There’s something ridiculously satisfying about butter-soaked garlic bread turning golden in a skillet, cheese melting into every garlicky crevice. Garlic Bread Grilled Cheese takes that crispy-edged magic and wraps it around gooey melted cheese it’s comfort food that knows exactly what you need.
I started making this last spring when I was coming home tired and couldn’t face another heavy meal. The garlic butter soaks right into the bread while it crisps, so you get that crunch without any extra steps and after ten years of recipe testing, I know a low-effort win when I taste one. My youngest called it “the best thing that ever happened to Wednesday,” and honestly, she’s not wrong.
PrintGarlic Bread Grilled Cheese Recipe Easy Weeknight Dinner
This Garlic Bread Grilled Cheese is a quick comfort food that’s perfect for easy dinner or a weeknight meal. Enjoy the crispy garlic bread and gooey cheese for a simple recipe your whole family will love.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 2 sandwiches 1x
- Category: Lunch
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American Comfort Food
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons butter softened
- 1/2 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
- 4 slices of bread
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese blend
Instructions
- Combine softened butter, garlic powder, and dried parsley in a small bowl until smooth.
- Evenly spread the garlic butter on one side of each bread slice.
- Place two slices buttered side down on a skillet or board and distribute half the cheese on each.
- Cover with the remaining bread slices, buttered side up, to form sandwiches.
- Warm a skillet on low heat and cook the sandwiches for about 4 to 5 minutes on one side until golden.
- Flip the sandwiches carefully and cook the other side for an additional 4 to 5 minutes until the cheese melts and the bread is crispy.
- Remove from heat, cut, and serve hot.
Notes
- Use low heat to make sure the cheese melts properly without burning the bread
- Softened butter helps spread the garlic mixture evenly
- This sandwich pairs wonderfully with tomato soup and can be customized with your favorite cheese or additions like tomatoes or jalapenos
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 13g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Why You’ll Love This Simple Sandwich
This is the kind of recipe that rescues tired evenings without any fuss. You get crispy, garlicky edges and cheese that stretches with every bite all from ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen. It’s my go-to when I’m tired and still want dinner to feel like dinner.
- Ready in 15 minutes: From mixing the butter to plating your sandwich, you’re done before delivery apps even load.
- Five ingredients: Butter, garlic powder, dried parsley, bread, and a cheese blend that’s it.
- Comfort without heaviness: Satisfying but not sluggish, perfect for spring nights when you want something cozy but not too filling.
The Key Ingredients That Make It Work
Each ingredient here plays a small but important role, and that’s what makes this sandwich so reliably delicious every time.
- Softened butter: Spreads easily and evenly across the bread, turning golden as it cooks.
- Garlic powder and dried parsley: Bring that familiar garlic bread flavor without any chopping or prep.
- Bread: Any sturdy sliced bread works white, sourdough, or Italian all crisp up beautifully.
- Mozzarella and cheddar blend: Mozzarella melts into gooey strands, while cheddar adds sharpness and color.
How to Make Garlic Bread Grilled Cheese
The process is straightforward, and keeping your heat low is the secret to melted cheese without burnt edges. Here’s how it comes together:
| Step | What to Do | Time |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mix softened butter, garlic powder, and dried parsley in a small bowl | 1 min |
| 2 | Spread garlic butter evenly on one side of each bread slice | 2 min |
| 3 | Layer cheese on two slices (butter-side down), top with remaining bread (butter-side up) | 1 min |
| 4 | Cook in skillet over low heat, 4–5 minutes per side until golden and melted | 10 min |
| 5 | Slice and serve hot | 1 min |
Pro Tip: Don’t rush the heat. Low and slow gives the cheese time to melt while the bread crisps without burning.
Swaps and Simple Tweaks
You can adapt this sandwich easily based on what’s in your fridge or what you’re craving that night.
| Ingredient | Swap Ideas |
|---|---|
| Bread | Sourdough, Italian, whole wheat, or Texas toast |
| Cheese blend | All cheddar, all mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack for spice |
| Dried parsley | Italian seasoning, dried oregano, or skip entirely |
| Garlic powder | Fresh minced garlic (use less about 1 clove’s worth) |
Add-ins: Tuck in thin tomato slices, a few pickled jalapeños, or crispy bacon before cooking if you want to stretch it into something heartier.
How to Serve and Store
This sandwich is best eaten right away while the cheese is still stretchy and the bread is crisp. Pair it with a bowl of tomato soup for the classic combination, or serve it alongside a simple green salad for balance.
- Serving: Slice diagonally for easier handling and that satisfying cheese pull.
- Storage: Wrap leftovers tightly in foil and refrigerate for up to 2 days. Reheat in a skillet over low heat to bring back some crispness microwaving makes the bread soft.
- Make-ahead tip: You can mix the garlic butter ahead and keep it in the fridge for up to a week, so assembling sandwiches becomes even faster.
Note: If you’re feeding a crowd, double or triple the recipe and keep finished sandwiches warm in a low oven while you cook the rest.
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FAQs ( Garlic Bread Grilled Cheese )
What bread works best for this sandwich?
Thick-cut sourdough or French bread gives the best results. The sturdy texture holds up to grilling while the crust gets perfectly crispy. Avoid thin sliced bread as it can become soggy from the garlic butter.
Should I use fresh or powdered garlic?
Fresh minced garlic delivers the most flavor and aroma. Mix it into softened butter for even distribution. If using garlic powder, use about 1/2 teaspoon per 2 tablespoons of butter for balanced taste.
Which cheese melts best in this recipe?
Sharp cheddar and mozzarella make an excellent combination. The cheddar provides flavor while mozzarella adds that perfect cheese pull. Gruyere or fontina also work wonderfully for a more gourmet twist.
How do I prevent the outside from burning?
Cook on medium-low heat and cover the pan with a lid. This creates steam to melt the cheese while the bread toasts slowly. If it browns too quickly, lower the heat and be patient for perfect results.
Can I make the garlic butter ahead of time?
Yes, garlic butter keeps in the refrigerator for up to one week. Store it covered and let it soften before spreading. You can even freeze portions in ice cube trays for quick future use.
This Garlic Bread Grilled Cheese comes together in just fifteen minutes, and you’ll love how the butter crisps into golden edges while the cheese melts into every warm, garlicky bite. It’s comfort that doesn’t ask much of you just a skillet, a little patience with the heat, and maybe a spoon to scrape up any butter left behind. That crunch paired with the stretch of melted cheese feels like exactly what tired evenings were meant for.
If you want a little more richness, try brushing the outside with extra garlic butter halfway through cooking something I learned watching my daughters experiment one Saturday morning. You can tuck fresh basil or a slice of tomato inside before grilling, or serve it alongside a cup of warm soup for the kind of meal that wraps around you like a hug. Leftovers reheat beautifully in a skillet over low heat, bringing back that crispness without drying out the bread.
I’d love to hear how yours turns out did you add anything special, or keep it simple like we do most nights? Save this one for the next time you need dinner to feel easy and generous at once, and share it with anyone who could use a little kitchen comfort. Some nights just need an easy dinner that still feels like home.
