Buttery garlic bread meets gooey melted cheese in the most satisfying way. Garlic Bread Grilled Cheese takes two comfort food favorites and turns them into one crispy, melty sandwich that’s ridiculously easy to make.
I started making this back in spring 2019 when I needed something simple after long shoots in the test kitchen the smell of toasted garlic butter hitting the pan still makes me relax instantly. After a long day, I need dinner to be comforting but not heavy, and this hits that sweet spot every time. The key is using enough butter on the outside so it crisps up golden without burning the garlic.
Thomas Baker
Garlic Bread Grilled Cheese Easy Recipe for Busy Nights
Enjoy this golden and crispy Garlic Bread Grilled Cheese, perfect as an easy dinner or quick sandwich recipe for busy weeknights. This simple comfort food makes a cozy family dinner that’s ready in just 15 minutes.
1 cup shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese blend
Method
Combine the softened butter with garlic powder and dried parsley in a small bowl and stir until smooth.
Evenly spread the garlic butter mixture onto one side of each bread slice.
Put two slices of bread butter-side down on a skillet or cutting board and sprinkle half of the cheese on top of each.
Cover each with the remaining bread slices, butter-side facing up, to form sandwiches.
Warm a skillet over low heat and cook sandwiches for 4 to 5 minutes, allowing the bottoms to turn golden brown.
Flip the sandwiches gently and continue cooking for another 4 to 5 minutes until the cheese has melted and bread becomes crispy.
Take the sandwiches off the heat, cut them in half, and serve immediately while the cheese is still hot and melted.
Notes
Use low heat to melt the cheese thoroughly without burning the bread. Softened butter helps spread the garlic flavor evenly. This sandwich pairs wonderfully with tomato soup for a comforting classic meal. Feel free to customize with your favorite cheese or add ingredients like tomatoes or jalapeños.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This sandwich delivers maximum comfort with minimal fuss exactly what you need on a tired weeknight when you still want dinner to feel special. The garlic butter crisps up golden and fragrant, while the cheese gets perfectly gooey inside.
Fast and foolproof: Just 15 minutes from start to finish, with ingredients you probably already have.
Buttery garlic crust: The garlic powder and parsley blend right into softened butter for even, flavorful coverage on every bite.
Classic comfort combo: It’s like garlic bread and grilled cheese had a baby and it’s delicious.
Weeknight win: Low effort, minimal cleanup, and it doesn’t feel heavy perfect for spring nights when you want cozy without the extra work.
Key Ingredients You’ll Need
Everything here is pantry-friendly and easy to find. The magic comes from how the butter, garlic powder, and parsley work together to create that signature garlic bread flavor on the outside of your sandwich.
Softened butter: Spreads easily and crisps up beautifully when it hits the skillet. Don’t skip softening it first.
Garlic powder and dried parsley: These bring all the garlic bread vibes without any chopping or prep.
Bread: Use whatever you have white, wheat, sourdough, or thick-cut sandwich bread all work great.
Shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese blend: The combo gives you stretch and flavor. You can swap in your favorite melty cheese if you prefer.
How to Make Garlic Bread Grilled Cheese
The process is simple: make garlic butter, spread it on your bread, build your sandwiches, and cook low and slow so the cheese melts without burning the crust. Here’s the quick breakdown:
Step
What to Do
Time
1
Mix softened butter, garlic powder, and dried parsley in a small bowl
1 min
2
Spread garlic butter on one side of each bread slice
2 min
3
Assemble sandwiches: butter-side down, add cheese, top with bread butter-side up
2 min
4
Cook on low heat, 4–5 minutes per side until golden and melty
10 min
Pro Tip: Keep the heat on low. This gives the cheese time to melt all the way through while the garlic butter toasts to a perfect golden brown without any burnt spots.
Tips for Perfect Results Every Time
After years of testing grilled cheese in the kitchen, I’ve learned a few tricks that make all the difference. The biggest one? Patience. Let the skillet do its work on low heat, and you’ll get that crispy, garlicky crust with zero burnt edges.
