Name: Garlic Bread Grilled Cheese
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 slices white or sourdough bread; 4 tbsp salted butter, softened; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 1 tbsp parsley, finely chopped; 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella; 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 2 tbsp grated parmesan; Optional: red pepper flakes or Italian seasoning

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Garlic Bread Grilled Cheese takes the best of two comfort food classics—crispy garlic bread and melty grilled cheese—and fuses them into one irresistible sandwich. It’s buttery, golden, packed with garlicky flavor, and has a cheese pull that’s hard to beat.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how this recipe combines the familiar richness of garlic bread with the gooey decadence of grilled cheese. The garlic butter spread infuses every bite with savory depth, while the crispy bread and stretchy cheese make it incredibly satisfying. It's perfect for a quick lunch, a cozy dinner, or even as an indulgent snack.

Ingredients

(Here's a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

white or sourdough bread slices
salted butter, softened
garlic cloves, minced
parsley, finely chopped
shredded mozzarella
shredded cheddar cheese
grated parmesan
optional: red pepper flakes or Italian seasoning

Directions

I start by mixing softened butter, minced garlic, parsley, and a little parmesan in a small bowl to create a flavorful garlic butter.
I spread this garlic butter generously on one side of each bread slice.
On the non-buttered side, I layer a generous handful of shredded mozzarella and cheddar.
Then I sandwich two slices together with the buttered sides facing out.
I heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the sandwich until the outside is golden and crispy and the cheese has melted—about 3-4 minutes per side.
I let it rest for a minute before slicing, so the cheese doesn't ooze out immediately.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 2 servings. It takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 10 minutes to cook, so I can have it ready in just 20 minutes total.

Variations

I sometimes use sourdough or brioche for a more artisan-style bite. If I want a sharper flavor, I swap in Gruyère or provolone. Adding a slice of tomato gives it an extra twist. For spice, I sprinkle crushed red pepper into the cheese layers. And when I’m in the mood for an herby version, I mix Italian seasoning into the garlic butter.

Storage/Reheating

I store any leftovers wrapped in foil in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, I pop the sandwich in a toaster oven or skillet over medium heat until the outside is crisp again and the cheese is warmed through. I avoid the microwave since it tends to make the bread soggy.

FAQs

Can I use pre-minced garlic or garlic powder?

Yes, I can use pre-minced garlic or a pinch of garlic powder in a pinch, but fresh garlic gives the butter a stronger, more aromatic flavor.

What kind of cheese works best?

I like a mix of mozzarella for the stretch and cheddar for flavor. But provolone, Monterey Jack, or Gruyère also melt beautifully.

Can I make this ahead of time?

I can prep the sandwiches ahead and store them in the fridge, uncooked, for a few hours. Then I just toast them when ready to serve.

Is it okay to use unsalted butter?

Yes, I can use unsalted butter and just add a pinch of salt to the garlic mixture to balance the flavor.

How do I keep the bread from burning?

I keep the heat at medium and check the underside often. If it’s browning too fast before the cheese melts, I lower the heat and cover the pan briefly.

Conclusion

This Garlic Bread Grilled Cheese is a cozy, crave-worthy recipe that’s as easy as it is delicious. I love how it transforms a simple sandwich into something truly memorable. Whether I’m making it for a quick weeknight meal or an indulgent snack, it always hits the spot.

Garlic Bread Grilled Cheese

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Author: Sue
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 2 servings
Category: Sandwich
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Garlic Bread Grilled Cheese combines crispy, garlicky bread with gooey, melty cheese for a comforting sandwich that’s perfect for lunch, dinner, or a snack.

Ingredients

4 slices white or sourdough bread
4 tbsp salted butter, softened
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tbsp parsley, finely chopped
½ cup shredded mozzarella
½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
2 tbsp grated parmesan
Optional: red pepper flakes or Italian seasoning

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Instructions

In a small bowl, mix the softened butter, minced garlic, parsley, and grated parmesan.
Spread the garlic butter on one side of each bread slice.
On the non-buttered side, layer shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese.
Sandwich two slices together with the buttered sides facing out.
Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the sandwich for 3–4 minutes per side until golden and crispy and the cheese is melted.
Let the sandwich rest for a minute before slicing and serving.