Garlic bread grilled cheese is a delicious fusion of two classic comfort foods, offering the crispy, buttery allure of garlic bread combined with the melty goodness of a grilled cheese sandwich. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for a quick lunch or a cozy dinner, making it an irresistible choice for cheese lovers and garlic fans alike. The blend of sharp cheddar and fragrant garlic butter creates a mouthwatering experience in every bite.
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Why Garlic Bread Grilled Cheese is a Must-Try Recipe
What makes garlic bread grilled cheese stand out is its simplicity and flavor-packed nature. This recipe is quick to prepare, family-friendly, and requires just a handful of ingredients. The garlic butter adds a savory richness, while the sharp cheddar cheese melts perfectly inside the crispy, golden-brown bread. It’s an excellent choice for weeknight meals or even as a snack for gatherings. Whether you’re a fan of cheesy sandwiches or garlic bread, this recipe combines the best of both worlds.
Ingredients
For the perfect garlic bread grilled cheese, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- Unsalted butter: Adds richness and helps achieve that crispy, golden crust.
- Fresh parsley: Brings a fresh, herbal flavor that complements the garlic.
- Garlic: Essential for the garlicky flavor, grating the garlic helps release its aromatic oils.
- Kosher salt: Balances the richness and enhances the other flavors.
- Black pepper: Adds a subtle warmth to the garlic butter mixture.
- Thick slices of sandwich bread: Pullman bread works great for this recipe due to its dense texture, but any hearty bread will work.
- Sharp cheddar cheese: The star ingredient! Its bold, tangy flavor makes the sandwich irresistible.
Alternative Ingredient Suggestions
If you’re looking to mix things up or need alternatives, consider these options:
- Vegan butter: Swap regular butter with a dairy-free option for a plant-based version.
- Other cheese types: Swap sharp cheddar for mozzarella or gouda for a different flavor profile.
- Gluten-free bread: Use gluten-free bread if you have dietary restrictions.
- Herbs: If you’re not a fan of parsley, you can substitute basil or thyme for a unique twist.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the garlic butter mixture: In a small bowl, combine softened unsalted butter, finely chopped parsley, grated garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until smooth and fragrant.
- Butter the bread: Spread a generous amount of the garlic butter on one side of each slice of bread. You should use about 1 tablespoon per slice to get a nice even coating.
- Assemble the sandwiches: Place two slices of bread, butter side down, in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Evenly distribute the grated sharp cheddar cheese on top of one slice, then top with the other slice of bread, butter side up.
- Grill the sandwich: Cook the sandwich for about 4 minutes or until the bottom is golden brown and crispy. Turn the sandwich over carefully and cook for another 4 minutes, or until the other side is golden and the cheese has fully melted inside.
- Serve and enjoy: Once both sides of the bread are crispy and golden, transfer the sandwiches to a cutting board and slice them in half. Serve immediately while the cheese is melty and delicious.
Tips & Tricks
- Slow and steady wins the race: Don’t rush the cooking process. Cooking on moderate heat allows the cheese to melt completely without burning the bread.
- Check the doneness: If you’re unsure, gently lift a corner of the sandwich to check the color of the bread. It should be golden brown before flipping.
- Make extra garlic butter: You can prepare extra garlic butter to use later for garlic bread or even as a topping for pasta.
Pairing Ideas and Variations
Garlic bread grilled cheese is a versatile dish that pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Here are some great options:
- Tomato Soup: A classic pairing that complements the richness of the grilled cheese and balances the garlic flavor.
- Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette can add a fresh contrast to the rich sandwich.
- Pickles: The tangy flavor of pickles offers a refreshing contrast to the creamy cheese.
For variations, you can try adding bacon or caramelized onions inside the sandwich for an extra layer of flavor. If you’re feeling adventurous, a spicy version with jalapeños or a drizzle of hot sauce can be an exciting twist.
A Perfect Comfort Food for Any Occasion
Garlic bread grilled cheese is the ultimate comfort food. Its crispy, buttery exterior and melty cheese center make it a timeless favorite. Whether you’re craving a quick snack or a hearty meal, this sandwich hits all the right notes. Plus, it’s a fun and flavorful way to elevate the classic grilled cheese experience.
This garlic bread grilled cheese recipe is easy, customizable, and guaranteed to satisfy any cheese lover. Make it for yourself, or share it with friends and family for an unforgettable meal.
Conclusion
Garlic bread grilled cheese is the perfect balance of savory, cheesy goodness and buttery, crispy texture. Whether you’re enjoying it as a quick lunch, a cozy dinner, or a snack, this easy-to-make recipe will surely satisfy your cravings. With just a few ingredients and simple steps, you can elevate your grilled cheese game and create a dish that’s as comforting as it is flavorful. Try it out and enjoy a fresh twist on a beloved classic!
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use a different type of bread for this garlic bread grilled cheese?
Yes! While Pullman bread is ideal for this recipe due to its density, you can use any thick, hearty bread you prefer. Sourdough, ciabatta, or even gluten-free bread work well as alternatives.
2. Can I make garlic bread grilled cheese ahead of time?
Although it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the garlic butter mixture in advance and store it in the refrigerator for a few days. You can also grill the sandwiches ahead of time and reheat them in a skillet for a crispy finish.
3. Can I use different types of cheese?
Absolutely! While sharp cheddar is a classic choice, you can experiment with other cheeses like mozzarella, gouda, or even a blend of cheeses for a unique twist
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Garlic Bread Grilled Cheese
- Total Time: 18 minutes
- Yield: 2 sandwiches 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Garlic bread grilled cheese is the ultimate combination of savory garlic bread and melty, cheesy goodness. This quick and easy recipe brings together the rich flavors of butter, garlic, and sharp cheddar cheese for a comforting and delicious sandwich that everyone will love.
Ingredients
- 4 Tbsp. unsalted butter, room temperature
- 2 Tbsp. finely chopped parsley
- ½ garlic clove, finely grated
- ½ tsp. Diamond Crystal or ¼ tsp. Morton kosher salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
- 4 thick slices Pullman or other sandwich bread
- 4 oz. sharp cheddar, coarsely grated
Instructions
- Mix butter, parsley, garlic, salt, and pepper in a small bowl until smooth.
- Spread about 1 Tbsp. of garlic butter on one side of each bread slice.
- Place two slices of bread, butter side down, in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat.
- Evenly distribute the grated cheddar cheese on top of the bread in the skillet, and place the other slices of bread on top, butter side up.
- Cook the sandwiches for about 4 minutes, until the bottom is golden brown. Carefully flip and cook for another 4 minutes, until both sides are golden and the cheese is fully melted.
- Transfer to a cutting board, slice in half, and serve immediately.
Notes
- Cooking at moderate heat allows the cheese to melt completely without burning the bread.
- Don’t rush the cooking process; be patient for a crispy, golden result.
- Prepare extra garlic butter in advance for future use.
- For a spicier version, add jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the sandwich.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snack
- Method: Grilled
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