Use softened butter: It spreads evenly and prevents tearing your bread. Leave it out for 15 minutes or microwave for 5–10 seconds.
Don’t rush the flip: Wait until the first side is truly golden before flipping. It should release easily from the pan.
Cover the skillet for extra melt: If your cheese isn’t melting fast enough, pop a lid on for the last minute of cooking.
Easy Swaps and Add-Ins
This recipe is super flexible. Swap the cheese, change up the bread, or tuck in a few extras to make it your own. Here are some ideas I reach for all the time:
Swap This
For This
Mozzarella and cheddar blend
Provolone, Monterey Jack, or Gruyère
White sandwich bread
Sourdough, whole wheat, or Texas toast
Dried parsley
Dried oregano or Italian seasoning
Plain sandwich
Add sliced tomatoes, jalapeños, or cooked bacon
Serving and Storage
Serve these sandwiches hot off the skillet while the cheese is still stretchy and gooey. They pair perfectly with a bowl of tomato soup for that classic comfort combo, or serve alongside a simple salad for a lighter meal.
Storage: Leftovers can be wrapped in foil and refrigerated for up to 2 days. Reheat in a skillet over low heat to bring back the crispiness don’t microwave or the bread will get soggy.
Note: These don’t freeze well because the butter-soaked bread doesn’t hold up. Best enjoyed fresh and warm.
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FAQs (Garlic Bread Grilled Cheese)
What type of bread works best for this sandwich?
Thick-cut sourdough or Italian bread gives the best results because they hold up well to grilling and absorb the garlic butter perfectly. Avoid thin sandwich bread as it becomes soggy. Day-old bread actually works better since it’s slightly firmer and creates a crispier crust.
Can I make the garlic butter ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the garlic butter up to 3 days in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator. Let it come to room temperature for 15 minutes before spreading for easier application. You can even freeze portions in ice cube trays for future use.
What cheese melts best in this recipe?
A combination of sharp cheddar and mozzarella creates the perfect balance of flavor and meltability. The cheddar provides taste while mozzarella gives that stretchy, gooey texture. Gruyere or fontina are excellent upgrades if you want something more sophisticated.
How do I prevent the bread from burning before cheese melts?
Cook on medium-low heat and cover the pan with a lid for the first 2-3 minutes to trap heat and help the cheese melt faster. If the bread browns too quickly, lower the heat and add a tablespoon of water to the pan, then cover immediately to create steam.
Can I add other ingredients to this sandwich?
Absolutely! Crispy bacon, sliced tomatoes, or caramelized onions work wonderfully without overpowering the garlic flavor. Fresh basil or spinach add a nice pop of color and freshness. Just keep additions minimal so the garlic bread flavor remains the star.
You’re going to love how this Garlic Bread Grilled Cheese turns out crispy golden edges, gooey melted cheese, and that buttery garlic aroma filling your kitchen in just 15 minutes. It’s the kind of dinner that feels indulgent but comes together so easily, you’ll find yourself making it on repeat. The best part? That first bite when the cheese stretches and the garlic butter crust crunches just right.
If you want to switch things up, try adding a few slices of crispy bacon or fresh tomato inside before grilling I learned that trick from a friend’s mom and it’s honestly a game changer. Sourdough bread works beautifully here if you want a little tang to balance the richness. And don’t forget, reheating leftovers in a skillet brings back all that crispy magic without any sogginess.
I’d love to hear how yours turns out did you add any fun twists or pair it with soup? Snap a photo and share it, or save this recipe for the next time you need something simple but satisfying. Here’s to dinners that help you get back into a rhythm, one crispy, cheesy bite at a time.
With a passion for wholesome cooking inspired by family traditions, I create healthy, simple recipes focused on sourdough, shrimp, chicken, and balanced meals for everyday wellness.
Every recipe here is tested in my kitchen using U.S. measurements and easy-to-find ingredients, so you can cook confidently.
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