Garlic Bread Grilled Cheese

Garlic Bread Grilled Cheese is my kind of comfort food mashup. It combines the buttery, garlicky crunch of garlic bread with the gooey, melty goodness of grilled cheese. Every bite is rich, crispy, cheesy perfection. Whether I’m making it for lunch, dinner, or a late-night snack, this one always hits the spot.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it takes something as simple as grilled cheese and levels it up with bold garlic butter flavor. The outside is crisp and golden, the inside is melty and stretchy, and the whole sandwich is packed with savory goodness. Plus, it comes together in minutes with pantry staples, and I can customize it with my favorite cheeses or add-ins.

Ingredients

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

4 slices of bread (thick-cut white, sourdough, or Italian bread work best)
2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
1 tbsp olive oil
2 garlic cloves, minced (or ½ tsp garlic powder)
1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (or 1 tsp dried)
¼ tsp salt
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar (or any mix of melty cheeses)

Optional: red pepper flakes, parmesan cheese, or tomato slices

Directions

1. Make the garlic butter:
   In a small bowl, I mix the softened butter, olive oil, minced garlic, parsley, and salt until well combined.

2. Assemble the sandwiches:
   I spread a generous layer of garlic butter on one side of each slice of bread. On the unbuttered side of two slices, I pile on the cheese mixture. Then I top each with the second slice of bread, garlic butter side facing out.

3. Grill the sandwiches:
   I heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium-low heat. I place the sandwiches in the pan and cook for 3–4 minutes per side, pressing gently with a spatula, until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted.

4. Serve hot:
   I let the sandwiches rest for a minute before slicing. If I want extra flavor, I sprinkle a little parmesan or red pepper flakes on top before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 2 sandwiches (serves 2).
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
Total time: About 15 minutes

Variations

• I sometimes add tomato slices or cooked bacon inside for extra flavor.

• For a spicier twist, I mix in crushed red pepper or a touch of hot sauce with the cheese.

• I swap in different cheeses like provolone, fontina, or gouda depending on what I have.

• If I’m feeling extra indulgent, I serve it with a side of marinara or tomato soup for dipping.

storage/reheating

Garlic Bread Grilled Cheese is best fresh, but if I have leftovers, I store them wrapped in foil in the fridge for up to 2 days.
To reheat, I use a skillet over low heat or pop them in the oven at 350°F for 5–8 minutes to re-crisp the bread and melt the cheese again.
I avoid microwaving, as it softens the bread.

FAQs

Can I use pre-made garlic butter?

Yes, I’ve used store-bought garlic butter in a pinch. I just make sure it’s well-seasoned before using it on the bread.

What’s the best cheese for melting?

Mozzarella, cheddar, provolone, and Monterey Jack are all great melty options. I often mix two for the best texture and flavor.

How do I keep the bread from burning?

I cook it low and slow—medium-low heat helps the bread crisp up without burning before the cheese melts.

Can I make this in the oven?

Yes. I bake the assembled sandwiches on a sheet pan at 375°F for about 10 minutes, flipping halfway through. It’s great when I’m making more than two at once.

Can I freeze them?

I don’t recommend freezing the fully cooked sandwich, but I’ve frozen the garlic butter ahead of time so it’s ready to go whenever I need a quick grilled cheese fix.

Conclusion

Garlic Bread Grilled Cheese is the perfect marriage of two comfort food icons. I love how quick and customizable it is, and that crispy garlic butter crust paired with melted cheese never fails to satisfy. It’s easy enough for a solo snack and indulgent enough to share—if I can resist eating the whole thing myself.