Garlic Bread Grilled Cheese is what happens when two of the best comfort foods team up and make dinner feel like a hug. Crispy, buttery garlic bread on the outside, melty cheese on the insideit’s ridiculously simple and hits every craving at once.
I started making this last spring when I was tired of heavy winter meals but still wanted something cozy without thinking too hard. After a long day, I need dinner to feel comforting but not heavyand this one does exactly that. I’ve tested it with different cheeses and garlic butter ratios more times than I can count, and it never disappoints. It’s become my easy weeknight win when I want real food but zero stress.
Enjoy this delicious Garlic Bread Grilled Cheese that features a golden, buttery garlic crust paired with melted mozzarella and cheddar cheese. Perfect for an easy dinner or quick sandwich, this weeknight meal is a comforting family dinner option you’ll love.
1 cup shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese blend
Method
Combine the softened butter with garlic powder and dried parsley in a small bowl until smooth.
Evenly coat one side of each bread slice with the garlic butter mixture.
Lay two slices of bread, buttered side down, on a skillet or clean surface and sprinkle half of the cheese evenly over them.
Cover each with the remaining bread slices, buttered side facing up, to form sandwiches.
Warm a skillet on low heat and cook the sandwiches for about 4 to 5 minutes until the bread turns golden and crisp.
Flip the sandwiches gently and cook the other side for another 4 to 5 minutes until the cheeses have melted and the bread is nicely toasted.
Take the sandwiches off the heat, cut them into halves and serve hot to enjoy the gooey, cheesy goodness.
Notes
Keep the heat low to melt the cheese without burning the bread.
Softened butter spreads easily for an even garlic crust.
Try pairing this with tomato soup for a classic comfort combo.
Feel free to swap cheeses or add extras like tomatoes or jalapeños to customize.
Why You’ll Love This One
This is comfort food without the fusswarm, cheesy, and just right for a tired weeknight when you still want something that feels like home.
Fast and forgiving: 15 minutes from start to finish, and you probably already have everything in your fridge.
Buttery garlic magic: That garlic butter crust is what makes this feel special, even though it’s basically just a sandwich.
Melty, gooey center: The mozzarella and cheddar blend gives you that perfect cheese pull every single time.
Low effort, big payoff: It doesn’t feel heavy, but it still hits that cozy cravingexactly what you need after a long day.
What You’ll Need (and Why It Works)
The ingredients here are simple, but each one plays a role in making this sandwich irresistible.
Butter + garlic powder + dried parsley: This trio creates that golden, garlicky crust without any mincing or sautéing. Softened butter spreads easier and helps the garlic stick to every corner of the bread.
Bread: Use whatever you’ve gotsourdough, white, wheat, even Texas toast. Thicker slices hold up better and get extra crispy.
Mozzarella and cheddar blend: Mozzarella melts beautifully and gives you that stretch, while cheddar adds sharpness. If you’ve got a different cheese hanging around, go ahead and swap itMonterey Jack, Colby, or even pepper jack all work.
How to Make It
This comes together fast, and the key is just keeping the heat low so the cheese melts before the bread burns.
Step
What to Do
1
Mix softened butter, garlic powder, and dried parsley in a small bowl.
2
Spread garlic butter on one side of each bread slice.
3
Place two slices butter-side down, add half the cheese to each.
4
Top with remaining bread slices, butter-side up.
5
Cook on low heat for 4–5 minutes per side until golden and melted.
6
Slice and serve hot.
Pro Tip: Low heat is your friend here. It gives the cheese time to melt all the way through without scorching the garlic butter.
Simple Swaps and Add-Ins
One of the best things about this recipe is how easy it is to tweak based on what you have or what sounds good.
Swap This
For This
Garlic powder
Fresh minced garlic (use about 1 clove, mixed into butter)
Dried parsley
Fresh parsley, or skip it entirely
Cheese blend
Any melty cheeseprovolone, Gouda, fontina, or Havarti
Plain bread
Sourdough, ciabatta, or thick-cut Italian
Add-ins I love: Thinly sliced tomatoes, a few pickled jalapeños, or even a handful of fresh spinach tucked inside before grilling. Just don’t overload it, or the cheese won’t melt evenly.
Serving and Storing
This is best served right away while it’s still crispy and the cheese is gooey. Pair it with tomato soup, a simple green salad, or even just a handful of chips on the side.
Leftovers: Store any cooled sandwiches in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in a skillet over low heat to bring back the crispnessmicrowaving will make them soggy.
Make-ahead tip: You can prep the garlic butter ahead of time and keep it in the fridge for up to a week. Just let it soften before spreading.
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FAQs ( Garlic Bread Grilled Cheese )
What type of bread works best for this recipe?
Thick-cut sourdough or Italian bread gives the best results with its sturdy texture and ability to hold garlic butter. Avoid thin sandwich bread as it becomes soggy. The bread should be at least 1/2 inch thick to maintain structure while grilling.
Should I use fresh or powdered garlic?
Fresh minced garlic delivers the most flavor for this dish. Use about 2-3 cloves mixed into softened butter. If using garlic powder, reduce the amount to 1 teaspoon as it’s more concentrated than fresh garlic.
What cheese melts best in this sandwich?
A combination of sharp cheddar and mozzarella creates the perfect melt and flavor balance. The cheddar adds tang while mozzarella provides that classic cheese pull. Avoid pre-shredded cheese as it contains anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting.
How do I prevent the garlic from burning?
Cook over medium-low heat and watch the sandwich closely. The garlic butter should sizzle gently, not aggressively. If the outside browns too quickly, lower the heat and cover with a lid to help the cheese melt without burning the garlic.
Can I make the garlic butter ahead of time?
Yes, garlic butter can be prepared up to 3 days in advance and stored covered in the refrigerator. Let it come to room temperature before spreading for easier application. You can also freeze garlic butter for up to 3 months.
Ready to Make This Your New Go-To?
ThisGarlic Bread Grilled Cheese comes together in about 15 minutes, and every bite delivers that golden, buttery crunch with melty cheese in the middle. You’ll love how it turns outit’s warm, satisfying, and exactly what a tired weeknight needs. The garlic butter does all the heavy lifting, and the cheese just melts into every corner. It’s one of those recipes that feels special without asking for anything extra from you.
If you want a little more flavor, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic butter or tuck in a couple slices of tomato before grilling. A tiny drizzle of honey on the finished sandwich adds the most unexpected sweetnesssounds wild, but it works. For leftovers, reheat them in a dry skillet over low heat instead of the microwave so they stay crispy. You can also make a double batch of that garlic butter and keep it in the fridge for next timeit’s good on everything from pasta to roasted veggies.
I’d love to know if you try this onetag me in your photos or drop a comment and tell me what cheese combo you used. Did you grow up making grilled cheese a certain way, maybe with a secret ingredient your mom always added? Save this recipe for a night when you need dinner to feel easy and comforting, or share it with a friend who’s always asking what to make after work. Here’s to dinners that help you get back into a rhythm.
