Garlic Bread Grilled Cheese

This garlic bread grilled cheese is the comfort food mashup you never knew you needed, and once you try it, regular grilled cheese just won’t cut it anymore. Two crispy, golden slices of garlicky, buttery bread hug a melty pool of mozzarella and provolone in a sandwich that comes together fast with ingredients you already have.

I still remember the first time I made this on a cold Tuesday night when I had nothing but bread, cheese, and leftover garlic butter from a pasta dinner. I threw it all together in my cast iron skillet, and the smell alone had my family running to the kitchen. This garlic bread grilled cheese recipe has been a weekly staple ever since. It’s the kind of quick lunch or easy dinner that feels indulgent but comes together with pantry basics. Simple, satisfying, and seriously hard to stop eating.

What You’ll Need to Make This Sandwich Shine

I always recommend using thick-cut bread for this garlic bread grilled cheese. Sourdough is my personal favorite because it holds up beautifully to the butter and gives you that crispy, chewy bite. Brioche works great if you want something slightly sweet and rich. For the cheese, freshly shredded melts far better than the bagged pre-shredded kind, which contains anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting.

• 4 slices thick-cut bread (sourdough or brioche recommended)
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
• 2-3 cloves garlic, freshly minced (fresh garlic gives far better depth than jarred)
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup shredded cheese (mozzarella, provolone, or a blend – freshly shredded for best melt)
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter for the skillet

Pro tip: If you only have garlic powder on hand, use 1/2 teaspoon as a substitute. It works in a pinch but fresh garlic gives this sandwich its signature punch.

How to Cook the Perfect Garlic Bread Grilled Cheese

I recommend prepping everything before the skillet goes on the heat. This sandwich moves fast once the butter hits the pan and you don’t want to be mincing garlic while things are already sizzling. Medium-low heat is your best friend here. It gives the cheese time to fully melt without scorching the bread.

Step 1: In a small bowl, mix together the softened butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, salt, and black pepper until smooth and fully combined.

Step 2: Lay all four bread slices flat on a cutting board. Spread the garlic butter mixture evenly on one side of each slice, going all the way to the edges for maximum crispiness.

Step 3: Heat a skillet over medium-low heat. Add the 1 tablespoon of plain skillet butter and let it melt and coat the surface evenly.

Step 4: Place one slice of bread, garlic-butter-side-down, into the skillet. Add half the shredded cheese in an even layer. Top with the second slice, garlic-butter-side-up.

Step 5: Cook for 2-4 minutes until the bottom is deep golden brown and crispy. You’ll see the edges firm up and you’ll start to smell the garlic going fragrant. That’s your flip cue.

Step 6: Flip carefully and cook the second side for 2-3 minutes. In the last minute, place a lid on the skillet. The trapped heat finishes melting the cheese without over-browning the outside.

Step 7: Remove the garlic bread grilled cheese from the skillet and rest it for one full minute before slicing. This helps the cheese set slightly so it doesn’t pour out. Repeat with the remaining bread and cheese.

Best Sides for Garlic Bread Grilled Cheese

This sandwich pairs best with something that complements its richness and balances the garlic butter flavor.

Classic Tomato Soup: This is the iconic pairing for a reason. The acidity of the tomato cuts right through the buttery cheese and makes every bite feel balanced. Use the garlic bread grilled cheese for dipping.

Simple Green Salad: A light salad with a lemony vinaigrette adds freshness and crunch that contrasts nicely with the warm, melty sandwich.

Dill Pickles or Pickle Chips: The tangy, briny punch of a good dill pickle is a perfect sidekick. It cleanses the palate between bites and adds fun texture contrast.

Creamy Potato Soup: On a cold day, this is one of the most comforting easy dinners you can put together in well under 30 minutes total. The richness of both plays well together.

More Comfort Food Sandwiches and Easy Meals to Try

If you love this garlic bread grilled cheese, you’ll want to keep the comfort food streak going. For another next-level grilled cheese experience, try the sweet and savory Apple Butter Brie Grilled Cheese or the crowd-pleasing Hawaiian Roll Grilled Cheese, both of which bring the same gooey satisfaction with a creative twist. For a heartier sandwich night, the Swiss Mushroom Melt Sandwich is an easy weeknight favorite that pairs just as well with tomato soup.

This garlic bread grilled cheese also works beautifully as part of a bigger comfort meal. Serve it alongside a warm bowl of Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Mushroom Soup or dip it straight into a rich Cheeseburger Soup for a seriously satisfying dinner. For a fun twist on the same flavors, the Spaghetti Garlic Bread brings that same buttery garlic crunch to pasta night.

Storing and Reheating Your Leftovers

This garlic bread grilled cheese is best eaten the moment it comes off the skillet. If you do have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 day. Beyond that, the bread softens too much and loses its appeal.

When reheating, skip the microwave entirely. It makes the bread soggy and rubbery. Instead, reheat in a skillet over low heat, in a toaster oven at 350 degrees F, or in an air fryer at 375 degrees F for 3-4 minutes. All three methods bring back that crispy exterior.

I recommend mixing the garlic butter up to 3 days ahead and storing it in the fridge. Let it soften at room temperature for about 10 minutes before spreading. It’s a simple way to get this sandwich on the table even faster on busy nights.

Common Questions About This Recipe

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