heat the Pan

Heat a large skillet over low heat. This is crucial; too high heat will burn the garlic butter before the cheese has time to melt properly. Let the pan warm for about 2 minutes before adding the sandwiches.

Cook the First Side

Place sandwiches in the pan and cook for 4 to 5 minutes, or until the bottom is golden brown and crispy. You'll hear a gentle sizzling sound. Resist the urge to press down with your spatula, as this can squeeze out the melted cheese.

Flip and Finish

Flip carefully with a spatula, supporting the sandwich with your other hand if needed. Cook the other side for another 4 to 5 minutes, until golden brown and the cheese is completely melted through. The sandwich should feel firm but give slightly when gently pressed.

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The key to this recipe's success lies in the quality of your butter and the patience to cook it slowly. I learned this the hard way after burning my first few attempts by rushing the process. Now I always set my heat to low and let the magic happen gradually, which gives me time to prepare a simple side salad or heat up some tomato soup.

Storage and Reheating

Store leftover sandwiches wrapped in aluminum foil in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place in a toaster oven at 350°F for 5 to 7 minutes, or warm in a skillet over low heat for 2 to 3 minutes per side. Avoid microwaving as this will make the bread soggy and the texture less appealing.

Perfect Pairings

This garlic bread grilled cheese pairs beautifully with a bowl of tomato soup for the ultimate comfort meal. I also love serving it alongside a crisp green salad with vinaigrette to balance the richness. For a more substantial meal, try it with a cup of butternut squash soup or even a simple vegetable soup.

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Ingredient Substitutions

Feel free to experiment with different cheese combinations. Sharp cheddar and gruyere create a more sophisticated flavor, while monterey jack and pepper jack add a mild spicy kick. For the bread, thick cut brioche or challah work wonderfully, though they may require slightly longer cooking times due to their density.

The Secret to Success

The magic happens in the slow cooking process. Many people make the mistake of cranking up the heat to save time, but this leads to burnt garlic butter and unmelted cheese. Trust the process, keep the heat low, and you'll be rewarded with a perfectly golden exterior and completely melted interior every time.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use fresh garlic instead of garlic powder?

Yes, but use finely minced garlic and mix it well into the softened butter to avoid raw garlic chunks.

→ What kind of bread works best?

Thick, sturdy slices like sourdough or Italian bread hold up well and create a crispy exterior.

→ How do I keep the cheese from leaking out?

Ensure the cheese is centered and not piled too high at the edges before pressing the sandwich together.

→ Can I add other ingredients to the sandwich?

Absolutely! Add sliced tomatoes, caramelized onions, or a sprinkle of parmesan for extra flavor.

→ What’s the best cheese blend to use?

A mix of mozzarella and cheddar provides great melt and flavor, but you can try provolone or fontina as well.