Craving something warm, crispy, and indulgently cheesy? The Garlic Bread Grilled Cheese takes the classic comfort of a grilled cheese sandwich and gives it a flavor-loaded twist with garlicky, golden bread that’s crispy on the outside and gooey on the inside.
This sandwich is the perfect upgrade for anyone who believes grilled cheese should never be boring. Buttery garlic bread crisps up in a skillet, hugging layers of melted mozzarella or cheddar (or both!). Ideal for quick lunches, cozy dinners, or even a midnight snack, it delivers all the nostalgia of your childhood favorite—with a bold, savory punch.
Preparation Phase & Tools to Use
To make a Garlic Bread Grilled Cheese that’s perfectly crisp and melty, the right tools will set you up for success:
- Non-stick skillet or cast iron pan: Ensures even browning without sticking and gives the sandwich that perfect golden crust.
- Spatula: A flat, sturdy spatula helps you flip the sandwich without tearing the bread.
- Pastry brush: Ideal for brushing garlic butter evenly on both sides of the bread.
- Sharp knife: For cleanly slicing the sandwich in half (diagonally, of course—the only way!).
These tools make the process smoother and ensure a crisp exterior with a melted interior every time.

Ingredients for the Garlic Bread Grilled Cheese
Each ingredient in this recipe plays a vital role in balancing flavor, texture, and melt factor:
- Thick-cut sandwich bread: You want slices that are sturdy enough to hold the garlic butter and cheese without getting soggy.
- Unsalted butter: Acts as the base for your garlic spread; using unsalted gives you control over seasoning.
- Minced garlic: Fresh garlic delivers a strong, aromatic punch—essential for authentic garlic bread flavor.
- Chopped parsley: Adds a fresh, herbal lift and enhances the garlic butter visually and taste-wise.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully and gives that satisfying cheese pull.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Adds sharpness and depth to balance the creaminess of mozzarella.
- Salt (optional): A light pinch enhances the overall flavor.
How To Make the Garlic Bread Grilled Cheese
Step 1: Mix the Garlic Butter
In a small bowl, combine softened butter, minced garlic, and chopped parsley. Mix until well incorporated. This will serve as your flavor base for the bread.
Step 2: Prep the Bread
Using a pastry brush or knife, generously spread the garlic butter mixture on one side of each bread slice. Make sure the butter reaches all edges for even browning and flavor.
Step 3: Assemble the Sandwich
On the non-buttered side of one slice, layer a mix of mozzarella and cheddar cheese. Top with the second slice, buttered side facing out.
Step 4: Grill Until Golden
Heat a non-stick skillet or cast iron pan over medium-low heat. Place the sandwich in the pan and cook slowly for 3–4 minutes per side, pressing slightly with a spatula, until golden brown and the cheese is fully melted.
Step 5: Slice and Serve
Once crisped and melty, transfer the sandwich to a cutting board. Let it rest for a minute, then slice diagonally with a sharp knife. Serve hot.
How to Serve and Store Your Garlic Bread Grilled Cheese
Serve your Garlic Bread Grilled Cheese hot and fresh off the skillet—that’s when it’s at peak gooey perfection. Pair it with a bowl of tomato soup, a simple side salad, or crunchy pickles for contrast.
If you need to store leftovers (though that rarely happens), let the sandwich cool completely. Wrap it in foil or an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days. Reheat in a skillet or toaster oven to revive the crispy exterior—avoid microwaving, as it will soften the bread.
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of bread works best?
Thick-cut white, sourdough, or Italian bread are all great choices. You want something sturdy enough to handle the garlic butter and cheese without falling apart.
Can I use pre-shredded cheese?
You can, but freshly shredded cheese melts more smoothly. Pre-shredded versions often contain anti-caking agents that can affect the melt.
How do I avoid burning the garlic?
Keep the skillet at medium-low heat. Garlic in the butter can brown quickly, so slow cooking is key.
Can I make this in the oven?
Yes! Assemble the sandwich, place it on a baking sheet, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 10 minutes, flipping halfway through.
What cheeses can I substitute?
Try provolone, gouda, or a mix of gruyère and fontina for a more gourmet twist.
Is this freezer-friendly?
It’s best enjoyed fresh. Freezing and reheating tends to impact the texture of both the bread and cheese.
Want More Cheesy Sandwich Ideas?
If this garlicky grilled cheese hit the spot, you might also enjoy the Ultimate Cheesy Ground Beef Melt, which loads up on seasoned beef and double cheese. Or go for Buffalo Chicken Lasagna Recipe, where spicy and cheesy layers bake into hearty satisfaction.
For snackable twists, try the Pillsbury Biscuit Garlic Butter Cheesebombs or even Cheeseburger Sliders for game-day favorites. And if you love creamy pasta, the Garlic Sausage Alfredo Rigatoni brings the same comforting flavor combo in a one-skillet dinner.
Pin and Tell Me How Yours Turned Out
You can save this to your comfort food or sandwich board for easy access. Just click the Pin button and add it to your Pinterest!
If you give it a try, I’d love to know how you made it yours. Did you try a different cheese blend? Add a tomato slice or two? Share your twist in the comments.
For more cozy and cheesy recipes, visit my Pinterest board at LadyPlate on Pinterest.

Garlic Bread Grilled Cheese
- Total Time: 13 minutes
- Yield: 1 sandwich
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Garlic Bread Grilled Cheese is a golden, crispy sandwich layered with garlic butter and two kinds of melted cheese—mozzarella and cheddar. It’s quick, indulgent, and packed with nostalgic flavor, perfect for lunch, dinner, or a late-night snack.
Ingredients
2 slices thick-cut sandwich bread
2 tablespoons unsalted butter (softened)
1 clove garlic, minced
1 tablespoon chopped parsley
1/3 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/3 cup shredded cheddar cheese
pinch of salt (optional)
Instructions
1. In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, minced garlic, and chopped parsley. Mix well.
2. Spread the garlic butter mixture on one side of each bread slice using a pastry brush or knife.
3. On the unbuttered side of one slice, layer mozzarella and cheddar cheeses evenly.
4. Place the second slice on top, buttered side facing out.
5. Heat a non-stick or cast iron skillet over medium-low heat. Grill the sandwich for 3–4 minutes per side until golden and the cheese is melted.
6. Transfer to a cutting board, rest for 1 minute, then slice diagonally and serve hot.
Notes
Let the butter soften at room temperature before mixing for easier blending.
Keep the heat low to avoid burning the garlic in the butter.
Always let the sandwich rest for a minute after cooking—this keeps the cheese from oozing out too soon.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Category: Sandwich
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 570mg
- Fat: 34g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 90mg


