For those who enjoy grilled cheese sandwiches as well as garlic bread, Garlic Bread Grilled Cheese is a one-dish wonder. It’s crispy, buttery bread on the outside, melted cheese on the inside and delightful garlic taste throughout.
This simple sandwich recipe is ideal for lunch, a quick meal, an after-school snack or a cosy evening meal. It’s easy to make with simple ingredients and requires little time.
The great thing about it is that you don’t necessarily have to use special cooking equipment. At home, all you need is a grill pan or frying pan to create a crispy and golden grilled cheese sandwich.
What Is Garlic Bread Grilled Cheese?
Garlic Bread Grilled Cheese is grilled cheese sandwiches prepared with garlic butter rather than plain butter.
A butter/garlic/herb mixture is applied to the bread. It is then sautéed in a pan until it’s crispy and golden.
It has a soft, stretchy middle when cut open with melted cheese from the inside.
Use one or more type of cheese; if using more cheeses, mix them together for additional flavor.
Popular choices include:
- Cheddar
- Mozzarella
- Monterey Jack
- Provolone
- Colby Jack
- Parmesan
Ingredients You Need
This is an easy grilled cheese recipe for garlic bread, which will require:
- 4 slices thick bread
- 2 tablespoons softened butter
- 1 garlic clove, minced.
- Dried Italian seasonings: 1/2 teaspoon
- Cheese, grated Parmesan: 1/4 cup
- 4 slices cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella
- The optional use of a little salt.
It can be made with the sourdough or a white or Texas type bread.
Bread should be thick enough to withstand the heat of the cheese, or else it may get too crunchy before it melts.
How to Make Garlic Butter
In a small bowl, put in the softened butter.
Stir in minced garlic, Italian seasoning and parmesan cheese.
Mix everything together.
The butter should be evenly flavoured with garlic.
If you don’t have fresh garlic, a little garlic powder can be used for the same purpose.
Use fresh garlic sparingly as it has a stronger taste.
How to Make Garlic Bread Grilled Cheese
Step 1: Prepare the Bread
Arrange bread slices on a clean work surface.
Apply the garlic butter on each slice on one side.
Be sure to get the butter to the edges.
This will give the bread a golden and crispy appearance when cooked.
Step 2: Add the Cheese
Flip 2 slices over – unbuttered side up.
Place cheddar cheese on the bread.
Top with shredded mozzarella.
Feel free to add or subtract cheese as needed.
Arrange the remaining bread slices on top, with the garlic-buttered side facing outwards.
Step 3: Heat the Pan
Put skillet on medium-low heat.
Allow it to warm for a minute.
Avoid using extremely high heat.
If you let the garlic burn and the bread get burned before the cheese melts, it will get burned.
Step 4: Cook the Sandwich
Place the sandwiches in the skillet.
Cook for about 3-5 mins on each side.
Use a spatula to press down if necessary.
The bread should be crispy and golden brown.
Step 5: Flip Carefully
Turn the sandwich over.
Cook the other side until it’s also golden brown and the cheese has melted.
If the bread is browning too quickly, reduce the heat.
The object is to produce brown bread and melted cheese.
Step 6: Rest and Slice
Take out the sandwiches from the pan.
Allow to rest for 1 minute before cutting.
With a sharp knife, slice each sandwich into two pieces.
The melted cheese should be warm and soft.
Tips for the Best Garlic Bread Grilled Cheese
Use Medium-Low Heat
One of the most crucial tips is this one.
Cheese melts at low to medium-low heat and bread is crisp.
Use Softened Butter
The soft butter is easier to spread.
It’s also useful for achieving an even crust.
Avoid using an excessive amount of garlic.
Raw garlic is very pungent.
If there is too much, it will make the sandwich bitter, particularly if it is cooked.
Some cheeses melt better than others.
Cheddar, Monterey Jack, provolone and mozzarella are suitable varieties.
Cheeses can be combined for a richer flavor.
Use Thick Bread
If the bread is the thicker kind, it should not be too crumbly to hold the melted cheese and garlic butter.
Which Is the Best Cheese for Garlic Bread Grilled
Cheese?
No one cheese is best!
Cheddar provides a strong taste.
Mozzarella will give a stretchy texture.
Monterey Jack is a versatile cheese that melts easily.
Provolone is a mild and slightly savory cheese.
Consider mixing cheddar and mozzarella for a well-rounded sandwich.
In addition to the garlic butter, parmesan may also be added for extra flavor.
Garlic Bread Grilled Cheese With Tomato
A simple solution for adding freshness is to add tomato.
Place a few thin slices of tomato between the cheese.
Dry tomato with a paper towel to get rid of excess moisture.
It could make the bread soggy if there is too much moisture.
Serve the sandwich with some fresh tomato slices to the side.
Garlic Bread Grilled Cheese With Bacon
Bacon that is cooked can provide a smoky and salty taste.
Fried the bacon until crisp.
Put a few in between the bread and the cheese of the sandwich.
Raw bacon should not be added to the sandwich as it must be cooked first.
Garlic Bread Grilled Cheese With Herbs
Fresh herbs can get a boost in flavour.
Eat small portions of:
- Parsley
- Basil
- Oregano
- Chives
Chopped herbs can be added to the garlic butter, or sprinkled on the finished sandwich.
What to Serve With Garlic Bread Grilled Cheese
A delicious garlicky grilled cheese combination is a great side to many simple foods.
Serve with:
- Tomato soup
- Vegetable soup
- Chicken soup
- Green salad
- Pickles
- Potato wedges
- Fresh fruit
The rich cheese and buttery bread are a great match with the fresh and slightly acidic tomato soup.
How to Make It Extra Crispy
If you want a crispier sandwich, start with a good bread and apply a thin even layer of garlic butter to the outside of the bread.
Slow cook on medium-low heat.
Avoid covering the pan during the whole cooking period since the steam builds up will make the bread soft.
If it doesn’t melt quickly enough, you can cover the pan with a lid, and when the cheese begins to melt, take it off the pan.
Errors and omissions excepted.
Don’t use high heat.
Can char the bread without melting the cheese.
Try not to add too much butter as the sandwich could get greasy.
Avoid filling the pan with cheese as it may overflow during cooking.
Do not use ingredients that are excessively wet, unless they are drained thoroughly.
Most of all, don’t step out of the pan. The garlic bread can brown very easily.
How to Store Leftover Grilled Cheese
Grilled cheese is best when eaten fresh.
When leftovers are available, cool the sandwich and refrigerate in a tight-fitting container.
Reheat in skillet or toaster oven to regain some crispness.
In a microwave, the bread becomes soft but can be warmed up fast enough to heat the sandwich.
Do not leave cooked foods at room temperature for an extended period of time.
Why Make Garlic Bread Grilled Cheese?
This recipe is easy, simple and affordable.
It’s a sandwich of two popular comfort foods combined together.
This is crispy garlic bread on the outside, and hot melted cheese on the inside.
The recipe can also be modified easily by adding other cheeses, herbs or vegetables or cooked meat.
A great recipe for a quick lunch or dinner when you don’t have a lot of time.
Final Thoughts
Garlic Bread Grilled Cheese is a simple homemade sandwich made of crispy garlic breaded cheese with melted cheese.
The secret to a good texture is to cook a sandwich on medium-low heat. This will enable the bread to get a golden color and the cheese to melt.
Cheddar, mozzarella, provolone or a mixture of cheeses may be used. If you prefer to make your own, add tomato, bacon, herbs or other simple ingredients.
For a fast and easy sandwich dinner that the entire family will enjoy, serve it with tomato soup, salad or your favorite side.
